Okay, so here's the deal. I've been having problems with my story. Not that the words won't come or anything, but that I'm not
feelin' the plot too much anymore. I know the writing is pretty good, and I love my characters, but something isn't clicking. I think the big issue is that I've already learned so much from the 72 pages I've written that I want to change it and make it better-- which is great. But I don't have the time, or the energy to do that right now. It kinda just feels like a big
stresser.
So. This leaves me with three options (that I see):
- Scrap the story.
- Stare at the story till my brain hurts and I have no hair left from tearing it out-- I've also gone insane by this point.
- Put the story aside (for now) and work on something new.
After talking with my Mum, I decided to go with option 3. I truly love my story, but it's not working right now. I know I can fix it, but my brain isn't ready to yet-- apparently. And honestly, I'm okay with that. Sure, I'd love to finish the story and query it... but if it's not up to snuff by the end, I wouldn't query it anyway. Therefore, it makes much more sense (to me, at least) to work on a new story that will be better than the last one-- and possibly query it when I'm done.
So I spent the day plotting a new story. I've got names picked out, and more concrete idea of the plot than any of my two previous stories (
yay)! I hope to start on the Prologue and Chapter One tomorrow. If I get those done, I might ask for a few beta's to see what you think.
Oh, and by the way, this new story takes place in England and the Holy Land from about 1214-1215
ish. It's only about 15 years after the 3rd Crusade with Richard the
Lionheart.
I've always been more interested in Medieval Romances... it sort of makes me wonder why I ever started out with Regency....
What do you think?
15 comments:
I think 3 is a good choice, but I would have gone with restarting. I have done 3 too many times and now...blah. But my current WiP has been the biggest challenge I've faced as a writer and I love it more for that.
Excellent choice, walk away and sometimes things just fall in place! I love Medieval Romances so I am digging the new story for sure! Have fun with the prologue and chapter one!!
I think you picked the right choice. Don't scrap it just give it a break and start something else. Happy writing and good luck:)
Look at it this way, if you choose #3, you can always come back to it later. Future-you may decide then to scrap it, but it's better than not having the option. =o)
Then again, I keep everything - including scraps of scenes I snipped out years ago. A file for everything and everything in its file. LOL
There were many times that I put my WIP aside for a week or more due to the same feelings. Coming back to it with a fresh eye made all the difference and allowed me to see where it was falling flat--and fix it.
Good luck.
I choose #3 all the time! It's much better than the other options. I think the premise of the Crusade story sounds fascinating.
Good choice! I do love Kitty though.
Sounds cool. Good luck with all your projects.
I think you're right on with option 3. I always feel sad about the idea of scrapping a story completely ... I know that someday I could get a second wind and want to revisit it. So I usually put my stories aside and just take a break from them too. I'm sure that things will fall into place for you eventually! Have a great weekend :)
I agree that number 3 sounds good. Sometimes a break is needed so you can have time to figure out what needs to be fixed. Good luck:)
Good choice. There's no reason you can't start over too. If you have a better idea and you can make it work, do it. If not, you can pick it up where you left it. Have fun with the new one.
3 works a lot of the time, but sometimes it can backfire. But if you really love the story, I have a feeling that you'll find a way back to it. :)
By the way, you've got a blog award: http://astheplotthickens.blogspot.com/2010/02/okay-so-i-make-stuff-up.html
Jonathon- I don't have time to restart it right now. With school, I barely have time to sleep, never mind restart the story.
Jen- Thanks =) Ooo yay. Maybe I will post some excerpts of it so you can see?
Christine- Thanks! I was a little worried about the choice, but I feel good now.
B.E.- Yep, exactly. I keep a lot of stuff as well. Not everything, but a lot.
Tara- I agree. I just wanted to keep writing, so I started the new story.
Roxy- Thanks!
Tina- Thanks! LOL, yes I love Kitty too. I'm not giving up on that story, just setting it aside for now =)
Angie- Thank you
Julie- Thank you hun =)
Melissa- Yeah, I really just needed a break from that story.
Matt- Yep, exactly. Thanks =)
Jenna- How can it backfire? And thanks! I'll make my way over there soon.
I think you made the right choice. There's no reason to struggle with a story that's not working. It will show in your writing that you're not feeling it. You can always revisit the characters later.
Good luck with your new WIP!
Jennifer- Oh good, I was a little worried making the choice.... But it felt right, so.... Thanks!
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