Yep. I’ve started a new project. And I’m excited. No, actually, my fingers are tingling with anticipation to write it. In fact, I’m so excited all I can think is why in the world am I blogging when I could be writing IT!
Kidding, I love my blogging buddies. You guys keep me going.
So here’s the thing. It’s not an easy to choose what project you will write about. You’ve heard the stuff, like write what you love, pull it from the heart and all that. It’s true. Absolutely.
But (there’s a but)—
You also need to keep in mind the market, the books that have been recently published or are soon to be published when you are selecting what you’re going to write.
I had three book ideas I thought were pretty good. One that my sister loved, one that my husband loved and another that had been nagging in the back of my mind for 2 years but I couldn’t formulate a gripping enough plot (yeah, I like gripping).
Here’s the lowdown:
1. Idea #1- Great idea and I was pumped to write it. I wrote a synopsis, came up with my one line hook, and even webbed out my characters and started to get to know them. But then I researched the market on this idea. And just this year, a book, quite similar to my topic was released. Too similar, I decided. So I shelved it for later. When I’m famous. (giggle)
2. Idea #2- For this one, I decided to research it first. And there’s nothing on the market that I can find. It’s a cute idea but I wasn’t tingling, itching, biting at the bit to write it. (going back to needing to love it here). I shelved it.
3. Idea #3- This one has been haunting me for two years now, but I didn’t have a good enough plot. And then on one of my runs, it hit me. The perfect plot to go with my perfect characters and story. It won’t be easy to write. I’ll be pushed more than I’ve ever had to push myself, but the story needs to be written. Oh, and I did research this one too and it's good to go. Crossing fingers!
I’m not ready to spill the beans on the plot yet, but I can tell you it’s a multicultural paranormal. Have you ever had a similar experience as this? Do tell!
22 comments:
I have so many ideas wanting to be written I'm choking on them! My problem is focusing on one and getting it written.
I have three stories I want to begin writing, too.
All DIFFERENT genres, so I'm not sure what I will go with yet. I'm kind of a chicken so I'm thinking I should stick with romance, but part of me would like to try somethng new.
I tend to write the idea that I'm most excited about. If I don't, then it just keeps interrupting my thoughts and it won't leave me alone . . . so I have to write it so it will stop bugging me. ;0)
Good luck! Sounds like you have a lot of great possibilities!
I rarely brim with ideas. Usually I have to work hard for them, jotting down ideas while asking myself questions. Slow and painful.
I tend to go with the one that I think about the most. And I don't worry too much about the market, because I know I'll be putting my own spin on the plot and sometimes you just have to go with your gut. (And in my case, my gut is the story idea that keeps yammering at me and won't let me go.)
It seems like life sometimes gets in the way of my writing time, but I'm always thinking and jotting down notes. I have two projects I'm researching one a MG historical fiction the other a YA. I just finished two folktales and have been researching houses to send them to. I'm revising a begining chapter book that has to do with math and finacial responsiblity. I could keep going on and on...I get stuck when it comes to where send them. There are so many publishers and agents...
Very cool!!!! Are you going to work on it for nano?
Good luck with the new idea! I love starting something new.
For me, I'll toss around ideas, but when "the idea" hits me, I just know it.
Bish- Yes! It's so hard to decide which idea to tackle and make sure you won't give up on it!
Ellen- I don't know about Nano. I've never done it before and it scares me. Usually when I fast draft I get 30,000 words done in a month. And that's like waking up at the crack of dawn. But I'm tempted to do it because it would really push me to get a start on this project.
What about you? Are you doing Nano?
Christina,
I think it's all about surpassing what you did last year.
Yay for number three working out!
*blush* I'm not very good at following the trends. I have a bunch of stories in potentia, but the ones I focus on are the ones that demand to be written. I've found that if I don't, they get in the way of whatever else I'm doing. >.<
I have all my ideas written in the back of my notebook...just waiting their turn. But often it's that new idea that hits me in the middle of the night that I end up writing about. I never know...
But it's funny how running/exercising sparks our creativity, isn't it? Someone once told me it's because you get your heart pumping, which sends more oxygen to the brain, helping you think more clearly.
Ohhhhhh I love paranormal :)
i write but not the novel stuff - more along the lines of david sedaris
but your idea sounds great i love the paranormal
I agree, aren't bloggers fun! Great blog. Love your enthusiasm. Keep it up!
Thanks guys! I have just about finished my brainstorming so I'll need to do a post on that soon!
I know the feeling. I have lots of stories I want to do, but something just isn't quite right about them yet. Then I have others that I've written and either want to redo, or start submitting. Crazy, crazy, crazy!
Good luck, Christina!!!
Good luck on number three, Christina! It sounds promising, especially if you really want it!
I also find ideas popping in my head when I walk/run in the neighborhood. I've written poems in my head while walking!
My ideas are slow to come, but once I have it I think about it constantly. Right now I'm revising a MG I set aside, but I really would like to work on something new!
My problem is that I'm trying to write a series, and I don't know which story to write first...
Wonky- I know what you mean! It's so hard to decide. I need like a personal expert (agent?????!!!!!) to help me.
When I took Jill Santopolo's class, we had to brainstorm ideas and then she helped us picked. I heart Jill!
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