I'm thinking about giving up.
Well, ok, not really. I'm not going to give up writing- no way! And I'm not giving up querying Daze and Knights... yet (although I'm on a temporary hiatus while I wait for a query critique).
What I'm thinking of giving up is the sequel to Daze and Knights- as yet untitled. Here's the thing. I'm almost done. I know I can push through to get it finished. So why quit? Well, I have the ending planned out. I know what I want to happen. But while doing my research I've realized that I have a couple of weeks before this event can take place. So I had an idea to put Jessica right into the war, but that means a lot more research and a lot more writing- more to the story than I had planned in the first place. A part of me wonders, why bother? Because if Daze and Knights never goes anywhere then it doesn't really matter if I get the ending written. But then my controlling obsessive side argues that I can't leave it unfinished.
Here's the other problem: I've got a completely different story idea stirring in the back of my head, just waiting for me to get it started. I'm practically itching to start writing it. It would be so much easier for me to quit the hard research/ending writing, to start something brand new.
So what do I do? Take the easy route? Quit what I've almost finished and start something that I could actually query when it's done? Or should I take the harder, less-rewarding route. Finish Jessica book 2 just for the fact of finishing it, even though I won't be able to do anything at all with it?
Any advice?
If the new one's ready, go ahead and start it. It's not like you can't finish the other one later. Come on. Writing's supposed to be fun! (Why do I feel like picking up a trident?)
ReplyDeleteI ran into this not long ago. When the first one sells, you may have to change some things in the second one to match any possible changes in the first. Something to think about...
ReplyDeleteAlso, with as much done as you have, it won't be terrible when you do.
Hmmmm.... Sequels are hard. Especially if you haven't sent the first book out. I have a sequel in mind for my fairy tale book, but I haven't written it yet in case my first book doesn't sell. BUT, if you're almost finished, I'd totally finish it.
ReplyDeleteI guess it all comes down to how much you love the project. If it's all you can think about, finish it. If all you can think about it the other book calling your name? Set it aside and write the other one. :)
It's hard to figure out what to do sometimes. Good luck! :D
Writing is supposed to be fun. I hate when it's hard! But that's a given I guess. I think I'm going to set myself a goal to finish it by July 1st. Just mainly get the story out and not worry so much about historical details or accuracy. Then I can always go back and fix later if it's ever needed.
ReplyDeleteMy vote is to finish book 2 so you can set it aside and move on to the next book without something lurking in the back of your mind. Besides...then I'll have another book to read :)
ReplyDelete