How do you decide what to write?
I’ve decided my next novel will be MG, but that’s as far as I’ve gotten.
If you’re writing your first novel, you probably haven’t given this much thought – you’re caught up in the love of your story, and that is fine.
If you’re a teacher or librarian or parent, you probably think, I wish more writers would write MG fiction for boys, or a real-issues book for girls about friendship, or a YA book that doesn’t set my hair on fire.
If you’re an agent or editor, you probably think, I wish writers would send me the next Hunger Games series and help me pull the publishing industry out of its funk.
I wish I had an agent* just to get their advice on this question: What book should I write next?
*I’m working on this …
Should I try that idea for an MG fantasy for boys that I love? MG fantasy for boys is hot right now, but who knows how long that will last? Should I write that MG SF book that is singing to my heart, even if the market for it may be limited? Should I write that epic 5-part military SF series that tempts me, but I can’t imagine being able to sell it?
I’ve heard many agents say Write what your heart wants and Tell the best story you can. But the truth is that I have MANY stories to tell, and not all of them are equally salable. So what do you write to break in to an industry that is notoriously difficult and subjective?
I have more question marks in this post than periods (almost).
What middle grade story would you like to see written?
When I was at RomCon in CO this year there was a discussion about this topic. What was said is that you should never write what is popular now. Unless that is what you like writing. Only because you don't know if it will still be popular a few months later. I personally think that you should write what you want to write. Sooner or later it will be the "thing" everyone is talking about.
Even though the industry is hard to break into you should still write what is in your heart. Because if you are a great writer your book will be wanted. Also, I say write the book where the characters are talking the loudest to you. Those are going to be the ones that come out great. In my opinion anyways. Hope this helps!
Elizabeth J. Kolodziej
This is a loaded question for me. I've got over twelve book ideas floating around on my hard-drive in a folder called 'books'. I never wrote towards trends, only what I've felt moved to write. I started 3 series which I'm committed to writing their sequels (and one is a 4 book series). But the truth is, I'm itching to write some of those other really cool ideas, which is why have have 3 separate series out now, lol! So I'm going to finish out the series I've started (which will take another two years to write a total of 5 books) then and only then, I will start picking through my growing list of book ideas to write the next one. (excuse my deletion above I wanted to add more to my response)
Right now, I've been obsessed with father/son, master/apprentice themes so I'm writing that. A lot. Like all the time. Must be because I'm a middle school teacher (social studies) and always end up with classes that have more boys than girls! π
I find incredible inspiration in writing boy protagonists and their mentors and will stick with that, even though the market seems to lean toward parents/adults being either absent or dead.
Write whichever one is calling to you the loudest π
I'm unpublished so it's an easier ? for me. I just finished my second ms a couple of months ago. It's the first I'll query and it's the first of a series. I have other ideas too. One would require some travel for research, and another I already have the background for. I decided to wait on the sequels until I sell the first book. I started with the new idea I have the background info for because I have the background and because it's contemporary, (different than what I usually write).
We could jabber on about this subject forever. My problem is–a good one yes, but–that I have too many ideas. A writing instructor had told me that a few years back. Hah. I've always known my head is complicated. I'm going to ditto Kate's response.
But…care to hear my inner want?? I'd love to hear more about your military vat. I think that sounds wonderful and different for that age group.
Just sayin'
I don't write MG, so I'm afraid I can't answer the question. (Although I think some of the stuff I've done for Emilys is MG). Anyway–I have that same problem because I've got so many idea in my head at the same time.
But I chose to write the one that speaks to me most. The one that's brighter than the rest. I don't care if it won't sell (or if it won't get me an agent). I just need to get it out so I can move on. The practice you get from that book will make the next on that much better.
And one day, all the books will eventually sell, so no worries there! π
~JD
I'm querying agents with my MG fantasy with a male MC. I hope you are right and this is something they are looking for right now. My current work in progress is also fantasy but it's YA and the MC is female. This story just took me in a completely different direction than I intended. I wanted to write another middle grade because I love this age group. But my MC let me know that wasn't happening right now because she's 15. I'm following her lead now.
Wow. That is a truly difficult question, Susan. I can tell you that i fell head over heels in love with the uniqueness and wonder of Fablehaven. I'd love to see something with that kind of originality and depth and sparkle. π
I'd say start a little on each and see which one screams at you then go with it…If you get wrapped up in one, you'll know that is the one you need to tell right now. Anything you write is going to be wonderful…You've already got me sitting waiting for murindas to be sold in the toy department. (smile)
Have a great weekend!
@Elizabeth I think the thing that makes the most sense is writing what you care about most – whichever story embodies that at the moment – and see where that takes you. My heart is still trying to pick favorites, though. It's like picking between your children!
@LM I can totally see getting "trapped" by a series and having to write those! I see famous authors and wonder if they wished they could write something else, or if they're happy riding the wave!
@Kate Maybe I should put all my stories in a ring together and let them duke it out!
@Beth Definitely smart to hold off on writing the sequels until the first has sold – plus leaves room for those other cool stories you have! π
@Sherie Oh, the military SF! I'm envisioning Harry Potter meets StarTroopers, where all of humanity is preparing for an invasion that is coming – but light years away. So everyone that's able gets drafted into a high tech military academy to train the soldiers of the future – starts out MG but grows through a series. See? Just thinking about it gets me pumped again. π
@Justine one day all the books will sell I LOVE that thinking. π You may be right, and so I may just have to pick my favorite darling and go with it. π
No matter what, you have to write what you love. When I have a lot of ideas roaming around my head, I write them all down in quick notes or even try for a single sentence to see if I can pin down a story. I've found that if I can put a story into a single sentence, I've got something I can write.
@Kelly Good luck with your querying!! Keep us posted. π
@Shannon Yanno, Fablehaven has been on my TBR forever, but I might have to finally break down and read it. π My MG fantasy idea has a hidden faerie world similar to that (it's actually one of my tagged books to read about MG faeries) but goes in a more modern (almost SF) direction, where an evil fairy contrives a reverse-Peter-Pan switch and our MC finds himself having to fight his way back home. With Irish Folklore elements. Yup. Totally want to write that one too. π
@Sharon You are so sweet, with those murindas on the toy shelf! I'm afraid to get torn in too many directions, though. For me, I think I truly work better when I'm "all in" on an idea. But first, I need to decide which way to leap. π
@C.Lee You may be on to something there! I have thought of writing a pitch – either one sentence or one paragraph – of each idea. Right now they're rambling narrative files, which is how all my stories start. But maybe if I pinned it down, I'd find the one that excites me the most.
Oh, I have been marinating a MG boy story for awhile now… it's begging to be told, but it will have to wait til after my WIP is finished.
I do wish I had an agent already to tell me if the idea was salable. But after the webinar I attended last night, apparently fantasy and adventure are HUGE for MG genre.
@PK I know, right? Hard to resist if you've got an idea you love in a hot genre. Which webinar did you attend?
Um, I don't read MG, so you know my answer to that question. π
I have a writer friend who would love to be in your situation. I have two books outline and full characterized, plus another one bouncing around my head. She's stuck finding an idea that excites her like her last one.
I run into the same problem – so many stories trying to get out!
I'd like to see more action/adventure type books that have a blend of humour in them. MG kids love humour, but they're wanting to go beyond a book that's 'just' funny too.
@Stina Tell your friend to take a three hour drive to Wisconsin – that's when I came up with my ideas! π
@Jemi You are so right about the humor! Which my MG fantasy has built right in, and I'm actually leaning toward it for that reason. Also: Humor is hard to write, and I like the idea of that challenge.
hi miss susan! i gotta laugh cause thats a really easy question for me. see if you could guess my answer. heres some clues. im 10 and gonna be 11 in october. im for sure a boy and i love fantasy stuff. now i cant wait to see what youre gonna write just for me and my friends thats boys. π
…smiles and hugs from lenny
@Lenny Well, Lenny, you just made my decision really, really easy. I'm going to write that MG fantasy story! Now, it will take me a while, but when I'm done, will you read it for me? *smiles* I hope you're feeling better!!