Today, I posted the final chapter of my sci-fi western romance, “From Hell: A Love Story.” It’s the third story I’ve finished this year, “Finding Mister Wright” and Fearless being the other two.
I always get a rush of mixed feelings whenever I write the last words to a story. Relief for having reached the finish line, but a sense of sadness, too, at saying goodbye to characters I’ve come to love over the drafting time. Some stories never move much past that first draft, for me, but others find their way to revisions, rewrites, and re-posts. Still others become launching pads for completely different stories…or, the same story woven in a new pattern, as is often the case for me.
My issue at this point is: What do I write next? I’ve got a continuing timeline set up for my sci-fi western characters, but I feel like giving them a rest for a bit. I’ve been doing some off and on revising of Fearless and “Finding Mister Wright” over the last few months, and I’m enjoying revisiting those worlds, but it’s not the same as new writing. It’s been years since I’ve gone without a new writing project, I’m not sure I could handle not having one! The good news, I suppose, is that I’ve got a few twelve-plus-hour plane rides to consider my options (or maybe start playing with that heretofore unknown something new). That’s right – I’m out of here for the next few weeks while I visit my family in Japan. So, I won’t be around to read/comment/blog much or at all. But, don’t worry – I will eat lots of yummy sushi and green tea soft-serve in your honor!
So. I’ve done romance. I’ve done family stories. I’ve done science fiction with a western twist. Maybe it’s time to poke at that detective murder mystery? What do you think? What helps you decide what project to tackle next? Do you rassle your Muse into cooperating, or do you let the faerie ramble?
On a side note, as many of you know, I recently had a bit of a rough go. Many of you offered kind and supportive words for that, and I have to thank you. Your words really helped me move past what could have been a downturn. Some of you even said saying farewell to one friend would allow me to make room in my writerly life to make new friends…and I did! A mutual love of a shared universe put me in touch with a talented writer with whom I’ve enjoyed some of the best writing conversations about character, plot, and issues that I’ve had in a long time. And it’s felt glorious! The extra-awesome part? This writer is also a visual artist, who has offered to do art of my story, with my original character! I’ve been floating on clouds ever since I heard that. I will share if that’s allowed…but I may want to keep this one to myself.
It’s difficult knowing where to go after you finish a project. Sometimes, I let my muse choose for me. Right now, I’m wrestling withher to finish this one story or start a new one, which I have an idea of what to write next. Ultimately, I think you have to listen to your instinct. You can’t go wrong.
Congratulations on finishing your third story! 😀
As for finding a new project, I’d say let the idea come to you. Personally, I stumble across my inspirations, whether it’s characters I liked in a video game, or the driving hatred of a popular show with a story so full of holes and unreal characters that I get to writing my own version of the story. Inspiration is everywhere, just don’t hurt yourself finding it. Have fun visiting your family!
Congrats on finishing the story! And have a wonderful time in Japan. I hope you’ll share some of the photos and experiences with us!
Congrats on completing your third story! I always go with the story that is calling to me, to know what to write next. I have a feeling you will know what is right for you. Enjoy your trip!
A detective murder mystery, you say? I like where this thought train is going 🙂
It’s always a satisfying feeling, to hit that final note on any work, like tying the bow on a gift to the world. Congratulations on another completed adventure! Hope you enjoy your trip!
(Have a scoop of Ube Ice Cream for me!)
Congrats on finishing another draft! I usually keep an idea folder and I go through it and think about what I want to tackle next. Murder mysteries sound like a fun genre to try next!