I haven’t started writing my new novel yet. I said I would start it in February, but I did not. Nope. I did not start it.
I have characters, plot, tension and most of the scenes outlined (according to the snowflake method) but with the expectation that I will still need to grow and expand the story during the writing process. Still no title I like, but basically everything else is in place to at least start this project. So what’s wrong?
The initial enthousiasm is gone (of course it is). So now I’m facing the prospect of working hard for several months, maybe a year, at a single project. I imagine this is a common dilemma for writers accustomed to writing short, but I’m wondering what is really a better use of time and effort – writing a single 100,000+ word novel that may never see publication, or in the same amount of time writing twelve or fifteen or twenty short stories, some of which will almost certainly be published somewhere.
What to do? What to do?
i think it goes back to what is your heart’s desire? what do you truly want — and, perhaps more importantly, why do you want it?
my own personal writing style seems to spark in bursts and spurts; meaning, i get an idea, get excited, outline and tinker, and then lose interest for awhile. it simmers on the back burner, but after awhile (sometimes a year!), the interest comes back. the cool thing is that it seems to write itself at that point…not that it’s easy but maybe easier. for me, then, forcing it is a not self-discipline but rather bad news.
No answers here, only identification. I am always asking myself this question. Good luck resolving it
Alex: I sometimes wonder about those very things (heart’s desire, etc..) I don’t have answers. My writing goes in cycles too, and sometimes it gets supplanted by another creative interest for a little while, or by projects related to work.
Erica: Our genres are not the same, but you’re a kindred spirit, you know?
I think it comes down to being able to know yourself.
If you can see yourself at some point in the future saying, “I wish I had _____”, then you had better go ahead and take care of _____ or it will ultimately eat you up inside.
That goes for writing and just about everything else in life.
Somehow I wound up putting comments on your short story post in the face book section. At any rate, I’ll respond to your most recent question here and if anyone is interested in what was previously discussed they can check out the face book post.
I laughed when you asked if the 2,000 word short story compression of chapter one was a separate poject or a part of promoting the book. The reason I laughed is that it is definitely part of promoting the book, even though the creative project has value unto itself. My hope is to get the short story widely read and have people directed to my website. Thus generating interest in the book. Or so the theory goes. With that said, I’m finding that I really value the little victories; having anyone read and respond to the short story or the novel. It gives it life. Storytellling is not all about getting published, although that’s important to me. It’s about seeing how people connect with the story. There’s value in that and I would imagine the value is the same whether the story is published or not. So, I like the idea of doing things that seem more doable or within my control (readings or publication for a small readership). Actually, sending the compressed chapter out is a pretty new thing for me and I have much to learn about where to send it.
Any recommendations for where to send out a 2,000 word fantasy or YA short story?
>100, 000 words for a first novel is hard. I’d say most first novels come in at around 60-80,000 words. Remember, only 1 in 200 manuscripts ever get published, so first and foremost you’ve got to love writing it just for the joy it brings you. Good luck!