I'm in between projects right now. I just finished my fourth novel and now I'm trying to decide which novel to write next. A lot of that depends on the kind of response I receive to the fourth one.
So, I've had to develop some patience. But it hasn't been easy.
Because I can't focus on the next novel just yet, I feel listless. I've been reading - I just finished Daniel Silva's latest thriller, Portrait of a Spy - meandering around the house a lot, writing down notes and ideas, watching a lot of classic movies, spending time with my hubby and my daughter, and generally being a slug.
A week of this is fine. I'm going on two weeks, though, and I must say, I'm tired of it. I need a writing goal to work toward, to motivate me, and since I don't have it yet, it's affecting the rest of my life.
You see, to me, writing is life. That is who I am. Yes, I'm also a mother and a wife and a lot of other things. But writing is my essence. It drives me. If I'm not working on the next project, I'm not a very happy gal.
I'm trying to enjoy this time off. Really, I am. But enough is enough.
It's time to get to work! Only...which project? Ah. This is the question with no answer. So until I do have an answer, I must be patient.
Patience is a virtue.
I just wish it wasn't such a hard virtue to attain.
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Living in the Land of "I Don't Wanna"
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I've done the research (though I will probably have to do more), the plotting, and the character sketches. My mind feels in the zone. ...
Sometimes it's hard to switch gears like that, going from one project to another. Will you be querying Novel #4 soon?
ReplyDeleteJoanne - Querying is in process as we speak! I'm checking my email much too often...
ReplyDeleteI think if patience was a virtue easily attained, there would be a whole lot more saints out there.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if it's a trait of being a creative type, but life seems to have it's ups and downs rather than being more level. I feel the same way quite often.
Hang in there dear-it won't always be like this. Hugs:)
I wish you luck on a good response for the book!
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime, maybe work on some short stories or vignettes? Maybe that will spark the next project.
Valerie - You're so right. Life is about ups and downs, but sometimes, I'd sure like a more level ride! ;-)
ReplyDeleteBetsy - I should try my hand at writing some short stories just as a challenge to myself. I don't like them because I usually have so much taht needs saying that I can never confine it to a short story!
I hear you, gal. When I first started blogging, I thought maybe that reviewing other people's books and writing my blog might actually replace my other writing, but no way. I grew to resent what I was doing. I need to be working on my own manuscripts. Good luck on yours!
ReplyDeleteI would be the same as you and always seem to need to have a writing project on the go.
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ReplyDeleteI second Betsy...try some short pieces. I find short stories to be a huge challenge, and even though I'm not that good at them, they're great practice for word economy and really getting to what I need to say in a small space. Which has come in handy in the novels, actually. Whatever you end up doing, though, you're right...you need to be writing!
ReplyDeleteCatherine - Blogging can, indeed, take over our writing. I have to take a break from it every now and again. :-)
ReplyDeleteDebs - Kindred spirits! :-)
Christine - I should really do some short stories. It's been awhile since I wrote one and you're right - they are challenging and force you to really pick the right words.