In trying to choose my next novel project, I find I have a few options. I spent last week trying to jot down some pros and cons for each.
Novel Project A is one I attempted to write in 2012, an expansion of “Canaan,” which appeared in Jim Baen’s Universe. I got about 3K into it before I realized that I just didn’t have the story yet. Pros: It’s the idea that’s been developed the most, and I even have some verbiage. Cons: I’m still struggling with the structure and setup. I don’t know how to incorporate the original story—whether it should just be backstory, or whether it should be a chapter (or two) on its own. And I wonder if, after so much time, it will be possible to rekindle the necessary fire.
Novel Project B would be an expansion of “Gone Black.” Pros: The short story was very well received, good enough to win an award and garner several positive reviews. It might be the best known piece in my repertoire. Cons: I have an idea about how to expand this to novel length, but I’m not at all satisfied with it. The protagonist just doesn’t have enough of a stake in the story. And a lot of time has passed since this one’s seen print, too. Does anyone still care?
Novel Project C would be an expansion of a novelette I completed earlier this year, “The Winter Palace.” Pros: It’s the freshest one of the bunch, and there seems to be plenty of room for a longer story. Cons: The short hasn’t sold yet, so I don’t know if this one’s as good as I think it is. Also, based on the age of the protagonist, it would probably be considered a Middle Grade novel, and I know nothing about writing MG.
Novel Project D would be something based on a writing exercise I did earlier this year, at Constellation. Pros: It intrigues me. It’s one of those settings that I’ve always wanted to explore. Cons: It’s just an idea at this point. There’s no story. At all.
Novel Project E would be an awesome time travel story. Pros: Awesome time travel. Cons: I’ve just told you everything I know about it.
Novel Project F would be a sequel—either to Wet Work or the next book in the Petra series. Pros: I already have my protagonists, antagonists, and some pretty good ideas about the plot for either sequel. Cons: I promised myself I wouldn’t write another sequel until and unless I got some serious interest from either agents or publishers. So far, I have interest from no one.
And I suppose there’s always Novel Project G—none of the above. Something entirely new.
Obviously, I’m still mired in the swamps of indecision. Flipping a coin doesn’t seem like an effective way to choose from seven options. And I’ve never seen a seven-sided die.
So . . . yeah. That’s where I am at the moment. Maybe I’ll know more next week.
No updates for Write Club.
Off to ponder . . .
