So I have a TON of research to do for my third novel, MUTED, but my fingers are itching to get tapping. Real Bad. (insert Aussie accent big time.)
Solution? Start another book? Be patient and just do all the reading I need to do? Write some random chapters I know I can accomplish with the knowledge I already possess even though I hate writing stuff out of order? (major psychological dilemma here) Write poetry even though it doesn't seem to be as fulfilling these days? (I go through phases) Write a few short stories? (no, because they'll end up sparking ideas for novels and I can't handle the brain fuzz) What's a girl to do?
Think I might have to go the 'writing two books at once' route. Start one that doesn't require research, a good old wholesome character-driven drama I can turn to when MUTED gets too complicated for my overworked brain. Mind you, this could also be unsuccessful. What if I get so into writing the new book that I abandon MUTED until I've finished writing the other one? Not good. Decisions decisions ...
What would you do?
~Muso of the week~
Style: Instrumental Trip Hop (yeah, bet that one surprised you! :o)
Solution? Start another book? Be patient and just do all the reading I need to do? Write some random chapters I know I can accomplish with the knowledge I already possess even though I hate writing stuff out of order? (major psychological dilemma here) Write poetry even though it doesn't seem to be as fulfilling these days? (I go through phases) Write a few short stories? (no, because they'll end up sparking ideas for novels and I can't handle the brain fuzz) What's a girl to do?
Think I might have to go the 'writing two books at once' route. Start one that doesn't require research, a good old wholesome character-driven drama I can turn to when MUTED gets too complicated for my overworked brain. Mind you, this could also be unsuccessful. What if I get so into writing the new book that I abandon MUTED until I've finished writing the other one? Not good. Decisions decisions ...
What would you do?
~Muso of the week~
Style: Instrumental Trip Hop (yeah, bet that one surprised you! :o)
My Favorite Albums: What you see above!
Why I love them: An ex-boyfriend of mine introduced me to these guys when I was still in Australia. They embody the perfect groove with the perfect 'chill-out' level AND tunes that have you humming them without realizing. Gotta love a good riff that hooks you like that - even if electronic!
You can have a listen to one of my favorite tracks, Les Nuits, HERE.
You can have a listen to one of my favorite tracks, Les Nuits, HERE.
I say just do a major brain hurl... in any form it comes out. It's like nausea... you won't feel better till it's out of you. Had not heard of Nightmares On Wax...thanks for sharing. Listened and LOVE it.
ReplyDeleteWrite something random. Maybe a short story that will turn into another novel or will move you closer to starting this one. :) I totally get this. I've started my third novel in the midst of research. I had to stop for fear I was writing it too thin. I needed a deeper understanding of the world I was creating. So...I read some more. Remember: research is part of the writing journey, even though at times it doesn't feel like that. lol
ReplyDeleteGet tapping and write. Let it burst out!
ReplyDeleteI haven't been successful with the whole writing two books at once thing. I have smaller projects like a picture book manuscript or an essay or something to work on when I'm not working on my novel. But I say go for it because you never know what could happen with either story.
ReplyDeleteI'm one of those extreme monogamous types. I can only concentrate one writing project at a time. I dare not peek out as I can get easily distracted by new ideas that seem greener because they are on the other side of my brain.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I can only concentrate on one project at a time. But that's just me!
ReplyDeletePeople ask the daftest of questions. What if your wife and your daughter were hanging onto the edge of a cliff and you could only save one which would you save? No one can answer a question like that until they’re faced with it. There will be an answer but thinking about it won’t help you make it; you’ll just decide – intuition will kick in and a decision will be made that’s probably more thought through than you might imagine. I find with all things – and writing is no different – there are the things you want to do and the things you know you ought to do and only rarely are they the same thing. The best writing comes when it’s not a duty or a chore. What (and the important thing here is not to think about it too much) do you want to be writing right now? Write that.
ReplyDeleteI'd say go ahead and start writing scenes out of order, because it will help you figure out what you still need to research. I wouldn't start a fourth project just because I felt I "had to"--it will suck away some of your enthusiasm for book 3.
ReplyDeleteEverytime I've been in that position, I've ended up abandoning the more complex project and then blazing through the new one.
ReplyDeleteI'll have spent all this time and brainpower on this great idea, and something else will come along suddenly and pull me somewhere else.
Later, when I go back and think about it, the more complex project was a quagmire to begin with - and I ought to have seen that.
But in general, you can't go wrong doing the opposite of what I say. In this case, that would mean keep going forward with research and writing plans for MUTED.
Good luck! Keep us up to date!
I do the juggling thing. I didn't think I'd like it, but it makes the "waiting for CP feedback" process much less stressful, because then I just switch to the other book. :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck! Also hi--sorry I haven't been around in forever. Stupid deadlines eat up all my blog hopping time! *sigh*
You are multi talented Jessica, do what your heart feels.
ReplyDeleteHave a good day.
Yvonne.
Very chill. You gotta listen to it on vinyl, where you can adjust the pitch. Dopeness.
ReplyDeleteUgh, I don't know what I would do. I feel like I have the same issue. Need to be working on the sequel to my book that's out but really want to start something new that has carried away my imagination. Do let me know what you decide, maybe that will give me some guidance!
ReplyDeleteMy brain could not handle writing two stories at once!
ReplyDeleteIf there's an idea that's just asking to be written, I usually go ahead and write it. More often than not, the idea fizzles out over time, and then I can turn my attention back to the original project.
ReplyDeleteNow I want a scooter.
ReplyDeletei'd do short stories. But that's because i refuse to write things out of order. And also, i really dislike the idea of writing more than one novel at a time
ReplyDeleteWriting out of order terrifies me beyond belief! I'd write what I could and put in things like (insert appropriate techno-babble here) :)
ReplyDeleteTry some flash fiction. That way youll force yourself to be contained into an insular story, so it won't tempt you to bite off more than you can chew :)
ReplyDelete