Wednesday, May 6, 2015

IWSG - WHAT'S NEXT?


Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time. Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post.



As Alex says, "Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!"

The Twitter hashtag is #IWSG

(This information was taken directly from Alex J Cavanaugh's blog.)
 

It seems petty to talk insecurity when my third book was just approved for publication by Curiosity Quills Press. What's odd was the amount of stress writing this last book raised. Maybe due to other issues, but finally, the trilogy is complete and the relief is profound – BUT – what do I tackle next? Science fiction, horror, or do I stick with what's worked and write another mystery? Does Detective Steven Quaid continue to solve crimes or do I put him aside and try something new?

I have several options, projects waiting to be finished and yet I'm unsure which one to pick. I want to try something new and yet that damn detective isn't done speaking. I figure I'll work on the marketing for Murder & Obsession, and when my muse is ready, she'll point me in the right direction.

What do you do when a project is completed? How do you choose your next project or does it choose you?

Funny thing is, I was more confidant before I ever published novel one, (probably because of how little I knew) now I struggle with everything. I know marketing is my biggest source of insecurity but this year I'm determined to up my marketing game. Despite recent blog posts that say it's a waste of time, I'm not giving up. I'll find my stride. How's that sound for confidence?
 

24 comments:

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Renee... CONGRATS! YOU FINISHED IT AND IT WAS APPROVED!!!!! HOW WONDERFUL! I am so happy for you!

Three books now. That is quite the accomplishment. You shouldn't be insecure about anything... Take a breather and focus on something FUN.... Take care of you for a bit, then jump back into working. Enjoy the Spring and Summer. Once you relax a bit, THEN the ideas will flood. Besides I know you have ONE on the back burner. Maybe later this year....

Jan Morrison said...

Good for you Renee! Guess mine would be a different encouragement than Michael's but hey! I think you should throw down some ideas about the next mystery and start another project too -one that you feel the most passion for. Play them off against each other. Success isn't meant to limit you but free you. Go!

Pat Hatt said...

The ideas usually pop on in after I'm done. Then I just go with it

Chrys Fey said...

Congratulations on your contract, Yolanda!

When one project is completed, I always hope into the next one. :)

Shah Wharton said...

Superb to hear of your success and I share your marketing insecurities. HATE IT! Best of luck with it. X

shahwharton.com

Yolanda Renée said...

Hey Michale, thanks, we will connect and that project will get done. I wish I felt less insecure but I think it's built in!

Yolanda Renée said...

I like that Jan, and it's something I've done in the past. Just need to sweep out the cobwebs!

Yolanda Renée said...

Since writing this post I've had three different characters from three different projects fighting for attention. Maybe I shouldn't have asked he question. LOL

Yolanda Renée said...

Good advice Chrys, you are always busy!

Yolanda Renée said...

Thanks Shah, it's a goal, and I seldom fail when I make them a priority, unless it's the one where I plan to lose weight. LOL

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I can relate! Although I wasn't very confident for that first book, either.
You'll know what to write next. I can still think of other ideas for my Cassa universe, but Dragon's story had to be told.

Yolanda Renée said...

Thanks Alex, I know you're right. Confidence comes and goes - mostly goes. LOL

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I could've kept going with my NA/YA series. I even have an outline for a 6th book. But my non-fiction book had provided some unique opportunities, so I decided to make my next one another non-fiction. Of course, now I'm trying to switch back to fiction and my brain doesn't want to cooperate.

Denise Covey said...

If that damned detective isn't finished speaking, go for it! (How many Jack Reacher novels are out there? Go Lee Child!!)

dolorah said...

I haven't finished anything in so long I don't know what I'd do. Someday I hope to have my womens fiction trilogy published, then I'll figure it out.

But writing short stories is fun. And the detective concept sounds like you'd enjoy writing it. Add some horror into his cases and viola! feels like something new, lol.

Cynthia said...

Congratulations on having a book approved for publication!
For me, when I'm in the middle of writing a MS, I am always tempted to stop and start over with a different story. So once I finish my current project, I will work on that "different story."

Al Diaz said...

Hi Yolanda! I know the feeling of having a lot of ideas for new projects and they're all pulling you to different directions. I wouldn't know how to pick, except for tossing a coin. I do toss coins for starters. Marketing is such a difficult aspect of being a writer. I am not sure I would like that either, but I like your attitude. I see the will there to master it. Good for you. If it was a vote, I would vote for mystery. Dragon Hugs!

klahanie said...

Hey Yolanda,

Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar and I, her alleged human, have always believed in you. Despite all the concerns in your life, your gentle confidence is most admired. Strides and your own pace, dear Yolanda.

Gary :)

Yolanda Renée said...

I think the brain needs the challenge. Can't wait to really tackle non-fiction.

Yolanda Renée said...

Excellent point. You make me laugh!

Yolanda Renée said...

That is the way to do it, completely finish the trilogy before the query. Then move to something new!

Yolanda Renée said...

It's fun to jump around, your brain needs to stretch, but definitely finish that first ms. The other ideas will always haunt you.

Yolanda Renée said...

Souns like the detective wins. Thanks Al! Hugs to you!

Yolanda Renée said...

You always make my day! Thanks Gary, and you too Penny!