It’s easy to get caught up watching everyone else publish their books when you are still writing yours. In the Indie world, people publish frequently; some writers are churning out hits every month. And as we sit there, watching them hit Best Seller’s Lists and USA Today Best Seller’s list, we must fight the urge to rush our WIP (Work in Progress) just for the sake of getting something out there. Some people write best-sellers in a few weeks or months and some people, a few years.
It’s not just watching others publish that can make an author anxious, but it is also excited readers. Authors love their readers and rightfully so! Without a reader, there is no book, so authors cater to the literary needs of their tribe, listening to feedback, praise, criticism, suggestions, and recommendations. But, even in this instance, the author must hold ground!
Authors, lean in close…
No matter what these people say to you, stand firm because the compliments are captivating! Readers know how to stroke the ego. They are truly good at what they do. Do not underestimate it. Suddenly, you are the best author they’ve ever known (yes, more than Toni Morrison and Ralph Ellison, JK Rowling, and Maya Angelou), and your book will give them life. Like, literally give them life. They will die without your next read.
Everyone breathe.
It is going to be okay. I can assure you, the reader is not going to die.
Simply smile, nod, and inform them the next book is coming, but it is not here now.
Trust me. Everyone will live.
Take as much time as is necessary for your masterpiece. Make sure it is as polished as you can afford to make it, and then, when no one is paying attention, it is done.
Your people will love the surprise!
Here are classics that took longer than a few months to write:
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (1 Year)
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (2 Years)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by JK Rowling (6 Years)
The Lord of The Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien (12-17 Years)
The PBS Blog 
I agree it’s a trap even seasoned authors fall into. I read a book 1 about five years ago that was excellent. The author actually had NOT planned a book 2, but readers stalked and begged until she gave in and wrote the book in less than half the time book 1 took. It was awful and I’ve only purchased one other book from that author since.
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Wow but yes, it is something we can all learn from.
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