Avoidance Behavior
While at the gym this morning, I had an epiphany. An entire book popped into my head. Characters, plot, conflict. Opening scenes, turning points, big black moment, resolution. The entire thing. This has never happened to me before. Not with such utter clarity and well-developed GMC. The problem? It's not the genre I write.The book is paranormal. I write romantic suspense. Technically, the book would be paranormal romantic suspense because I can't write a book without murder and mayhem, but it's definitely paranormal. And if you can't tell from the picture I uploaded here, it deals with one of my favorite topics: Greek Mythology.
I could see this being a series. If, of course, someone loved the first idea enough to take a chance on it. There are big possibilities here but I'm hesitant to mention it to my agent at this point. I need to mull it over more. Plus, it's completely different from what I'm writing now. And I keep hearing over and over about "branding" as an author. Especially as a new author.
On the flip side, this could be the biggest form of avoidance behavior on the planet. I'm struggling through the wip. I love the idea, love the characters, but this book is KILLING me. It's much more complicated than anything else I've ever written, bigger all around. At times I have these thoughts I should shelve it and work on it when I'm a better writer. And then I tell myself writing it will MAKE me a better writer. Such a conundrum.
My agent probably thinks I am the slowest writer on the planet. At this point, she's not far off the mark.
And yet...this new paranormal idea continues to percolate in my head...
Anyone ever go through a similar situation? Are you writing in two genres or do you primarily stick with one?
Labels: Writing
posted by Elisabeth Naughton at 6:26 PM
13Comments:
That depends on what you call two genres! LOL I write western historical, but I have a western contemporary coming out in the fall, and I have the start of a paranormal historical trilogy written. And I have had some thoughts of a contemporary mystery brewing, but I'm also thinking I might just stick with the western mystery series I've been contemplating.
Does that sound like someone who doesn't know where they should be?? LOL
Finish what you are working on and then write the story that is pulling at you the hardest. That way you will give it your all. And if it doesn't happen to be what your agent thinks is best for you, shelf it, because when you are a big name, they'll buy anything you write!
I write both contemporary and YA--however, I'm trying really hard to stick to mainly these two genres. And yes, somehow I almost always get my BEST ideas for new books-series even--when I'm in the middle of a tough part of my WIP. Grass is greener syndrome. There is no reason why you couldn't do a paranormal, especially if you made it very heavy on the suspense--that would be keeping with your "brand." Most NYT bestsellers have evolved their brand over time--years writing historicals, then some RS, then some paranormal, back to their historical roots, straight contemporaries linking to other books etc. You've got plenty of room to explore!
I write two genres. And I sometimes get great ideas for books outside those two genres, which I note down and then ignore. Maybe if I do that long enough, they'll go away and bug someone else :) .
write it down so you don't lose the idea and come back to it when you want to
ROFL, Paty. Kinda.
My plan is to finish what I'm working on, and I did write down the idea so I don't forget it.
Grass is greener syndrome, Wavy. Yeah, that's totally what this is.
I'll eventually run it by my agent. Just not yet. :) Thanks for the tips.
ROFL, Michelle. I don't want someone else to get this idea. ;)
I've always loved light paranormal. That's what this would be - to an extent. We'll see what happens.
Great tip, Sparky. That's just what I did. Thanks for stopping by.
Hey E, I tried emailing you today but I address I have bounced. You mind dropping me an email when you have a moment? Thanks!
I agree with Sparky -- write it down!!
And you can SOOOOO write both RS and paranoromal. As you said it will have romance and there will always be murder and mayhem -- you've just described a paranormal romantic suspense.
Write what you were meant to write and cross the branding bridge when you come to it.
I write in two genrea... I love YA but I also love HQ categories. It's a childhood thing. Of course, I haven't sold a book yet...
LOL
Teri
Good advice, J. (as always!)
As you know, I write contemporary category, but I also write what I call 'alternate reality paranormal romance.'
Here lately, I have the same problem as you - love the paranormal stuff. It's just so dang FUN to write. And since it's steamy too, I think I'll give it another whirl.
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