It's the Insecure Writer's Support Group Day. If you'd like to join, go HERE. Thanks to Alex Cavanaugh and his co-hosts for putting this event on every month.
So...I'm working on a couple of manuscripts, both paranormal-ish fiction for adults. I have full-blown outlines already written on both. The thing is, I started the Saving Marley manuscript first, sometime last year. Then I had a shiny new idea and switched to the Jump the Grave manuscript.
And now...you probably guessed it...I'm thinking about switching to something new. I want to work on a middle grade book. From the beginning, it's been my intention to write middle grade. I'm even thinking of pursuing traditional publishing with it rather than self-publishing.
Am I switching gears or stripping gears?
Should I finish my first two manuscripts before starting another project?
Does anyone else have this issue?
I think you should go with what inspires you now. The good thing is you have two other new projects to pick up when you want to.
ReplyDeleteI like my shiny new idea, so I'm probably at least going to do an outline. Then I'll decide which project I want to work on. Heck, maybe I'll work on them all, LOL!
DeleteI concur with Natalie, that you should go with what inspires you. Forcing yourself to work on a manuscript that doesn't naturally have your full and complete interest doesn't do any favors for either you or the story.
ReplyDeleteOr, at the very least, having a back-up project to turn to when you need a break from the main manuscript can really help.
Yes, I like the idea of having a backup project! Thanks, M.J.!
DeleteNope, write what is calling you now. Since you've already published several books, you know it's not a case of being unable to finish. Focus on that middle grade book.
ReplyDeleteIt's calling me really loud, Alex. I'm gonna have to answer ;)
DeleteI have at least three or four mannies going on at any one time. Is that smart? Hell if I know. It's just how I do. I've even flipped coins deciding which one to work on.
ReplyDeleteI do know- the more I tried to make myself something I'm not, the more frustrated I became. Now, I'm being me. A bit of a ding dong, but that's just how I roll.
"Mannies" LOL. I'm beginning to think working on more than one manny at a time is a great idea.
DeleteI say go with whatever is going to sell best...or whichever is funnest to write. I've got 4 projects right now that I want to be working on. I think it goes with the territory, eh? If you're not torn, your not a writer.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I wonder what would sell best? The Marley manny (totally just stole that word from Elizabeth) whose main character is a bit of a rogue, the Supernatural-like manny whose MC is too nice, or the MG whose MC is worried about the neighbor? Sheesh, who knows?!
DeleteI always work on the story that is calling to me (and something that may only be fore a week) but I also try to stick with one that I can work on most of the time and come back to.
ReplyDeleteI'm starting to think I'll work on all three at the same time. I'll just wait to see what calls to me :)
DeleteUnless you're contracted or otherwise obligated to work on a certain project, I say focus on the one that's inspiring you most. You're more likely to wrap that one up quickly, freeing you to return to your other WIPs sooner!
ReplyDeleteAnd heh, this is something I can very much relate to, too. I have so many comic ideas that it's hard figuring out which should get my primary focus sometimes!
That seems to be the consensus, Heather. I think I'll work on whatever calls me the loudest.
DeleteWith three in the works, you can just hop around to whichever one you are feeling at the time.
ReplyDeleteSo true, I'm liking that idea more and more.
DeleteOh, I have this problem too! I'm always thinking a new idea will work out better, but I think in reality I'm just afraid of really digging into what I've already done! Good luck on whatever you decide!
ReplyDeleteWell of course I'm doubting my own ulterior motives. Like, am I avoiding doing the hard work of writing the novel by only writing the outlines? LOL.
DeleteI know that feeling of having too many ideas! You must decide what you want to do. Can you multitask projects or can you come back to one if you leave it behind? I know I can't. I just have to force myself to focus. We're all different. Go with what works for you. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if I can work on all three...I might give it a try, though.
DeleteIf you can multi-task go ahead. If not get the basic outline for your MG down first and maybe a few chapters. Then set aside specific times to continue the other two. Even if you do just a few hundred words a day or every few days. That helped me get down the first 10,000 words on a project that this put aside for now but I have a base with which to continue when I go back. At the end of the day do what is best for you and your writing.
ReplyDeleteI like that idea, Sheena-kay. Maybe working away at each of them to get a good start will show me which one I want to tackle first.
DeleteI haven't quit on a manuscript for a while but since I started plotting better, I usually know where I'm going so the words flow.
ReplyDeleteI have to plot first, Susan, otherwise I can't move on. I will get to all of these "mannies" at some point. I hope. LOL.
DeleteI used to have this issue a lot. Always distracted by a shiny new idea and the old one wouldn't get finished. Since you do outlines, I don't think it'd hurt to outline the MG story. Then you can pick the one that has you the most excited and start writing.
ReplyDeleteGood idea, Patricia. I think I'll do that.
DeleteThere's a post on the new Writing with the Mentors blog I'll link below about the 30k curse. It's Shiny New Idea territory at that midpoint of working on a project. What to do? I think a step back helps. For me, I look at what my goals are for the project I'm working on and for what the idea is. Will I be selling these books? (Or trying to sell, publish, or pitch them?) Does this fit with my current brand/body of work, or is it a new direction? What does pursuing that new direction look like overall, does it fit?
ReplyDeleteI'm working through similar struggles!
The 30k Curse post (which is more on getting stuck than getting sidelined by Shiny New Ideas, but I think they work hand in hand) http://writingwithmentors.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-30k-curse.html
Here's my IWSG March post: How to Succeed at Twitter Without Really Trying
I think going with what inspires you is the right call. Especially as you've always planned and wanted to write MG. I say go for it! Good luck. :)
ReplyDeleteYou should write whichever one most lights a fire under you, though I also understand the appeal of finishing what you've already started so you don't have multiple projects you need to edit down the line. If this project is really calling your name, I say go for it.
ReplyDeleteYou should do whatever makes you the most happy, even if its inconvenient. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI always say go with what really drives you. If you decide to pursue your MG project, please let me know and I'd love to beta read or whatever you need. Actually, I'd love to help in whatever you pursue :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm always in a spin about what I should do first, finish those half-done manuscripts, write down that fresh new idea? That's when I have to take a break and clear my head or I'll explode.
ReplyDelete