The what and the why

[marperez]

 
I’ve had my head down, writing a series since the day before my birthday in 2006, when I sold the first three DEAD IS books on proposal. During that time, my agent also sold two stand-alone contemporary yas, one finished and one on proposal. After the first DEAD IS book was released, the publisher signed up for two more books in the series.

Comments

[marperez]

Janni, great point! I'd like to give one manuscript space, but the two seem to be in a shoving match right now. Hmm. I wonder if this reflects something in my own life? Like twins who do the same thing?

[dawn_metcalf]

OMG, I've had this happen. It's like sitting in the middle of a crowded room while everyone clamors for your attention at the very same time...wait, that's a day in the life of a mom. ANYway, this is what I did: I wrote "proposal format" (3 chapters + an outline) for each of those yelling book ideas, then sat back and considered which one I'd like to finish. Last round was one finished book with four proposal-format ideas for the drawer and another great idea on the way. May not work for everybody, but it made my head a little less noisy.

Now if only it worked for the kids... ;-)

[marperez]

This is exactly how I feel. And I have four kids, so I'm used to the noise, just not when it's in my own brain!

Mar

Noisy

[anonymous]

Ask your self, "What do I really want to write?" I just went through this between two ideas, one that was emotionally charged for me and one that I am just really excited about. I have a niggling suspicion that I chose the emotionally easier one for myself, but I love the idea I chose anyways, so I'm not too bothered by it. Good luck!

Re: Noisy

[marperez]

I think I want to write them both. I love both ideas, but I do think one is slowly taking the lead.

Mar

[amanda_marrone]

I'm in the same situation--my seventh book is heading to copyedits today. I wrote three in the last year. The burn out level was overwhelming and now I am totally enjoying my freedom AND agent and I have agreed that for me, writing on spec is better for my mental health. I'm actually really excited about two new projects I want to work on--at my own pace, but this week I'm going to read and watch John Cusack movies.

[marperez]

Amanda, I luurve John Cusack. I may have to join you in a JC movie marathon.

[clothdragon]

I'm having that same issue right now too. I've given myself until the 15th to decide on 2 somethings and the 30th to research them. October 1, I will begin to write again, seriously, on a single project. Then November, I'll try to switch gears and do the other project for nanowrimo.

This is my first time giving myself a deadline like this though, so I hope it works. Unfortunately, we're already to the 7th and I still haven't made up my mind.

[marperez]

Oh, I want to nanowrimo, too. I'm doing jonowrimo in a week, so I hope that helps!

Setting a deadline is a great idea.