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Date Posted: 21:29:55 08/02/10 Mon
Author: Page2
Subject: Decisions...Decisions -- Help>>>
Question for you all. I've decided to step away from my RD of REMEMBRANCE in hopes that some time away will help when I go back to edit. In the process I started 2 new stories: one being, Seren's Angel (see other post below) and a horror/suspense story MAINE-ac. I also have a Puddle Jumper's sitting on the back burner plus 2 others (both of which need some serious research before i can start in). So now I sit and debate which one to devote precious time too. I have so many plot ideas to run with. The characters are screaming--PICK ME NO, PICK ME!!
Has anyone else faced this? How did you handle it? Do I work on both and see where they lead? I can multi-task but having multiple character's vying for my precious little time on their story...well honestly I feel I need to focus on just one but which one? I'm also afraid if I nix one over the other then I won't be able to find them (characters) when I do get back to their story.
Does any of this make sense? How does one pick? Or, do you just work on what comes at the time? I've been scribbling down ideas, outlines, plots in the interim but I don't know which way to go. I am dazed and confused.
Thanks in advance.
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I know the feeling -- Debi, 12:48:19 08/03/10 Tue
I have a similar dilemma in front of me. Stepping away from your WIP is very helpful, sometimes trying to move forward with it only slows you down as you get frustrated. If I were to pick from what you have listed, I w0ould say I am most intrigued by Seren's Angel. But whatever is speaking to you the loudest at this time is probably the best one to go with. I have so many WIP's that I get overwhelmed and despair that I will every finish ANYTHING. But I will, and you will too.
Hugs,
Debi
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I'm no expert (well, you know that) but here's what I'd do >>>> -- 
Page, 20:44:51 08/03/10 Tue
I found myself in the same dilema, so I just picked the one I had more of at the time. As it turns out, I ended up trunking that particular story and picking up with Royal Orleans when I hit a roadblock. Then RO just caught fire and I got a lot done before going back to Carey On for these final (I mean it, too! LOL) revisions. There's yet another book that's trying to take shape, but I don't have a lot of time for it right now, so whenever I get some idea for it, or some piece of dialogue etc. pops in my head, I open the folder, write it, save it, and then go back to CO. Same thing for RO - although I'm not actively writing it at present, I do write down the bits and pieces that come to me so I don't lose them. Then I can go back and either incorporate them into the book or decide not to use them.
Good luck!
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THANK YOU>>> -- Page2, 21:55:06 08/03/10 Tue
Thank you for your responses. I think I kind of knew what I needed to do but was just seeing how others handled "the voices".
I've decided to concentrate on Seren's Angel since that one seems to be striking the stone and resonating with me. That's not to say I won't jot down the ideas and other stuff the characters from Maine-ac tell me, I just have to put aside that demented mad man at the moment. I'll get back to the dark side eventually. Because, well there's candy over there - dark chocolate - mmmmm and I heard there's a slew of coffee too. LOL
Anyways, thank you both. And Juli..thanks again (see your email) if I hadn't written that I never would've gotten most of that outline. Much obliged.
Steph
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Hey! Sorry I've been out of touch. My new Yahoo browser messed up all my bookmarks. Anyway, inside>>> -- susiej, 14:43:17 08/05/10 Thu
I recently read an agent blog (kidlit-very informative, even for adult lit) where a reader had written in saying she wondered if she should give up being a writer, she could never come up with any ideas of what to write, she was burned out, blah, blah. I didn't comment because I thought it would be snarky, but I was thinking- huh? No one says you gotta write. I never said "I am a writer." I just sat down and typed so the dang characters would SHUT UP and I could get on with my life. Now,I a got a whole new crew talking.
It seems you got the same problem. I'm not sure what to do about it. I'd love to go to a mountain retreat and do nothing but put it all down on paper. I guess its a nice problem/dream to have. Anyway, if you're crazy, I am too. And I'm pretty glad to in a group with you : )
I will say this. A few times, I've sat down and typed out an awesome first chapter, but then the story died out. (partly because I needed to do research, but once I got the opening down, I sort of lost interest) So you may just give the new idea an hour or two and see if it goes anywhere.
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Well, I'm a bit late, but here's my humble opinion >>> -- Myxtress, 19:45:45 08/09/10 Mon
I believe writing is a partnership between the author and the characters, both working together to tell the best story possible. The voices your hear are yours, and while they might all by vying for your attention, they have to trust that you'll get back to them when it's their turn. Just as you have to trust that when you're ready for them, they'll be waiting. And really, if they aren't, what kind of story do you think you missed? IMHO fickle, wish-washy characters are a waste of time when there are other characters out there that want their story to be told and have the patience to see that its done right.
So how do you choose where to go? Well...not necessarily to the one that is the loudest. You go to the one where you need to be. And the funny thing is, as writers, we all know where that is. It's that sixth sense that allows us to practice our craft.
Hugs
Esther
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Late and catching up with the board>>> -- Fi, 12:10:25 08/12/10 Thu
Hi Page2,
First of all, a big fat CONGRATULATIONS on completing the first draft of REMEMBRANCE. I can appreciate how much effort that took :D I've heard the advice (can't remember where) that you should leave your first draft aside for 6 months so that you can return to it with fresh eyes when you come to edit. That's what I'm planning to do, when I finally finish the first draft of CLADDAGH (it will be finished, it will it will it will).
Secondly, I'm thrilled that you decided to pick Seren's Angel. I was impressed by the opening and intrigued by the premise, so I'm looking forward to reading more about Seren/James and his persuers.
Thirdly, I can appreciate the position of having multiple stories in your head and having to make a decision. I hate making decisions. Even in RL. You know what I do sometimes? I toss a coin. Seriously. But here's the trick: when the coin toss comes up, I take note of how I feel. Either I feel thrilled/relieved (so that's the option to go for) or disappointed/distraught (in which case the other option is the one I hoped would come up). Nobody says you've got to stick with the coin toss, but it can indicate how you actually felt all along.
HTH,
Fi
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