Oh help.
I knew it was a bad idea to let that new idea start to come out, especially when I’m supposed to be editing something else. But I needed a break, and it seemed so innocent. Just put a little taste down for WIPpet Wednesday, then go back to the other stuff.
It’s not that I’ve lost interest in editing, though a vacation might be nice. I still love that story and those characters, I believe in them and want them to be the best it can be.
But I’ve discovered why so many people write vampires. I said I was never going to do it. It’s overdone, right? But then one of mine tapped me on the shoulder on Easter Sunday and said, “Well, why not? We’ll have fun.”
And darn it, she was right. I just wrote my first bite scene, and IT WAS FANTASTIC. The world and the story are coming together faster than I can get the words out. It’s exciting, it’s new, it’s different from what I’ve been doing for the past few years.
I can’t let it go now.
What do you think? I know some of you work on two or three projects at a time. Do you find it makes you lose focus, or does a little time “cheating” on your main project refresh you and let you come back looking at things in a new way? Do you tend to work on things that are similar, or very different from each other? I know I could never write two at the same time, but maybe I could write in between rounds of editing… or maybe I’m just rationalizing so I can get my fix.
2,000 words today, and it’s only 1:00. I think I’m going to see where this is headed.
disregard the prologue 
May 2nd, 2013 at 1:05 pm
Kate, you gotta do what you gotta do. Your process is your own. I have four novels in progress. But I find that I can only work on one at a time. But I know people who are working on two. Sometimes though, if I get an idea, I might jot the first two or three pages. Then I let it lie while I work on something else.
May 2nd, 2013 at 1:10 pm
That’s what I thought I was going to do… I guess I’ll go with it and see what happens. Maybe I’ll get the first draft out and let it sit while I finish the other editing. Go back and forth.
May 2nd, 2013 at 1:30 pm
Go for it! There’s nothing wrong with having a couple of projects on the go at one time. It gives you a good break from your main project, yet it’s still productive because at least you’re not staring at the screen hoping for more writing/editing to happen (which I do a lot). And there’s nothing wrong with vampires unless they sparkle.
May 2nd, 2013 at 1:35 pm
Haha, they don’t sparkle. I’m actually just writing dialogue now, and they’re making fun of the people who expect vampires to fall in love with them. 🙂
May 2nd, 2013 at 1:48 pm
I think as long as you’re not working on another project to run away from editing (and so far it doesn’t sound like this is the case) it’s perfectly fine. It’s okay to take a break, and sometimes it’s very necessary. No point in editing if you’re not going to be very focused on it, right? Enjoy the creativity! Just don’t forget about the other project, right? 😉
May 2nd, 2013 at 1:49 pm
Never. My heart is in Tyrea, I’m just letting my imagination vacation in Newfoundland. 🙂
May 2nd, 2013 at 1:50 pm
Thanks to you my imagination vacations there sometimes now. Especially with wishing to see puffins and maybe the occasional dragoffin. 😉
May 2nd, 2013 at 1:52 pm
It makes no sense, but I’m going to be looking for them if we go birdwatching. You never know…
May 2nd, 2013 at 1:53 pm
You could start a local legend. How awesome would that be? And you really never do know, I agree. *affirming nod*
May 2nd, 2013 at 3:39 pm
HA HA HA! Thank you. I just began a new book yesterday when I am supposed to be finishing up my editing on my NaNoWriMo book. So happy I am not alone.
May 2nd, 2013 at 4:08 pm
:)=
Vampire smiley.
May 2nd, 2013 at 4:10 pm
Dagnabbit. WordPress messed up my vampire smiley. Anywhos, have fun with your new project!
May 2nd, 2013 at 5:18 pm
I think if we have a creative mind we are always thinking about something else as well as what we are working on! I don’t think it hurts to change it up a bit – plus it’s good to put things aside for a while and then look at them again with fresh eyes. When the bug bites, go with it!! Good luck.
May 2nd, 2013 at 8:01 pm
For the first three months of this year, I solely wrote A More Complicated Fairytale, but by then I was ready for a break, and while I’m still working on the second draft of that I’m working on other projects as well. I’m finding it refreshing rather than distracting. I say go for it! (Also, as you may have gotten the impression, I loved the WIPpet, so I may be biased in this comment, but.)
May 2nd, 2013 at 8:15 pm
Being biased isn’t a point against you if it means you’re interested in that I’m pouring my time and sanity into. 😉
Thanks for the advice- it’s very reassuring to know other people do this without going off of the rails.
May 3rd, 2013 at 4:44 am
When an idea starts to scream at you, it is hard to ignore it; and if you can hear it, it probably shouldn’t be ignored because it’s the one for you at that moment.
As for me, I like to write one novel at a time, otherwise I lose the characters, but I do like to write short stories at the same time, just so i’ve got something to run to when the going gets tough.
Enjoyed reading this one.
May 3rd, 2013 at 11:58 am
I usually stick to one thing at a time for exactly that reason. I’ve been working with this one story and its characters for a few years, though, so I’m not too worried about losing them. Also, since I’m editing, it’s easier to pick things up than it would be if I were trying to write two stories at the same time. Not sure I could divide my focus that much and get good results.
May 3rd, 2013 at 9:00 am
Go with it. I’ve given up fighting such inspiration. If I only have one project and it starts to fight me, I need something else to work on. Otherwise, I can spend hours glaring at the ONE on the screen or the hard copy. Glowering at it. Beginning to hate it. But if I have something I can go to instead, give my brain a bit of a break . . . it’s all good. Then I can go back to Numero Uno with a fresh outlook.
May 3rd, 2013 at 9:01 am
I could have two WIPs and a “totally not a WIP” 😀
May 3rd, 2013 at 9:24 am
Absolutely! I hear it’s the latest craze.
May 3rd, 2013 at 9:24 am
All the cool kids are doing it. *nods*