Wednesday, October 2, 2013

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

by Kathy Cannon Wiechman

First Wed of Every Month
http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html

I am currently in the research phase of two different historical fiction novels, and I am eager to do the actual writing, instead of just research. But research is essential and must be done.

My problem: Novel A is the one most research-ready at this point, but Novel B has the character who is calling to me. I hate to put that character on hold while I write another entire novel. She might not be so ready for me when I get back. But I can’t really write her story until I do more research.

Have you ever dealt with a problem like this? Or are you the kind of writer who never works on two projects at the same time? I admit that sounds like the wiser way to proceed, but when the Muse drops an idea (or two) into my head, I have to grab hold.

Novel A is semi-autobiographical and I’ve been toying with it for more than ten years. I have written four or five first chapters for it (all very different), but have not moved further with it. Why have I not yet written that novel? Is there more than the character from Novel B holding me back? Is there something within me that makes me afraid to tell a story that is so much a part of me? Or do I find a character who is part me not interesting enough to follow through with?

I have written one first chapter for Novel B. I like it better than any of my first chapters for Novel A. Is that why I’m more drawn to this story? Or do I like that first chapter more because this is the story I’d rather write?

These are questions I don’t have answers for. Maybe I’ll work on Project C while I decide.

10 comments:

  1. Good luck deciding. Maybe start writing one while you research the other if you have time for both. At least you have tons of ideas.

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    1. Fate took the decision from my hands. An editor requested a revision of a past book, so now that's my current project. However, when I finish those revisions, I'll be back in the same place I was when I posed these questions. Thanks for your comment, Natalie.

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  2. Can't help you--sorry! I have little bits and pieces in my brain of other books, but feeling pretty OCD about finishing the one that I've been laboring on for years!

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    1. I've been in that spot before, Carol. Jot down those "bits & pieces" while they're in your mind, then focus on the WIP. When you finish one project, it can be hard to move forward with a new one, & I find it helpful to have a few notes jotted down to kick-start the next work. Good luck!

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  3. I hope you find your way soon. I like to write a Plus/Minus list when I'm having a difficult time making a decision. Happy IWSG Day!

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  4. I know many, many writers who work on multipl projects at once. I think it can be caotic but also really productive in a frenzied sort-of way. I say write what you feel like writing. If a muse is calling you go with a certain character then go with her and worry about filling in the historical deails later. If a story is driving you crazy then take a break from it and work on another one.
    It's sort of a haphazard way to proceed, but a lot of writers write that way. And the creative process is so crazy anyway, there's losts of room to go in different directions. Just write- you'll find you way.

    Thanks for participating in IWSG!
    Bev
    (October IWSG co-host)

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  5. You have to go with A! Watch this... http://mashable.com/2013/10/04/ricky-gervais-greatest-writing-lesson/

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    1. Thanks, Juliet. Have I ever told you what a blessing you are in my life?

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