Choices, blummin’ choices…

For some writers, the thing I’m about to describe will come across as very “first world problems” of me, but even if that’s true, it doesn’t stop it being a problem, you know?

Basically, I have no idea which novel to write next - because I’ve got SO MANY IDEAS I’m struggling to pick one and stick to it.

Now, I’m very lucky. Right now, there is absolutely zero pressure on me to pick a project and stick to it, except for the pressure I’m putting on myself. And, naturally, I personally think all these ideas are wonderful and could lead to a great story, because if I didn’t believe that on some level, I’d not bother with any of them.

But.

I’ve had this problem before. In fact, some of these novel ideas are ideas I’ve had for years, which means they’ve had time to percolate. I’ve got colourful worlds and interesting characters coming out of my ears. A classic-inspired YA horror novel? An alchemy-infused romance with a mystery element? A cult of gaslighting, gatekeeping girlbosses? A steampunk detective series? A cyberpunk cosy sci fi? Another YA fantasy with a protagonist a little bit like my last one, but more ruthless? A post-apocalyptic love story? Or I could, y’know, finish The Ghost Diary?

Last time I suffered badly with this problem, it took me several years to finish All Hell. I suppose, technically, I could do the same now. I’m not under contract to produce anything else especially quickly, after all. I could rotate them, even, week by week and write something different every time, like I do with families in the Sims 4.

But.

The thing is, I love that sensation of flow you get when you’re really stuck into one specific story. I miss that feeling of personal satisfaction I got when All Hell started to really fall into place - and the only way to get back there is to pick one thing and absorb myself in it totally.

Also, on a purely mercenary/practical note, I’d love to have something more or less ready to send out to publishers when All Hell comes out. I know some people were surprised, after my announcement, that traditional publishing takes a while between deal and publication, but for me it’s a real opportunity to work on something else with the pressure off, and I really want to make the most of that.

So, my plan is to make a firm decision before 6th February, because that’s when I go back down to 4 days a week. I’m going to use every tool available to me to do this: reading my notes for all the ideas, talking to writer friends, tarot cards and daydreaming, and then I am going to be FIRM with myself, pick one of these, and stick to it. Promise.