I save every idea. I write down everything can about the concept, create a file, and then add it to my endless list of future projects. Sometimes, I'll outline the book and write a chapter or two if I feel inspired. There have been a couple times when I've written the entire manuscript and shelved it, having lost interest in the characters or the plot. If years later, I can't stop thinking about one of my old ideas, then it must be good enough to pursue. That's my process.
One of my books was ready to query when I set it aside. I'd been through dozens of drafts and few major revisions and felt the book was ready for the world. I'd even paid for professional editing. But I didn't love it. In fact, I was bored with it. For me, I have to be 100% in love with a book for me to keep going. I was maybe 80% in love with this one.
So, when a new book idea came to me, I jumped into that project with both feet and left this one far behind. Then I got into Pitch Wars, then found an agent, then wrote another book, and then started yet another idea. I was so far removed from that dusty old project that I'd forgotten most of the character names and even details of the plot. Poor book.
But now that old book is calling to me. It's haunting my dreams and my thoughts. It's begging me to revisit it once again. That once forgotten project wants me to make it something special, so that's what I'm going to do.
And that's why I'm sharing this. Sometimes, our work isn't the best. Sometimes, our creations don't shine as brightly as other things. That's okay. Because every idea will have it's moment in the spotlight, every passion will gain it's place in your heart. Even if it's not now, even if it's not soon, someday, the good ideas will cling to you and won't let you do anything else.
Happy Writing. And Reading.
~ Jamie
