Andrew Jack Writing

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Letting Go and Holding On

Posted on | September 19, 2009 | 1 Comment

When do you let go of a pet project?

It’s a hard thing to be objecive about. When do you move on from one of your babies?

There’s really only two times I think a writer should put a project aside. I don’t mean abandon forever, because you never know when you can go back to something. I’m coming to this post from the point of view that the third draft of The Shadow Library just isn’t working for me.

That hurt to type.

It does bring me to the first time of two when you can set a project aside:

Your Project Takes More Than It Gives:

This is where I’m at with The Shadow Library. The writing of my pet project isn’t getting me anywhere at the moment, but it is taking me away from another book that I know for a fact is a better project. I know this is a total contradiction to my previous advice about finishing projects, but like any piece of advice I give, there are exceptions. Since I got to draft three I feel like I’ve given The Shadow Library a proper shot, but y’know what?

Right now, it’s not very good.

Objectively speaking of course. In my heart it’s still the greatest thing ever written.

So, to clear my head, and hopefully to help The Shadow Library become something better, I’m going on to my next project.

The only other reason to put aside a project is that:

It’s Finished, Let It Go Already:

I wish I was here. Several writers I know are still stuck on their first projects, but they can’t let their babies go. They want to do one more draft. Then one more. Maybe one more after that. Then finally after a quick polish maybe they’ll send their manuscript out to a publisher. They’re terrified that if this particular project doesn’t work, that’s all they’ve got.

I have news for you. All of you who are here. You’ll never run out of ideas. Go get a sheet of paper and write down ten ideas for books. You’ve got ten minutes. I’m willing to bet if you’re honest about writing down whatever comes to you without self editing you’ll hit at least one good idea, maybe more. If you’ve gotten one idea onto paper then I guarantee you there are more floating around in your head.

Go do it now. You’ll feel better.

I’m working on my first podcast for you now, so here’s hoping it’ll be done by tonight and up tomorrow.

Category: advice
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Comments

One Response to “Letting Go and Holding On”

  1. DannyMachal.comNo Gravatar
    September 20th, 2009 @ 10:03 am

    Brother you gotta do what is in your heart. That is all there is to it. At the end of the day I always ask myself: did I do it right today? … did I do it right by my value systems, the people I love, and my future. All of the stuff you have learned from The Shadow Library are all mistakes that you will that more keen on not making in another manuscript.

    If you are not passionate about the project you are not passionate about it. You have already convinced yourself of what you are going to do. So let’s see what that next project is going to be about.

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