Beginning something new

[jannawrites]

Progress on my novel has stopped; it's stagnate. I'm not giving up, I know someday I'll finish. But I also don't want to waste my energies. Oh, I've got smaller, continual projects, but is it a bad idea to move ahead with another big WIP?

Tonight inspiration struck for a non-fiction sort of work, kind of an uber-long version of the humor column I write. I've whipped out a little and I still feel the juices flowing. I really feel led to do it. Is it a good idea to proceed with this? Is it healthy to completely move away from my novel or will it hurt me (and it) in the long run?

[britlitfantw]

Go with your inspirational flow for now. You may find that you'll come back to your stalled WIP with replenished creative juices.

[ORION]

There are several points in my fiction WIP that enthusiasm lags. At 10,000 words and at about 30,000 words. When I break through each barrier I have renewed vigor. It happens with each of my novels. New premises and ideas are much more compelling than those you are in the middle of.
I make it a point to slug through and finish the first draft. When and only when my first draft is finished do I move on to something else - either editing or revising another project or starting one.
This happens for me every single time - So I know that I just have to keep on keeping on...

[mkcbunny]

The answer may be different for each individual, but I would advise following the inspiration to a new project.

You may find that it's just a diversion, or a mental exercise you need to do while you problem-solve troublesome issues in your novel. In that case, you may come back to the novel when you've had a break. Or you may find that that the new idea is more compelling. But pursuing the new inspiration is more engaging (and less frustrating) for you than stagnating over the novel with another idea pushing to get out.

[KTC]

Go with the new idea. Go with every new idea you get...even if they only offer a couple pages. They are future fires. You will love yourself later if you go with all your new ideas now...whether they are full blown or just niggling incomplete thoughts. It doesn't take much energy to open a new file and dump your thoughts into it. Go for it. Whatever else you are working on or not working on can wait until you're ready for it.

[johnzakour]

I'm going with the crowd, go with the flow. Unless you are on a deadline, forcing it won't help at all.

[jst5150]

Two schuls of thought here:

-- If you keep jumping from one project to another, you may never finish any of them

-- It is a good idea to get away from one, start another and then come back to the first.

Key here is having the discipline to come back to the first and finish it. You may not like it. Then again, Gene Kelly said there was a hell of a lot of creation and rehearsal before we saw "Singing in the Rain" and very little of it was fun. It took 12 years to get "Superman Returns" to the big screen. There was nothing fun about making "Blade Runner," according to every cast member, crew person and critic.

If possible, let's all do our part to debunk the myth that good writing is some romantic, enjoyable fling. It's hard work and to get it right means lots of work on your part. Otherwise, it's just typewritten masturbation. :)

[preyer]

well, if you're going to say 'masturbation' then i'm going to say 'lesbians.'

i personally have little discipline to return to old things, though i know i need to eventually. and when i do, chances are i'll just start over from scratch. one thing that keeps my interest level as high as i can maintain it is skipping around in the story and doing the parts that excite me the most. interest will wane a bit so i'll edit a section and knock out some transition scene just to get it out of the way. and there are those sections where i can see where my mind just wasn't focused on writing well.

as an aside, it didn't take 12 years for 'superman returns' just because no good script could be made more than there were a lot of issues with casting and directors and as i recall a huge legal ordeal over who had the rights to actually make the film. i want to say that's on top of script issues, but, really, i think the script was about the least of the problems. ridley scott, director of 'blade runner,' can be... difficult to work with, as i understand it. could be wrong on that. jeez, it seems there's a new 'final cut' of blade runner every couple of years, lol. the movie begs for a sequel, if you ask me. well, no, not a sequel, more of a scripted interview with harrison ford playing every character he's ever done worth mentioning, every character doing and in-the-round talking about what they're doing now. i'd pay to see that.

my best advice is to postpone starting any new ideas if you're more than halfway done with your rough draft if you think you may never return to it. having a rough draft is pretty good incentive towards actually finishing it, imo. now, if you've just a few chapters of the old story done, i wouldn't worry about it as much. this is just generic advice, you understand.

[jannawrites]

Really good advice, gang. I'm a little torn. My "old" WIP is 35,000 words in, so it's not something I want to totally scrap. And I know the layout of the rest of the book, including how it will conclude. Is it just fear keeping me from finishing it? Am I really that good a writer? What if I get to the end and it was all for naught? What if no one ever reads the words I labored so long over? Sure, I'd like to be the next Patricia Wood :Thumbs: , but can I make that happen?

I don't want to find myself in a position similar to preyer's (no offense) and not finish it, thus starting a pattern. But on the other hand, I don't want to miss what could be a great opportunity with my new thoughts, like KTC Sebby suggested could be the case.

<stewing over thoughts>

[JerseyGirl1962]

Tonight inspiration struck for a non-fiction sort of work, kind of an uber-long version of the humor column I write. I've whipped out a little and I still feel the juices flowing. I really feel led to do it. Is it a good idea to proceed with this? Is it healthy to completely move away from my novel or will it hurt me (and it) in the long run?

Go with it. If your eyes are that crossed or glazed at this point, it's probably a good idea to step away from your WIP for a little while.

~Nancy

[JerseyGirl1962]

I make it a point to slug through and finish the first draft.

Ooo, what Patricia says here. I'd have to agree, because I'm the sort that if I don't have at least a first draft, I ain't going back to it.

That's what happened with my current WIP. I finished the first draft, did some revisions, got a crit that made me put it away (I wasn't ready for a crit at that point, so I shouldn't have bothered anyway). I just took it out again a few months ago...and became enthused all over again. (I wouldn't wait as long as I did; coming back to your WIP after a month or so is better than over a year, methinks).

I've hit quite a few low spots, but I've been reinvigorated again, because of a spark of...whatever. I decided to go through the story and reimagine it, moving around some scenes and deleting others (those deleted scenes sucked when I first wrote them, and they still suck...and have no place in the story as I currently see it).

~Nancy

[PastMidnight]

I'm with preyer. If I abandon a project, it is about 99% certain that it will stay abandoned and I won't ever return to it. Knowing that, I was in this same quandry with an earlier WIP. It was growing to be massive and plotless and I wasn't enjoying it. Add to it that I had a new story bouncing around in my head, plotting itself out. I set aside my old WIP and started this new project and, as I thought, I've never returned to the other WIP. But I finished the new story and am pleased with it, so I don't regret the decision. If I had stuck through and finished the other one, I would have reached the end, been unsatisfied, scrapped the whole thing and started over. I wouldn't have anything to show. But, by putting it aside, I was able to run with a new idea that I was excited about, and have a completed MS to show for it.

[jannawrites]

But, by putting it aside, I was able to run with a new idea that I was excited about, and have a completed MS to show for it.

I think that's the scenario I'm hoping for. Because what if I let this new idea pass me by and yet my current WIP still sat, unfinished? Then I'd have two projects in the pooper, essentially.

...That's not to say I don't care about WIP #1. Because I do, very much so. I feel in my bones I can finish it... I just can't make myself pick up where I left off just yet. Am I doomed?

[mscelina]

what's wrong with working on both? the last time I found myself in this situation, I compromised. I made myself work at least an hour on the old WIP, then rewarded myself with as much time on the new one as I could muster. it worked out well: I disciplined myself to continue with the older project while I frolicked through the pages of a new one. At the end, I had two completed manuscripts.

If nothing else, I would at least give it a try to work on both. You'll be able to tell fairly quickly if it will work or not. Good luck.

[jannawrites]

That's a great idea, mscelina. I may see if I can get to that point, though with two little ones at home my writing time is already crunched. Perhaps I can get some sort of system or routine lined out.

[ORION]

It is never pointless to finish a wip. It's your tuition. You may not have something publishable but it teaches you how to structure a novel. As you get better, you will know more competently how to put those wonderful ideas and premises into a book form.
yes. We all have our own way of doing things BUT...
(and I am NOT going to play the "I am a published author card...that is neither here nor there...)
BUT - The structure is the hardest part to get right. Organizing the plot. Making it happen chapter by chapter. Allowing the pace not to be rushed. Yes, you know the story in your head and you know what needs to happen but putting it down in the right way is HARD and that is what "slogging" means...this is why new ideas are so attractive.
I'm not saying forget that new idea- no - write it down - put it in a file - and get that first draft finished. You will be really glad you did.
Whenever you start thinking that everything you have put into a novel is a waste- think again. That novel leads to the next and the next.

[NeuroFizz]

I'm gonna have to pull out a John Wooden quote (again):

"Never mistake activity for achievement."

[jannawrites]

You're right, Pat. I've thought about it all morning and into the afternoon. I've made some great notes about the new idea - and I may work on it here and there - but I need to go back and finish the novel ms. To get the story told, to prove to myself I can do it. This thread has been a great sounding board and I'm actually feeling some excitement. I will finish the ms. I can do it.

[Rowdymama]

It seems to me that many do not fully realize the important role the unconscious plays in the writing process. In your unconscious are all those words and scenes and dialogue and description passages you are seeking. It's just a matter of bringing them out. Here are some hints:

Before beginning to write, sit or recline comfortably and take five minutes to try and set aside your conscious thoughts. Clear your mind.

After a while, something will pop up about your novel. Explore this. Visualize the scene, hear the characters talking and watch their movements. If it doesn't happen, think about a scene from your novel, but don't let it take over. Pay attention to what comes. Whatever you are writing, the more you hear it, watch it, feel it, smell it, taste it, the more "inspired" you will be.

As for following new ideas that occur to you, I believe it is beneficial to stop and explore them in writing until the enthusiasm fades. Then go back to your regular work.

For years I have been stuck at Chapter Nine of my WIP. I just couldn't write it, it felt wrong at every level. Then it occurred to me that I needed at that point to switch to the activities of the protagonist, and that gave me my point of view.

Relax and let your unconscious work for you.

God Squad Member

[ORION]

"Never mistake activity for achievement."
Yes I agree but talk to any published author and they will say finish the wip. That "activity" in of itself may not be useful at the time but it will lead to achievement.
Look I'm not saying that this is the way it HAS to be.
These are just my personal observations. Janna is echoing something that has happened to me.
I just notice the same exact feeling at different points in whatever WIP I happen to be on.

I talked to my editor and my agent about this and they said their other authors say the same thing and I go to the Maui Writers Conference and authors on their 27th book say the same thing.
It is important to finish-
I still suggest jotting down those other compelling ideas and getting back to the WIP until that first draft is done.
JMHO

(Rowdy that's a terrific way to get the juices flowing- I also force myself to dream about my wip and keep a pad and pencil by my bed JIC)

[citymouse]

Ruth Sims who wrote "The Phoenix" opted for a hiatus too. She finally got her book out after 20 years! It can be done, but at what cost?
C

Progress on my novel has stopped; it's stagnate. I'm not giving up, I know someday I'll finish. But I also don't want to waste my energies. Oh, I've got smaller, continual projects, but is it a bad idea to move ahead with another big WIP?

Tonight inspiration struck for a non-fiction sort of work, kind of an uber-long version of the humor column I write. I've whipped out a little and I still feel the juices flowing. I really feel led to do it. Is it a good idea to proceed with this? Is it healthy to completely move away from my novel or will it hurt me (and it) in the long run?

[Akuma]

Send a kid off to boarding school. See what happens.

[cletus]

Confucius Say: It is better to have one beginning, middle, and end than many beginnings.

[ZannaPerry]

I AM DOING THE SAME THING! Funny how the brain works, I tell ya! A couple of weeks ago I was running dry on creativity with my current WIP and a whole bunch of sh*t hit the fan in reality that I lost all thought and reason for my stories. Now that the world has calmed, and I wrote enough notes on my second WIP I am going back to my number 1 WIP because that is where my heart lies the most in. Where my hardest work had gone to. I was confused, but no more I am . It's exciting! So, good luck to you!! Because it happens to the best of us.

[RJK]

Reading all the responses and other similar responses in other threads, this appears to be a common affliction for all writers. We get to some place (or places) in the middle and get stuck. I follow Uncle Jim's advice when this happens. If I don't know what happens next, that's what I type. "Ned does something clever to get out of this fix..." and then I move on. If I'm really stuck, I move on to a different part of the story. In one case I wrote the last two chapters, then returned to where I was having so much trouble. It gave me a target to aim at.
The thing to remember is, it is a common occurence, and you can find ways to work around them. BTW I changed the last chapters in subsequent drafts, but it got me through the first draft.

[jannawrites]

I AM DOING THE SAME THING! Funny how the brain works, I tell ya! A couple of weeks ago I was running dry on creativity with my current WIP and a whole bunch of sh*t hit the fan in reality that I lost all thought and reason for my stories. Now that the world has calmed, and I wrote enough notes on my second WIP I am going back to my number 1 WIP because that is where my heart lies the most in. Where my hardest work had gone to. I was confused, but no more I am . It's exciting! So, good luck to you!! Because it happens to the best of us.

Glad you posted here, SuzyB. I haven't seen you around and wondered about ya. :)

I forced myself to open my most current chapter yesterday - funny how I'd forgotten the words written there - and was pleasantly surprised to find I liked it! I've pulled it up again today and hope to add more to it as the day progresses.

[jannawrites]

Reading all the responses and other similar responses in other threads, this appears to be a common affliction for all writers. We get to some place (or places) in the middle and get stuck. I follow Uncle Jim's advice when this happens. If I don't know what happens next, that's what I type. "Ned does something clever to get out of this fix..." and then I move on. If I'm really stuck, I move on to a different part of the story. In one case I wrote the last two chapters, then returned to where I was having so much trouble. It gave me a target to aim at.
The thing to remember is, it is a common occurence, and you can find ways to work around them. BTW I changed the last chapters in subsequent drafts, but it got me through the first draft.

That Uncle Jim's a wise fellow, idn't he?

Thanks RJK. I do have to realize every writer goes through this sometime or another. And it doesn't mean I have no talent, I just have to suck it up and trudge through.

Btw, this really could be a huge part of my problem. A big part of me doesn't like the idea of skipping around; I feel like I should write things in order as I go. But since it's not working I need to try to break out of that way of thinking.

[ORION]

oh I never worry about writing in order! I create an entire "empty" book when I first get my premise with blank empty chapters and title (I always put some sort of a title) I jot down what I imagine would be on the back flap and a line or two on each chapter and start in. I usually will write the first chapter and the last chapter and skip around filling in the middle. By the time I get to my second or third draft - THEN I start from the beginning and go straight to the end...many many times...
What you are doing IS working and yes I suggest leaving the sticky part (as others suggest) and having a placemarker line SOMETHING BETTER HAPPEN HERE and then go on to a more interesting scene. Much of LOTTERY was narrative in the first draft and then was expanded to actual scenes later on-

[jannawrites]

That's interesting, Pat. I wonder what would happen if I wrote the end chapter now?

[mkcbunny]

I wrote the beginning, end, and middle of my WiP, and I've been connecting the threads ever since. I've made some tweaks to the end as I smoothed out the middle, but really, it was determined early on and I've just been writing toward it. Point being, you can write the end any time you want.

[lfraser]

From an utterly neophyte perspective, I'd say stay with the old one.

A couple of years ago when I first started writing fiction I had a lot of great ideas and bounced around a lot, finishing a few short stories but mostly ending up with a folder full of five and ten page beginnings. For me it's not the starting that's hard. It's the finishing. I've stuck with my current WIP through the blahs and hopelessness and somewhere along the line pushed through whatever mental barrier was in my way. I didn't particularly want to, but I sensed that if I didn't finish this novel I would never finish anything I write and this would all end up being nothing more than an unfulfilled pipe dream.

Now I can't write fast enough, nor find enough time in the day to get it all down, it's coming so fast. I'm not close to the end, not by a long shot, but I can see it.

[blacbird]

"This is the end, my only friend, the end."

-- Jim Morrison

caw

[David I]

I'm inclined to side with Orion on this.

Do you know about the Bad Idea Bears from the musical "Avenue Q"?

http://www.lyonpuppets.com/bwaybears1.jpg

They show up when you're grappling with a problem and give you appealing--and bad--ideas that seem more interesting than whatever you're working on.

I won't say that a project should never be set aside or abandoned--after all, you might be working on something the Bad Idea Bears suggested in the first place, to distract you from some previous project! But you can learn a lot by sticking to what you've started, even when it becomes uncomfortable.

[Raphee]

It is never pointless to finish a wip. It's your tuition. You may not have something publishable but it teaches you how to structure a novel. As you get better, you will know more competently how to put those wonderful ideas and premises into a book form.
yes. We all have our own way of doing things BUT...
(and I am NOT going to play the "I am a published author card...that is neither here nor there...)
BUT - The structure is the hardest part to get right. Organizing the plot. Making it happen chapter by chapter. Allowing the pace not to be rushed. Yes, you know the story in your head and you know what needs to happen but putting it down in the right way is HARD and that is what "slogging" means...this is why new ideas are so attractive.
I'm not saying forget that new idea- no - write it down - put it in a file - and get that first draft finished. You will be really glad you did.
Whenever you start thinking that everything you have put into a novel is a waste- think again. That novel leads to the next and the next.
This says it all. I know because I have a finished draft. And still there are issues that need to be sorted out. And they wont by running away. taking a break yes.

[argenianpoet]

I've actually started and stopped writing two novels so far for the sheer fact I wrote myself into writer's block both attempts. Don't get me wrong, both are good stories, it's just that you have to find one that will carry you all the way through. I personally say there's nothing wrong with it, because I write to satisfy me and if I satisfy everyone else in the process then so be it; if not, then who cares. Writing is a personal venture that only you know the map to. If we get too hung up on getting published then we lose the real magic of writing. Besides, all the greats break the laws of writing, quite frequently. I'd goes as far to say that J.R.R. Tolkein would not be published in today's market, because books are conditioned so much differently. I write because when I get up in the morning I got visions burning my eyeballs out on the inside. That's it. One of these few times you'll come across a keeper and when you do stick with it. Have fun writing it and that will bring you the most reward, not getting it published.

Write for you and no one else!