Discrete on what you're writing?

[eBooksgp]

Hi everyone,

Do any of you guys feel reserved when writing your next book? I.e. when people ask – ‘So, what are you writing this time?’

I respond with – ‘You’ll see!’ or ‘Not saying.’

I just feel private about it until I have the final product. Does anyone else do the same? or is it just me?

Thanks

Gareth

[WPotocki]

Gareth -

Usually not so much. I talk about what I'm writing and give title, along with brief description, but there are exceptions.

The book I just started (unplanned project! Popped into my head and the dialogue started flowing!), I'm keeping under wraps. Why? Well, because the book is about a monster, and the title actually refers to this creature. I want the title, name, monster revealed at same time for maximum impact.

At least this is how I'm envisioning it! Nobody really is going to care but me, but then that's why I'm writing the story!

Don't think either way is wrong. It's a personal style thing.

[Steven Lyle Jordan]

Nah. I usually tell them, "I'm writing science fiction," and they quickly avert their eyes and slink away...

[Paul Dale]

Telling them, "Fantasy", has a similar effect.

"The sequel to my last novel," is an easy out, especially for sci-fi and fantasy when one novel is never enough to tell a story

[Steven Lyle Jordan]

You might want to use the question to your advantage, and consider the "elevator pitch" description: Work up a quick pitch of your book, a 30-second sentence or less, and be ready to parrot that whenever someone asks.

"It's a story about a farmer's son who finds himself in a pivotal position in the rebellion against the galactic empire... a real good-versus-evil story, almost on a mythical level."

It can have the advantage of building interest in your story, which could translate to promotional or production help, or increased sales.

[EileenG]

No, I tell them. If I'm going to commit myself to three months of writing, I need to be very enthusiastic about it, so I can bore for about it.

For the record, I'm writing a novel where a soldier comes back from the Peninsular war and discovers his best friend has been murdered. He suspects a Napoleonic spy, but finds his friend has been keeping secrets from him, including a wife and daughter.

[Rick G]

Unless I'm working on a project for someone else, I'm more than happy to tell someone what I'm currently writing. Enthusiasiam from readers is great and while I'm not about to give out major plot points, I see no problem with starting any potential word of mouth as early as possible. I think it's also a good way to start gauging interest. If I mention I'm working on my magnum opus about vampire dinosaurs, you can bet I'm going to be checking whether I'm getting "awesome!" or people are looking at me funny and then doing their best to walk away quickly.

[VydorScope]

I dont. My stories shift to much in the write/rewrite phase for it to have much sense to talk about. I just keep it real general, and since I am in a series now I can/do use the cop out "I am working on the four book in my scifi series" which lets me talk about book one instead and plug the series.

[gmw]

While I was writing my first book it was almost the cone-of-silence treatment. My wife knew I was writing a book, but almost no one else. That book had been finished for almost 18 months before I told most of the rest of my family (I imagine it might have been harder to keep the cone-of-silence if we had kids).

Why? Partly because I had no idea whether I would have what it took to finish it, but mostly because I find myself almost schizophrenic while I'm writing. Some days I think it's going great, on others I think it's horrible. It wasn't until that book was almost finished - I do lots of rewriting as I go - that I was able to read back over it and feel that it was something I wasn't going to be ashamed to have others read.

I am less secretive about the fact of writing now, but I still say little about the content or story line because much of the outline I am trying to work to is based on information that should only be revealed through the story - and exactly how it will be revealed is often a mystery, even to me, until it is written. I guess things could be different once I have more experience, perhaps I will gain some confidence one day, but until then I am happy to talk about the process enough to bore anyone, but I still stay pretty quiet about the story.

[eBooksgp]

Thanks all for your input, lots of interesting comments - from what I've gathered there isnt any real reson for me to be secretive about what I'm writing and talking about it will help to trigger more ideas :-)

thanks guys!!! I'll try not to be so protective in the future.

[EileenG]

I also find that telling people that I'm writing is a little extra incentive to sit down and write the damn thing. If I've been talking about it, people want to see it, or at least hear that I'm submitting it somewhere.

[Steven Lyle Jordan]

When most people ask, "What are you writing?" I don't think they're looking for details; just a general idea. Occasionally someone will show more interest, and you can tell them what will make this story special... in a general sort of way. But if your story isn't already locked down, don't try to be specific... and even if it isn't locked down, don't give away the ending (except to a potential publisher). Give 'em a reason to actually read it when you're done!

[Greenkeeper]

Considering how rarely any given project I start actually gets past the early idea stages I've learned it's best not to talk about my next project until at least a first draft is complete. It keeps me from having to write more "X has been delayed" posts in my blog.

[EileenG]

I know I'm going to be reamed for being picky here, but "discrete" means separate or detached.

"Discreet" means not gabby.

[VydorScope]

OK! I am gonna come clean here... my next book is a about a bunch of characters that go places and do things! There, I have told the world now!