I’m currently in between big writing projects, and I’m having trouble getting out of that space. Some of that is because there are things currently out of my control in regards to what happens next in my writing career, so it’s hard to look too far in the future. Which makes it hard to commit to anything big right now–mainly on deciding what novel I want to write next.
I did have a sort of break planned where I was going to read and catch up on some non-writerly stuff…and wait and see where my muse takes me next. I’ve definitely done this, and worked on some smaller projects in the meantime. All those small projects have turned out to be on the quirky side, so I’m not really sure what to do with them.
It’s not that I don’t have novel ideas (I literally have notebooks of ideas stashed away); it’s more that I can’t quite seem to figure out what one is calling to me the loudest. There’s also the consideration about what makes sense to work on next as far as my career goes, and that brings me back to having to wait to see where those things out of my control shake out.
The waiting is part of the business of writing. I’m growing impatient with the waiting, though. My fingers are itching to get to work. My dreams (like the sleeping kind, not goals and aspirations) have gotten even weirder than those small projects I’ve been working on, which is a sure sign that my brain is getting antsy to work on a big project.
I thought maybe writing this post out would help me have some insight into what to do next. But here I’ve reached the end and I still don’t know what to do.
“…having to wait to see where those things out of my control shake out.” <– Aren't you the queen of intrigue? I can't wait to hear what this is all about. I hope you find your next inspiration. I actually know what I'm working on after I finish my current WIP. AND – it actually aligns well to follow my Trickster series, so for once I won't have to go find a new audience for an unrelated title. Crazy, right?
Didn’t mean to leave a vague teaser there, Kai! I’m excited to learn more about your next WIP and looking forward to your upcoming Trickster book!
I find that one way to “un-stick” is to do a short project instead. An article, a PB, a short story–they get the wheels turning and the road becomes clearer.
That’s good advice. I have been working on some smaller things, but I’m still itching to figure out what novel to write next.
Katie, I hear you. I can feel stuck when there are too many ideas jostling around in my head. I’ve been in that space for a little while now, all over the place, but finally settling down a bit to focus. I’m sure your muse will direct you.
I appreciate the solidarity! I’m sure my brain will figure it all out…it’s just the waiting. I can be a bit impatient with my muse. 🙂
I highly recommend watching Carrie Firestone’s NESCBWI 2021 workshop on using vision boards for inspiration–not only to spark ideas, but also to help with revision, adding detail, and polishing. I think it was Workshop C5.
Also, check out Sky & Telescope News, Astronomy News, and Astronomy Picture of the Day for cool space nerd current events!
Thanks for the resources, Meg! I definitely plan on watching Carrie’s (and all the ones I didn’t watch live) session when the recordings are available.
I’ve got a middle grade idea percolating, so that may be the next big project I tackle. But I’m always looking for interesting space news and ideas.