I’ve been tempted by a new idea.
When this new idea approached me, I didn’t tell it about the current relationship with my WIP. Yeah, we’ve had some good times — and not so good times. But I know my WIP’s quirks and definitely have accepted all the flaws. We’re going through a rough patch right now, but I think we can work it out.
When the new idea offered, I wrote down its plot and premise. My WIP wouldn’t have to know.
Now I can’t help thinking about this new idea. So hopeful and promising. Makes me want to dump my WIP and spend time with this new hot thing. Looks pretty flawless. So young and fresh. Let’s face it — me and my WIP have been together SO long — it would be nice to have a change.
But you know what? I made a promise to my WIP. I made the decision to stick it out in our relationship. I knew it would be hard when WIP told me about the new plot element. I was blind-sided but I knew it was for the best. Even if it meant I would have to write a WHOLE other ending and rewrite the last 6 chapters. Sigh. We’re working through it.
So I can’t leave now. And I don’t want to be a cheater. I’m going to just put my bright and shiny idea away in a folder. Not even peek at it again until April when my WIP is resting up for my critique partners and beta readers. The relationship will be over and I’ll be single. Again.
I know when I tell the new idea about my WIP there will be disappointment. But I know after that shine wears off, the new idea will show its flaws. There’s no such thing as a perfect relationship.
My WIP doesn’t deserve to be betrayed so I’ll remain faithful.
Bright and Shiny
February 17, 2011 Read Comments
Very clever! It’s tough during the revision stage when fresh new ideas appear. Esp. if the new idea holds a lot of promise. LIke you, I’ll spend some time jotting down ideas but then store it away in a folder for later – when I’m done revising and taking a break with current wip!
LOL! how cute, best of luck on your current WIP. It has no idea how lucky it is to have a gal like you! :D
Ohhh, you’re being so GOOD! Good luck with that! ;)
hee hee. Meg Cabot has a nice post about this on her blog. Basically, write down shiny idea and go back to WIP. It’s trying to prevent you from finishing. Finish the book!
I get so tempted too.. I’m back into my WIP though. I had to go back about 20,000 words and untangle everything. Lots of work, but now I’m back to where I left off, and it feels right. Phew!
It’s been hard because I’ve been struggling with this new plot element which affects the ending and now I have to go back and fix everything.
It so tempting to just walk away from the mess but I have too much invested. I’m sure the new idea would give me issues too once I got in deep enough.
Oh well. I’ll stick it out. Wish me luck ya’ll. :)
Good luck! You’re going to feel great when you’ve finish your current WIP. Then beginning to work on your new shiny idea will be like a reward! You can do it!
Oops I meant “finished” :)
You have a lot more self-control than I do! I try not to dump previous ideas for shiny new ones, but I do sometimes let myself go back and forth between the two. I think that often helps me, actually, because it gets me excited about writing again. But it sounds like your old WIP is almost there, so it’ll be an even bigger reward when you’re done.
Yes! I feel a big sense of a rewarding accomplishment when I finish this WIP.
There are lot of other responsibilities to tackle later this year, so hopefully I can strive through and have the novel project done before then.
I write notes down when I’m seized with a new idea, because I know I can’t abandon the current wip.
I have a blog award for you.
Very strong of you to stick to your guns, even when new beauties enter your life. I recently dealt with a new handsome thing that liked to strut by and flaunt itself. I’ll admit, I also wrote down some details before fleeing back to my WIP, but it’s all in innocence! We’re doing well sticking to things and being strong. I think it’ll pay off in the long run. ;)
*smiles*
We can all relate to this! Of course our unwritten books are perfect, right? Then we dig in and oops, not perfect after all. Your current WIP will appreciate your faithfulness, and hopefully agents or editors will too!
Medeia:Writing down notes is good for me too because I’ll forget details if I don’t!
Meadow: Ooh, I bet it was really nice-looking too! :) That’s how new ideas are.
Julie: New ideas are always flawless aren’t they? Then you take a closer look and oops, flaws galore! :)
Be strong girl, be strong. ;) It isn’t easy with that attractive new idea tempting you is it?! I know how it feels!