I’ve been working on Project Succession for so long that I when it comes to starting a new first draft to a new story, I find that I am struggling so much. Like I can’t seem to start something new and different.
The reason why I want to start a new story that is different from Project Succession is because I want to write more stories.
But I am struggling to start something new and I have so many ideas to begin with.
The problem is starting a new story. I just only want to focus on Project Succession which is nice, but I have a backlog of other stories to work on.
I don’t know how to treat this issue.
What are your thoughts?
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My first question would be, do you have to work on those stories? Why do you feel like you have to? I think the more something feels like homework, the harder it’s going to be to write. Which might be why you’re having a hard time. It’s okay to jot notes or write some scenes that you don’t know whether they’ll be in the end product, but they just won’t “let you go” until you write them down, but as far as keeping a first draft going – I’d say go where the momentum already is.
I know the advice is always “consistency” but if memory serves, you also have ADHD (like me) and basically the more you force yourself to do the thing, the more you sabotage yourself.
I have a folder called, “The Graveyard” of dreams and story ideas that aren’t fleshed out. I even have really old attempts at novel ideas that are a couple thousand words, abandoned. I’d say sit and attempt to write something for a few minutes. Set a timer. Sometimes re-reading stuff you’ve already written for it will get the “faucet” going, but if your mind keeps wandering to Project Succession, then listen to your gut.
Reading might help with inspiration too. Or manga. Gaming. Whatever your flavor is.
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I don’t have to, it’s more like I want to. I want to work on other stories because I want to write other stories for my own sake.
I love Project Succession despite it’s glaring flaws, but I just want to work on other stories.
The way I treat Project Succession is the same way I want to treat other stories. I am six drafts into Project Succession and I would like to do the very same to other novels.
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I used to have some anxiety with starting a new story. You know I work a lot in the World of Elgana, and Project Demon Friend with Richard. That’s my comfort zone. I know the worlds very well.
But last year for Word Dragon Challenge, I challenged myself to write a new story. I almost forgot what it was like XD I had to find inspiration, I had to figure out a first scene, I had to figure out how this entirely new world operates. I worried that I would mess it up and it would suck.
But then I kept reminding myself that if it did suck, so what? That’s what editing is for. It’s for un-sucking a story. I told myself I would just go into this and have fun. I won’t think too deeply about anything. Just enjoy the story and I would try new things that I had been wanting to add into a story (monsters, battle arena, a giant empire, reclusive mountain tribe, cute animal sidekick, bildungsroman, etc.)
So, for you, I’m wondering if maybe you’re in your comfort zone and somewhat anxious to write outside of it? And that’s why you feel like you can’t start something new?
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Have you thought of trying to write one of your ideas as if you’re telling it to someone? More like, “And then, this happened and that happened“ and then explain what happens. Might help you break out of your comfort zone
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No and I have many ideas.
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What about choosing one and just trying to write about it? Not actually writing it. Write it like you’re telling me or someone else what it’s about.
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Kind of?
I would consider it more like a blog that you won’t post ever. You’re just talking about the story.
Something like, “In the beginning, Richard meets two new recruits. And then after that is when he meets Anastasia and takes her in. And she’s kind of suspicious about him, but also kind of trusts him in some weird way. And then I have to tell you about Mallord, a retired detective. Once legendary…“
Like that. So, you’re not making anything perfect when you write it and you don’t have to show it to anyone, but the format is that you’re writing it as if you’re talking to someone about it. That’s why I used “I have to tell you“ even though I’m not actually telling anyone XD
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Ah, I see.
I do have another thread that I made for you to see. I need your help with the other thread too.
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do something short? like a tiny story? maybe you just don’t have the bandwidth for it?
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