We all like to hear about the journey to publication, and hopefully other people's success stories help bolster the confidence of those still slogging through the query trenches. But what happens after that first book deal? When the honeymoon is over, you end up back where you were - sitting in front of a blank Word document with shaky hands. Except this time, there are expectations hanging over you. With this in mind, I’ve created the SNOB (Second Novel Omnipresent Blues) interview.

Today’s guest for the SNOB is Meryl Ain, author of Shadows We Carry, which is the sequel to Meryl Ain’s award-winning post-Holocaust novel The Takeaway Men

Whether you’re under contract or trying to snag another deal, you’re a professional now, with the pressures of a published novelist compounded with the still-present nagging self-doubt of the noobie. How to deal?

On one hand, I learned so much from the publication of my first novel, The Takeaway Men. On the other hand, now I feel tremendous pressure trying to leave no stone unturned in spreading the word about Shadows We Carry. When my debut novel was published, I knew nothing about social media marketing, which turned out to be a godsend during the pandemic. Now, I must balance the demands of promoting, writing, and family. I did 80 virtual presentations during the pandemic, so as Covid is receding, I'm trying to figure out the balance between in-person and virtual programs. I'm so grateful that The Takeaway Men resonated with readers and I'm hoping that Shadows We Carry will reach an even larger audience.

Is it hard to leave behind the first novel and focus on the second?

Actually, no. It was seamless for me since Shadows We Carry is the sequel to The Takeaway Men. The first book ends when the twins are in high school, and many readers asked for a sequel. They wanted to know what happened to the sisters going forward. Since I knew the characters well, I enjoyed the process. Publishing Shadows We Carry gives me the opportunity to let people know about The Takeaway Men.  

At what point do you start diverting your energies from promoting your debut and writing / polishing / editing your second?

Once the ARC was out in the world and I reviewed it and submitted minor changes to my publisher, it was time to start focusing on my forthcoming release. 

Your first book landed an agent and an editor, and hopefully some fans. Who are you writing the second one for? Them, or yourself?

Both. I was tremendously gratified that many readers asked me for a sequel. But I also was not finished with the characters or the story. I had much more I wanted to write on the subject. I'm grateful that there was synergy between what my readers and I wanted. 

Is there a new balance of time management to address once you’re a professional author? 

Absolutely! As a professional author, I am interacting and supporting other authors all the time. I am asked to write blurbs and do programs. I'm constantly on social media, especially Facebook book groups. In fact, I started one myself. I also launched a podcast, called People of the Book, which is aired on Authors on the Air Global Radio Network. And, of course, I want to continue writing. Sometimes, I feel there are not enough hours in the day to accomplish everything I want to do. 

What did you do differently the second time around, with the perspective of a published author?

I have learned that I must be assertive in getting the word out about my books. I'm not a promoter by nature, but I have learned that it's a necessary requirement of being an author in today's world. I did not have a robust network of authors and readers when my first book was launched. I now have a large group of followers and I am so grateful for their encouragement, enthusiastic support and assistance.

Meryl Ain is a writer, author, podcaster, and career educator.  Her award-winning post-Holocaust debut novel, The Takeaway Men, was published in 2020. Its sequel, Shadows We Carry, will be published in April. Her articles and essays have appeared in Huffington Post, The New York Jewish Week, The New York Times, Newsday and other publications. She is the host of the podcast, People of the Book, which is aired on Authors on the Air Global Radio Network.