Saturday, June 30, 2012

What to Write Next?


So, the champagne bottles are empty, the kids are sweeping up the confetti and Release Day is a happy memory. Now it's time to get back to writing....but what to write next?

Like most writers, I have a long list of writing projects to choose from.

People are always asking me where I get my ideas, but getting ideas is never a problem. I'm inundated with ideas.

Just this morning I was killing a wasp in my bathroom. I grab the Raid, spray it and watch the poor thing struggle to climb my blinds, then fall hopelessly into a corner spider-web. And seriously, here comes an idea!

What if...
I thought about the spider ingesting that roach with the Raid all over it and the poor spider dying. Or what if the spider ingested a chemical that altered its DNA? No, I'm not talking Spiderman here. But the wheels were turning and the what-ifs were churning. I had a few moments of fascinated wonder and characters started popping into my head. Unfortunately I didn't take the time to write it down and now it's just Spiderman on Raid. But sometimes an idea sticks. Sometimes I write it down and a novel is born.

When I tell people about things like this, they gasp and are appalled that I don't write down all my good ideas. Believe me, I've tried! I carry a voice recorder around in my purse for just this purpose. But family members tend to get annoyed when you record every funny or interesting thing they say.  My family has put up with me gazing off into space and writing down ideas during dinners, family fun night, vacations and yes, even the school play. So these days, I only write down the ones that drag me down into what I call my writing coma. That place where the real world fades away and my fictional world comes to life.

So, now that my debut novel has hit the virtual bookshelf, which project do I tackle next?

Here’s what I have in the works:

  • short story about a kick-ass Valkyrie trying to save her hero
  • a Steampunk vampire story about a young woman taking a post as governess to an Italian count with two 'afflicted' children
  • a YA time travel book
  • a fun paranormal romance about a serious-minded scientist haunted by her father's ghost on the eve of her marriage
  • the sequel to The Corpse Goddess

Ultimately I know that the story that's calling to me with the biggest set of pipes will get my attention. The story whose characters are clamoring for action, who want to move, walk and talk, kill, love and make love.

Wallflowers will have to wait.

14 comments:

  1. Hey Kristi
    Just started following you :) Thanks for doing the same for me!
    Haha. In my opinion, I think you should write the story about the Valkyrie. That sounds like fun!
    See you around!
    Emily

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  2. Hi Kristi,
    Got your message through Book Blogs. Am now following, would be grateful if you could follow me too. www.laurabesley.blogspot.com
    I write fiction too, mainly flash fiction and have a project ongoing at the moment to write a piece a day. I have the same issue as you: finding the ideas is never the issue, having the time to work them into a story can be. Good luck with it all!
    Laura

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  3. Hi Emily,
    I think the Valkyrie story is calling to me...it's also almost finished, so kind of silly not to work on it and send it out! :)
    Kristi

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  4. Thanks Laura! I'm following you too...I've tried flash fiction and don't think I have a talent for it, but I love reading it. :)

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    1. Hi! I am a new follower from Book Blogs, love your blog! I'd love a follow back!
      Candace
      http://endlessdaysofbooks.blogspot.com/

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    2. Hi Candace,
      Sorry it's taken me so long to write back and check out your blog! (which I am happily following) It's great to meet you...and I love the title of your blog!
      Hope to talk to you soon,
      Kristi

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  5. I am following you now:) check my blog out at http://andreaheltsley.blogspot.com
    I am a fellow author as well:)

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  6. New follower via GFC! Saw your message through Book Blogs. Here's my blog if you would like to check it out: http://bookishwhimsy.blogspot.com/ :)

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  7. Hi Andrea,
    Enjoyed (and followed) your blog! Nice to meet you! :)
    Kristi

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  8. Hi Charlene,
    Loved your blog! (and followed)
    Judging by your "About Me", we have a lot in common! :)
    Glad to meet you!
    Kristi

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    Replies
    1. Oh good! I'll be reading your blog with interest then! You have some really great story ideas for your books in the works. :)

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    2. Thanks! I love spending summers with my kids, but can't help but look forward to the fall when I can get back to writing full time. :)
      I have to tell you, my aunt's name is Charlene and you are only the second person I've met with that name! Love it!
      Kristi

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  9. Hi Kristi! Love your site and I would love to read some of your stuff so that I may review on my site if possible. Thanks for the follow as well. :-)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Nette,
      I love your site too! (and sent you a review copy. :)
      Kristi

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