What Now?
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******* On to my post *********
Good News: I finished revisions on Hiding In Plain Sight.
Bad News: I have to figure out where I go next.
This is a tough place for me to be because my compulsiveness urges me to dive into another project, but my psyche knows those revisions pulled everything out of me. Logically, I know I need a break. Emotionally, I want to keep my writing routine every morning. I want to be working toward something, creating something, honing something.
I actually took today off writing...this is the only thing I've written all day, and I even procrastinated on this. Between my DH and his renovation projects and my DD's 14th birthday, I've been yanked all over town. Which has been really refreshing in a way (and royally annoying in another).
But what about tomorrow? I get this wierd anxiety spike when I realize I don't have a plan.
I've got two finished mss from about two years ago that need some restructuring and complete rewrites. They need character and plot work, depth, theme.
I've got two mss unfinished, both sitting at about chapter 20. Those also need restructuring with character and plot, although they have solid themes and quite a bit of depth.
And, I've got a few ideas rolling around in my head that have yet to fully take shape. Those need everything, plot, character, theme, etc., from the ground up.
None of them particularly call to me, although after giving any one of them more than ten minutes of thought, I'm there, ready to dive in.
E mentioned that the general consensus amongst writers is to always move forward, not back. I've never heard that, but on one hand it makes sense. On the other, I feel like my past works have the potential to be really good pieces if I rework them. So I don't see that as moving backwards, actually view it as rejuvinating a piece and bringing it up to par with my writing abilities now, which could be both rewarding and educational.
What do you do in between projects? How do you choose that next story to work on? And what the heck do you all think I should do?
posted by Joan Swan at 4:23 PM
4Comments:
Joan FWIW i'm one of those weird neurotic people who has to have a plan, an alternative plan and a backup plan. I never take more than a week off (at least now--because I can't afford the lost writing time)
I never am without something to write. Whether it is a WIP or some new idea. Right now I have two WIPS sitting to the side while I revise a requested work. I don't take intentional breaks from writing. My "real world" pulls me away at times and I get quite testy about it, but I have never said I need a break. Writing is my outlet and like medication if I don't get it - my attitude toward everything becomes PMS!
If I'm taking a break from a novel or between ideas, I work on a short story. It keeps me creative, but isn't nearly as big as a time investment as a novel.
Good plan Cece. I get the impression we have similar personalities. :-) And I usually do have a backup plan, but I'm a little wishy washy at the moment. :-( Although, I'm guessing it won't last long.
Paty, I love my writing and feel like it is cathartic for me. I'm the same way if my life takes me away from my writing routine. I can get pretty darn snarky. But I've also noticed that when I've put so much into something, like these revisions, I can also get burnt out, and that scares me to death.
I like the short story idea, Lisa, but even the thought of that drains me. Although I might twist that idea a little and pull out some brainstorming (read between the lines...plotting) sheets.
Thanks for the input girls. I'll let you know what I decide.
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