Fears for a new book

I’ve done a treatment for my third novel, more than 1000 words, done research (many pages, multiple documents), a character sketch, a “plot sequence.” Even sketched out the first chapter and have a first line. So . . . let’s begin, no?

But starting a project this big has its terrors. Therefore this morning I’ve also done some gardening, walked the dog, neatened a book case, looked on Craig’s List, considered menu for Easter. What’s so scary? Where to begin?

Is the topic/character even interesting?
Is there enough challenge for the character there?
A credible crisis?
Is the main character going to change? How?
Jeepers, a lot of research. Can I do it?
Maybe I just don’t even know what I don’t know so how can I research?
I’ve done two other novels but suppose . . .
Shouldn’t it be more like the last novel?
Should it be less like the last novel?
Once you start, your options narrow with each page. Why not spend another month or so with sketches.
Should it be way more like the last novel I read and loved?
Should I straighten another bookcase?
Could I just jump to the scenes I want to write?
And so forth.

About Pamela Schoenewaldt

Pamela Schoenewaldt, historical novels of immigration and the search for self in new worlds: WHEN WE WERE STRANGERS, SWIMMING IN THE MOON, and UNDER THE SAME BLUE SKY (all HarperCollins).