How many writing projects are too many?
This is a very real question that many of us must ask ourselves. Some people can take on several projects at once without any issues while others need to focus on one at a time.
Over the years, I have written thousands upon thousands of words. Some of those words have been tossed into the trash or literally used as fire fuel.
When I was focusing on story writing, my mind always ventured towards fantasy and sci-fi. The outline I wrote and expected to write became an overwhelming force against me. The premise of the story was based on several dimensions, tons of characters that crossed from dimension to dimension, and an unknown purpose to the story.
This fact was an inevitable path to failure.
Looking at current fantasy series, other authors have taken on this same concept and successfully completed awesome stories. They did not let their real life step over their dreams and cause them to stop writing. I feel bummed that I did not follow through with my idea and also find it fascinating that others, not known to me, have had similar ideas.
All that said, it's clear that the idea was to much for me to manage and, more importantly, it was not THAT important to me. It is said that a writer cannot help but write. Nothing will get in the way of doing that which is loved; writing!
I remember others in my writing group say similar words years ago and I kept telling myself that I wanted it; that I was going to write that story. What I should have done was stop and be honest with myself regarding the size of the project and the genre.
I like reading some fantasy novels but it's not necessarily my go-to. I've read a handful of novels vs. some people who can say they've read dozens or even hundreds of novels in one genre.
As a reader, the size of a novel can be daunting or a turnoff if it's too large. Even worse for me is if it's a large novel and there are several in a series. It makes my head hurt thinking about the time I must spend holding the book, or the reader, and trying to focus my eyes long enough to read and remember what is written.
So recently I thought long and hard about my desire to be an author.
Do I want to be a writer? The answer is yes! I truly love writing. Okay, great, but just saying that does not a writer make.
What type of writer do I want to be? So many options! Are we talking about money making writing (copy writing), writing strictly for my eyes only (in a note pad or computer file), blog writing, novels? What about a mixture of these things.
As to poetry, I have written hundreds of poems, some of which are online and some of which were online but have since been removed for various personal reasons. My plan is to self publish my poems strictly for posterity.
This site provides me with the blog opportunity as well as a place to post my poems, short stories, or copy writing. It also allows me to discuss certain ideas regarding plot points etc. I have obtained other sites for future projects (author site and writing prompt site).
Novel in the Works
After the honest discussion I had with myself... which went something like this...
Me: "So, are you ever going to write a book?"
Me*: "You know I want to!"
Me: "Well, yeah but here you sit not writing it."
Me*: "Why are you picking on me?"
Me: "If I don't push you, no one will."
Me*: "True..."
Me: "So, lets decide once and for all... do I want to write a book or let it go?"
Me*: "I want to write a book and be a real author. I want others to read my work."
Me: "Let's do it! What should I write... what really speaks to me?"
Me*: "Well, that's the question. I thought I wanted to write fantasy, but..."
Me: "But we like reading mysteries..."
Me*: "Maybe I can write a mystery."
Me: "That's it!"
After that discussion, I determined that writing a mystery was more my style. There is the unknown of whether I can create a mystery others can follow along with but that can be figured out as I go. I favor Agatha Christie novels with Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot.
I am currently working on my novel which will be classified as a Cozy Mystery. This is a genre I didn't know existed until I researched what I wanted to write. I thought it was just a mystery. Well, yes but much more is involved with rules Cozy Mystery readers in particular enjoy. This new project will be written under the pen name of Jill Starlight, future website to come.
As I move forward with this story I will also continue to write poetry and upload my poetry reading videos. Life is a continual process of creation; it must be!