Let’s all have an identity crisis together!
The last day of school is still 16 days away for me. 
My students have already “checked out of the hotel.” They don’t care anymore. If they do their homework, great. If not, they really don’t care. Grades? 
They’re almost done, so what does it matter if they drop a letter grade? As a teacher, it makes me want to screech like a banshee and scream–YOU’RE NOT DONE YET!!! 
But in reality, what can I do? They’ve already made that decision.
As for me, those sixteen days (and if your kids are already out of school: 
) have become a sort of count-down. Every year when I reach the summertime, I switch writing modes. I go from 2-3 pages a day to 12-15 pages a day, if possible. I love it. 
I become a writing machine, gleefully flying through a new book. Then I take a month to edit, and I enjoy the thrill of submission.
Only this month, I’ve started having my little identity crisis. My 120-page Victorian romp novel where the heroine threatens to poison the hero if he comes near her? Can’t do that if I’m going to focus on medievals. And as for my medievals, I have two distinct writing voices. One is fluffy and fun. The other is dark and moody. Depending on the plotline, I switch voices. This is not a good thing. Both are aspects of my personality, but I need to stick to one.
It’s a bit like choosing a career for the second time. I never chose teaching–teaching chose me. I got a random part-time job out of nowhere, to direct a children’s choir. After that, I was hooked. I do believe I’m in the right daytime occupation, and I love the antics of middle schoolers. [Quick side-story: One of my students couldn't understand why he missed a true/false question. The question? True or False--Kennedy was assassinated while in office. The kid marked False. "But he was shot in the streets of Dallas, not in his office!!" 
Sorry. Couldn't resist sharing that one.]
Anyhoo…right now, I’m at a major turning point of my career. Whatever I decide, I’m going to write three or four books in that subgenre. The advantage is that I’ll learn my craft within the subgenre very well. The disadvantage? I lose my love of variety. I suppose that’s discipline for you. 
Michelle posted in Writing @ 6:38 am | Viewed 1416 times
Bonnie Ferguson Says:
:starwars:
kacey Says:
LOL on the T/F answer…
The discipline thing bites you in the butt sometimes doesn’t it? Well, if we’re voting, I like your light, funny writing. The witty repartee. But don’t let me influence you…
Rene Says:
my discipline in writing =:loser:
Perhaps it is the gemini in me, but I cannot stay in one genre to save my soul.
This is what I did. It backfired in a way, but it was, at the time, my best solution.
I was writing a Regency-era romance that was dark and difficult. Heroine had problems, hero had problems, etc. etc. Historicals are a lot of work as you know. Not just research, but the work to keep your voice feeling authentic to the reader. Anyway, the stress was too much, so I started a contemporary paranormal for the fun of it. I never intended to submit it. It was fun and easy, draining the “fluffies” from my head so I could focus on the historical. It backfired because I realized the historical had a flaw and the paranormal was better. So I abandoned the historical and went on with the paranormal.
Sometimes working on two projects will help you focus more. It kind of releases pressure from your creative side to allow you to see things clearly.
Amy K. Says:
Discipline is no fun. I’m struggling to find some right now. If you find extra, please send it my way!
Tori Says:
I’m trying to use your method of career planning and may end up pulling out all my hair. It’s making me crazy!
Crystal* Says:
Michelle,
I think you’ve opened up several eyes with the “voice” topic.
I, too, find it difficult to stay with one subgenre. It makes me crazy.
But if you write the three or four with your subgenre and explore your talent there, then I think it’s plausible to start exploring your possible other strengths.
Oh. Yes. My kids are out of school. And this
is so applicable. 
Grins*
Melissa Says:
wow, Michelle. 12-15 pages a day? That is awesome!
Suzanne Says:
He had a point! You shoulda given him that one! (On the T/F question!) LOL.
Jill Says:
My kids have checked out too! Even though I’m not quite ready for summer!
Michelle Says:
Rene–You’re scaring me. See, I wrote a paranormal Blaze proposal, trying to get the “fluffies” out of my voice. You watch–HQ will want to see more and I’ll have to finish the darn thing.
Crystal–14 more days of school left for us!
Steph T. Says:
Am in major writer identity-crisis mode. Send:help: Or chocolate. Or both….