The Emotional Pitfalls of Writing A Book Series \\ How To Plan and Write a Series, #5

Today’s video is #5 in our exploration of How to Plan and Write a Series. The emotional challenges and pitfalls of writing a series of books is something that isn’t discussed enough, so I wanted to make sure to highlight this here on YouTube.

Did you grab my series planner and series bible checklist? If not, you can sign up for my newsletter now and get instant access to my full library of free resources! Just scroll down on today’s blog post to sign up!

✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰

🖤Visit me on Etsy to see my custom 90-Day planner, the HB90 Method. The Q3 Planners are up now. Also, my 2020 Goals Planner is now discounted!

🖤Want to help support me as an author? Grab my new release, The Witch’s Key, now!

🖤FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM FOR PLANNER HAULS, DAILY COFFEE CHATS, AND STORYBOARD UPDATES IN MY IG STORIES!

✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰

Want to send me some Happy Mail?! I now have a PO Box!

Sarra Cannon
3642 Savannah Hwy
Suite 116, # 234
Johns Island, SC 29455
_____

____

Heart Breathings - Episode 188

_____

About Me: My name is Sarra Cannon, and I've been indie publishing since 2010. In that time, I have published 26 books and sold well over half a million copies.

I've made some mistakes along the way, but I've also learned some valuable lessons that I think will help you reach your goals. I can't wait to help you learn to make money writing what you love.

____

#authortube

[HeartBreathings]

Writing a series will challenge you on so many levels. Today, let's talk about some of the emotional pitfalls of writing a series. I hope you find this video helpful! Thanks for watching!

[l.e.mearman-medievalmusing]

Saving this for every time I need a reminder to be nicer to myself and stop the cycle of self-doubt and self-sabotage!

[BethanyAtazadeh]

I didn’t even know how much I needed to hear this, but I really did. Thank you Sarra! ❤️

[cilla_]

Sarra, I don't know how you do it, but it seems like every time I need to hear or learn something, your next video or course is always the perfect fit. Like back when I really wanted to write a book, but just couldn't get myself on track to actually write it, I found your HB90 course. Or when I was about to start editing my first book (because the HB90 course works, lol), you started your "How To Edit Your Novel" video series. Or when I was struggling significantly with figuring out this indie publishing business, you started your Publish and Thrive course, which I'm still blown away by.

This video series, and this video, in particular, are just more prime examples of this feat, and I can't thank you enough for it. I needed to hear it today.

I have published three books so far, in two different series, and every time I hit publish, I have gone through a period of time where it seems like I'm just frozen, as you mentioned in this video. I literally go to start working on the next book, and somehow, I end up just staring at a screen, flipping through social media, or just procrastinating in some way, shape, or form for long stretches of time with nothing solid to show for it.

But, like this video says and I can recognize now, all of that is just my fear of failure manifesting itself in procrastination and keeping me from moving forward.

I've also learned through what you've taught me, and I know that the way I've come out of this frozen funk in the past is by setting myself up anew. Planning and organizing are ways that have proven successful for me in the past to stop focusing on the mountain of work that sits in front of me, and really helps me focus on one task at a time, and in the process, I have found that I actually get more excited about what I'm working on this way! I just have to remember that in the future, and when I catch myself being fearful, I need to go back to set myself up again and force myself to tap into that creative well.

The emotional toll of writing a series is real, and I had no idea it was something I was going to face, much less, knew how to prepare myself for emotionally before I started writing.

I am really glad you made this video. I needed a good dose of perspective, and I already know I'm probably going to watch it a few times, lol. So, thank you so much for making it. I truly appreciate it.

[katherinec]

What an awesome video Sarra I can't get over your generosity and how much you give to your fellow writers.

[LibbyPaigeLyon]

What a GREAT video- even years later! I love your videos, Sarra! I'm a former mental health clinician and therapist now a freelance writer and editor, and am drafting my first YA dark fantasy book (for the Rough Draft Challenge!!!) that will be a trilogy I plan on publishing episodically on Wattpad. I've learned so much about the industry and writing from you but its the kindness and caring that you put into the world that is most incredible. Thank you for being so vulnurable and sharing so openly. Your words are powerful, both in-print and on-screen! Thank you...

[elizabethtrumble]

WOW! Amazingly powerful video! I'm speechless! I could hear your past struggles in your voice and how you have overcome them, and continue to move forward, and it nearly brought me to tears! I will be watching this again as the content was incredible and nearly every bit of it resonates we me on deep levels. I AM SO VERY EXCITED FOR PULISH AND THRIVE on Monday the 10th! I just registered and I can't wait to start! Sarra, thank you hardly seems like enough! You are an exceptionally gifted person! Thank you again for such wonderful content!

[anasilviaguevara]

Ay, me encantan todos los títulos que publicas, suenan muy interesante, pero no entiendo muy bien en inglés. Me pondré a aprenderlo para ver todos tus videos, gracias por compartir todo esto 💞

[monikarudnicka]

Wow, that was really useful. I can't even remember anybody else addressing these issues. I already know I will rewatch this video many times. Thank you, Sarra!

[toluwole]

I have been impressed by the series so far, but this installment blew me away. This is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you.

[mariadoslunas]

Great video!!! We're always talking about craft and productivity, but creative spirits need to take care of their mental and emotional health to keep giving. Wow! Thank you so much for being so open and sharing your experiences.

[readingdino]

I really needed to hear this. I write mostly for myself, but I'm still hoping to sell at least 10 books per book I've written once I'm actually done with them and publishing them. My self doubts already got the best of me for multiple books I started and you gave me the motivation to continue them, because I still love the stories.

[taniajk]

omg, I can't believe how good this is. I'm saving this for later when I will inevitably run into these issues!

[denisedodge]

This video was super helpful! My debut novel is released for sale this Friday on Amazon; some of these issues I came across when writing and some of these issues I am sure I will encounter once the book is published and open for judgment. I struggled with the "I'm not good enough" and "self-doubt" while writing, getting my cover designed, and marketing the idea. Just as you had suggested in the video, I did find that taking action seemed to alleviate the negative feelings the most. Pushing myself to just keep moving forward did the greatest good. I'm a super newbie and am so thankful for your advice! Your vibe is motivational and encouraging and I am so grateful. Thanks You rock!

[newtownbelievers]

Well done for overcoming so much yourself, and thanks for sharing that journey, as always, so articulately 😊

[Pagansong]

Thank you thank you thank you!!! You are the best writer guide/teacher on youtube. So many are condescending- your emotional honesty and caring really shine through.

[bobbiecarlton-hess]

This was great. I will be easier on myself, now that I know I'm not alone.

[victoriamboo]

Recently catching the "I want to become a writer" bug, I am finding your videos super-duper helpful research! Thank you 🤗

[Bibliophile]

I feel it's really important for people to understand that they are not alone with these feelings and that pretty much all writers encounter them at some point or another no matter their level of success. Thank you so much for including this topic in this series!

[quartkneek]

I saw a dragonfly and thought of you today! So glad to find this when I got home.