Yes, this is my second post of the day and I know, I hardly ever do this anymore, at least not since the early days of the blog, but I have a serious conundrum.
It’s about my writing.
Summer Poppies has been on hold for a long time now. Almost a year. It is about two thirds (or just shy thereof) finished and I have kept on putting it off. I have lots of reasons for doing this, not the least of which are that up until about two weeks ago, it was simply too painful for me to sit at my computer for any length of time. But now my back is at least tolerable, if not okay on most days and I want to write again…a lot.
However.
Also about two or so weeks ago, a conversation that Keisha and I had spawned an idea. An epic idea. One of those truly amazing thoughts that come rarely if ever and I KNOW I HAVE TO WRITE THIS BOOK. It’s all I can think about. The idea in its inception is completely formed in my head already. The passion I feel for it, for the characters and for the story arc make me twitchy with excitement. It’s all I want to work on.
So far, the series hasn’t done exceptionally well. And that’s okay, I was never expecting to get very far with it once my publisher closed up shop and I was left to my own laurels to print, publish and distribute it. I still believe the work and the stories are great and I still love my characters. I have been fortunate enough to hear from some of you who have read them, or even just one of them, and have given me marvellous feedback. Thank you for that, by the way. You have no idea how much it means to me.
But this new book, guys. I truly believe it has the potential to be great. In fact, I know it does. Do I keep Poppies shelved just a little longer and dive into the new work? Or do I keep on making notes and finish the book I already have going?
Just as a head’s up, I’m not sharing the ideas about the new book yet because I really want to keep it a secret for now. But I am excited. I have shared it with both Keisha and Shawn and they are both really excited as well. I just have so many BIG decisions on my plate right now, I’d really like feedback on this one. What would you do?
Get on with your new project. You know how putting things off for weeks will add up to months and more until your passion for it wanes. As you said the other series has not done as well as you hoped and I believe there are at least a few readers of your series that are waiting for Poppies but you don’t want to complete that book just to clear your plate. I have a feeling you may not be happy with the ending.
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You’re right. I made a decision long ago to have one of my mainstay characters die in Poppies. I’m probably putting off writing that. Even as I hit ‘publish’ on this post, I started to write the new book. I know where my passion is right now. I just have to give myself permission to follow it.
You’re a very good friend who knows me well, Greig.
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Finish what you started, enjoy that sense of accomplishment, and then start on the new book with a clear empty head. If the new book takes off like it should, you then have a four book series to offer your adoring public that would just need some tidying up.
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I find myself always working on two books at once, this really keeps the brain working. Perhaps most cannot work like this but thought I’d share.
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Can’t you keep working on both. Start your new project but still leave a little time for Poppies. Maybe you haven’t finished it because you aren’t prepared for the death of one of your characters. I loved them and I know I have been waiting to read it. BUT hey I have loved all of your books so far. Some people can work on more than one project at a time and I think you are one of them.
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Hi Nuala,
New visitor here! I’d say why not work on both of them at once, designate certain day(s) of the week for Poppies and other day(s) for the new project. It seems you shouldn’t let the new ideas escape, but you also shouldn’t let Poppies get too far away from you. Also, the two might balance each other out creatively – when you need to step away from one to regroup, work on the other. I read once that the Coen Brothers wrote No Country For Old Men and Burn After Reading at the same time – two very different scripts. Happy writing!
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During the short comfortable hours when you get productive at your keyboard, write nothing but what excites and terrifies you. If that means one or both or neither, it will mean your best work.
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That is where I’m leaning. I can totally work on both, just whichever is streaming through my veins that day. I’m just excited to be writing again!
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Rock and roll !!
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The creative process is a fickle friend. You have seen me working on a painting in the studio and another project in needle work or a drawing for another painting in the evening while watching my favourite British murder mystery. Some people work on several things at the same time (Ask any multi-tasking mother). Don’t worry about Poppies, it will happen in ITS time.
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Thanks Mum, wise words.
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Love to finish the series but you need to get/keep your juices going so go for it!!
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Keep going, I hope you get there and the achievement will be awesome
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Thank you David!
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