What do writers DO between books?

[Chiara]

Victoria wrote: "Helen wrote: "Have any of you change genre?"

Yes. Though most of the stuff that differs from what I write a lot of isn't finished yet. Some is, but mostly it's my typical genres I've got books p..."

Yes, I like to change genres when writing. It feeds my creativity. Chiara Talluto. Author of Love's Perfect Surrender. www.chiaratalluto.com

[Chiara]

In between writing a book, I rest a bit and read other authors. I'm addicted to reading and writing, and so I have to do one and the other, but switching it often. Reading other writers inspire me to continue my writing endeavor. Chiara Talluto. Author of Love's Perfect Surrender. www.chiaratalluto.com.

[Rebecca]

Sounds to me like what the OP needs is a vacation, not a "between books" project. I'm another who has no "between," only different stages of writing and revision for different projects. But I do take vacations, as in leave home and go somewhere without my computer, spend my days outside, etc.

Best way to recharge the batteries, for me.

[Rebecca]

Alexandria--I can't deny I take a notebook everywhere. Even backpacking.

[Stu]

Rebecca, a best friends is one of the top screen writers in Hollywood. For more than 40 years I've watched him pull out a folded yellow sheet of paper from his back pocket and scribble on it. Years later he has shown me these pages which have become very famous lines from his screenplays. May we all be so lucky!

[David]

build stuff in the workshop, go for a motorcycle ride, read, fly model airplanes, dream up new ideas...

[Rebecca]

Stu wrote: "Rebecca, a best friends is one of the top screen writers in Hollywood. For more than 40 years I've watched him pull out a folded yellow sheet of paper from his back pocket and scribble on it. Years..."

Amen to that, Stu! heck, I'd settle for steady sales without fame :D

[Helen]

Thank you for your replies, it is encouraging. Maybe I will be able to do my sci fi novel after all.
We shall see.

[Victoria]

Helen wrote: "Thank you for your replies, it is encouraging. Maybe I will be able to do my sci fi novel after all.
We shall see."

If you have an idea you think you can work with, and have read enough of the genre so that you have some idea of the kinds of things people who read it would expect to find in it, then you could potentially write in any genre. Although, some people do write better in some genres than others.

Give it a go, and see what happens. If you aren't happy with it and decide it's not the genre for you, at least you know you tried.

[Wayne]

I write in different genres. I have a three book series of paranormal adventures for MG, a contemporary fantasy for YA, and am about to publish an action/adventure for adults. I find it keeps things interesting. In between books I get caught up on reading. I read 2-3 books per week, except while writing, then only about 1 per month.

[A.J.]

Chiara wrote: "In between writing a book, I rest a bit and read other authors. I'm addicted to reading and writing, and so I have to do one and the other, but switching it often. Reading other writers inspire me ..."

Yes, Chiara - totally relate to this!

[Amber]

Between? I've always got more than one book in various stages of progress.

[Kate]

Between books is perhaps a time to gather new experiences... To think new thoughts... To go to conferences and hone my craft... To consider how the next book will be different and better than the previous book, will take me further along the journey of being a writer. Just a few thoughts