So many stories, where to begin and where to end?

bkwalker · Post by **bkwalker** » 06 Apr 2012, 10:27

My biggest obstacle as a writer is that my muse always seems to strike, but with a new story. I have several works started, but I have not finished a book since last July.

My muse will fight me, argue, throw tantrums and even refuse to allow me to write if I don't let her have her way. I try to work on one book, and another keeps coming to mind and I can't focus enough to write in the one I'm currently working on.

I'm hoping you guys may give me some suggestions here, but where do you begin, and where to you end? How do you finish a story before moving on to the next, when your muse fights you so diligently?

steve p · Post by **steve p** » 07 Apr 2012, 14:14

I feel this comes about not so much as a 'muse' thing but because it's often much easier to start something new than perhaps slog something in progress to a finish. Endings have to make sense and tie up loose ends whereas beginings can be open to wherever the mood takes you. The trick, I find, is simple discipline - finish 'this' and then I can work on 'that'.

bkwalker · Post by **bkwalker** » 07 Apr 2012, 15:15

Thanks Steve. I will definitely be trying to do just that. I try to ignore that nagging voice in my head lol. I will get there.

Davisstories · Post by **Davisstories** » 13 Apr 2012, 05:14

Bkwalker

When I started out 6 years ago, I had the same problem. My muse was screaming multiple stories, so confusing. After 14 novels/shorts I've learned that working on multiples is actually a good thing cause when one grows neutral I can shift to another and let my muse refresh her self, but I can only handle 3 at a time. If I get to 6 months without a rough draft, I put all others aside and focus on one till I get it done.

Michael Davis
Author of the Year (2008 and 2009)
Award of Excellence (2011)

Blind Consent, “The answers are buried in the secrets of the past.”
Forgotten Children, “Only Sara knows the truth.”
Tainted Hero, “Sometimes good people do bad things.”
Veil of Deception, “Sometimes truth cuts deeper than a lie.”
Shadow of Guilt, “To each crossing of paths, there is a purpose.”
The Treasure, “A lonely heart can impair one’s judgment.”
Rimfire, "Some things are better left unknown."
Final Solution, “How far is too far?”

bkwalker · Post by **bkwalker** » 13 Apr 2012, 07:37

Thank you Michelle,

That is the perfect advice. I am going to use it

. It does get confusing and frustrating sometimes, but someday I will just get all of them done and be content for a bit lol.

Thanks for replying and great to meet you.

BK