It should come as no shock that I’m currently writing Book Two.
I mean, the realness of it is shocking—it surprises me pretty much every day—but the actual fact of the matter is, this is what people who write books do. They write books. (Yes, I’m still having a hard time getting over this.)
Book Two is hard to talk about. Book Two does not have a title. I love Book Two more than I have loved anything I’ve ever written. I’m not just saying that because it’s new and shiny and exciting—even though it is.
I can’t get specific, since I’m writing it and things change, but here are the parts that are inviolably true: it’s about demons and mortal peril and moral ambiguity, and like everything I’ve ever written, it is a love story.
In some ways, it’s the resurrected corpse of a different story I started a long time ago and then started again, and kept starting. In other more important ways, it’s brand spanking new. The old story had fun characters and interesting prose, and this one tiny little problem where I just never knew what to DO with it, and kept making a lot of different messes.
Now, I know. I mean, I know in a vague, urgent way that keeps me guessing and trying things and IMing tessagratton and saying things like What if I . . .? and Can I do that? Really?
What I’m saying is, I know in the best way possible.
Also, I have a playlist and the playlist is this:
July 2010, ETA—Lala apparently doesn’t exist anymore. So, no more playlist. For posterity, it was:
- Dropping Like Flies – Firewater
- Against All Odds – The Postal Service
- Prayer of the Refugee – Rise Against
- Caroline – Firewater
- Four Winds – Bright Eyes
- Hurt (Quiet) – Nine Inch Nails
- Whistling in the Dark – Firwater
- Sweet Dreams – Marilyn Manson
- Isle of Dogs – Firewater
- Mouth (Stingray Mix) Bush
- Laughing With – Regina Spektor
Tiny disclaimer: I do not make playlists based on what I like (although I do like a lot of these songs). My playlists are made up of songs that encapsulate characters and plot points and themes. They are like a photo-collage, only without cutting up magazines.
Also, a special note: This book would not exist at all without The Ponzi Scheme but I couldn’t put the whole album on the playlist, because that wouldn’t be a very good playlist. Then it would just be an album.
Brenna Yovanoff 
I’m so happy to hear that you’ve been toying with this idea for a long time and you’re finally ready to write it. It gives me courage. Maybe on Saturday we’ll get to hear more about it? >:D
I think it’s really important not to lose heart if you toss an idea around for a long time before getting anywhere with it. I think some people just need to let things marinate more than others :D
Also, I’m sure I’ll have plen-ty to say about it on Saturday!
Ha, I’ve been making Teh Playlist for the new novel I’ve been scared to write. And, yeah, it’s quite a different trick than any other thing, but it’s something I’ve got mad love for right now. Mad love. Wishing you happiness w/yours! *runs off to listen to your playlist*
Playlists are a crucial writing step, *especially* for the stories that scare you :) Everyone knows those are the best ones–so good luck with yours!
*listening to playlist gleefully thinking about Bee*
>:D
I LOVE THIS BOOK!
(If I can’t love mine, at least I can love yours.)
He’s the only character besides Daphne who gets two theme songs ;)
Also, I insist that you will love your book when you get farther in. I just have the distinct advantage of having spent enough time with this one to love it.
I’m changing everything again. *headdesk*
Do tell! Which mostly means, do tell me that there’s still a villainous POV!
Ooooh, Book Two! So does this mean it’s not a sequel to The Replacement but that it’s an entirely new book? Exciting!!!!
Brand new! (but with some otherworldly similarities for sure–I’m beginning to suspect that I just have some really crazy recurring themes)
I wouldn’t say that it’s based on this exactly, but definitely related-to!
Please tell me you’re bringing this tomorrow :P Dig the tracks!
Nope :D Much as I love it, it’s in that awkward post-editorial tearing-it-down stage and I’m not mean enough to inflict it on you.
I think I’ll be bringing the beginning of 14 Dreams, which I’ve never showed to anyone and which could totally use some feedback. Or a chest-spreader. Whatever gets the job done.
I think I spazed out the moment I read that it has demons in it. I loved what you did with your Merry Sisters of Fate story Rest For The Wicked. I love your book already :D
Yay, demons! Some of these ones are scary, but I make up for it, because some of them are adorable :D
Adorable demons?! Oh, how you tease me! *goes off to the corner to drool*
Book 2! I’d like a book 2. I have this stuff that fills my head and I just want to burst. I go to write it down and it’s something different. Its growing though. I’m about 7 months pregnant, and it feels like twins. I’m going to have to get some new music. I don’t write with music – I use a cat.
I have to admit, sometimes it takes me a while to transition from mess-of-crazy-ideas to full-on-book. I find that personally, music helps though. Sometimes I just need a better understanding of a character and it can turn out that my understanding is secretly hidden inside a song :)
Hurray for Book 2! *\o/*
I know what you mean about some books being like resurrected corpses. Writing them always feels weirdly familiar to me, but also new enough to keep my brain from saying, “You’ve written this before. STOP WRITING!”
It feels so recursive, sometimes! Like, I’m trying as many approaches as it takes to get the material right, but those approaches can look *radically* different.
I’m here to say I’m sorry. I read the Merry Sisters of Fate mostly because of Maggie (I’m a shiverfan) and I never gave much attention to the other two writers. This was the most silly and stupid thing I’ve done in my entire bookworm life. I just saw the cover of your book and it was like, puf, I fell in love. Then I came to your LJ to look for more info, and my love only grew. Love stories are my favourite kind of story, specially when they are paranormal. Wait, your book has a paranormal plot… right? Anyway, your playlist is beautiful, I loved it, and now I’m looking forward to read The Replacement :D it sounds like a book that will keep me up all night, ’till i finish it.
xx,
Isa
No need for apologies! The book doesn’t even come out until September, so by my count, you’re here early :D
Yes, the story is most definitely paranormal, and I’m glad you liked the playlist!