Several things have converged and moved this topic to the front burner of my brain. My first novel was based on an idea I’d been pondering for quite a while. It took me maybe a year-and-a half from conception to completion, and the process, while grueling, was relatively smooth. One thing that aided that process, frankly, was having rotator cuff surgery about midway through. Three-and-a-half months off work sitting in front of the computer, does wonders for one’s productivity.
All that to say, my second “idea” has not gone nearly as smooth.
I’ve plotted it. Researched. Re-plotted it. Re-researched. Added POV’s. Removed POV’s. Re-plotted it. Wrote 71,450 words. Shelved it for three months. Finished some short stories. Re-evaluated my writing goals. Un-shelved it. Re-plotted it. Tweaked some characters. Removed all POV’s except one. And started writing again.
Along the way, a post by Mick Silva entitled On Writing Novels really made me stop, reconsider my publishing aims, slow down and lighten up (see especially Jeanne Damoff‘s comments about halfway down). Then there was The Authorial Slump posted by The Rejecter, and its ensuing discussion.
So what’s my verdict about my current idea? I love it! But between my schedule and my obsession with perfection — as well as other writerly exercises that I just plain enjoy — it’ll take me three years to pull off something really good. Don’t know how this sits with my agent, but that’s where I am. I figure if this writing thing can’t be fun, deeply satisfying, produce something time-tested, something I can really stand by, then why sweat it?
But I’m interested: As a writer, would you rather have
- One killer idea that takes you seven years to write to your satisfaction, which may not be commercially viable, but is emotionally satisfying?
- Several ideas, none of which are killer, but decent, and may be executed in far less time and be far more marketable?
I may be completely mistaken, but most of the writers I know and writer sites I frequent, appear to tilt way more toward #2. Okay, maybe it’s not an either or, but either way I think I’m veering out of the mainstream.
Regarding your two options, Mike. I would choose number one, but I wouldn’t think about it the way you have it presented.
I equate killer ideas with commerical breakthrough potential. I believe a great idea executed competently will overcome anyone’s pre-concieved notion of what’s marketable.
As far as #2 goes, I find it difficult to believe any writer would think about their work that way. Maybe it’s just me, but any idea I choose to go with is by definition in my opinion a great idea. That doesn’t mean I can pull it off.
Maybe a great idea executed poorly resembles option 2.
Thanks, Mike. It means a lot to me that my words inspired you.
This will come as no surprise, but for me, the #2 approach sounds like dating a bunch of guys I’m not really interested in, just to be dating. I don’t look forward to spending time with them, but it’s better than vegging in front of TV. As opposed to #1, finding one person I’m so passionate about, I can’t wait to connect with him every day, eager to discover all the nuances of his soul, no matter how many years it takes.
If I can’t fully engage with the process, I’d rather do something else. But I also realize that’s not a luxury every writer can choose. Some depend on pounding out marketable stories to feed their families. I admire their tenacity and discipline, and I also realize some of them write better stories than I’ll ever produce, in spite of my insistence on a passion-fueled process.
There are enough successful writers in both camps to convince me that this definitely isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition. You have to do what works for you. I, for one, want to read the story you love, Mike–not the one you settled for so you wouldn’t be stuck home alone on Friday night.
Jeanne
I have had to discard “commercially viable” altogether. Because of what I write (sagas, generally), and the way I write them (breaking most, if not all, the rules defining today’s version of “quality”), I cannot assume my work will sell. So far, “it” hasn’t “sold” an agent or an editor.
I write the stories I’ve been given to tell–and that is really all I can do. Those stories have produced seven novels, and I’m working on an eighth. Why, you might ask? Because this is what God has given me to do right now–well, actually, it began in 1993, taking 8 and 1/2 years for the first one.
Thanks, Dale! Part of my wrestling with my current novel comes under this heading of “decent idea” vs. “great idea.” I don’t necessarily mean to imply that #2 is bad (although, as I inferred in my last post, quality takes time). And I agree that good execution can make almost any idea — simple or complex — marketable.
As originally conceived, the story I’m currently writing just failed to generate enough long-term energy. It was a good idea, but it needed to gestate. And this idea of “gestation” is, I think, what I’m struggling with. A more commercial approach to the craft obviously prevents stories from gestating in their authors. While the author can make a living by cranking out a lot of books, in the end, the quality of those books can’t help but suffer.
I agree, Mike. I can’t settle for the easy way out on an idea. Though my future critics might disagree. One man’s great idea is another man’s drivel.
I need an idea to ferment in my mind for awhile before I start writing and in some cases continue writing. My first novel fermentation- 2 years. Another year and a half to write.
So, like you, I decided that expecting an author to write a book every 10 months would result in poorer works, but a consistent check if they all manage to become marginal successes.
But that was based on me. I have found that some have the gift. They can get an idea, run with it, and have a quality manuscript in 6 – 8 months. In other words, aren’t we judging the intent of other authors by stating that any book written in less than a year is automatically an intended inferior work performed under duress?
I guess the way around the sophomore jinx for you and me without having 4 year gaps between releases is to have several written before you sell your first. Or, make enough money on the first so we can quit our day jobs.
Mike, this has nothing at all to do with your post (which I haven’t even read yet.) Saw Juno this afternoon. Wonderful movie. It took me back though. Totally wrecked me for several hours. Took me back to a time when I was a pregnant teen, sitting on the hood of my car trying to figure things out. Took me back to the hospital and the moment that it hit me that Chelsey’s “dad” wasn’t showing up. And Juno’s dad was so in love with her. I didn’t have a dad to drive me to the hospital and stroke my hair while I cried. I laughed and I CRIED. All the same, though it was a painful viewing, it was wonderful, and I’d like to own it when it comes out on DVD. Good movie.
You said: “I figure if this writing thing can’t be fun, deeply satisfying, produce something time-tested, something I can really stand by, then why sweat it?”
I agree, regardless of the (universal) brilliance of the idea or the time it takes to get it down on paper (or you know, typed…?)
Good stuff, Mike.
Jeanne, thanks so much for your comments! I’m with you on this not being “a one-size-fits-all proposition.” And while I don’t want to disparage those authors who can write at a rapid clip, I can’t allow myself to develop writing routines, expectations, or career aspirations based on someone’s else’s values and giftings, rather than my own. Right now, it’s all about finding what works for me and being content in it. Bless you, Jeanne!
Janet, our family loved that film too. I especially liked Juno’s interaction with the potential adoptive parents, and how the possibility of parenthood exposed the truth about each of them. In the end, who she gave the baby to was a delightful surprise. Besides that, the movie helped me replenish my lexicon of hip cultural slang.
I’m fightin’ the man on this one (the man being you) and choosing door number 3: several killer ideas.
Come on, please?
I tend to keep a running list. The ideas come, I scribble a few notes and keep to whichever one I’ve already been working on or like the best. Right now there over two dozen in the queue, most of which will be either absorbed into a single idea or simply scrapped for better hunting grounds.
And sometimes I start only to realize I haven’t the skill yet to write a particular thing. So I move on and come back later.
That said, push me into a corner and I guess I’ll say “three” like Heather. 0=) I’m actually soon to move into year seven with one project. Then, at this rate, I may be scrapping it.
I’m not published, so this is a bit out of my league.
Sorry for spamming your comments line…
The ideal, of course, is to strive for #1. But fall back on #2 when it’s time to pay the bills.