I’ll grant that I’m not known for being incredibly decisive. I mean deciding when to go for a left turn on green is a pretty big ordeal for me. But, at least this time I think I have a decision to make that would warrant some real thought for just about anyone–multiply this tenfold for me and add the fact that I really love waffles.
So here’s my dilemma:
Recently, I was offered a gig writing 1-2 books–likely per year–for an ongoing series. Great, right? I didn’t say this was a sad dilemma. This is a little different because the books would actually be under my name and, as an added bonus, happen to be a very pretty hardcover series. Go ahead, cue the Carly Simon.
The editor has been kind enough to push my first deadline way back so I can finish my own stuff that I need to give to my agent ASAP.
The problem is that I have very limited writing time to begin with and I’ve already continued to push things back for random writing gigs that aren’t really my focus.
My agent has put in a lot of work for me and, you know, I’d love him to get paid. And not that I wouldn’t be happy to provide his commission on this, but he’s already said he’s not taking commission on work-for-hire if he doesn’t get me the job.
The good thing about this series is that I get to do the plot, not the company. I have nice deadlines. The editors are wonderful and enthusiastic and willing to work with me. Even so, it’s still another 1-2 books to add to the schedule. And as an added wrench, it’s an adult series.
I’ve gotten some great advice on both sides of the fence. Katie Anderson sent me this link to a post she did, if you’re interested.
It’s been 2.5 years now that I’ve been writing “seriously”–whatever that means. Yes, I’ve taken a hiatus in there. But, I guess, for me I’m at the dreaded point where I actually need to think about where I’m going with this.
Thoughts? How much direction do you have with your career? Any opinions on the matter? (Aside from don’t take the bar while on deadline–got it. I won’t.)
Other than that, my nightstand stack has grown, but I’ve managed to get a good amount of reading done. Plus…I got a very nice surprise addition to the book pile this weekend from probably the most awesome debut author ever. I’ll post a picture soon.
gah. Tough call. I’d be inclined to keep the WFH lined up. You’ll figure it all out when the time comes.
I have a little direction for my “career” (such as it is). I decided after spending three years or so spinning my wheels the very hard way (self pubbing), to start doing things the normal way.
Like searching for an agent (or a small press) for the original manuscript I chose to start with as well.
Phew. Tough, tough, tough post. I can really sympathize with this as I’m going through some tough writing choices right now myself.
It sounds like a really great gig, except for the adult part. But I guess the important thing to me is—are you going to be happy doing this. Do you think the series is exciting enough to you, that the writing will be fulfilling, especially if you don’t manage to write ‘your own’ YA books like you want.
You could always give it a try for a while–maybe write those first two books–and then see how yo feel after that. It would still mean investing the larger chunk of your writing to these books though. And again, would you be happy doing that?
Maybe in a way, it might be nice to take the pressure off your YA books for a while. This is a very obvious direction that’s been presented to you. Do you have a good solid plan for your YA right now? It might not hurt to take advantage of the direction the series will give you.
Wishing you the best of luck, Chan. Remember that God said not to worry about tomorrow but to focus on the day at hand. Hope you’re able to come to a decision that you’re happy with
-Mandy
Lovely problem.
Think of the new offer this way. 1) Is the money good? 2) Is the work cool? 3) Is the process fun? Any two of the three in combination will probably make it worth doing. If it’s all three, drop everything and make it your priority. If it’s only one of the three, pass on it.
That was actually quite helpful, Jamie. I’m a big fan of structure and direction. 2 out of 3…sounds logical.