And what about my poor novel, that I haven’t had any time to send out?
On Monday a fellow writer, Debbie White, sent me a message on facebook to say well done for being shortlisted for the Festival of Romance New Talent Award (she had also been shortlisted).
It’s been so long since I’ve had time to do anything with the novel that this was a wonderful boost and made me think that I really must start sending it out again. It also made me realise how much I miss writing – the whole craft of it. I feel adrift when I’m not writing, and I hate it. It makes me feel very vulnerable: uncertain of who I am.
So this is the dilemma: should I start pitching a non fiction book that has a much higher chance of being published, but means I don’t get to do much writing – it’s a lot of chasing around – and for not much financial return, but a bit is better than nothing. And I could do with the money. (Actually, the second idea is a very good one that involves almost no writing but could make some money.)
Or do I start sending Leo out again (code name for novel) and possibly start thinking about another novel, which will take up a huge amount of time and has much less chance of publication?
Head over heart.
12 comments:
If you really can't decide - toss a coin ;)
Difficult one, Sue, but the call of an income is persuasive. All I know is that if I had a day job I wouldn't be able to give it up!!
It's terrible when everything seems to take time away from writing, isn't it? Good luck with whichever path you decide to take - and congratulations on the shortlisting!
If you can afford the financial difference, go with your heart - you'll be happier. (Just read your last post - I too have decaffeinated tea as the real stuff used to give me palpatations. Apparantly, tea is much worse than coffee for its caffine effect.)
Addy - good advice! And yes, tea certainly had its effect on me!
Jane - tricky isn't it?
Chris - I'm not going to rush into any decisions....
Ak - I have a feeling that something will happen to decide for me!
Is there a way you can do both? I'd say heart every time. When I write thinking of the money it seems to lose something. There must be a way to balance both (not that I've found it - if I do I'll let you know). Good luck in whatever you decide.
Ah! Decisions, decisions. As the queen of indecision, I'll pass on what I do.
I make a list (I love my lists) of all the pressing projects I should be attending to, and then decide which is the most important to me. Then I allocate dates / timescales for each project.
Once it's all down in writing, and no longer just in my head, it's easier to see the way forward.
Sounds simple, but it works for me. x
Thanks Rena - always useful finding out what works for other people! I'm a great list maker too.
Tracy - funnily enough I was reading Elizabeth Berg's book on writing last night and I think that is the answer. Work on non-fiction and have one day a week to work on a novel. Perhaps....
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