I miss those feelings.
Ever since I finished Middle of Knowhere I've started about four different novels. But nothing is sticking. I have ideas, yes, lots of them. But the most I've written on any of the novels is about 6K, which is nothing. Most are just a page, just an idea, a start, nothing more.
The inspiration isn't coming, and I'm not sure if it's because I'm focused on querying and my brain can't handle two things at once, or if none of those stories is the ONE I should write next. I love all the ideas though, but I'm not sure where to go from there.
So, how do you do it? When you're filled with multiple story ideas, how do you choose which story to write next?
 |
| Source |
I've found if I give into the temptation to pursue new ideas, I never finish anything. Sometimes it's about pushing past those tough plot areas to get to the next scene. I have found that I don't really get that "fire" anymore. I know too much! Once you learn more and more about writing, you start hearing those words of doubt in your head while you write and you tend to get in your own way!
ReplyDeleteI've definitely been hearing those words of doubt! They're awful. :(
DeletePick one and write it. It might not be the one. But usually when you've committed to writing something is when some bright new shiny pops up. And that might be the one.
ReplyDeleteThen again, this might just be a fallow period. Something will come along and excite you, so until then, just play around with short stories or something.
I do like the idea of doing some short stories until something really speaks to me! Hmm... :)
DeleteI work on all of them, flitting from piece to piece since that seems to be the way my brain works. Also, I know people hate this advice, but I've found that inspiration does come without all the writing mode excitement too. The excitement etc. comes from being in the zone, which is never a good idea to chase, especially when you're already stressing while waiting for an agent to respond.
ReplyDeleteShow up, pick one (at random if you must) and add a few hundred words. Tomorrow, add some more. If you get stuck, pick another project and add a few hundred words to that. Stuck again? Try returning to project #1. You'll be shocked at how much your brain figures out without you realizing it.
Very good advice! I think I'll try it. Thank you!! ;)
DeleteMaybe try to stop putting so much pressure on yourself to find "the one" idea and to feel 'the fire." Let yourself just play - with different ideas, with different projects - for now. :)
ReplyDeleteYou're right. I think maybe this time around will be different—less excitement because I know what's ahead. I know how much work it takes to get the ms where it needs to be, and THAT kind of draws out all that excitement and fire. I guess I could just play around with the different ideas, try one out for a while and if it doesn't feel right, then move on—kind of like speed dating. Lol.
DeleteI did this when I first went on submission. I start five books, up to about fifty pages, and then stopped. But after three months, when I was finally struck with an idea worth finishing, I found it interesting that the ideas that didn't make it helped to build the finish-worthy concept. You're probably circling around your next project and just haven't landed yet!
ReplyDeleteI hope you're right! You know, it is interesting that all my ideas are kind of centered around a certain theme...maybe they all need to be combined into one novel... :)
DeleteInspiration is always so tricky. Certain ideas seem to just click right away, while others need to ruminate a while before they're ready. When the latter happens, thinking about a story from a new angle sometimes brings about the inspiration I need. (Like making a pair of side characters the main characters instead, as I had to do for a webcomic I've been developing, heh.) Good luck finally finding some inspiration for one of your stories!
ReplyDeleteThank you! You're absolutely right—I just hope this idea ruminates a little faster! Lol.
DeleteEveryone already gave you good advice . . . so I'll try a less conventional way. I'm going to give you homework and you *have* to finish it or you get an F.
ReplyDeleteLOL I'm not a teacher, but I'll give you an assignment anyway. Ready? Number your ideas, put them in a hat/container and pull one out. That's the one you'll write 1k on . . . and if it takes off, there you go. But the pressure is off you. It's on destiny . . . and if while you're writing that, one of the other ones start screaming, then you know what to do. But no matter what 1k on a random one. And keep adding 1k until you're done hahahahaha
I find that reading fuels writing. If I feel down on writing for even a second, I start reading more and it always fills my head with ideas:)
ReplyDeleteThis happens to me often, Kristin! I think it happens to everyone, honestly. I pick the idea that calls most strongly to me, but even with those ideas, I ALWAYS hit a snag about 75-80% of the way through. Doesn't matter how excited I am about the book, there's always that slump in the middle where I lose inspiration and keep eyeing my other story ideas.
ReplyDeleteAnd, you know, it's not a bad thing to have several different story starts. You could always pick up on one when you're feeling inspired about it, and then jump to another when you're feeling that one more. Don't put too much undue pressure on yourself, also... and give yourself rewards for even the smallest accomplishments! <3
Usually I have a pending deadline for something, and that makes the decision for me. =) Truthfully though, when not against a deadline, I work on whichever project looks the best, until one grabs me by the throat.
ReplyDelete