I get this way from time to time. Kind of a lost feeling because I'm not certain which way to go. I've just finished, revised and sent off one of my 'babies' into the big, bad world with the hopes that the editors it lands with loves it as much as I do.
But I've found, without that ms to fiddle with, I'm not sure which way to go. I have loose plans for two new wips - one more of a 'home and hearth' story and one that's a little bit sexier, a little bit different. I like both of the plots, the characters and I was excited to get started on both of them prior to the request and the madness that followed.
And yet I can't get started. Opened both files today and nothing. Nada.
I still like the plotlines and the characters but I just can't get the words to flow for either of them. Which is a little bit scary!
But I've found, without that ms to fiddle with, I'm not sure which way to go. I have loose plans for two new wips - one more of a 'home and hearth' story and one that's a little bit sexier, a little bit different. I like both of the plots, the characters and I was excited to get started on both of them prior to the request and the madness that followed.
And yet I can't get started. Opened both files today and nothing. Nada.
I still like the plotlines and the characters but I just can't get the words to flow for either of them. Which is a little bit scary!
Have I rubbed off on you, baby? I am having the same problem! Or one a lot like it.
ReplyDeleteI don't know the anxwer, just forge through it, I guess.
Good luck!
I wonder if you've actually "let go" of the one you sent out. Takes time sometimes, almost like allowing yourself time to grieve, though I know that's not a very good parallel.
ReplyDeleteI think "letting go" is part of it, the other part is that you're still dealing with it and wanting to see it spread it's wings and succeed. Not to mention being unable to let go of the euphoria of having your book released! Marketing keeps it ever present in your mind. I found that writing down bits and pieces of what's going through your mind for your next book helps, especially if you can't stop thinking about it. Even if you don't get it rightthe first time (character description, goals, motivations, other plotting stuff) you have something to build on. I do plot points with those neat bullets, then play around with categorizing who they belong to, even if they cross over into other characters. Just playing at doing those simple things starts pulling me into my story so I can finally get it started. Not saying it's easy, just have to push myself to do it. Even if it involves research during the plotting stage.
ReplyDeletethanks, girls! Carol, I might try your idea of putting some 'informational' stuff down, maybe that will spark something! Liz, letting go is a big part of it, I think. I'm still thinking about those characters, even though their story has been told. D'Ann, I need to get better at forging on ... how 'bout we make a pact? :)
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with Liz - you need to take some time off! I suffered from the same problem - except I really wanted to write 3 different books. Worries about what might be most marketable plagued me for weeks. This flies in the face of yesterday's blog, but I recommend attempting a serious outline for each. Once you set up details on the main characters, main stumbling blocks and start to outline a few chapters, I think it will become clear which one you're ready to dive into.
ReplyDeleteAnd--veering away from the subject here--don't you get soooo tired of thinking of "what might be most marketable?" I know we have to think that way, but my favorite stories of my own are still the ones that editors weren't at all interested in. It is just one of the parts of what we do that really sucks. :-)
ReplyDeleteYes, Liz, it is!! I hate starting a book only to realize several chapters in that it isn't going to be 'hot' when editors/agents look at it. :(
ReplyDeleteChristi, I'm trying the outline/character sketches stuff...still nothing massive striking my brain but I keep telling myself to keep pushing ahea. This weekend, no writing...giving myself a couple days away from the keyboard and maybe that will help, too.