10 Writers Who Failed to Follow Up on Their Bestselling Book

For many authors, writing a bestselling book is the pinnacle of their career. It’s a validation of their talent, hard work, and creative vision. But for some writers, the success of their debut or breakthrough book can be a double-edged sword. The pressure to follow up on their initial success can be overwhelming, and some authors struggle to recapture the magic of their first book. In this article, we’ll explore the stories of 10 writers who failed to follow up on their bestselling book. From lost inspiration to creative burnout, we’ll examine the reasons why these authors struggled to replicate the success of their initial works and what we can learn from their experiences.

Harper Lee – To Kill a Mockingbird (1960)

Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a timeless masterpiece that has captivated readers around the world since its publication in 1960. The novel tells the story of a young girl named Scout growing up in a small town in Alabama during the 1930s and the racial injustice she witnesses around her. The book was an instant success, winning the Pulitzer Prize and selling millions of copies worldwide.

Despite the book’s success, Harper Lee never published another novel in her lifetime. This decision has puzzled and disappointed many of her fans and literary critics alike. Some have speculated that Lee suffered from writer’s block or was intimidated by the success of her first book. Others have suggested that she simply preferred to live a quiet life away from the public eye.

In 2015, a sequel to “To Kill a Mockingbird” titled “Go Set a Watchman” was published, but its release was mired in controversy. Some questioned whether Lee, who was in her 80s and reportedly in poor health at the time, was truly involved in the decision to publish the book. Others criticized the book for its portrayal of the beloved character Atticus Finch, who in “Go Set a Watchman” is revealed to be a racist. Despite the mixed reception, the publication of “Go Set a Watchman” gave readers a rare glimpse into Harper Lee’s writing process and helped shed light on why she never published another book after “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Margaret Mitchell – Gone with the Wind (1936)

Margaret Mitchell’s “Gone with the Wind” is a literary masterpiece that has captivated readers for generations. The novel was published in 1936 and quickly became a bestseller, eventually selling over 30 million copies worldwide. The book won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1937 and was adapted into a highly successful film in 1939, starring Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable.

Despite the popularity of “Gone with the Wind” and the numerous requests from fans for a sequel, Mitchell never wrote another novel. She was a notoriously private person and shied away from the limelight, preferring to live a quiet life with her husband in Atlanta. Some speculate that she may have been intimidated by the success of her first book and felt that she could never live up to the expectations set by “Gone with the Wind”.

Tragically, Mitchell’s writing career was cut short when she was struck by a car and killed in 1949 at the age of 48. Her death was a devastating loss for the literary world, as Mitchell’s unique voice and storytelling abilities were unparalleled. “Gone with the Wind” remains a timeless classic, and Mitchell’s legacy continues to live on through her unforgettable characters and vivid descriptions of the American South.

J.D. Salinger – The Catcher in the Rye (1951)

J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” is a literary masterpiece that continues to captivate readers around the world with its poignant portrayal of teenage angst and disillusionment. The book’s immense success made Salinger a literary celebrity almost overnight, but it also had a profound impact on the author’s personal life.

Following the publication of “The Catcher in the Rye,” Salinger became increasingly reclusive, shunning the media and refusing to grant interviews or make public appearances. He continued to write, however, and produced several collections of short stories, including “Nine Stories” and “Franny and Zooey.” Despite his ongoing literary output, Salinger never published another novel during his lifetime, leading many to wonder why the author had seemingly abandoned the novel form.

There are several theories as to why Salinger never published another novel. Some speculate that he was plagued by writer’s block, while others suggest that he was disillusioned with the publishing industry or that he simply had no desire to repeat the success of “The Catcher in the Rye.” Whatever the reason, Salinger’s decision to withdraw from public life and eschew the novel form only added to his mystique and cemented his status as a literary legend.

Sylvia Plath – The Bell Jar (1963)

Sylvia Plath’s “The Bell Jar” is a powerful novel that explores the mental struggles of a young woman named Esther Greenwood, who is based on Plath herself. The book offers a vivid and personal account of Esther’s descent into depression, her struggles with suicidal thoughts, and her eventual breakdown. Through Esther’s story, Plath explores the societal pressures and expectations that contribute to mental illness, especially in women.

The novel is considered semi-autobiographical because Plath drew heavily on her own experiences in writing it. Like Esther, Plath struggled with depression and attempted suicide multiple times. The book offers a raw and honest portrayal of the author’s own struggles, making it a significant work in the canon of American literature.

“The Bell Jar” remains a popular and relevant book, especially for those who have experienced mental illness or have loved ones who struggle with it. The novel’s exploration of mental health and its depiction of a complex, flawed, and relatable protagonist continue to resonate with readers today.

Ralph Ellison – Invisible Man (1952)

Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man is widely regarded as one of the most influential works of 20th-century American literature. Published in 1952, the novel tells the story of an unnamed black man’s journey to find his place in society while grappling with the complex issues of identity and race. The book received immediate critical acclaim and won the National Book Award in 1953. It has since become a staple of American literature, studied in universities and high schools across the country.

Even after the success of Invisible Man, Ellison never published another novel in his lifetime. He spent the next four decades working on a second novel, but it remained unfinished at the time of his death in 1994. The reasons for Ellison’s inability to finish the novel are not entirely clear, but it is believed that he struggled with writer’s block, perfectionism, and the pressure to live up to the expectations set by his first book. Nevertheless, Invisible Man remains a testament to Ellison’s literary talent and a reminder of the challenges that writers can face when following up on a successful debut.

Donna Tartt – The Secret History (1992)

Donna Tartt’s debut novel, The Secret History, was a critical and commercial success when it was published in 1992. The book tells the story of a group of classics students at a fictional Vermont college who become entangled in a murder that threatens to unravel their lives. The Secret History received rave reviews for its lush prose, complex characters, and engrossing plot, and quickly became a bestseller.

Despite the success of The Secret History, Tartt has only published two other novels since its release: The Little Friend in 2002 and The Goldfinch in 2013. While both books were well-received critically, neither achieved the same level of commercial success as Tartt’s debut. Some readers and critics have speculated that the long gaps between Tartt’s novels may have contributed to her lack of consistent success. Others have suggested that Tartt’s singular talent and vision may make it difficult for her to replicate the success of her first book. Regardless of the reasons, The Secret History remains a beloved and influential novel, and a testament to Tartt’s prodigious talent.

Emily Bronte – Wuthering Heights (1847)

Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights is a timeless classic of English literature, known for its dark and passionate portrayal of love, revenge, and social class. The novel was first published in 1847 and immediately gained both critical and commercial success. Despite its popularity, Bronte did not publish another novel in her lifetime. This is surprising given the significant impact that Wuthering Heights had on literary circles and society as a whole.

While Bronte did write poetry and even published some of it under a pseudonym with her sisters, she did not seem to have any intention of following up with another novel. The reasons for this are unclear, but it is speculated that Bronte may have faced pressure from her publisher or societal expectations that women should not be too public or ambitious with their talents. Additionally, Bronte was known to be a very private person, and it is possible that she simply did not have the desire to share more of her inner world with the public.

John Kennedy Toole – A Confederacy of Dunces (1980)

John Kennedy Toole’s A Confederacy of Dunces is a literary masterpiece that has gained a cult following over the years. The novel is set in New Orleans and follows the misadventures of Ignatius J. Reilly, a lazy and eccentric protagonist who is always at odds with the world around him. The novel is a hilarious satire of American culture and politics, and Toole’s witty prose and sharp observations make it a joy to read.

Despite its brilliance, A Confederacy of Dunces was initially rejected by publishers and remained unpublished during Toole’s lifetime. Frustrated by the lack of success, Toole tragically took his own life in 1969 at the age of 31. It wasn’t until years later, when Toole’s mother discovered a copy of the manuscript and pushed for its publication, that the world finally got to experience his genius.

The posthumous publication of A Confederacy of Dunces was a bittersweet moment for Toole’s family and fans. While the novel’s success brought recognition to Toole’s talent, it also served as a reminder of the tragedy of his untimely death. To this day, A Confederacy of Dunces remains Toole’s only published novel, and its enduring popularity is a testament to his literary legacy.

Arundhati Roy – The God of Small Things (1997)

Arundhati Roy’s debut novel, The God of Small Things, was a literary sensation that earned critical acclaim and commercial success. The novel’s intricate storytelling, vivid descriptions, and exploration of social issues made it a standout work of fiction. It won the prestigious Booker Prize and established Roy as a major voice in contemporary literature.

However, despite the book’s success, Roy has only published one other novel in the years since its release. The delay in her publishing career has been attributed to various reasons. Roy is known for her political activism, and she has been involved in several causes that have taken up her time and attention. Additionally, Roy has spoken about the emotional toll that writing The God of Small Things took on her, describing it as an “exorcism” of sorts. The pressure of living up to the success of her debut may have also contributed to her reluctance to publish more fiction.

Boris Pasternak – Doctor Zhivago (1957)

Boris Pasternak’s Doctor Zhivago is a novel that tells the story of the life and loves of a Russian physician and poet, Yuri Zhivago, against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution and its aftermath. The novel is considered a masterpiece of Russian literature and won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1958. However, despite its international acclaim, Doctor Zhivago was banned in the Soviet Union for its depiction of the harsh realities of life under the communist regime. The Soviet authorities saw the novel as a threat to their ideology and censored it.

The ban on Doctor Zhivago had severe consequences for Pasternak. He was subjected to public condemnation by the Soviet authorities, who accused him of being a traitor and a tool of Western propaganda. Pasternak was also pressured to decline the Nobel Prize for Literature, which he did under duress, fearing for the safety of himself and his family. The experience left Pasternak disillusioned and emotionally shattered.

Pasternak never published another novel in his lifetime. He continued to write poetry and translations, but his creative output was severely curtailed by the Soviet authorities, who saw him as a dissident and a threat to their regime. It was only after his death in 1960 that his literary legacy began to be fully recognized, both in the Soviet Union and around the world. Today, Doctor Zhivago is widely regarded as one of the greatest novels of the 20th century, and Pasternak’s life and work continue to inspire and fascinate readers and scholars alike.

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