Reading time: About 1 minute
This is my weekly installment of “writing about writing,” in which I scan the world for material to help other writers. Today I discuss a blog post about deciding between writing projects…
Like many writers, you may struggle with where to put your time and energy.
Should it go to project A or project B (or perhaps even project C)?
My clients frequently ask me questions like this, even though I don’t know the pros and cons of their choices, and even though — obviously — it’s not my life that will be affected.
Recently, I came across a blog post by writer — and former agent — Nathan Bransford, explaining how he approaches such a decision. I liked the metaphor he used. He compared the choice to a horse race.
Here is part of what he wrote:
“When it comes to picking projects, there just aren’t right or wrong answers. There have been times in my writing career where I’ve powered through on one project, other times I stopped short to change gears. Writing is just so hard, and if you’re not having fun writing it, chances are the reader is not going to have fun reading it. It’s important to drive projects to completion, but not to the point where you make yourself miserable.
“But even more than that, it’s so important to remember that nothing is lost. Just because you set aside an idea or even a full rough draft, it will always be there for you to pick it up and dust it off when you’re ready for it.”
I think it’s also essential to remember that we all have only so much time. If you split your focus in two, you’ll accomplish only half as much on two project (and the math is even more punishing if you’re talking about three or four projects.)
Instead of “splitting the difference,” settle on the project that interests you more or that feels more “fun” for you. You won’t regret it and you’ll finish it sooner.
