Shiny New Idea Syndrome
Now that I am not under the gun with deadlines, I am in that GLORIOUS phase of a writer's creativity. I have Shiny New Idea Syndrome.
Freed from the pressure of two deadlines, I am now working on proposals, tinkering with a screenplay idea, tossing ideas around. And yesterday, a SINGLE word in a profile piece I was reading on Darfur sent me off in a new direction on a book I have been toying with in my head forever.
I love being at this point. It reminds me of why I became a writer in the first place. It's like riding my bike with no hands on the handlebars, breeze in my face. Or catching a wave while body surfing. There is a pure joy to it.
Of course, eventually, all Shiny New Ideas become Old Tired Manuscripts Driving Me Nuts in the Middle. They are destined for Deadline Hell. But until then . . . Baby, I am enjoying the ride.
How about you?
Peace . . . and JOY!
E
Freed from the pressure of two deadlines, I am now working on proposals, tinkering with a screenplay idea, tossing ideas around. And yesterday, a SINGLE word in a profile piece I was reading on Darfur sent me off in a new direction on a book I have been toying with in my head forever.
I love being at this point. It reminds me of why I became a writer in the first place. It's like riding my bike with no hands on the handlebars, breeze in my face. Or catching a wave while body surfing. There is a pure joy to it.
Of course, eventually, all Shiny New Ideas become Old Tired Manuscripts Driving Me Nuts in the Middle. They are destined for Deadline Hell. But until then . . . Baby, I am enjoying the ride.
How about you?
Peace . . . and JOY!
E
posted by Erica Orloff at 7:23 AM
11 Comments:
I don't like Shiny New Idea Syndrome. I prefer the 'solidness' of being focused on a single WIP.
At the same time, I'm terrified that I'll forget this great new idea so I have to write something down, which makes it harder to put down and go back to the first WIP.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE shiny new idea syndrome.
New ideas are kinda like new born babies or puppies, sweet and irresistible...Then they grow a little, eat your shoes, talk back, and you still love 'em, there's still joy, but you sorta wish once and a while that you could just return them to the Wal Mart.
May:
I always get in that middle of the book, "I hate this book" phase--even if it just lasts a week. It still happens. And climbing out from it sucks. For me.
E
Hi Lainey:
You always crack me up--but that's it EXACTLY!
E
I'm with May, I like the second draft. The raw material is on the paper versus a completely blank white space that threatens to eat me alive.
But then after the third and fourth drafts I enter the worst phrase: can I make this piece of crap into something coherent? That lives with me until the book comes out and I get my first reader email or letter!
Mary C. who is wondering, now why am I doing this to myself?
mary:
As the adage goes, crap can be fixed. So I know there's that to think of when I hate the middle and am sick to death of my concept. But I still like the possibilities of starting new. Like . . . "This could be the start of a really great book!" The word "crap" isn't even on my radar yet. LOL!
But no, I don't know why we do this to ourselves.
E
My shiny new idea is on simmer while I fix up my finished manuscript. :)
LOL Lainey! Remember to always keep your receipts for those babies and puppies.
Oooooooo I so know what you mean. Being a person who gets bored VERY easily... I'm always enticed by a shiny new idea..... you describe it so perfectly.... the freedom to go where it takes you.....
At the moment, my shiny new idea is somewhat tarnished as I'm well into my current wip
sara:
I think I get bored easily too. It's probably why I always have so much going on.
E
Shiny New Idea is the best thing about writing!
Whether it's a new idea for a book, a new idea for a scene, a new idea for character motivation, etc.
We've got to have that joy to balance the frustration of Old Tired Manuscripts Driving Me Nuts in the Middle and Deadline Hell, right?
Hey Natalie:
YAY! Someone who feels the way I do. Shiny New Ideas Wrapped Up in a Pretty Bow.
E
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