I’m in a weird place with my writing right now. I just finished up some revisions on a novel that I’m querying with agents and I haven’t started in on a new big project yet.
It feels a bit odd to be between stories.
There’s a bit of hesitation- I don’t want to jump into a project that won’t turn out to be the “right” one (why do I overthink it all and make it mystical?) and of course the task of starting something new can be daunting.
But it’s also an exciting time because everything is shiny and new! So many fun possibilities.
So how do we go about deciding which story to write?
How do we know if our drafts or story ideas are any good??
They may seem shiny and new at the moment but how do I know what stories have merit once the newness has worn off?
Deciding Which Stories Deserve Telling
It’s a big investment to decide what to work on next. I’ll be devoting a huge amount of time and energy to this project, and that is time and energy that I can’t give to anything else.
It’s worth taking the time to evaluate the options by running them through a few considerations.
This is the process I’m using:
1. Brainstorm story options
Brainstorming (and ideally listing out) various story options to work on is usually where I start my deciding process. It’s a great way to evaluate what possible projects are out there and on my mind.
Maybe there’s just one or two ideas vying for attention or there may be many more! Thinking through these options is helpful so I don’t overlook anything.
2. Evaluate writing goals
Our motivations for writing will influence which stories make sense for us to invest in.
I frequently try to review my goals and ask myself why do I write? What are my writing goals? How do these projects fit into that?
3. Evaluate potential
Some story ideas have more merit than others or will take more time and work for me to complete. It’s worth thinking through whether a potential project is just a fun idea or whether there is enough substance to fill a story and keep me engaged and interested.
4. Evaluate our excitement
What does my gut say? Is there a story particular story I just really want to tell right now?
There’s no specific right or wrong way to choose on our projects, but working through this list can definitely be helpful in deciding which story to write. Good luck!
For further reading:
6 Steps To Choosing Your Next Writing Project – The Write Practice
7 Ways To Decide Which Story Idea To Write Next – Helping Writers Become Authors
How To Decide Which Exciting Story Idea To Write Next – Well-storied.
