Happy 2024! So during my winter break, I decided to also take a break from writing and reread my first novel for the first time in four years (when I started writing my second novel). It was pretty interesting comparing the different styles of the two novels and really, the intention behind them.
For my first novel, I was trying to write the funniest book I could possibly write and have the reader laugh on every single page. For the second, I was going through a divorce when I started writing it, and wanted to create a more meaningful story about a heartbroken man’s search for joy, acceptance, and love. Humor is definitely sprinkled into the second novel, but the main purpose was helping people find more fulfillment and joy in their lives rather than just making them laugh.
Since starting on that new project, I’ve kind of thought of my first novel as a bit juvenile and something of which I was actually a little embarrassed (probably a common feeling among writers when thinking back on their earlier work). But after rereading it, well, it actually is really funny and I’d imagine it would help lift people up as well and help them find joy, even if the story is far less serious (or maybe because it is).
Now, I still think my second novel is the better of the two stories, and I am focusing on getting that one out into the world, but I also feel a lot prouder of my first one and am planning on making that my annual winter break read to help lift my own spirits before I close out the year.