The final stages of writing a book are always the most nerve-wracking

The final stages of writing a book are always the most nerve-wracking

Posted inRandom Musings, Writing
The last few hundred yards of a marathon are always the toughest. Well, okay, I've never run a marathon and doubt I could run more than a block and a half even if being chased by knife-wielding ducks, but you get my point*. I'm currently under contract with Rowman & Littlefield, and have been neck deep in writing a manuscript since last August, due to be delivered by May 1. (I'd love to be able to announce what it is, but have to wait until they release the information first.) I'm almost there. Being immersed in a big project is…
What should I write next?

What should I write next?

Posted inWriting
After my Mad Men book is out, I plan to switch focus to fiction for a little while. Have two things in mind. Two novels that are DONE but that require my attention for the next few steps in the process. Help me decide which to focus on: 1) A children’s / middle grade fantasy novel that keeps with classic fantasy tropes/clichés (think Lloyd Alexander’s Prydain books), i.e. young boy on an adventure, mouthy princess, dragons, etc. I think it’s fun and love the characters, but I don’t think I can sell it to a publisher – it’s too “standard,” and these days they want something unique…

And the next plug-worthy project is…

Posted inUncategorized, Writing
... not something I can announce just yet, but I've been working hard on it for the last two weeks or so, it's due in bookstores next August, I'm working with some extraordinary writers (I'm merely one small part of a team), including Hugo, Nebula and World Fantasy Award nominees, and it will be geeky as hell. The last part is the best part of all. So yeah, all you geeks out there? Watch out for a wickedly fun announcement

Idea Overload

Posted inRandom Musings, Writing
So here's a problem I still haven't learned to cope with: Idea overload. Whatever I happen to be working on at any given moment, well, I'd rather be working on the next thing instead. Sometimes even the thing after that thing. There are always too many projects that appeal to me; too many stories I want to write; too many things I want to try. At times it's a little overwhelming. It's overwhelming RIGHT NOW because there are a solid half-dozen big writing projects I'd like to be working on ... but I don't, because attempting that juggling act is…

Okay, so I CAN wait to get it started

Posted inRandom Musings, Writing
Waaaaaay back in February, I breathlessly posted about my desire to begin the second draft of a science fiction novel I've been kicking around. First draft was done. Readable. But needed work. First I planned to start the second draft early in the year and wrap it up by late spring. Then I pushed it back to March in order to slam out some other, shorter projects. Then Stuff Every Husband Should Know came up and took priority. Then I had to finish scripting Pitched! 2 so we could get it out in 2010. Then I took the rest of…