The Time Is Now

[intertribal]

New Year's Resolution #1: Get serious about writing.  It's put up or shut up time.  Those novels are not going to write themselves

Comments

[asakiyume]

Both sound good to me, and I imagine asking us'll be like flipping a coin--whatever answer you get, it'll be like a touchstone against which your own desires show up more clearly.

Personally--personally!--I'm interested in your second one, because of the Indonesia angle. But I'd like the first too.

[intertribal]

Haha, well, I already know what my desires are... the question is whether it's also rational to start with the one I want to start with. They will both get written, no matter what!

But yeah, it's kind of like reading tarot cards. You realize what you "should do" based on your visceral reaction to the cards.

[rezendi]

I've been wrestling with strategy vs. gut myself, re my next project. I actually wrote 25,000 words of a "strategic" first draft ... and have now shelved that in favor of what my gut wants to do. I figure a) trying to pick strategic winners in advance is a loser's game, b) if you're not writing the book that you really want to write, then somehow, on some level, some awareness of this will ultimately filter down to your readers.

[intertribal]

Thanks for your thoughts. (b) is my knee-jerk feeling too, but I don't know if that's just me being an idealist/romantic about the whole thing! I also sometimes worry that when I'm writing something I love so very much, I become overly indulgent and not critical enough? That's probably a different issue.

What made you decide to stop the strategic first draft?

[rezendi]

Because I realized it would ultimately turn into a pretty good book. Which I know sounds odd. But I've already established to my own satisfaction that I'm capable of writing (heck, even churning out) good books; now, though, I want to aim higher yet.

[intertribal]

Interesting to know! I guess if your heart's not in it, it's not in it (to win it).

That sounds like a good compromise game plan, actually. Thanks!

[brendandetzner]

I'm cynical about anybody's ability to predict what the market will be like by the time a book is done, and to do so well that it overcomes the natural advantage you get from doing what you personally are excited to do. So I'd do what you want. (I'm pretty sure you should take that with a grain of salt, though. It's not like I'm making any money at this.)

[intertribal]

Haha. Right, there's only so much "gaming the system" that's possible. Of course, I am in a field where gaming the system is necessary to not only prosper but survive.