No, not like Will Smith in the newest MIB movie (which my 12 year old self can't wait to see), but like the opening up of an old manuscript you might have decided to put away for a while.
There's an old project that has been on my mind for some time. It's slowly gnawing away my unwillingness to go back into it. Not because I didn't love it, but because I have OTHER projects that I need to focus on right now. But it just won't go away. It's a beloved story that started in my head back when I was fifteen. I wrote about 40,000 words and then shifted my focus onto something else, something that was a bit more 'commercial'. I love this story, the way the characters come together in the most unexpected of ways. I think it might be time to stop being afraid and work on something for the love of it, not because it might give me a better chance of being published. I've put that dream on the back burner for now, and instead want to focus on strengthening my writing and doing what I love. Everything else can wait until later. I think I might be getting a hang of this patience thing. Maybe I'm growing up after all (um, not likely). What about you guys? Are there any stories you want to get back into? Lofty goals that aren't pushing at you anymore? Something that reminds you of your love for writing?
I have some stories that I've shelved and I do wish I could go back and make them more shelf-worthy. Someday!
ReplyDeleteMy old dusty manuscripts have been seeing a bit of light lately, and I remember their potential. Yet new ideas snatched me away. If I spent a lot of time revising, I could do something with them.
ReplyDeleteI have some shelved half-novels that I want to get back to someday, if I can find a way to make them work. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteYup, definitely :)
ReplyDelete...at the time, I realized I wasn't a good enough writer to get the result I wanted, but I figure after I grow/expand my abilities, I'll revisit it ;)
I think the creative idea that 'shouts loudest' is the one you need to tackle first. If it's been gnawing away at you, it's for a good reason. You may just surprise yourself with the finished manuscript :)
ReplyDeleteI have one manuscript in particular that I'd love to go back to...but I have 2 more books to write before I can :(
ReplyDeleteYes! This is exactly the sort of thing that's been on my mind as of late. Gosh, Prerna. You're confirming something that's been on my heart for a while now. I definitely don't think you should be afraid to work on a project you love. As I was telling a friend of mine, there is power in being an unpublished writer. We get to explore things, experiment, fail and try again. It's like being in college or high school for a second time. Only without the homework--- well... kind of...
ReplyDeleteMy point is, we write because we love it, so WHY are we so obsessed about the publication factor? We should write the stories we want to write and then, if we can make it better, we should make it better. AND THEN if we think other people should read this masterpiece of epic proportions, we should share it. But our hearts should come first. Now, more than ever, I wholeheartedly believe this.
Lots of love, Prerna. You continue to be an inspiration.
Warm wishes,
Deserae
Great post! I'm trying to learn about the publishing side of the writing world and balance it with not becoming obsessed with writing to GET published. Right now I'm just trying to write and enjoy it.
ReplyDelete