As I work my way through a busy (and rough) week I gave thought about a project that’s been brewing in my mind for a while. My schedule is getting more and more hectic but I want to get back to trying to do 500 words a day for something.
Right now, I actually have two ideas I want to pursue for a book. One is an extension of “Embers (page 157-159).” The plot was inspired by “Chronicle” and explores an incel who develops superpowers. I was motivated by multiple acts of incel violence and wanted to create an incel supervillain, not to support such a mindset but to explore the mind of a twisted individual whose worldview is warped by misogyny and racism.
My second idea is basically a Jim-Crow era vigilante, spurred to action by the death of his family. I already know how I want it to end but everything else isn’t as ready as “Embers” is. Within the next month I want to decide on a project and pursue it.
It’s been tough to stay motivated about starting new projects with no luck on the agent front for any of my existing works. Part of me wonders if it is worth it. I already have a decent catalogue if I get an agent, so a part of my brain tells me to focus on other pursuits in life that are actually paying me and then use the rest of my energy for querying.
Another part says that the sooner I start writing the sooner I get to flesh out the ideas in my head.
I remember a tweet that asked writers if they would continue writing if they knew they’d never get paid for it. Many of the repliers said they would, with verbiage that made it clear they looked down on any writer who would consider getting paid as a reward for their work. I don’t think it makes me any less of an “artist” or creator if I hope that I can get something from the time I’ve put in. If you learn a language, a skill etc. you can typically use it. You learn it and you can speak Spanish, change a tire, build a deck etc.
I’ve been able to parlay a piece of my writing skill into an editing job, but I am not getting paid to share works of fiction. Is it wrong to be able to want to do that after writing six books? Am I motivated by the wrong things if the thought of writing eight books, all of which will never see the light of day, doesn’t excite me as much?
Some writers said they need to write for their mental state. Everything from odd dreams, to lethargy can come when they haven’t transcribed the ideas in their head. That I can get. I had the idea for “Embers” in my head for a while, inspired by the blending of two images: a scene from X:Men 2 and Elliot Rodger.
My second idea, which I will likely title “Anansi,” excites me as well and I have a feeling it may be the one I decide to focus on.