Maybe... but the flow is leading me somewhere new. My first priority is the same - getting Romeo, Romeo, ready for the agent quest. But the next book? I've temporarily shelved it even though I had been enjoying the character sketches and had a killer first paragraph (and an okay few pages). For some reason I decided to reread a 10-page novel prospectus I'd written two years ago. And then I started writing that novel during spare moments at the conferences. And soon there was an entire chapter one, part of chapter two, a chapter-by-chapter outline and a narrator with an unexpected and compelling voice. Coming home, I boxed what I'd thought would be my next project in order to make room for this novel. Huh? I thought I had a plan.
I am choosing to think this is going with the flow and is the right thing to do. But how do we know? How do we know when it's right to shift from perseverance to something new?
Great question, Robert. I've boxed a few projects that I thought I would run with. I think just being conscious of the concept of perseverance goes a long way. It allows you to try new things with a goal of finishing them if they speak to you. Just the fact that you've got RR almost ready to query says a lot about your perseverance.
ReplyDeletePaul - I love your idea that "just being conscious of the concept of perseverance goes a long way." Very grounding. (And you'll note that I'm back & will be reading to crit this week...)
ReplyDeleteWhat a grounding blog post this is, Robert!! (For me--it's grounding for me!) I think that being open to opportunities is exactly what going with the flow is all about. And, it sounds like that is exactly what you are doing! I'm excited about your change of direction. Sounds fulfilling!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Heather! It feels right, but there's always the nagging doubt that what's good for you shouldn't feel so good. I don't believe that... but the voice is there.
ReplyDeleteAnn Marie - Welcome & thanks for joining!
ReplyDeleteI totally recognize the doubt. I hardly ever know if I'm doing the right thing. Every once in awhile I can feel it, then I know, but otherwise I like Heather's quote, I fake it 'til I make it!
ReplyDeleteI love how this project sort of came out of the blue for you and is compelling, it certainly makes it seem right and magical to me. Keep going with it, unless the other one comes up and bangs you on the head. Then perhaps you will ahve to go back. But that may be perfect then!
Tina and I call it flexie. Being flexible is going with the flow. Of course you may not be happy with every outcome and, in hindsight, you'll be pissed at yourself for not listening to the first thing that came to mind, but in the end, all rivers lead to the ocean and for the water, there's no going back the other way. I think I said once that we can build as many dams as we want along the way, but in the end, we still end up downstream so it's easier to let the water flow easily. Well, the point behind my rambling is that I totally need to work on this. I have been hung up on every little drawback since March and it's uber exhausting. I need someone that can get me to loosen up and just...go with the flow. Without getting high, of course.
ReplyDeleteI would totally trust your impulses, and go in their direction. So I agree with Tina and Jonathon. Sounds like you're doing a lot, going to conferences, and all, and maybe that's giving you a great new burst of energy and a new perspective on things--I always find travel reassuring and helpful that way. Thanks for sharing your thoughts--makes me want to be a part of your journey, and I like that.
ReplyDeleteBtw, re: Death Cab for Cutie, I knew none of that.
ReplyDeleteOkay, lie: I totally knew all of that. I'd revoke my BG Groupie License myself if I hadn't.
:)
Tina - I'm also a big fan of "Fake it until you make it." Thank you for using the word "magical". It's empowering, but I don't feel comfortable using it on something about me, so I'm grateful when someone else does. Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteJon - Flexie... I like that. And that for all our dams (damns) the water will flow where it flows.
ReplyDeleteSamuel, Fantastic that you're along for the journey! I hear what you say about the power of new places. Sometimes as dramatic as a new city or as small as a new cafe. I spent a great 2 hours in a cafe off my regular circuit today (making it a 4 hour cafe day, which, to me, is a great day!).
ReplyDelete...Samuel's point nailed it. Travel and new experiences promote inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI think it's okay to stop one project and go with one that feels right. You have to be excited about what you're writing to make it to query stage. And some ms are just for writing until the better idea strikes. Try out your new idea for a while, see how it goes, and see which you are more drawn to. Now, if you constantly find yourself stopping and switching projects - that's different. But it doesn't sound like you have that problem!
ReplyDeleteElliot - amen!
ReplyDeletePaula - I hear you about some ms are just for writing until the better idea strikes - that was novel #1 that, mercifully, hasn't poked its head out of the drawer for some time... and a few other novel beginnings. How about an anthology of novel beginnings?
For me, going with the flow is always a good thing. You have a goal, and you're working toward it. So just enjoy the canoe ride, or whatever, and you'll get there.
ReplyDeleteFor the record, I don't think you can ever abandon the perseverance, otherwise, you'll never make it. You can't achieve something you don't try for, you know?
Elana - You're so right... even while enjoying the canoe ride we have to keep paddling!
ReplyDeletesometimes you just never really know, do you?? best to just stick with your gut -- and you can always reopen the box after you've closed it! it's never a bad idea to say yes to a new idea.
ReplyDeletebest of luck with everything -- i hope you have a fantastic weekend!!
Hi Robert! Hi everyone!
ReplyDeleteMay I ask if you come from a CATHOLIC background?
I do - and it seems that you have a problem with doing what feels right and what you believe you OUGHT to be doing. I hope you don't think I'm being impertinent (well, I am actually) but I can so relate to what you talked about.
I think that both Samuel and Elana said it in a nutshell. Try to get over that nagging doubt and just do what FEELS good....you can RATION it you know...
HAVE A CREATIVE WEEKEND EVERYONE!
Omg, Ann, is that what it is? The Catholic background...that explains everything. No, like, srsly.
ReplyDelete