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.
Hey :)
I also agree with Renee. I feel you should listen to your gut feelings. That's the real thing (I think) However it'll be great if you can manage both at the same time- I would give priority to the new one, write it down as I feel it, sorta... and in a more peaceful state of mind, I'd continue the first.
But that also depends on the two plots. It's easy enough to handle if they have the same background/ type of characters/themes/style etc. (Which is why I never manage such a thing- No two works of mine are similar!)
Hi Mehdi,
As someone who questions the 'inner voice' ... my book called 'On The Other Hand' ... you will always have this duality problem. One voice says '"Eat the cake" and the other says "Leave it". I would like to suggest that you answered your own question when you said
"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."
From what you said ... this sounds like the priority. Funnily enough I did the same thing. I wrote my story and didn't want to let go of it. After 30 or so years of holding onto it, I wrote something completely different and more pressing.
Just some thoughts for you.
RP
I think Adrian's advice is sound !
If it helps I asked a similar question (though of course my circumstances are entirely different from yours) and was told always finish what you start because from that you will gain most satisfaction.
I suffered abuse as a child and spent many dark years as a result, I always thought I would write about it, but I have not yet
The temptation is great to stop what I started, especially when the going gets tough and write about what's deep inside & I have started many times....
I personally feel it is so important to finish what you begin, I see it as my practise run, sharpening the pen so that I can write the one story that feels the most important
I could never write 2 different novels at the same time...people do, and it you can that's great...
If you follow your heart I guess that's the best you can do
Good luck !