Check out the sidebar to the right. My new WIP list has been added, after a review of my projects. There are some that would never see the light of day. There are others which are mere seeds - but these projects listed to the right are the ones I intend to finish.
Historical Romance - AC - is an exception. The project itself is shelved permanently, however it is still listed there because there are considerable parts of it that I intend to revamp and use for something else. I like a lot of things about it - I just no longer intend to write category romance novels.
Another important development is that I started writing a new book. This is an urban fantasy. For a while now, I have been itching to start writing a new story, but I was working on several outlines; other older projects need changes or rewriting which I didn't want to do just yet while I am focused on editing NaNo 2009 WIP. So I was hoping to leave off the writing until I had the perfect outline.
Well, I don't have a perfect outline. But I decided it didn't matter. I had the itch to write, and so I must. I do have a sort of outline, so it's not a totally plan-less process. I am also experimenting with editing as I write thing. I write, and the next day, I review what I wrote the day before, edit if I feel the need to, and then write some more. It is certainly slower than just writing the draft, but it is also cleaner. I am also able to do little plot fixes as I go. But I only review previous day's work, not the whole draft. And the key is to keep moving forward, and not to get bogged down by editing. I am barely starting with this project, so I am still testing the waters.
One thing I have realised though is that there is no such thing as a set process. At least not for me. Each book is different. And with each book, I can take what I have learned from previous experience and then do what my instincts tell me to, and have faith that it will work out in the end.
I haven't set firm goals for the new WIP except to write regularly, even if it's just few hundred words. Finish NaNo 2009 WIP and making it submission worthy this year is still the main goal. The new writing is to keep my writing fingers flexed, and to let my poor characters have their say, because they have been dying to do so.
I have that same urge to start a new story. LOVE IT but HATE it too!!
ReplyDeleteI have to finish what I'm working on first.
Good luck with your WIPs!
I really don't have time to start a new story, but that doesn't stop the ideas from pestering me.
ReplyDeleteThe one currently trying to distract me I'd like to save for NaNo, but it'll be a battle. *sigh*
I'm glad I'm not the only one who's started to edit as I write. Between you and Jamie, I'm in good company! ;-)
MBW,
ReplyDeleteI was resisting, but there comes a time when one must follow creative flow. or so I tell myself ;)
Carol,
Ideally I should focus on one thing - that will finish it quicker. But I have found one thing at a time is just not for me. I mean, I forced myself to focus on editing one book, so I found diversion is learning Spanish. My mind is too fickle :P
New wips are fun - good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks Laura :-) Yup, definitely fun.
ReplyDeleteCute blog!! I'm also trying to make (tangible) progress on my WIP. I think writing every day is so important. Best of luck with your project!!
ReplyDeleteWhew! Look at all those WIPs Woo Hoo! I've been itching myself for something new, but as a starter and seldom finisher, I'm determined to see this draft through!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your WIPs! Urban fantasy sounds fun ;o)