So I’m in that weird limbo where I’ve finished a project and haven’t picked up a new one yet. The first draft of my novella, Warrior Bride, is done and shipped off to be ripped to shreds by critique partners. The betas of The Dragon and the Pearl have come back and I’m getting those edits in.
I’m going to be a big girl and send both of those to my agent this weekend. I don’t know why I’m so scared. Actually, I know exactly why I’m scared. It’s like when mum used to always tell me to do better on the next report card. Then one day I brought home straight A’s and mum was happy — but I knew I wasn’t going to get to drop an A ever again.
I’m sure it’s not that dramatic. Mum/Gail will still love me if I bring home a B, right? 🙂
Well, so I have two choices right now as I wait for revisions. I can drag out the dusty first manuscript I ever wrote, Intrigue of the Dragon Court, of which very little of the old manuscript gets to remain. Including the title. Even that has to go. The thought of editing that scares the bejeebies out of me.
Second choice: I can fast draft something totally unrelated. Now here’s where my writing weird comes out to bite me. Nothing is calling out of the ether. I’m always afraid the next idea won’t come. I hear other writers lament about how they have all these ideas tugging at them and here I am, no plot bunnies anywhere. Here bunny, bunny…
Aug 21, 2009 @ 10:41:24
I’m with you–I don’t have an abundance of writing ideas. It takes me awhile to find one. I may have a spark of something here and there but I often have to search long and hard for the rest of it.
I’ve found too that stressing about when an idea will come makes it a sure case that it won’t come (at least for me). It’s ok to take a little breather and absorb yourself in something else. That’s normally when my ideas hit–when I’m in the middle of reading another book or watching a movie or simply reading up on interesting historical periods (the geek that I am :P). Both WiPs I have came that way–unexpectedly (especially this last one of mine).
Some of us just have to work a little harder for the inspiration to hit, but it will come! 🙂
Aug 21, 2009 @ 13:33:01
read books, watch movies, relax! an idea will hit you when you least expect it. and I can’t wait to hear what you come up with!
Aug 22, 2009 @ 07:27:50
Most authors want an A but really at this stage it is about getting the story to be the best and understanding where you went wrong. As you have been taken on by HH, there will be revisions as they want to see what you can do. Your editor will work with you. Guranteed. The important thing here is to avoid missing deadlines in a big way. Deadlines are moveable feasts though if they know in advance.
Writing is a tantalyzing medium that can never fully be mastered. It is part of the curse and the charm.
Aug 23, 2009 @ 10:07:25
Thanks for the shot of sanity Michelle! I think I need a double dose right now. I’m on pins and needles waiting for revisions on Butterfly.
I’m trying to keep busy…nervous energy has to be good for something besides refreshing your mail.
Aug 23, 2009 @ 21:06:36
I am SO there with you on the new ideas thing, Jeannie! I’m reading about earlier court intrigue than what I used in Mourn Their Courage, but there’s no hint of subplot, of juicy pathos, striving, pain, etc. All the heroism that locked my attention for a decade on MTC is not in this portion of history. So I’m trying to fill that void with an idea this time and I haven’t found what I’m looking for yet. I guess that’s my next blog question. Where do you to find ideas/themes that hold you in their grip?
Aug 24, 2009 @ 06:49:15
Victoria — court intrigue always has juicy subplots. I’m sure you’ll find it in there. The Tang dynasty was supposed to be a Golden Age, but when an dynasty spans a couple of centuries, there’s bound to be some strife.
Well, I found the answer to “Now what?” Guess it helps to brainstorm with critique partners with a lot more ideas than you. It’s also set in imperial China. Probably Tang dynasty since I’ve done all that research — with paranormal elements. Go big or go home they say.