How I choose which idea to develop into a novel
Today I'll tackle a question one of you sent me: How do I choose which idea to develop and write about. When I have several ideas, what makes me pick one over the other?
This is both an easy question for me and very difficult at the same time. Easy in that I tend to have a one-track mind; once I get an idea, it's next to impossible for me to let it go. Actually, any idea I've latched onto that hard, I've never let go of. As I've said in previous posts, I wrote two books that eventually morphed into Raine's story during college and in the next decade after. These were my "starter" books -- I was feeling around, finding my voice, screwing up, and trying to learn from my mistakes. I was also reading like crazy. That's the single most important thing that you can feed your muse -- words. Soak in words like a sponge. And don't limit yourself to just one genre; try others, even those you've never read before and don't think you'll like -- get book suggestions from your friends. Your muse just might devour it and spit out an idea for a fabulous project. You never know, and the results can be surprising, rewarding, and productive. Raine's stories are a combination of my love of fantasy, action/adventure, detective fiction, crime capers, mysteries, and thrillers. Hmmm, I think I just found another blog topic -- I should check out my bookshelves and tell you all what authors/books that have inspired me the most over the years; it'll give you a better idea of where my Raine stories came from.
Your muse will let you know what project you should be working on (or at least which project you should tackle first). My difficulty is that I have a FABULOUS urban fantasy idea (set in modern times), but with the necessity of a day job, I can only write one series at a time. I could write two, but you all would have to wait even longer for Raine stories -- and I know you don't want that. But rest assured, my urban fantasy idea isn't going away. I have such a strong urge toward that story that I don't even read the notes for it. If I read the notes, I get excited about starting the project, and I simply don't have the time right now. So I just don't tempt myself. But don't worry, in a few years, you all will be reading it. ; )
Have a great Easter weekend!
Lisa
This is both an easy question for me and very difficult at the same time. Easy in that I tend to have a one-track mind; once I get an idea, it's next to impossible for me to let it go. Actually, any idea I've latched onto that hard, I've never let go of. As I've said in previous posts, I wrote two books that eventually morphed into Raine's story during college and in the next decade after. These were my "starter" books -- I was feeling around, finding my voice, screwing up, and trying to learn from my mistakes. I was also reading like crazy. That's the single most important thing that you can feed your muse -- words. Soak in words like a sponge. And don't limit yourself to just one genre; try others, even those you've never read before and don't think you'll like -- get book suggestions from your friends. Your muse just might devour it and spit out an idea for a fabulous project. You never know, and the results can be surprising, rewarding, and productive. Raine's stories are a combination of my love of fantasy, action/adventure, detective fiction, crime capers, mysteries, and thrillers. Hmmm, I think I just found another blog topic -- I should check out my bookshelves and tell you all what authors/books that have inspired me the most over the years; it'll give you a better idea of where my Raine stories came from.
Your muse will let you know what project you should be working on (or at least which project you should tackle first). My difficulty is that I have a FABULOUS urban fantasy idea (set in modern times), but with the necessity of a day job, I can only write one series at a time. I could write two, but you all would have to wait even longer for Raine stories -- and I know you don't want that. But rest assured, my urban fantasy idea isn't going away. I have such a strong urge toward that story that I don't even read the notes for it. If I read the notes, I get excited about starting the project, and I simply don't have the time right now. So I just don't tempt myself. But don't worry, in a few years, you all will be reading it. ; )
Have a great Easter weekend!
Lisa
posted by Lisa Shearin at
7:40 AM
2 Comments:
Great post, Lisa! Obviously, you're going to do what is best for you, but.. I don't know about anyone else, but the idea of having another series by you out is just sooo exciting, I don't think I would mind too much waiting for a book in either series (is the urban fantasy a series?) if I know a book from the other is coming out. Quite frankly, if it's a book by you, I'll read it no matter whether it follows on from the last book you released or not :) And the idea of an urban fantasy by you is just soo awesome! I love urban fantasy! I guess I'll just have to wait :)
Wonderful post!
I am very excited for that other thing you have in mind! And at the same time, I'm glad that the Raine books are coming at the fastest speed they can come
have a wonderful Easter weekend!
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