Not easy for me to talk bout this but, to let you understand, I have to set some background first.
I have a chronic disease. Years ago I really suffered from it, but after the adequate treatment was found, my health improved and I gained some (relative) peace of mind. Anyway, from a literary point a view, I felt that I had to write something on this subject. It was an evidence for me, and it came all naturally. The result was a short story (but, somehow, I knew that It could have been more than just a short story.)
End of the background.
I'm presently writing a novel. I have worked on it for a long period, and I can say (after many difficulties) that I'm enjoying it now.
But lately, after years of a steady state, I'm living again a rash of this disease. And once again, I'm feeling this need to write all this ***** down, but here is the dilemma.
On the one hand, I don't want to abandon my novel, invented, patiently assembled, and wich represents a long work.
On the other hand, there's something more urgent, more direct, more spontaneous in the other work (not really yet a novel) something inner to me, something that comes from my guts.
Sorry, things are going a bit wrong for me, I'm just confused.
Oops,
Asuntha, what you have pointed is very relevant, thanks
A Fox, Catharsis, that's really the word
I will follow your advices.
I think I'm gonna write it down, and just see what will happen.
Adrian, my inner-voice wants to say thank you
Siew Leng, I'm not in a hurry. It will take the time it takes )
Sarah, I hope you'll find (one day) the right words to tell your story on paper
Renne, thanks for the analysis... and the toughts
Asuntha, Catharsis, that's really the word
Thank you all...
Sounds like you need a wee break from the novel, to blow off some creative steam.
I say don't fret about it (you have enough health related stress as it is). Work on this little fire of a story, whether to have fun or embrace some cathartic penmenship. A lot of writers benefit from this, being able to return, refreshed, to the main piece of writing.
And you may end up with a short story worth entering comps/submitting :)