Beginning this summer I had plans to finish three manuscripts that have been in various stages of completion. Stories stalled for one reason or another. Between social, family and organization commitments, my gardens and putting up the produce from the vegetable garden, I only managed to finish one manuscript.
Bummer! I had so much planned for this summer when I had 'nothing' to do between spring and fall semesters -- paint a mural, finish a quilt, get my TBR pile whittled down. Classes start next week, so I'll be busy with plans, reading papers and writing lectures. I shouldn't complain. I have a job, and getting even one manuscript done was an accomplishment.
This latest manuscript is different. Legend's Cipher is an anthology of ten stories, set in the Aegis world and characters of Magic Aegis, Acceptance, and Change, all based on the numerology established in the series. I've sent it off to my critique group. I'm not sure I can write a good short story, so I'm somewhat anxious about their comments. I've also had the thought of making this a free book--one that gives readers a feel for my other stories. Decisions, decision.
My next project to work on is another Michigan romance. This one is slow going as I"m not quite sure where to take it. Some writers are pantsers, writing by the seat of their pants as everything comes to mind. I'm a plotter. Things change as I write, and that's all right, but I'm most comfortable when I know where I want to go. This manuscript hasn't a clean-cut plot, which is what is halting me. I sometimes wish I were a pantser; maybe I should give it a try.
Bummer! I had so much planned for this summer when I had 'nothing' to do between spring and fall semesters -- paint a mural, finish a quilt, get my TBR pile whittled down. Classes start next week, so I'll be busy with plans, reading papers and writing lectures. I shouldn't complain. I have a job, and getting even one manuscript done was an accomplishment.
This latest manuscript is different. Legend's Cipher is an anthology of ten stories, set in the Aegis world and characters of Magic Aegis, Acceptance, and Change, all based on the numerology established in the series. I've sent it off to my critique group. I'm not sure I can write a good short story, so I'm somewhat anxious about their comments. I've also had the thought of making this a free book--one that gives readers a feel for my other stories. Decisions, decision.
My next project to work on is another Michigan romance. This one is slow going as I"m not quite sure where to take it. Some writers are pantsers, writing by the seat of their pants as everything comes to mind. I'm a plotter. Things change as I write, and that's all right, but I'm most comfortable when I know where I want to go. This manuscript hasn't a clean-cut plot, which is what is halting me. I sometimes wish I were a pantser; maybe I should give it a try.
I am not totally sure we came from the same parents. I am definatly a pantster. Planning seems to work really well for you.
ReplyDeleteWell, what can I say, the same genes mix up in different ways. You're good at seat of the pants. I panic.
ReplyDeleteLove ya!
Congrats on finishing one book this summer. Like you, I had plans to try to finish more than one and didn't even get the one finished. Did a lot of editing and rewriting of my memoir, so that counts, but made little progress on my mystery. Life does tend to get in the way. LOL
ReplyDeleteI agree about the Planning out of a story and sometimes it hold me back. But if I can't see where it's headed I'm lost in the woods. I sometimes envy Pantsers, too.
ReplyDeleteWow, sounds like you keep yourself busy. You have talents and interests and many different directions. I don't think I could keep up:)
ReplyDelete