Another Round

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I finished another round of revisions in order to have a draft for my later beta readers. In this version, which is still rough around the edges and missing one scene, I strengthened the story line of the hero.

One of the critiques of an early beta reader was that the story made a promise to the reader at the start which was never carried out by the end. I've revised that so that hopefully the reader will see how the story promise has been delivered. (Vague, I know, but I don't want to get too much more specific.)

While working on revisions, I've simultaneously been working on the second book, but I'm now now sure. Should I keep working on book two or should I "refresh the palette" with some work on another book?

I suppose I'll follow my inspiration; if I continue to go strong on book two, I will. But sometimes it does help me to take a break between projects and work on something completely different.

Does anyone else do that?

Comments

Ban said…
yes, all the time. can't tell you how many times i'm in the middle of one story and inspiration for another takes over - scenes play in my head, conversations, twists to a plot ... i used to fight it, try to focus solely on the WiP but i've since learned that does not work so, i go with whatever story vies strongest for my attention, knowing i will eventually be pulled back to my main story.
5:38 AM
JESSJORDAN said…
I think you should follow your own advice: go with whatever inspires you. If you don't, are you really putting your absolute best into your current WIP, or are you writing it just because you feel you have to at the moment? If something pulls you away from your current WIP, it may be just a temporary tug, something that can be satiated by a little intro paragraph and a few character descriptions. Or it may be a red herring, something that says, "Na nah nah nah nah, I stole your attention!" In which case, you should be able to easily discern that within (hopefully) only a few days away from your WIP. Or maybe, just maybe, it'll be your big thing. That's just my 2 cents.
9:01 AM
Natalie Whipple said…
I like to switch around. I usually can't write two brand new things at once, but I'll edit one project while using my "creative juices" on another.
10:41 AM
The Screaming Guppy said…
I do that. After editing so long, I really need a break from the world I'm working on. Even though I have an idea for a sequel to Hound, I'm not ready to open that can for a long time.

Besides, even though it sucks to consider, if you have trouble getting an agent for book 1, it might be good to have another completed project to shop again - not just a sequel to a book you are still trying to sell.
10:53 AM
XiXi said…
It's different for everyone, I guess. I will work on another project if I'm editing the first, but I won't WRITE two projects at once. In either case, I prefer to concentrate on one thing, but I think I'm in the minority here.
12:05 PM
Dave said…
Well, good for you for starting a new book.

I've heard it said that you are never really done with one book until you have started the next.

I can't really say what I think the pros and cons of doing two books at once are, because I don't really know. But, I can say that it is probably a good thing to continue writing. I like the bit you added in about following your creativity. That sounds like a better idea than focusing on just one book.

How long have you been going on the revisions?
3:16 PM
J.L. Johnson said…
What ever you do, make sure you don't strech yourself to thin across several projects. I'm fighting the urge to start 'Seeing' before I've finished 'Dragonstone'.

YOu can burn yourself out very quicky with too many w.i.p's open, then nothing gets finished.
4:09 AM
Davin Malasarn said…
I usually work on multiple projects at the same time. As far as books go, I cap myself at two at a time, but while those are going, I'll write short stories and flash fiction pieces as well. I think some people work well this way while others need to focus. I get too distracted if I'm only working on one thing. I get bored. So, I need to sort of saturate my senses by having multiple things happen at the same time.
9:37 AM
Sherrie Petersen said…
I play with scenes and plot lines a lot in my head before I ever write anything down. So sometimes working on something else helps me see what I need to be doing in the other story.
11:24 AM
scott g.f.bailey said…
I can only work on one writing project at a time. When I need a break from a project, I do something that's not writing. I've taken a long break from writing just now, but tonight I intend to work on my next book again.
2:44 PM
lotusgirl said…
I would go with what's flowing. I tend to work on only one project at a time.
7:20 PM
laughingwolf said…
indeed... thinking/working on something else allows the prob to perc to the surface on the back burner, where in a day or two i can see it with new eyes...
2:15 PM
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