Which project?

AnnieColleen · Dec 5, 2006

I'm wondering if anyone else has this type of problem, or has beaten it.

Project A, alternate history novel, I've been working on off-and-on for a couple of years. This year I've been trying to consistently focus on writing and this was the one I wanted to finish. It's at about 23K; I'm struggling with the research and with figuring out where in all the cool bits and pieces is the main plot. Feeling a bit burned out, though not totally stymied. (There are a couple of avenues I do want to try - mainly ideas from AW

).

Project B, dark fantasy novel - or rather, short story that turned into a novel idea just about overnight. Only about 2K actually written. I think I have a pretty good idea of a plot arc for this one, it's much less research-heavy, and it's the one that's sprouting ideas right now. It's rather darker than the other one, and I'm not sure how I'd do living with that mood for however long.

Projects C-Z are right out and banished under the bed for the time being. (I still like several of them, just not now.)

The reason I'm debating is that I have ~3 weeks of vacation around the holidays and want to set myself regular work hours and get a good amount of writing done. I'm feeling like I want to go with the project that's moving on its own and has some direction to it; but, I don't know if that's just continuing the pattern of project-hopping rather than seeing one through to the end -- and this one will just burn out in turn -- or is it good experience that I can then bring back to the first project? :Shrug:

Nothing published to date, so I'm making this up as I go along, and no deadlines except what I set myself.

Thoughts, ideas? Go do cross-stitch instead?

TheIT · Dec 5, 2006

For me, I find having more than one project can sometimes help. Of course, for me that usually means switching between writing and sculpting (sorry, gave up cross-stitch years ago

).

I'd suggest concentrating on one of the projects, and switching to the other when you run into the wall on the first. From what you're describing it sounds like project A is dear to your heart but project B is exciting right now because it's new. Once the newness wears off, will project B still be as interesting to you?

This reminds me of what I did this year with my own writing. I've been working on my fantasy novel WIP for most of the year and was starting to get bored, so I worked on a new story for NaNo and the time off from the first has given me both more writing experience and a fresher perspective to bring back to my original project.

TrainofThought · Dec 5, 2006

Hi Annie,

Work on the project that you feel the most dedicated to and can’t wait to see the result, or work on both. I realize you are tired of the research and plot in Project A, but it reads as if you want this story. If you have three weeks off that gives you time to dedicate to research and gather ideas. If you work on Project B, you’re not sure where it will take you because right now it’s just an ‘idea’. As IT says, you can work on both of them. I, on the other hand, can only concentrate on one project. Go with your gut feeling and follow your heart. Good Luck.

AnnieColleen · Dec 5, 2006

TheIT said:
From what you're describing it sounds like project A is dear to your heart but project B is exciting right now because it's new. Once the newness wears off, will project B still be as interesting to you?

That's about it. Problem is, I don't know if it'll still be as interesting! By my track record there's a good chance it won't be -- or rather, it will, then won't, then will, then won't.... It's hard to tell when it's legitimate variety/sanity break and when it's my inner toddler taking over.

TrainofThought said:
Go with your gut feeling and follow your heart.

Yeah - it's just figuring out what they're saying that's tricksy! Especially on short sleep which is also the inner toddler's fault.

I'm guessing I need to push on with A at least for a while longer. Maybe save B for next year's NaNo (and next year's vacation).

And I still have to work on the cross-stitch projects. Those do come with deadlines.

TheIT · Dec 5, 2006

Remember that a novel is for the long haul: first draft, revision, polishing, etc. Pick something which will keep you interested for the duration. There will always be highs and lows. You can always take side trips on the way to your destination.

Notebooks are your friends. If project B is interesting to you now, jot down notes about it so you can remember what was exciting, but if project A is really what you want to research and explore then I'd suggest devoting the bulk of your time to it. Who knows? Later when you look at your notes you might be able to incorporate those ideas into your WIP.

Good luck in whatever you choose.

:Sun:

And on another note, you really do cross-stitch? Cool. What sort of projects? Sometimes I find that sculpting keeps my hands busy and leaves my mind free to plot and plan my writing.

farfromfearless · Dec 5, 2006

If you want to get something done and have a tendency to try and multi-task or as you call it "project-hopping" then you may want to consider that a sacrifice is necessary in order to get something accomplished. You can get both or all completed or underway to a good degree, but not in the timeframe you have alloted yourself. Pick the one that you feel you can maintain interest and find ways to keep yourself motivated. Your ideas aren't going anywhere and some distance from one or the other may be what you need to get some perspective. I gave up one of my hobbies for the time being and I am using it as motivation to focus and finish my manuscript.

Willowmound · Dec 5, 2006

I'd pick the project I knew how to use the correct words to descibe.

So if I thought 'alternate' meant 'alternative' (as opposed to what it actually means), I'd go with the other one.

But that might be just me (being cranky).

AnnieColleen · Dec 5, 2006

TheIT said:
Remember that a novel is for the long haul: first draft, revision, polishing, etc. Pick something which will keep you interested for the duration.

Yeah...the problem is, I've never gone the whole way with one project yet, so thinking about the later stages is all guesswork. That's what I'm trying to change!

I have the original short story for B and a couple of expansion scenes (and a query blurb -- how sad is that.) I should probably go through and put down a quick summary too.

I don't think the two will merge -- totally different worlds. B might link up with a couple of other ideas-under-the-bed, though.

TheIT said:
And on another note, you really do cross-stitch? Cool. What sort of projects?

I really do.

The current big project is Walk With Me, supposed to be a wedding present back in July -- oops. The other is a small ornament my grandmother wants to give as a gift, but her vision's too bad to stitch any more.

LeeFlower · Dec 5, 2006

I'd stick with project A. 23k is right on the cusp of the big swampy middle, which is an easy place to get stuck. When two roads diverge in a yellow wood, no one can blame a writer for wanting to take the one that leads to a nice, springy new beginning. But the one that leads into the swamp is the one less travelled by, and that's the one that makes the difference.

AnnieColleen · Dec 5, 2006

farfromfearless said:
If you want to get something done and have a tendency to try and multi-task or as you call it "project-hopping" then you may want to consider that a sacrifice is necessary in order to get something accomplished. You can get both or all completed or underway to a good degree, but not in the timeframe you have alloted yourself...some distance from one or the other may be what you need to get some perspective.

Oh, I know I won't get either completed over my vacation, and you're right that trying to do both will probably not be effective in that time frame. (That's largely why I asked, to make sure I don't waste that time.) Focus is not my strong point, unfortunately (so here's a chance to work on it).

Asking here seems to be pretty good for perspective, too.

ORION · Dec 5, 2006

I agree with LeeFlower, 20,000-30,000 was the sticky place for ALL my novels and I always have a tough time there. As soon as I hit 40,000 it's all downhill

It is critical to finish something to the end. That is the hardest thing, not the ideas that tempt. If you need to jot down ideas on B so you don't forget and spend your vacation on A.
It will teach you more.
IMHO

blackbird · Dec 5, 2006

Something that works for me in this situation is to alternate days for working on certain projects. It's not a system that will work for everyone, but like I said, it's been helpful for me. For instance, you could devote every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday to Project A, then every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday to Project B (or vice versa) and schedule in at least one day (Sunday or whatever works) as a free day to play, rest up, read or maybe work on some of that research.

Psychologically, this works for me because on this schedule I'm constantly working, and I don't feel that any of my projects are needlessly on hold. True, I may not get as much done on any one project as I would by devoting myself to it seven straight days a week, but at least I'm working on them, and every bit that gets done is a step closer to getting the project finished.
It also helps prevent burnout.

Of course, if I have something that has to be completed by a certain deadline, that is a different matter. But if I have the freedom of working at my own pace, this is the method I prefer.

AnnieColleen · Dec 5, 2006

Willowmound said:
So if I thought 'alternate' meant 'alternative' (as opposed to what it actually means), I'd go with the other one.

Maybe, but Del Rey seems to think otherwise.

(sorry, that came out snarky. didn't mean to be.)

AnnieColleen · Dec 5, 2006

LeeFlower said:
I'd stick with project A. 23k is right on the cusp of the big swampy middle, which is an easy place to get stuck. When two roads diverge in a yellow wood, no one can blame a writer for wanting to take the one that leads to a nice, springy new beginning. But the one that leads into the swamp is the one less travelled by, and that's the one that makes the difference.

ORION said:
I agree with LeeFlower, 20,000-30,000 was the sticky place for ALL my novels and I always have a tough time there. As soon as I hit 40,000 it's all downhill
It is critical to finish something to the end. That is the hardest thing, not the ideas that tempt.

Oh, that's encouraging, thank you!
(and I love the swamp image. It's a sign - a large part of Project A is set in a swamp. :tongue

)

Willowmound · Dec 5, 2006

AnnieColleen said:
Maybe so, but Del Rey seems to think otherwise.

See Blackbird's post (#12) for correct usage.

Most dictionaries now recognise the new usage. They do, beacuse it's become widespread.

So you have a situation where a word that originally meant 'occuring or succeeding by turns' now means that and 'a choice limited to a certain number of possibilities'.

Now, the English language already had a word with the latter meaning: 'alternative'.

Was there a need to make another word, that meant something else entirely, take on an additional meaning, already covered by an existing one?

No.

Such things only weaken language. I don't care how many dictionaries succumb to this -- no writer using 'alternate' for 'alternative' will ever sell a book to me. Because writers should know language.

--still cranky.

Oh, and you can be as snarky as you like with me

SomethingCatchy · Dec 5, 2006

Based on the stats - I'd go with the one that you've done more with so far. As someone else said, it's a lot easier to move on to something new when things get tough, but if you keep moving on to something new you'll never finish - and if you don't finish - you can't succeed. It might be horrible, but a horrible finished piece is better than a great never-completed piece. Sometimes you just have to shut your eyes and write (not literally).

Best of luck.

J.S Greer · Dec 5, 2006

Which one are you more passionate about? Which idea grabs you, and pleads with you to tell it?

There's your answer.

farfromfearless · Dec 5, 2006

I agree with J.S Greer in principle. If you are going to choose between A & B on the basis of which one has the largest word count, etc. (forgive me, I may be oversimplifying your reasoning), then I suggest you go with C - write something you are passionate about enough to stay motivated. Consider this: forget about word count; forget about stats; forget about your time table; forget about everything beyond what you can put on paper/screen and Just write.

Philip64 · Dec 6, 2006

I agree with the majority here. Plough on with Book A unless you've completely lost confidence in it. Taking time out from a novel to pen a short story is fine, but to be a novelist you need the discipline to follow through.

It's good to have a second project to get on with a soon as the other is finished. Also, if it's a strong idea, it won't become a weak idea by your letting it stew for a while. Confine yourself to making notes now and again; so that by the time you sit down to write, you have a settled notion of the book's tone, structure and shape.

triceretops · Dec 6, 2006

I also vote for the first one, which has the higher word count. Middles are hard, you have to keep the tension up, but it's a good place to explore subplots.

Tri

NeuroFizz · Dec 6, 2006

Imagine you have two lovers, and you can take only one on the vacation. Now, use the words you used to describe your two projects (in a general sense) to describe these two lovers. Which one will you take on your vacation?

sfecphory · Dec 6, 2006

Unfortunately, I think this is one of those questions that can only be answered by the one asking it. Like you I had two projects rattling around in my head. One I've been working on for over a year and had about 40,000 words into. The other was only an idea with nothing but a one line synopsis. But I had hit a sort of emotional wall with the first one--as you said, I was burnt out with it. Despite the fact that I desperately want to finish it, and know that I will, I began working on the second book.

Since then I've gotten lots of great stuff down for the second book and new ideas have popped up for the first. I got past my logjam by finding a second route. I think it's similar to what John Gardner said about novel writing. Novels aren't like short stories where you muscle through and finish. They are worked on, then put away, then picked up, then put away. My first novel was worked on and abandoned and rediscovered at least 8 times before I finished it. It took about 5 years. Work on what you want, anything, even something nonfiction, for a day or two and see how it feels.

farfromfearless · Dec 6, 2006

I can relate to you in that sense -- I too experienced a burn out on one of novels and ended up making the decision to scrap it. I ended up coming back to the story with fresh eyes about six months later and rewrote the story in a different setting and world while still keeping a similar premise. I am really happy with where it is now, and I don't think I could be as motivated as I am without having to make that tough call.

Which project?

AnnieColleen

Invisible Writer

TheIT

Infuriatingly Theoretical

TrainofThought

A flowering bud of bitchiness

AnnieColleen

Invisible Writer

TheIT

Infuriatingly Theoretical

farfromfearless

Willowmound

Lightly salted

AnnieColleen

Invisible Writer

LeeFlower

Lurker Extraordinaire

AnnieColleen

Invisible Writer

ORION

Sailed away years ago

blackbird

AnnieColleen

Invisible Writer

AnnieColleen

Invisible Writer

Willowmound

Lightly salted

SomethingCatchy

J.S Greer

Feel the power!

farfromfearless

Philip64

sticking his oar in...

triceretops

NeuroFizz

The grad students did it

sfecphory

farfromfearless