Undeveloped Writing Ideas and Manuscripts?
Are you like me, with an idea or two floating around in your head that you have a hard time finding time to work into a manuscript? Or maybe you’ve actually opened a file for them, but still, the time to write there rarely seems to happen? What’s up with that?
I’ve got two major ones. The first is a great plot device for a murder mystery or thriller. The problem with this one is I don’t plot well. I haven’t figured out who wants to murder who or why, although I do know roughly how my hero/heroine will save the day. I even went so far I bought novel writing software, which sits unused in my collection of programs. No luck so far. Maybe I ought to try it again.
The second is yet another book about/by cats or something like that. Yeah, I’m a cat lover and could turn into one of those old ladies with a gillion of the critters if I’m not careful. This one I’ve actually done a bit of writing on and I kinda like it. It’s the sort of thing that may grow into a real manuscript one day because I can add to it on the fly.
Meanwhile, I’ve got work for clients, and work on my own websites and a whole life to lead.
Write well and often,
Subscribe to Abundant Writing News
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Musings From A Freelance Writer
7 opinions for Undeveloped Writing Ideas and Manuscripts?
Leigh
Mar 15, 2007 at 2:52 pm
Great post! I have a nonfiction idea floating around, but no time to work on it with client projects and taking an SEO class to optimize my own site.
I just came across your blog when I was reading Irreverent Freelancer. I’m adding you to my links list and look forward to reading more of your posts.
Kelly Boyer Sagert
Mar 15, 2007 at 7:53 pm
Oh, yes! This post definitely resonates. I have at least five books that I’m going to write “some day,” but my other writing work always seems to come first.
I’ve created a proposal for one of them . . . but . . . this book would target a 5th-8th grade audience and, although I’ve published books for an adult audience and magazine pieces for 5th-8th graders, I haven’t published a book for 5th-8th graders! So, it feels like a brand new learning curve.
Joanne Lozar Glenn
Mar 16, 2007 at 7:22 am
Anne, if you get a chance, check out Lynn Barrett (I think she’s at International U in FL, but not sure) who is fabulous at teaching plot. She does a week-long workshop at the International Women’s Writing Guild Conference in June (Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs NY) and is working on a book on the subject, which should be coming out soon.
And yes, I can relate with that lack of time for getting all these ideas done. I’m working (constantly) on trying to build in time for creative projects–I need the “surge” they provide!
Anne Wayman
Mar 16, 2007 at 9:00 am
Kelly, submit that proposal!
Joanne, thanks, I will.
Carma Dutra
Mar 16, 2007 at 7:18 pm
Ideas also come when you least expect it. My cousin told me of a great idea she had for a cookbook with a twist, so I asked her if she knew of a good freelance writer.
But I must say it took me a few minutes before I thought of that response.
Anne I would love to read a book written by a cat.
Anne Wayman
Mar 17, 2007 at 11:29 am
I’ve actually started the book by me and mztiz now… have 3/4 of a page ;) double spaced ;)
Kivi Miller
Mar 21, 2007 at 9:45 am
I’m sure most freelancers can relate! I know I certainly can. I daydream about how much more writing I could get done if I could clone myself.
My latest way to deal with this problem is blogging. Instead of getting all worked up about the e-books and print books I want to write on freelancing and nonprofit communications, I have vowed to work on my blogs on those topics for the rest of 2007 and think about the other forms of publishing in 2008. The blogs are like drafts of sections/chapters, etc. If I can get 75% of the content written on the blogs and then fill in the gaps for the other formats later, I’ll be thrilled.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: