What next?

~ Ann Benjamin ~ Leave a comment

So, I recently finished a draft of a novel — Take Three at Mulholland, Book 3 in the Mulholland series — and I am now trying to decide what to do next. Usually when I finish writing a book, I have a fairly good idea of what I will work on next. Now? Not so much. I realize this isn’t very author-ly of me, but this is due to a few behind the scenes things beyond my control, so I thought I might share some of my options.

In no particular order, here’s what I could work on:

  1. Edit the sequel to Confessions of a Teenage Band Geek.
    1. Pros? The first draft is actually in good shape, and it’s a lot of fun.
    2. Cons? My publisher still has the rights to the original book and there are some things I want to do differently to rebrand when the sequel comes out.
  2. Edit the Fates project.
    1. Pros? I’ve come a long way as a writer since finishing the last draft in (checks notes) 2010??? I’ve also already written the sequel.
    2. Cons? It’s going to be a lot of hard work as the current draft is 120K.
  3. Edit Under the Rain of Light.
    1. Pros? It’s my most commercial novel.
    2. Cons? I hate the current draft and I’m not sure I have the motivation to make it better.
  4. Start writing ‘Cousin at the Wedding,’ a rom-com.
    1. Pros? New project! Fresh start!
    2. Cons? I have a ton of unedited work (see, 6 unpublished novels).
  5. Finish writing Counterfactual.
    1. Pros? I’ve already got a 10K head start.
    2. Cons? I have no idea where the book is going to go.
  6. Chill out and spend time marketing.
    1. Pros? Selling books is the whole point of being an author.
    2. Cons? I really suck at it.
  7. Re-edit Room 702.
    1. Pros? In theory, it shouldn’t take too long.
    2. Cons? Is this the best use of my time?

Thoughts?  Feelings?  Suggestions? I welcome them all.

Take Two at Mulholland High: Book club questions.

~ Ann Benjamin ~ Leave a comment

Slight spoiler alerts here.  You might want to read the book first before reading ahead.

  • What was your favorite quote or scene?
  • How did the characters change throughout the story? How did your opinion of them change?
  • Which character did you connect the most with?
  • Would you ever want to appear on a reality show?  What would be the theme of the show?
  • Does this novel pass the Bechtel test?
  • There are themes of forgiveness in the book. How would you react if you were in a situation like Ali? Would you accept Ben’s apology? Do you think Blade is worth forgiving?
  • How did you feel about the ending? What did you like, what did you not like, and what do you wish had been different?
  • Do you have any predictions for the next book in the series?
  • Of course, I’d always love to hear any additional questions you might suggest!