My fractured brain leads to fractured thoughts which results in fractured stories with fractured lines all strung together. So how best to weave the lines into stories and determine which have the most merit and which darlings need to be killed? And when to pursue those ideas which are out of my typical genre?
These are the questions with which I am wrestling right now. I've had quite a few ideas though not all have been developed into a rough draft. And those that have do not all seem worth additional time at this point though often keep pulling me back for some reason. I also have a poster board of notes for a novel that has continued to draw me back intermittently and seems to be hollering at me now to dive in deeper. In order to do so, I need to figure out Scrivner as I haven't had much luck with that but think it will help me organize immensely going forward.
Either way, my thoughts seem to branch in a million directions as of late, and I'm not sure which path is best to follow at any given time. I try to keep at least one PB WIP in the editing process (though right now there are three I am actively TRYING to finish editing) as well as develop one new rough draft a month per my 12 x 12 membership. Some months I've been successful at writing a new draft and others, not so much; however, therein lies additional fractures as I seem to be spreading myself too thin in many areas to the point I am not making much headway on some of the necessary things like reading, marketing and balancing all with home and work. I believe this is why I sometimes get drawn back to the novel and think it is time to focus on that one thing for a time. Even though my brain "fractures" are a result of good things and increased overall writing, it can sometimes hinder my progress when I get overwhelmed and don't know which to tackle first.
So, how do you figure out which ideas have merit? Which are reaching the time to let go or put on the back burner? And when it is okay to totally change stride and tackle something completely new and out of your comfort zone?
I would love to hear your advice and tips on what works for you to stay more focused and less fractured in order to be your most productive self.
I hear you, Karin. I don't know if I can help but I'll tell you what I finally decided to do when I had all these ideas in my head and wasn't sure what to do with them. I wrote a sequel to one of my books. But decided I wanted to write something else, so that story is on hold, needing revising. I have a couple other stories in the same situation. Started, but not finished and this new idea kept tugging at me. So, right now, I'm working on the new idea and I really love this story. Almost finished revising it, then hope for a critique and will send to an editor. Hope to have ready to submit by October/November. Next, I'll go back to one of my other stories, not sure which one. I hope having the ideas down will make it easier to finish the other stories. But I had to work on only one to finally accomplish my goal. I chose the story that spoke to me, that said it needed writing. It required a lot of research too, which too longer, like two years. We'll see. I wish you the best in making a decision. Which story seems to speak to you and say it has to be written?
ReplyDeleteThank you, Beverly. That is wonderful advice, and I think I know the answer. I believe I get too caught up in trying to scratch things off my TTD list and tackle all these little things in an effort to do so rather than just sitting down with the story I want to write. Thank you for your help...so very appreciated!
DeleteYou're welcome. I hope I helped a little. It worked for me. Now that I'm concentrating on my favorite project, I'm making progress. Might even finish it. :) The others will be there.
DeleteGood for you. I hope it goes well:) And thank you again. You definitely did help.
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ReplyDeleteVery true! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. I try at this as well though do not always succeed.
DeleteBeverly's comment above is uplifting and inspiring. And very helpful. Thanks for this post. I son't know if I can add anything to Beverly's comment. She said it all.
ReplyDeleteAll the best!
Yes, I agree Beverly's comment is uplifting and inspiring! Thank you so much for visiting and commenting. Wishing you all the best as well!
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