As you know, I've finished writing a complete historical novel (New Hope) and am awaiting correspondence from the literary agent who has requested a partial. I've already began writing New Hope's sequel but decided to put that on hold until I hear back from the agent.What now? I've posted before on the agonizing experience of waiting; the feeling that my brain is a super highway of 'Back to the Future' floating cars labeled with questions like "Did she get it?", "Has she read it?", "Is she going to email me a rejection letter or call me with good news?". But there's more to this waiting period than simply waiting. If the many questions in my mind regarding the agent are floating, futuristic cars, than these cars are passing floating, futuristic billboards with neon lights flashing at me with questions like, "Should I finish the sequel or start a new series?" and, "If I start a new series should I stay in the same genre?".
See, I've got tons of book ideas. The problem, or the possible problem is that they aren't all the same genre. I have Christian, general market, YA paranormal, and historical ideas to name a few. ;) Can I start another series while I wait even if it's completely different than the genre I'm trying to get published?
And one more question: are all my questions giving you a headache? No, seriously though, what would you do in this situation?
First off, no your questions are not giving me a headache :) They are questions that each of us writers has asked ourselves at one time or another. Congrats on the partial; I am keeping my fingers crossed for you.
ReplyDeleteAs for the writing across multiple genres, I don't see a problem. I, in fact, write across three different YA genres, depending on what my muse decides to toss my way. I am actually a fan of starting a new project while waiting to hear back on another. It gives your mind something to focus on instead of obsessing about the wait.
Very true. Thanks for the feedback!
ReplyDeleteMy brain just felt like my breakfast of scrambled eggs. Personally, I'd be too busy freaking out right now that someone had requested a partial. It doesn't take much to get me excited. Second, I'd start on the sequel if there is a sequel and work on that. If the agent likes this and decides to rep you, a publisher may want to know you're working on it. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteWait ... let me jumpstart my brain... lol. Wait til you read my comment on your other blog and you'll know why.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I suggest starting a new project and stepping away from the one you've been working on. See what happens with selling that one first, if you can, awesome--jump back into it. But if you're not getting anywhere with it, you won't have all your eggs in one basket. Try some other stuff and build up your technique, style, etc. Or just study the craft and come back to your ms with renewed vision. These always help me when I'm awaiting news, and I've found that working on new stories is the best way to brush off rejection.
Best of luck!!! :)
So true! Thank you ladies! Love hearing from you!
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