Last year, I started a rough draft of a novel idea I had. I had no idea what I was doing. I worked on it for a few months and realized it was not enough for a book, more like a short story. Another idea popped into my head and it wouldn’t let go. I spent a few months thinking about the plot as it was a little complicated.
The problem I am facing is I have two book ideas, both vying for my attention. Project One is the one I have invested a lot of time in writing. I’ve written an outline, premise, and character sketches. But the plot is complicated with a dual timeline and at least two points of view. As I write the first draft, I feel overwhelmed with the best approach of telling the story. This type of book is the type I would love to read but am feeling intimidated by the scope of how best to put the story together.
Project Two entered my headspace a few months ago. I’ve written the idea in my journal of ideas. From time to time, I get more ideas for this second project. It’s not letting me go. I remind Project Two that I’ve done a lot of work already for Project One so it makes sense to keep going with that book.
I’m not sure how to proceed. Logically I know I should continue on with Project One since that is the one I’ve invested so much of my time in. I don’t want to start Project Two while working on the other book. At least not until the first draft is completed.
As I write this post, I know I should continue working on the first project idea. But I may play around a little more with Project Two (is this writer cheating?!).
Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for this writer stuck at the fork in the road?
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Photo by Burst via Unsplash
