Thank you all so much for the advice and opinions - all gratefully received. I'm going to treat it as a fun challenge to try and cut down my terrible procrastination. And if you think I'm kidding about my lack of focus, I'm still a bit undecided which piece of writing to tackle during the challenge. These are the contenders:
- Continue the Regency novel that already has 22,000 words - but even that needs restructuring
- Continue another Regency novel that has only 3,000 words but might be fun to write
- Continue the contemporary novel set in Scotland that already has 14,500 words
- Continue the contemporary novel set in Scotland that already has almost 16,000 words
- Write the late Victorian crime novel that has only 2,200 words and a rough synopsis
- Write the 12th century novel that has only 2,700 words so far
- Continue changing a 2000 words short story set in 16th century Venice into a novel
- Continue the children's time-slip novel set partly in Ancient Egypt that has about 7,000 words so far
Shocking lack of focus isn't it? In my slight defense, some of these novels were started for the purpose of entering the novel competitions at our annual Scottish conference (for a critique). Only I didn't finish them afterwards and started another one each year - apart from the tween novel being published finally in March 2012). And I completed the mainstream novel that had a good NWS report from the RNA last year (now looking for an agent). And of course, one previous NWS Regency finally made it to publication this year.
Remember I mentioned I was a butterfly writer? Now you see the evidence! So, one decision is already made - need to make the other one this week so I can register the title of my NaNo novel. But I promise you, I need that month of focus!
17 comments:
My goodness, you're busy! I can barely focus on one novel at a time.
I think I'll be joining you,Rosemary.Good luck with your selection -you certainly have lots to choose from!
I think you've made the right decision to go ahead, Rosemary. You mentioned one of your regencies would be fun to write. That might be the one to go for. If you're enjoying it then the words might come a bit more easily (says she who doesn't write novels!). Whatever you choose, good luck. (You too, Myra).
I hate to say this, but aren't you supposed to start somehting from scratch?
Well, very good luck anyway, and we'll see you in December...?
Talli - that's the best way to do it, focusing on one at a time!
Glad you're joining me, Myra - we can support each other!
Betty - I did wonder that myself. Thanks for your encouragement!
Frances - I think the main thing is to try and complete 50,000 words and if I do one of the novels that is barely started... I'm treating it more as a self-imposed focus, rather than a serious entry. Need to do something to get this work done.
As for not seeing me until December - I think it would be impossible for me now to stay away from blogs etc!
I think I'll sign up too, Rosemary. I don't have the number of projects to choose from that you have, but I may just start something completely different.
Well done Rosemary for coming to a decision. I am sure you'll do it, especially as you have a host of possibles to choose from. I think that once you've made your choice, the challenge will keep you focused on that one particular project and the rest can simmer on the back-burner for a while. It will fantastic for the cold autumn and winter days, just concentrating on that goal.
Although I'm not signing up for NaNo,I've decided to write my novel at long last, but only after half-term is finished. So next Monday will see me getting started, but it might be a very slow process, as I don't want to give up on the short stories! I hope you can keep yours going too!
That's great, Joan - you, Myra and me can form a support club!
Hi Joanna - thanks for your encouragement. Glad to hear you're intending writing your novel! Don't worry - I think when someone is used to writing short stories, it's a habit hard to break (I'm hoping).
At least you've made one definite decision! I think you should continue with one of the regency novels as your first one was so well received.
Well done for making the first decision - and for being even more unfocused than me!
I pick option #2. Anything that's fun to write is always, well, fun. And being fun, the writing should flow, thereby allowing you to meet your 50K goal.
How's that for logic? Best of luck with the decision.
Guess you're right, Vikki!
Patsy - that's a good one, thanks!
Good advice, Anne - at least I've got as far as registering!
Hello Rosemary,
Love your place! I've never heard the phrase - Butterfly writer. Is that one that flits from one writing project to another? It looks like you have a lot of irons in the fire, so to speak. At least you're never bored, right?
I'm doing NaNo with a group of writers - not on the NaNo site (my first year in four that I haven't)...but at least I'll have the group to stay accountable for my words.
Hi Kay Dee - thanks for visiting! I did a post about being a butterfly writer a while back - it's because I write all different types of short fiction, non-fiction, novels and children's stories. But, yes, I also flit from one project to another at times! Good that you're doing NaNo too.
Wow, you certainly have a lot of projects on the go! Which did you finally decide on? I've decided I'm going to completely rehash/rewrite/update one of the early novels for Nano. Since it was written in 1980, it'll certainly need some updating!
Hi Paula - you can see why this is necessary! I'm going to go back to the beginning of my next Regency, redraft it (lost track of it at the moment), and try to complete it during November - at least that's the plan.
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