At present, I'm writing a novel for teenagers - I'm about halfway through, and it's humming along pretty well. I'm still "in love" with this book, and feel confident that I'll get to the end.
Thing is, I have ideas for many more novels pulling at me, books that I'm itching to write - both teenage and adult novels. I've even planned three of them to the point where I feel I could start writing them now.
While I'm madly in love with my current project, I can feel these other novels beckoning. I feel a bit like a kid in a candy shop!
Should I give in and work on several books at the same time? They're all vastly different ideas, so there would be no danger of confusing the stories...
Do you think that spreading my creative energy over a number of projects is a good idea? Am I being too fickle?
Put it this way, I always read a number of novels concurrently - always have done. I'm wondering what the merits are of approaching my writing in the same way...
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this...
Hafwen x
PS. I've completed 3 novels already, so at least I know I have the stamina... TW K - no, I'm not published yet - apart from a couple of short stories. And as for my 3 completed manuscripts - well, I gave each one my full attention... The only way to resolve this issue, is to experiment, and see: "nothing ventured, nothing gained".
Many creative geniuses of the past have worked concurrently on more than one project.
Wagner had completed the first two of his Ring operas, and was working on the last,(the 3rd Act)of the third of the four, when he began "Tristan; completed it, then turned to "Die Meistersinger" and completed it, while continuing(in his spare time) to work on the Ring: fianlly finishing, after having worked on it for a period extending over 25 years.
So, I don't think you're necessarily being fickle; but I would be prudent, and proceed with caution, monitoring your creative quality as you go along: if this suffers, then by all means stop, and resume work on only one novel; and at the most, to begin, wouldn't attempt working on more than three at the same time.
Interesting question; would like to be appraised as to how things turn out, sometime in the not too distant future.
Much good luck,
Alberich
That is the advantage of using excel. You can cut and paste, paragraphs and chapters from one 'book' to another. Drop paragraphs into new files. and build characters in separate sheets, as the writing progresses.
I paint and read the same way, two three projects simultaneously.
Peace. When I'm not working on my main opera, I write. (go figure)
I write emails, answer questions here, or work on other operas.
Even though technically, I'm still writing, I see it as taking a break.
There is nothing wrong with doing what you enjoy.
Besides, does your mind ever really off the other projects when your not working on it? Probably not.
Writing is about inspiration and life experience, why not jot it down when it comes to you?
Best of luck. Given your history with concurrent reading and your ability to multi-task, I'd say go for it. Give each story a priority - make your "in-love" project #1, and make an effort to still give it most of your time, but have a couple projects on the back-burner for those moments you just need a break from "in love." :) I am working on lots of projects at the same time. I find that is the only way I can work. I tried fighting it, but that only made me block up ... argh!
So, this is what I do. I have read advice from other writers in lots of books and magazines and have found there are a lot of US out there!
I work extensively on one project to try and finish it. When another idea comes in I write it on a sticky note or in a notebook or something. Sometimes I go to that file and add the scene that has hit me. I can write for hours like that. When I wear myself out I take a break, then go back to The Main Project and progress on that.
Sometimes the main project is the only thing I work on - especially during the editing process. For some reason, it is difficult for me to be in editing mode and then switch to creative mode. Not sure why.
Just work with yourself. Work with your strengths. Lord knows those inspirational moments don't come oftern enough - work with it.
I have files and notebooks everywhere. The best thing I did for myself and my problem of being a Bear of Little Brain is to label EVERYTHING. That way I can have a hope of finding it ... I have three file cabinets ...
If you have three MS done I think that proves you have a little self-discipline! Yes. Keep it up! You are not alone :o)
My Projects: two plays, three novels (four?), lots of short stories, lots of poems and the MS for my (hopefully) second published book Ghostly Galion and Beyond ... My day job is writing for the Galion Inquirer Newspaper which has taught me to crank out stories much faster than I used to. But my dream is to get back to my creative writing full time. Some day. When some of the bills are paid!
Stay cool!
God Bless!
rachel I would go for it, there is nothing to lose. If it doesn't work then you can stop. I am writing 2 novels and about 15 short stories. It seems to be working out fine. As long as i'm organized!
I joined a writing community called http://www.chapteread.com. I think you might find it useful. They have a private writing area where you can organize your writings and its really easy! They have some great writing tools and posting features for getting critiques and reviews. [you don't have to post if you don't want to] The other writers give helpful advice. Worth checking out! I too get it that way. But I stick to my present work with all devotion. Two legs in two boats- and you go down! I dont want to do that. SO I just do what I am doing right now. You should write down all those thoughts and ideas so that you can use them later on - fill them with character and do the research they warrant. Here lies the problem, you cannot research all the different things at the same time. SO how can you write them? I, by now realise that writing should begin after a you have a good hang of all surrounding things. So working on projects which are much different is a very tough job, undoubtedly. You have 3 novels in your kitty, but were they all written simultaneously.
I guess, there are authors who work on several things at the same time. so you too can. But, personally I would prefer undivided attention to one main project. Just a personal thought.
Are you published, Hafwen x?
PS: This new Yahoo! Spell check shows that I have made 4 mistakes including one for TW, please excuse them!
TW K |
