Comments on: When New Ideas Strike

By: marcia

marcia — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:35:45 +0000

I make notes on the new idea during time that’s not normal “writing time.” Then it goes into my new idea folder. The next project I work on doesn’t necessarily come out of that folder, but that’s okay. It’s assurance that there are more books I can write.

By: annastan

annastan — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 02:55:54 +0000

Jon, that’s a good idea to put your ideas into your phone – then you can access them whenever you need some inspiration. I can see how that would be a bit annoying, though. Sometimes we can only handle so many ideas at once!

PJ, I think it’s cute that your ideas are so possessive of you. Sometimes I wish I could just focus on one thing at a time, but I think having a couple things going at once actually keeps me from getting stuck. Happy writing!

By: PJ Hoover

PJ Hoover — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 02:20:14 +0000

I can’t, Anna! My new ideas don’t like to share me with anyone

By: Jon Arntson

Jon Arntson — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:39:56 +0000

I forgot to come back with a real reply. I get new ideas all the time, they are frustrating, actually. I always record the idea into my phone and then try to forget about it until I am ready to let it out.

By: christine castgliano

christine castgliano — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 20:10:33 +0000

Books are like lovers. I say, sometimes you gotta go with the passion.

New Idea struck like lightning in early February. I was deep into completing a novel begun in NANOWRIMO ‘09, sequel to my first indy-published YA fantasy. Fans had begged for the next book in the series, a huge motivation, but no deadline.

Then the voice and hook for another story suddenly jumped in, full force, like Athena from Zeus’ forehead. I’d made several attempts to shape the same story, but it had never felt right. Until now.

This story demanded I pay attention. I’m now at 16k. The old story will get her due, once this passionate affair has been satisfied.

By: annastan

annastan — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:26:49 +0000

Victoria, this DOES mean war! You need to show those ideas who’s boss! Good luck with it.

By: Victoria Dixon

Victoria Dixon — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:16:48 +0000

This hasn’t been an issue until lately as I’ve been so wrapped up in my ms, no new ideas have squeaked past the ms bubble in my head.
But then I got two new ones this week and I’m terrified! What gives? Why am I scared of starting something new? Of course, this means war. ;D Now I HAVE to write this thing or I’ll be paralyzed and unable to do anything.

By: annastan

annastan — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 13:35:02 +0000

Tina, I love the idea of “benign neglect”! I’m also much more into revising than am I into drafting. Once I have a draft, then the real fun begins.

MG, I like to have a couple of projects going at once, but I try to make sure they’re in different stages. Two manuscripts in full-on revision can be very draining!

Laura, yay we’re process twins! I’m glad your power is finally back on!

By: Laura Pauling

Laura Pauling — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 03:04:25 +0000

I do the same exact thing Anna. If I’ve completed a good amount of work on revisions during the day, I’ll allow time for new ideas at night. Thanks for commenting on my interview at Heather’s. We were out of power all day, so I just got around to answering questions.

By: MG Higgins

MG Higgins — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:44:39 +0000

Like another commenter said, I’ve learned from experience I need to keep plugging on revisions or they won’t get done. If I switch to something new then I end up with TWO stories that need to be revised! Not worth it. But I’ve never worked on two projects simultaneously. Let us know how it goes.