W.I.P. – THE ONGOING SAGA
This post is not titled “I’M IN WAY OVER MY HEAD” or even “WHAT’S WRONG WITH ME.” It could, however, be just as easily titled “COMMON METHODS OF MOTIVATIONS FOR WRITERS.” Because when I initially posted on July 27, 2022 about works in progress, it was largely for the purpose of specifically identifying writings that I was actively working on or wished to pick up again.
My follow up post a scant three months later on October 19, 2022 helped me to identify my progress. As I learned, all it takes is signing a book contract to skew everything.
Let’s review the initial list, the original progress, and where I stand today. The original post is in italics; the follow-up is dated and current status follows:
Fifth draft on book one of new historical crime fiction series. This takes place in post-WW II Wichita with a main character (private investigator) who is Jewish and finds himself caught up between the Laws of God and the Laws of man. Conscientiously avoiding stereotypical tropes of hard-boiled crime fiction while attempting to maintain the mood and tone. So far, as much research as writing.
10-19-22 Well, this has been submitted to a publisher who has shown interest. After the first three chapters, there was a request for the complete manuscript
Today: Contract signed. Revisions with my wonderful editor done. Galleys reviewed, cover art created by publisher. Next up: release date!
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The outline for book two of aforementioned series. Now that I have a strong feeling for the main character and the substance of the series, why not?
10-19-22 I actually started writing this one. A chapter and a half and more of an outline but mostly approaching as a Pantser.
Today: First draft completed. I typically give it a little rest before going through rewrites. This “rest” has taken longer due to completion work on first book.
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Third draft of one-off historical crime fiction novel. This was an attempt to use Aristotle’s principles of unity to a certain degree. Titled “63 Hours in Wichita”, it is largely an experiment in condensing a taut action crime tale down to basic elements in a reasonable time frame, yet using that time as an impetus to tell the tale.
10-19-22 Nothing further yet. Needs for thought to flesh it out and make it more action oriented.
Today: Nothing Further. Still think it’s good work but as previously stated needs to be less cerebral and contain more action.
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First draft of a pulp fiction novel. Like real old school, 50’s cheese. A paroled ex-con just trying to rebuild his life encounters a wide-ranging cast of characters, including his ex-wife, in a factory that manufactures carnival novelties. Going for dark and seedy.
10-19-22 Another two chapters. I have to be a more seedy mood for writing this.
Today: A couple more chapters written. Perhaps 75% completed. Currently on hold.
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Reworking a transgressive novel I started over 15 years ago. It is the tale of a bored 40-soemthing divorcee who hates his job and encounters a mentor who teaches him how to be a contract killer as a sideline. Naturally, the elements of darkness seep through this, as well as subtle commentary regarding self-help and wellness programs. This one is titled WEEKEND GETAWAYS, OR ADVENTURES IN CONTRACT KILLING.
10-19-22 Revised, edited, and submitted to two publishers. Still researching others prone to this genre.
Today: One rejection, one no-response. There are fewer publishers of this type of work and perhaps this piece is not “out there” enough. But it is a passion piece and I will continue to try to find a home for it.
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Reworking a metafiction entitled THE NOVEL TITLED “THIS IS NOT A NOVEL” in which a fictional biographer named H.B. Berlow is writing a biography of a fictional author named…H.B. Berlow. It touches upon the essay “The Death of the Author” by Roland Barthes who argues against that form of literary criticism that uses an author’s biography and experiences in order to find the meaning of their work.
10-19-22 Still revising and editing. Completed another 50 pages since original post.
Today: I have gone through the manuscript completely. Another tough sell due to the experimental nature of it. Again, there IS a home for this piece. Somewhere.
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Reworking a contemporary crime fiction tentatively titled PROFESSOR THUG. It was outlined as a tribute to a late co-worker who was truly an intellect but looked like, well, a thug. Have gone through at least three different outlines and am still trying to figure out what the story actually is.
10-19-22 Nothing further.
Today: Had reworked the first two chapters, then stopped. Need to find the passion for this again.
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Reworking an episodic contemporary crime fiction tentatively titled THE STOOGES revolving around three guys who come together for a heist who have no business doing anything other than working in fast food. They get in very deep. This was a former NaNoWriMo project.
10-19-22 Nothing further.
Today: Nothing further. Not even started to review it. Might be dead in the water.
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Outlining an alternate history novel. I actually have two tracks this could run. Even though the series has ended, I started watching THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE on Amazon Prime and became fascinated by the concept. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right?
10-19-22 Nothing further. I fear this might require a great deal of research, even more than I’m used to.
Today: Officially dead in the water. Doing research for historical crime fiction is tough enough without having to alter/revise/corrupt it for the sake of a story is too much for me now.
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Outlining a two-scene one-act play. A friend who did a session at the 2022 OWFI Writers Conference provided the inspiration as well as the encouragement. My drama days were years ago. Hopefully, I’ve grown as a writer and I can do this again.
10-19-22 Completed. Sent to a friend who is an actor and playwright who found it a worthy effort. So, I know I can do this. Now, the question is what to do with it and what further works can I create?
Today: I wrote a second one-act play. Haven’t revised it. Have a mental outline for yet another piece. Got a suggestion from a friend about a local theater group. Will likely continue this endeavor.
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Progress in writing is not a scorecard. We think of developing a project or multiple projects much in the way you would prepare a multi-course dinner. Some things cook slowly; others are seared in a flash of flame. There is a balance but ultimately a writer needs focus.
Perhaps I have worked on many items at once to avoid becoming disengaged from a project. Then again, other pieces have lost their fascination. Maybe that’s a signal that I won’t be able to put my whole heart in and create a fascinating story.
I have several items from the past, old published work now out of print, that I look back on and wonder who wrote them. My tastes have changed. My voice has changed. My skills have changed. There’s no need to make a meatloaf when I know how to prepare a prime rib. (Bad example: I love a good meatloaf!)
Did I NEED the motivation? You would think that with my many prior posts about its importance in my life, that would be a secondary consideration. The truth of the matter is we all need the motivation, largely because that emotional energy and drive combined with the craft is what makes everything work.
I’ll let you know what happens next.
