Book 2 - Too much info (Problem Statement)

So, this is another one of those blogs where I discuss my writing issues in the attempt to shed some light on my writing process, with the slim chance that someone might find it helpful.

Question: Where do you go when you have the whole story mapped out on paper, and in your head, but you cannot seem to get started on the keyboard?
 
To put this into context, book one of #T2B landed at around 120k words. It took around 3 months of actual writing time. OK, so around a year in total, but to be honest, I only took approximately 9-12 weeks to get the first draft out. Another month to get the edit through the team.

So what's the problem I hear you yell?

Well, the problem is simple. When you land a good story, sink all your efforts into a great (well I think it's excellent) plot. You want to make sure it keeps flowing, keeps moving forward. 

There are many problems which come with writing a sequel.

• You can fracture too quickly.
• You can deviate from the characters original core.
• You can spin in all the wrong directions with characters that your readers have come to love, and fear.

So you have to be careful. You cannot betray the trust you have built up with the reader.

So where do I find myself? 

• I cannot just cut the same story, and send it out with the #2 on the front. 
• This is too dangerous, although the reader will be safe in the knowledge that they will be up for mark 2, you as a writer will be following the same old motion. 

This is not a good place to be.