Multiple Writing Projects
What does a writer do with all of the voices in their head, or is this just me? I try to listen to both the voices and my heart.
Yesterday I was on a roll with my new WIP, having completed the first couple of chapters, when I had an epiphany of sorts with another WIP. So I was up until 4am writing on that WIP. I had to get it all down while it was fresh in my mind. I could hardly wait.
Today I reread both works and I am pleased.
They are two entirely different works, two entirely different genres, two entirely different writing styles.
I went online today and joined a local writer’s group that meets tomorrow. I am still struggling with POV and person with both of these works despite my successes with them. I need some practice that is separate from the WIP. It is not a lack of confidence, it is more a desire to develop and grow as a writer.
I believe that I write best in third person, but that is not going to allow me to develop the depth of character that I would like in my current WIP, unless I gain more skill. So, I am wondering if I should go with first person…but then, with the two sisters I really need two POVs. That is going to take some practice. I feel like I am up to the challenge…but it is going to take time to mold this work properly.
With the crime novel, writing has been in spurts. I write a bit and get hung up and have to put it down and leave it alone for a while and go back to it at a later date. I get moments of clarity when the writing flows naturally and seems to fly like a bird on the wing, and then it stalls and crashes. Sometimes I love it and sometimes I think it stinks. It is still early, and the depth I needed for some characters is starting to come through. I have a love hate relationship with it.
I have no clue which one of these works will pan out and blossom into something worthy of publication, or even if that will happen with either. I do know that, despite my trials and tribulations, I am having fun with both.
There is also a third WIP that I write on when the mood strikes. It could actually be a sequel to the book on the two sisters, being a sort of autobiographical.
Now I have some thoughts on yet another story. My husband thinks I am getting a bit psycho and wants me to “focus” on one project at a time. He fears that I am going to become dissatisfied with my progress on all of them if I don’t focus on one and take it from beginning to end. I don’t know if I can do that! And this, coming from a man that has five or more big projects going on at any one time, from boats, to building, to cars.
Do you work on one project at a time?
Filed under: Writing Process/WIPs Tagged: multiple works, writer's group, writing practice, writng progress
