I woke up early this morning, but didn’t get out of bed. As various alarms and texts from family encouraged me not to waste my day, I wrote scenes from two stories that I dreamed about. I named the files, and created folders with the characters names.
I now have 72 folders.
This is not a humblebrag, this is a cry for help. The plot bunnies are breeding, and they are faster than I am.
I remained in bed, frozen with indecision. How to decide on what was most important to finish? I’m not under contract, I’m not an avid market watcher who will write something because it’s a hot topic at the moment.
I couldn’t get a hold of my mom or my therapist, so I turned to my good friend Google. The first two hits were about business projects, so I clicked on this link and got just what I needed: https://www.writingforward.com/writing-tips/how-to-prioritize-your-writing-ideas
These ideas stuck out for me.
Do it for money: I have no money generating assignments. It’s actually a relief. I worship writers who can get things done on deadline. There is a writing contest with a prize that I want. That’s due March 10. It’s very short, and the excitement I feel about winning overrides this slacker’s fear of a deadline.
Do it for love: I love Diego and his whole family. Though spin-off stories about his father, brother, and cousin are fun, they’re draining my focus. I need to get back on the concept I chose for Diego because his story asks questions that are answered in all the spin-offs. So I need to love him the most and get to know him best. He deserves that much. One specific thing I can do is polish his first chapter. I promised I’d send it to a friend in a few weeks.
Little things first: that exciting writing contest only requires 150 words. I can do that!
Even distribution: since I decided I want to write all the things (I really want an EGOT for some reason) this could work when I have free time and don’t know how to use it. Not feeling inspired on novels? Outline a TV episode. Not in the mood for research? Write a song.
Secretary (your name here), you have the floor. How do you manage your writing? How many unfinished projects do you have? Any advice for me or other writers?