Tiffany M. Davis

I’m taking a break from working on the second novel in my Bastille Family series, because I had to shut down spinoff ideas. My head was spinning from idea overload.

Writers, you know what that is: you think of how you can further maximize your current or future work, be it a character spinoff, or a companion book, or a prequel. Those ideas then multiply like project roaches, until you have a folder full of half-baked ideas for expanding your literary empire.

(Am I the only one with such a file? No? My author heads, I know you feel me.)

There comes a time when you have to slam on the brakes.  Thinking too much messes with productivity and when you are hustling to keep the public’s interest by virtue of a new book, or short story, focus is important. Unfortunately, like most writers, a vivid imagination never sleeps. If we’re not careful, those bright ideas for literary dynasties will derail the bread-and-butter efforts. Once that happens, there isn’t enough Adderall in the world to get us back on track.

Because I’m working on a series, and because I have Gemini rising in my astrological chart, I have a tendency to work on two things at once. The headlines for various national and international newspapers, plus Facebook, adds to my treasure trove of story ideas. It’s hard for me to stay on task sometimes, especially when I’ve hit a wall in my current project. Then, it’s easy to ease on down the road to another incomplete project in an attempt to kickstart the Muse. However, I’ve learned from personal experience that that way lies madness. Staying the course is important and while I have a lot to say, and a lot of ways to say it, I have to establish myself to the public first…and that means riding the current project out to completion (especially since I’m including an excerpt in the first novel). *sigh*

Okay, back to the drawing board.  Thanks for stopping by.