As you might have picked up, I've been a little adrift writing wise. It's just that I've got this belief from studying investment management that one must NEVER put all your eggs in one basket.
So I worked on some other stories whenever I took a break from the Doorways drafts so that I could clear my mind. I've finished my third rough draft this way.
But now I'm almost done with editing Doorways, while I have time to burn while waiting for crits to come back. And you know... I'm just not feeling any of the other stories. They're great. There's one in particular that I adore. But now I could start rewriting it. And I'm... just... not.
Not because I love it less or lost my passion for it. No... It's just that my muse is singing a siren's song, trying to drag me back to the Doorways Series all the time. And it's really difficult for me to maintain an interest in any other books while this is happening and the reason is pretty simple - if somewhat girlish for a fantasy series.
There are these two guys and they both have the hots for the same girl. And they're trying to compete without competing, because they're blood brothers. So... yeah... I know that it sounds like a cliche, but things are considerably more complicated than that. I'm not going to talk that about now, since it'll take a few pages to explain.
But yeah. These guys, the girl and a few others make my head quite a mess, but every now and then, songs randomly start playing that invariably want to make me write - specifically: write the Doorways Series. Why?
Because the capture the essence of what things are like when the guys are alone with the girl. To illustrate:
First guy and girl together:
Second guy and girl together:
See? Both are INCREDIBLY sexy, but really different. And I am shipping the girl with one guy (not telling which), but the girl just has no idea of who to choose at this stage. In fact, right now, she's not even vaguely aware of the second guy's feelings. So... I'm dying to know what happens. And every time these songs, or one or two others play, I just get the urge to sit down and discover more of their story.
Do you have a story or series like this that (for whatever reason) just won't let you go?
P.S. While we're on the topic of Doorways, Matthew Rush from the QQE is going to crit my query letter tomorrow, so please go say hi if you have time. The original letter is here.
Saw your query up at Matthew's!
ReplyDeleteI only have one series, so I guess that means it won't let me go yet.
I do have one series I can't let go. In fact, I returned to work on it a little bit this week, since I finished my most recent first draft and I'm not ready to commence revisions.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I am pulled toward these characters and every time I work on their story, I get completely sucked into their world. I don't know if this series will ever get picked up by a publisher, or if I might some day put it out on my own, or if it will forever remain on my computer. But I know it will always hold a special place in my heart.
The best choice is to always go with what's on the heart.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Traci, if it's calling you, it's meant to be written. Their story will flow if you sit down and let it come. When that flood dries up you can turn your attention to the next thing. Of course, this all depends on how you work.
ReplyDeleteI've only written standalones so far, but my WIP is the first in a series. I have a lot to explore with those characters!
ReplyDeleteIf you keep going back, there's a reason. Besides, if you try to ignore it and write something else it could go badly as your concentration's split.
ReplyDeleteP.S I never heard of armchair cynics before but I just adore that song now.
I'm the same way, only mine's a novel, not a series. I've re-written it no less than five times, and though I love it, and know others liked reading it, I can't seem to snag an agent or a publisher. But I can't stop thinking about it, even though it's finished. I keep ending up back there.
ReplyDeleteThankfully I think I've finally found another story to hold my attention.
If it is the one calling you, then it is the one you must write. :)
ReplyDeleteFor me, I have too many ideas calling me at the same time and pulling me in different directions. I wish I had just one to focus on.
Yes I understand!
ReplyDeleteI have a series that I am working on, but I dont have any urge to let it go.
But Im glad you also go back to it, I am anxious for Doorways to be finished!
Also- I saw your query!
Great luck!
I don't think it's a girlish fantasy at all. I can totally relate. ;D
ReplyDeleteYou know what you need to do.
ReplyDeleteLove triangles are often a really compelling force in novels. Good luck with yours!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with writing your novel! Best wishes.
ReplyDeletewww.modernworld4.blogspot.com
I can definitely identify, but in a different way. Last year I was working on a novel, but I decided (for a few different reasons) to put it on hold before it was finished and focus on writing short stories. To this day, I still feel that old story calling to me every now and then, to the point that it threatens to disrupt the story I'm working on now.
ReplyDeleteI suppose it's the nature of creativity. The muse wants what the muse wants!
Yes ... I have one of those series also that I am so passionate about ... but it's been shelved, and I'm focusing on other projects. Maybe one day my series will see the light of day.
ReplyDelete