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After sending ‘Irish Intrigue’ to my publisher last week, and hearing from her the next day that it will be fast-tracked through the editing/cover art process so that it can be released on (or even before) St Patrick’s Day, I’ve spent the days since then floundering in uncharted waters.
Maybe it’s because ‘Irish Intrigue’ took me so long to write in the first place, followed by an intense couple of months editing and word-cutting. I seem to have breathed, eaten and slept this novel for the last twelve months (and even longer if you count the first two abandoned drafts!). In a sense, I feel ‘burnt out’, even to the point of thinking, ‘I don’t think I can face writing another novel!
I know this feeling will pass, and I do have a vague idea about another story. In fact one of the characters in ‘Irish Intrigue’ suggested it to me! I even have its title – ‘Irish Secrets’ – and a very basic one-sentence scenario, but that’s all. I know who the heroine is, and have a possible hero in mind, but I don’t really have much more than that. I can’t even fix a first chapter in my mind, because I have no idea where the story will actually start! I’ve let my mind revolve around the idea, but nothing – and I really do mean nothing – is jumping into my mind, not even a first sentence!
I can’t recall ever being in this situation before. I’ve usually had at least an opening or a partly formed idea in my mind, but at the moment nothing seems to be developing.
Maybe I need to do some research on what I think will be the background of the story and hope that will inspire me and/or spark some ideas – or maybe I need a pub lunch with the friend (a reader, not a writer), who has proved to be a fantastic brain-storming partner. I will never forget how, with just 4 words, she solved a problem I had been battling with in ‘Irish Intrigue’- which eventually led to one of the strongest chapters in the story!
I’m sure I will get over this temporary glitch – but at the moment, I am definitely floundering!
What wonderful news on the fast-track Paula! And go for that pub lunch - creative juices need a rest as well. Irish Intrigue was an exhausting process and I don't doubt once you're rested all will start to fall into place.
ReplyDeleteHope so, Amy - and yes, I'm looking forward to the pub lunch with my brainstorming friend :-)
DeleteYour mind is very creative, Paula. Your subconscious is already on the job, since you've placed your "order" for Irish Secrets.
ReplyDeleteBreathe deep and let the bubbles float up -- or down. Your choice.
I'm breathing, Ana :-) - and waiting for one of the bubbles to burst with some wonderful inspiration!
DeleteI would definitely find this a bit daunting, but even though edits are happening so soon that you won't have the luxury of going back over the story with 'fresh perspective', I'm sure you'll get through it. And the next book will sort itself out, too. Writers are resilient.
ReplyDeleteThe main storyline editing has been done, Renee, so it'lljust be the line editing and proof reading. And I'm sure once I start on the new book I'll be okay, once I decide just where it actually starts! Thanks for visiting!
DeleteWe all need downtime after a project is complete, Paula. Don't rush it or worry about it yet.
ReplyDeleteBeen doing some research this evening, and getting a few vague ideas! And I have my pub lunch planned for 26 Feb with my friend!
DeleteSometimes it's nice to just sit back and take a breather. You've really put in a marathon with "Irish Intrigue", so maybe you just need a bit of resting time, a pause if you will. As you sit, I'm sure ideas will start to percolate, and then you'll be off and running again.
ReplyDeleteI'm finding it hard to 'switch off' after 'Irish Intrigue' which was, as you say, a marathon. I want to be up and running again, but at the moment I don't know which way to run!
DeleteVague ideas have a habit of turning into something good. And because Irish Intrigue is being fast-tracked I'm sure it will be the spur you need to start something else. Exciting times.
ReplyDeleteI have the story background, Margaret, and I think this could be an interesting story, if only I could work out how the romance between the h/h develops!
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