Keeping projects a secret

I don't talk about the specifics of my projects until they are well underway. I sometimes don't even talk about them with my writing group. Why not?

For me, I lose interest in writing them when I talk about them. I can't explain it, but one of two things happen. Either, someone criticizes/offers helpful advice/gives suggestions and I get frustrated. Often, when I first start a project, I only have a basic plot in mind. I usually have to write a little to work out the POV, main characters, and the plot for me to stop, write an outline, and start over on the real draft. It kills my passion for the project when people start butting in and pointing out plot holes.

The other side of the coin is that sometimes people become all googly-eyed over the story. There's a lot of pressure then, especially if people clamp on to a plot point or a character that needs to change. I haven't even finished the story and already I've disappointed people! That's no way to start writing a book.

Then, there's the issue that I might not finish the book. Right now, I'm so far behind in projects that I'm not sure I'll ever see the light of day again. I've written a lot in the last year and am stuck firmly in editing purgatory.  And, let's not forget how life gets in the way!

I find that I talk more about projects the further along I am. Tranquility's Grief, for example, is still unreadable but I have about 9000 words edited and cleaned up. So, I'm willing to talk about a few things from the early chapters. Sisip Learns to Shapeshift finally have a title and a full draft, so now I'm feeling ok with saying "I'm going to have my children's chapter book finished and submitted this year sometime."

Likewise, I have booked the editors and cover artist for my upcoming urban fantasy novella-length series that I plan to self-publish. I also have a first, but unreadable, draft written. So, I'm ok with saying that I'm aiming for a Nov 30th release.

I want to share all of my projects and give loads of detail, mock up some cover art, have sample chapters and the whole thing. However, I don't have finished projects to do this with right now. I owe it to my work to focus on it before I advertise it to the world.  I know it's frustrating to my readers but, right now, I don't write to contract. That means I have to complete full projects and find publishers for them. Therefore, I'd rather not shoot myself or jinx my project at the beginning [image error]

WRITERS: Do you keep your projects to yourself?

Today's "Spread the Word" idea is to write a 1 sentence review of one of my books and put it on Facebook.