I met with some lovely writer friends this past weekend and we had a interesting conversation.
One of my friends is published and working on her second book, another just sold a book, and then there’s me — revising and getting ready for submission. We talked about our work styles, stress, and just general writing habits.
Writer Friend #1: How many books do you think you can write?
Me: Hard to say. Are you counting “drawer” books too?
Writer Friend #1: No, I mean books that you will submit. Revised and polished. I don’t think I have more than 3 or 4 more in me.
Writer Frind #2: Really? You would stop writing?
Writer Friend #1: I don’t know. I’m a slow writer so with this book out now, after the next four books, I could stop. I may want to move on to other things.
Me: I can’t say. I think I would always be working on something. Is there such a thing as a terminal number of books a writer can write?
Writer Friend #2: There is this thing called “Death.”
We all laughed but it got me thinking. Is there such a thing as a finite number of books for a writer? Do you have a number of books in your head that you plan to write and then stop? Or do you plan to keep writing until uh, the Reaper makes a visit?
I plan to keep on writing until I can’t write anymore. Maybe I’ll write one a year, maybe I’ll write two a year, maybe I’ll write one every five years. Maybe I’ll write a book for adults. Maybe I’ll stick to YA. Who knows?? But I really can’t see myself every stopping for good.
This is what I believe for myself too. I would always be tinkering with something. The consistency of the books may slow down or speed up even. It would depend on the situation.
Interesting! It’s hard for me to imagine how I would stop writing. I feel so much better when I’m doing it, so much more excited and healthy. But I do worry that the ideas will run out, or all start to sound alike.
Can I just say how much I love having writing friends to discuss these things with?!
This is the logic Writer Friend #1 was using. She doesn’t want to start “recycling” ideas of her previous books.
I also love talking about the process with other writers too. Other writers “get” what we’re saying better. :)
I have actually thought about this! For me it will be #5. But not all of those were polished and I turned down a contract offer for my book #2. But I’ve heard many writers say #7 was their lucky number.
What a fun and interesting conversation. I honestly think Mr. Grim Reaper is going to have to pry my fingers off of my keyboard when the time comes. I can’t imagine not writing. And I can’t guess how many books (published or unpublished) I’ll put together. Lots of factors involved with that. : )
The more I wrote the more the ideas come. So I’d say I have in infinite number of books in me. Right now I have the next 3 or 4 years planned and then some. Of course, that could change. Whether I write my entire life totally depends on life. Ya know?
Great question! The characters and stories come to me and I write them as they do, that’s all I know. Currently I have about six novels that all want to be written. After those, we shall see. But always, more seem to come. ;)
That’s a tough question! I’d love to say a hundred, but perhaps that’s a little ambitious. :-) Right now I’m taking it one book at a time.
Interesting question! I’m going to keep going until I can’t write anymore. :)
Very interesting. I’ve been thinking about this same thing lately. I don’t have a set number of books I plan to write. But if the muse stops, I won’t force it. There’s no point in trying to force a story that doesn’t exist. So, yeah, I guess I would stop writing if I don’t have a decent story to tell. :)
I’m going to writing until my story ideas run dry–or the Reper comes to claim me. Which ever comes first. :)
I don’t have a specific number in my head. As long as the ideas keep showing up, I’ll try to capture them in writing.
This has been really enlightening. I’ve enjoyed reading everyone’s comments. It seems like most of us think we’ll be writing for a long time as long as we keep those ideas flowing.