When should an author start writing another book?

Always, always, always keep writing if you are able, even if it’s just practice and never becomes a full story. The more you write the more you will become firm in your writing style and voice. However, if you find yourself getting writers block, don’t worry because it happens to many authors.

Personally, I write my books one at a time and keep with the same theme in order to keep my thoughts organized. If I started to write a horror suspense novel when trying to complete another action thriller novel, my action novel might not read the way I intended. When a new idea sparks my imagination, I jot the idea down and save it for a later time and continue to focus on my current project. This way, I have a well-developed story that is vivid and engaging.

Everyone is different and I encourage you to do what works for you. If you can juggle multiple stories go for it; but for me, I would have a hard time finishing a good story if I had too many stories unfolding in my mind at one time.

I started book number 2 for the Duane Cooper story and that story will take priority over my other ideas because book writing is a business as well as art. I have to keep the Cooper buzz alive. Besides, my readers want more of Duane Cooper and I don’t want to deny them the excitement of a continued action packed story.

Don’t worry about length when writing a book because a full story is more important. A book/novel should continue until an idea is complete even when writing a series. A good book should have some form of resolution even when leaving questions unanswered. The unanswered questions could be addressed in a later novel or can be used to start a discussion among readers and society. A good story can change the way people think and ultimately change an entire society. What seeds will you plant with your story?

Write when you feel ready.