Purpose of IWSG : to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds
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Last month was a really good month. I'm in a state of post writing afterglow. I've already jumped head long into editing this week, and even that's been going well.I love editing. I'm looking forward to the work, but it also means I'm facing a dilemma.
After sending my novel out to my beta readers, I'm going to have to start working on my next project. The post completion party is over, and it's back to the beginning.
So today my confession is:
I'm worried I don't have another novel in me.
Lotus Petals was something new for me. I've only ever finished short stories, and one that might be classified as a novella. So now that it's finished, I'm looking to the future. I've left the ending open for additional books in Sycamore Springs (the setting of my current novel), but I also think I should explore some other options. I was so passionate about writing Lotus Petals. Now I'm worried I won't be able to find that same level of drive for my next novel. It's been on my mind for a while now. I've been studiously keeping a folder with ideas for other books and stories, but in the last six months I realize how different writing a full length novel is from writing short stories. And my biggest fear is I won't be able to do it again.
I started writing Lotus Petals because I had a story I needed to get out. I've enjoyed and hated almost every minute. During this process, I've branched out my social network, and have developed relationships with fabulous writers and agents. The one thing I've learned is these quirky, geeky, bookish people are my tribe!
So while I'm basking in the afterglow of a finished novel...my neurosis and insecurity are creeping in again. Here's hoping inspiration will latch on, and I can repeat the process.
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I always say that writing is not for the faint-hearted. It is hard work. But your passion shines through in your words, so I'm sure you'll find inspiration for your next project.
ReplyDeleteFor now, enjoy the afterglow... for as long as it lasts...
And write on!
Writer In Transit
November IWSG co-host.
My advice to you is relax, stop worrying so much about your next book. A lot of times, when I have writer's block, it's because my muse is so busy working on some new idea that she can't be bothered to talk to me.
ReplyDeleteI say be patient, let your muse do her job, and when she's ready she'll tell you what she's been doing.
Congratulations on a good month writing. The next story usually hits at the worst possible time. When you're under deadline or at a hard part of the book and it's too easy to set one story aside to write the new shiny one. "Squirrel!" Do the best you can with the editing. Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I'll make it to book two. (despite my lingering fears) I bet I'll wake up one morning, or read some article and think WOW what a great story. But for now I'm gong to have to buckle down and fight through my edits. I still have four more months work on Lotus Petals before I can officially put her away. (edits, beta reads, edits, more edits)
And even though I have a family business to run, I know deep down I'm a writer. I can't imagine not writing.
I had similar fears after finishing Lunula. I worried that my good ideas were all dried up. But come on! We're writers. We spew splendiferous ideas on anyone who comes within ten feet of us. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog! I love yours! What are your plans for the novel? Self publish? Get an agent?
http://alyssaauch.blogspot.com
I had a couple agents I'd met at conferences tell me to pitch them when I'd finished. And I will, but I think I'm going Self Pub. Mainly b/c the book I wrote won't be an international best seller (although I wouldn't be sad if it was.)
DeleteIt's contemporary fantasy, Non-Romance, Female Protagonist. I'm fully aware my market is going to be small.
Haha love that quote I dont think computers would take kindly to glitter... There will always be another story ;)
ReplyDelete