Creative advice - please help

[Dashio_Sumeragi]

Hi, guys! I would like to ask for creative advice. Last month I´ve finished my very first light novel called Black Fang. And now I have a few problems what to do. There are a few things I would like to talk about and since there are a lot people way more experienced than I am and I bet some of you were in the same spot as me right now, I would respectfully like to ask for help.

I am already starting to think about my next project. Just a prep, no writing just yet. Won´t go into details, but it will be a completly different genre. But I can´t really concentrate. I still can´t get the Fangs out of my head. This is my very first story ever done and as such I am happy with how it turned out. I started to do a few character images. I made the new cover, I made a picture of Aya, now working on Mei-Ling, I may do a few more characters (not all) - but that also is a result of me not being able to get them off my system.

The story as it is - is done. The arcs have their closure. It is a semi-open ending, but I had no intention to continue the story. And that´s where my second problem appeared. A few days ago I was writing about deleted ideas in another thread. And today just like that out of nowhere I´ve remembered one of the deleted ideas and a small storyline started to force my imagination. Just one small arc, definitly no full story, but it would be a good start for a Black Fang 2 novel.

So now I have the dilemma: to start Trella´s Blood Trail arc, I just have a vague idea what it can be about, no full story ofc, or try to concentrate on the new project, where I have an idea for the whole story and already some major characters in mind, or try and take a break and somehow clear my noggin - the only question is how. What would you advise me?

And speaking of which, I would like to go back to the OG Fang story. I know it´s done and even if I´m satisfied, I know it´s not perfect. I would like to know your oppinions. Not to collect praise or anything like that, but to learn. I know I´ve done mistakes, but for a newbie they are sometimes hard to recognise. So any kind of constructive feedback is more than welcome.

Thank you

Read Black Fang | Tapas Web Community

[BoomerZ]

If the story is done, the story is done. I would say you need to move on to the next story and it should be nothing like your finished story. You said Fang was you first completed story, which means you still have a lot to learn. To do that you need to expand your abilities. That comes from telling different stories. Later in life you can always return to Fang and rewrite/touch-up/redo it. I would set that story aside, be VERY proud you finished it (you are way ahead of most writers that don't finish), and start something new.

[eunwei]

I would say make short side stories with the ideas you're getting for your arc, since it doesn't have a full story if ykwim. You can continue with adding side stories as many as you'd like, or whenever you feel like you're not done with Black Fangs.

Aside from that, CONTINUE ON YOUR NEXT NOVEL.

Black Fangs is completed, it's done. So work on the next project, move ahead.

I know the feeling of "Im not done with it yet" because it's your very first novel and you wish that every detail be perfect in it. But guess what? It's already over and if you keep thinking more about it, you will just be stuck with it and probably come up with new ideas to rewrite it. I woul suggest you use these new ideas for your next one.

Don't look back!

As I've already suggested the side stories, you can keep doing that of course but I'd also suggest that you start working on your next project.

[minamii]

Yeah, if you have great ideas for your Black Fang world, write them down in side stories and little extras. But focus most of your attention on your new story. There's no reason you can't do two stories at once. Right now I'm editing and publishing my second book, writing my third book, writing extras for both my second and third book, and writing posts for my completely unrelated blog. Plus considering submitting additional writing to competitions. It's totally okay to have a variety of writing projects going at the same time. It lets you stretch your writing skills and it keeps you from ever getting bored or having writers block.

[Dashio_Sumeragi]

@minamii Wow you´ve got a lot on your shoulders. I can´t do things that fast. My biggest enemy is time. I have a regular job that consumes a lot of time and energy plus I am a father of two. So sometimes I am running on fumes. Honestly can´t imagine doing two projects at once plus I might end up with a creative goulash. That wouldn´t do good any of the projects. But I wish you all the best with your books

@eunwei and @BoomerZ Yes, the Black Fang story is done, closed, I definitly do not plan to do any rewrites or anything with the finished story, including creating side stories. I let the ending semi-open, meaning the main characters can have a future after this story and exactly this is it - events a few years after the end. I wrote down the ideas, created a quick "skeleton", so I can return to it one day without loosing the ideas.

I definitly wouldn´t be able to write Black Fang 2 straight away, since I have an idea just for the first arc, that would be roughly 8-10 episodes. Don´t even have the idea for the main storyline itself. First arc is always like an intro. It was like this in the first story, 1st arc introduced everything except the main threat. Same will happen with Fangs 2 and same I plan with the new fantasy project.

[NOOR_ASAKZ05]

Try to find inspiration; that's what I did, and I created several stories. For example, I saw a dress on Pinterest and was able to come up with a completely new story idea, unlike any of my previous stories. It's not the end of the world, but it's best to break free from your first story and focus on creating a new idea.

[jwabeasley]

Move on to the new project! There's always some stuff that stays on the cutting room floor, even if we think it's quality.

Focus on making your new project the best it can be!

[tiff524]

So, I think you have a writers mind. Because you know when the story is done, the characters are still going on in your mind. But that's okay. You can write another novel in the same world. You've created the world, and the characters are still wanting their stories told. You can do this with side stories which are great bonus stories to add to the original novel or develop into a sequel.

Another thing that happens a lot in the sci-fi/fantasy and romances genres is characters in the same world now become the main character in later novels. Subplots flesh out into new novels. The world is still talking to you, and that is okay. But likely, you might need a break, but don't stop yourself. I think the Black Fang world is demanding more from you.

Plus, this might blow your mind, but you can have multiple writing projects. You don't have to be writing one book at a time. You can do multiple.

My advice is to write down or at least get the ideas logged or plotted, save them, and come back to them later. You're brain is still kinda in the Black Fang book until you start working on your new project. But once you get out the ideas that are coming, they will likely stop. You'll have them down, and then you can work on your new project.

Good luck with your new book! And big congratulations with finishing your first novel. That is a real accomplishment!

[Dashio_Sumeragi]

Thank you, @tiff524 advice taken, I´ve made notes what I could put into the sequels first arc. I know I could do several procets at once, just affraid of the creative chaos in my head.
And I think if I wanna start the new project, I should probably cut a few strings attached. So I suppose I have to finish the Fang art first. I know, I recycled the background from the cover