Since I finished a full draft of a middle grade novel during NaNoWriMo, I've been working on revisions of it. I think it's going pretty well. I've had some good feedback from the Slushbusters, and I think it has potential.
But now my head has been turned back to my completed other manuscript. It's one I've sent out to a couple of contests, had critiqued at a conference, queried with a few agents. I had let myself stop thinking about making too many changes to it for a while.
Until now. I'm taking it to Chautauqua. I think it's better for me to submit a manuscript that I've done as much as I can with, and get a professional opinion, rather than taking something that still has flaws I know how to fix.
But now I'm distracted from my WIP. It's like I don't want to be too committed to it, because I know I'll have to switch gears soon and work on the other one.
I didn't have this problem when I worked on shorter pieces, but for some reason a novel requires a higher level of emotional commitment for me. Does that happen to anyone else?
5 comments:
Yes! I've found that I can work on smaller pieces while I'm revising my MG, but I can't start the next novel. I've tried twice and I'm unable to emotionally disconnect from one long enough to make progress on the other.
you say it well when you call it 'emotional commitment'...that is a perfect description. I do have a hard time toggling back and forth ... esp since my two current manuscripts are very different in tone and feel. It's like we have to 'get into character' of the piece.
but, I think you are making a wise decision to take your most polished piece to Chautauqua. (you guys are going to have such fun! did I tell you to bring lots of deodorant? and tank tops? and light, feathery pajamas? but, you'll come away with great friends and a real re-charging. that location is soooo beautiful.)
oh -- but do bring a sweater for the outside evening events. something you can easily tie around your waist if it gets too warm.
okay, mama's shutting up now ;)
Amy, I'm glad I'm not alone.
Tess, I love the advice! I've been hearing similar stuff from others as well. I used to live in upstate NY, so I'm familiar with the whole hot with no A/C during the day, frigid evenings and mornings thing up there.
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