How Writers Can Choose Their Next Project

Every writer knows the feeling: you're deep in a manuscript when suddenly a brilliant new concept appears, shimmering with possibility. This "shiny new idea syndrome" can derail your current project and lead to a graveyard of unfinished drafts. But how do you decide which story truly deserves your time and creative energy?

The Allure of New Ideas

New story concepts arrive without baggage, promising adventure and none of the challenges you're facing with your work-in-progress. As John Steinbeck aptly noted: "Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen."

The goal isn't to stop these ideas from multiplying but to develop a system for choosing which one to pursue. At Hire a Writer, we believe in nurturing creativity while building the discipline to finish what you start.

How Ideas Disrupt Flow

The "flow state" – that magical condition where words pour effortlessly onto the page – requires focus. New ideas can disrupt this flow, pulling your attention away from completing your current project. By establishing clarity about why a particular story matters to you, you can recommit to your WIP and protect your creative momentum.

Decision-Making Framework: Emotional vs. Commercial

To choose between multiple compelling ideas, consider both emotional and commercial factors:

Emotional Decision Points

1. Personal connection: Why does this idea matter to you? Does it align with your passions or experiences? How would you feel if you never got to write it?
2. Reader resonance: Why will this story matter to readers? Does it address universal themes or speak to a specific community?
3. The tingle factor: Does the idea give you that unmistakable buzz of excitement? Different writers experience this differently – a gleeful grin, a feeling of heat, or persistent thoughts that won't let go.
4. Character connection: Are you genuinely drawn to your protagonist? If they disappeared, would you miss them? Can you envision them clearly in different situations?

Commercial Decision Points

1. Career alignment: Which story idea moves you closer to your long-term writing goals? Which aligns with your vision of success?
2. Obstacle assessment: What challenges might you face with each idea? Research requirements? Technical writing difficulties? Personal vulnerability?
3. Concept clarity: How easily can you distill the story to its essence? Can you create a compelling hook in one sentence?

Remember what John le Carré famously said: "The cat sat on the mat is not a story. The cat sat on the DOG'S mat is a story."

The 5C Decision-Making Model

Still torn between ideas? Try this analytical approach:

Score each idea from 1-5 (with 5 being highest) in these categories:

• Character: How strongly do you want to explore your protagonist?
• Commitment: How dedicated do you feel to completing this project?
• Career: How well does this align with your professional goals?
• Concept: How attention-grabbing is the hook?
• Connection: How emotionally resonant is this idea for you and potential readers?

Tally your scores – but pay attention to your reaction to the results. Are you disappointed that Idea #2 scored low? That might indicate a stronger emotional attachment than you realized. Does the "winner" leave you feeling flat? That's valuable information too.

Maintaining Focus on Your Chosen Project

Once you've committed to a story, here's how to stay faithful:

For the Monogamous Writer

• Revisit your "why": Regularly remind yourself what drew you to this story.
• Create a waiting room: Keep a dedicated notebook for future projects. When new ideas appear, acknowledge them with brief notes, then send them to wait their turn.
• Recognize the middle slump: Remember that the 30,000-word mark often feels difficult in any manuscript. A new idea isn't necessarily greener grass – just an untested one.

For Those Who Play the Field

Sometimes working on multiple projects simultaneously can be productive. If that's your approach:

• Choose contrasting stories: Different genres or styles help prevent voice bleed between projects.
• Establish specific times or locations: Write one story in the morning, another in the evening, or designate different physical spaces for each.
• Use different tools: Try writing one project longhand and another digitally, or use different devices.
• Create transition rituals: Take a short walk or do stretches when switching between projects to signal the shift to your creative brain.

The Only Finish Line That Matters

Choosing which story to write isn't about finding the "perfect" idea – it's about committing to one that excites you enough to reach "The End." The next time a shiny idea beckons, ask yourself: Is this truly the right story for right now? Or is it a distraction from the challenging but important work of finishing what you've started?

What will your next great story be? More importantly – are you ready to see it through?

Looking for help transforming your brilliant ideas into finished stories? Check out our Fiction Writing Services or explore our insights on Writing Through Different Lenses.