I’m talking about a wips tab here. Works-in-progress. That tab on the menu bar where authors share a little bit about their upcoming projects.
I admit. I get jealous. I stop by at blogs because I love seeing what other writers are up to, and I love soaking in new covers and the excitement that lies between the lines on an author’s post. It’s contagious. We can all use a bit of inspiration. I know I can. I also love hearing about works in progress.
And I would agree that talking about works in progress is a form of marketing. Sharing a cool premise or an enticing logline can build anticipation in your friends and potential readers. I would love to add a tab where I describe future projects.
Then I think about my production schedule.
The cool ideas that I’m itching to write. That I plan to write in 2014 and 2015. I should share them.
Except, every once in a while I completely ditch a story before it’s written or part way through. Sometimes an idea jumps the line. This happened last spring. In sudden inspiration, I wrote a story that haunted me and wouldn’t let go. And it’s now sitting. I haven’t looked at it since. Here’s the thing. I don’t know yet if and when I’ll publish it.
What if I talk about a work-in-progress and then the concept changes in rewrites, or I decide it needs to sit a bit longer? Or if I decide not to publish it? Then what?
Ah well, for now, I will continue on without a wip tab. Such is life.
I don’t have one! I’ll let people know that I am working on a manuscript, but I won’t reveal any of the plot or any aspect of the story until it’s edited, sent to my publisher, and accepted. I don’t reveal details until I know it’s going to be a reality. So don’t feel bad if you don’t either.
I hear ya!
I’m 44k into one WIP, and I haven’t worked out exactly who does what and where in the climax, so I took a break. I’m *supposed* to be brainstorming ideas to untangle that climax.
But a new character started talking to me today, and I had to write her story down.
I talk a little about my WIPs on my blog, but I don’t have a tab, and I’ve learned to be a little coy about the plot and premise, too.
I don’t share the details of my WIPs for the same reasons.