I have been staring at the screen for about ten minutes and can't decide what to blog about. So I'm going to blog about making decisions.
I am terrible at making decisions. Going into a restaurant and looking at a menu is almost a traumatic experience for me. My mental dialogue is something along the lines of, "What do I want to eat? I don't know. Will I like this? I don't know. Oh, I like this . . . but will I like it at this restaurant? I don't know. And what about this? It might be better--I just don't know!!"
I have a sneaking suspicion that I might be overanalyzing things.
I have a story right now that I adore. At least I adore many parts of it. There are a few things that aren't working and I have to decide how to fix them. The more minor things aren't causing me that much of a problem. I can handle fixing those. There is one major thing though that I've been thinking about for a couple months.
The story has elements of a couple different fairytales that, in my mind, worked together. It's not so clear on paper, though, and I've come up with several different options:
1. I can split up the tales and make it two separate books.
2. I can split up the tales and change them a bit to make them more middle grade (it's currently YA)
3. I can try to strengthen the middle and make it a more cohesive story.
4. Cut out the first half entirely and focus on the second.
5. I can give up on it entirely.
I have decided to do most of these things at least once within the last week. So much for not second guessing myself. The thing is, I think any of these ideas would be good (except for giving up entirely). I can see it working well and picture the scenes and I like aspects of the way each of them would work out.
It doesn't make deciding any easier.
I remember a discussion I once had with and equally decisively-challenged friend on a writer's retreat. We came to the conclusions that it wasn't what was decided that was important, it was making a decision and sticking with it. Because, really, the choice between different story directions is often like choosing between spaghetti and lasagne (unless you're allergic to milk and then I don't know why you went to an Italian restaurant to begin with). Both are good options and you should choose the one you like best, not the one that you think someone else will like best.
(While typing this post, I came up with an idea that I think will solve some of my problem. I'm pretty excited about it. But, never fear, I'm sure I'll change my mind by tomorrow. Sigh. I think I need to give myself a stern talking to about sticking to my decisions.)
I really liked how you said making a decision, any decision, is the most important thing. There's no one right way to tell a story.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely don't give up on Rana and Zuku, Jeni. And if you ever feel like bouncing an idea off of me, please, please shoot me an e-mail. I love talking shop:)
I liked the solution you told me about before--two different books, featuring two different sisters. Why are you second guessing this so much? (Never mind, I know why. You are my sister, after all!)
ReplyDeleteI especially like your last paragraph because making decisions and sticking with them is sooooo important. I've struggled with that a lot.
ReplyDeleteI actually like the idea of making your book middle-grade. I feel like your style and voice lends itself well to be upper-middle grade. Maybe you can set it aside for a while and work on something else, let all those ideas simmer, but don't give up on it!
Krista--I really believe that about decisions and yet still have such a hard time following through. It's strange. Thanks for the offer to run ideas past you. I just might have to take you up on it.
ReplyDeleteRosalyn--I have no idea why I'm second guessing myself. I also have no idea why you were wearing an elephant costume in my dream last night. These things are a mystery to me.
Liesl--I probably will set it aside for a while. I have another one that needs some revising, but I actually know what to do with that one. I'll finish with that and then maybe take a look at this again. The more I think about it, the more I think I might want to do more of a middle grade book with this story.
Jeni,
ReplyDeleteI don't know whether you have ever read this quote, but I have it hanging in my office. Regarding decisions, Goethe said
"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness, concerning all acts of initiative (and creation). There is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too.All sorts of tings occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now."
That being said, I understand the problem it is for your and Rosalyn. Maybe it's genetic.
Dad--Maybe it's somehow connected to the gene for red hair. :)
ReplyDelete