Switching works (before you start the first one)?

Question

I've been writing a webcomic for years (4 years to be exact) and have got every single aspect of it finished. I've got an entire notebook filled with everything you could ever want to know about the story and have already written HUNDREDS of scripts for the comic. And now, after having to wait so many years, I'm weeks away from being able to see those scripts come to life. This should be the most exciting thing to ever happen to me, right? Well, it would be if I didn't come up with the single greatest new comic idea only 6 months ago... It's the most creative and wonderful thing I've ever thought up! My first comic doesn't even compare to how great this one could be. Ever since I had the idea, all I can do is write about it, and it comes so naturally to me. I've never felt this good about something I've written. Everyday I come up with new, fantastic Ideas. And unlike the first comic, this one is completely unique, no other story like it out there.

So, as you can probably tell, I'm very conflicted here. Should I give up on the comic I've been writing for years to focus on this new one that I've fallen in love with? Even if it means I would have to start all over from scratch? Or should I publish my first comic (which I still love) and wait to release the new one? I'm sure many writers have gone through this same sort of conundrum, so I would love to hear how you handled it and, if all possible, how it turned out for you.

So, as you can probably tell, I'm very conflicted here. Should I give up on the comic I've been writing for years to focus on this new one that I've fallen in love with? Even if it means I would have to start all over from scratch? Or should I publish my first comic (which I still love) and wait to release the new one? I'm sure many writers have gone through this same sort of conundrum, so I would love to hear how you handled it and, if all possible, how it turned out for you.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I wasted TWENTY YEARS OF MY FREAKING LIFE starting one project and then jumping to another without finishing the first. In twenty years that I've worked on writing novels, I've only finished two books--one novel and a memoir, neither of which were good enough to publish.

As I draw ever-nearer to finishing the first book I'll be proud to say that I wrote, I find it harder to get the damned thing finished. I have an extended series planned out, and I want to work on the second story before I finish the first. But if I keep doing that, I'll never finish the book I'm working on now.

I'm not saying you have the same problem as I have--I would much rather begin writing a book than finish writing one. But if you stop and think about it and you see that tendency in yourself--if you enjoy beginning projects more than you enjoy finishing them--it's best to nip that in the bud. I would encourage you to finish your first webcomic before working for an extended period on your second one. Or, you could make a rule for yourself that you'll spend five days working on your old comic for every day or two you spend working on the new one.

Of course, if your old comic is truly trash compared to your new one, maybe you should move on. But I can't really advise you on whether or not that's the thing you should do, because I don't know anything about either comic. Show your work to someone you respect and ask them if they think you should stick with the old one or just dump it and focus solely on the new.

Just don't make a habit of failing to finish projects.

Elaine M · Answer

Do them both, work on one for a week, then the other for a week.  Having one published and another, better one on the way actually appeals to many readers and is a good way to approach a publisher.

While you feel the first one isn't as good, remember you've been SEEING that first one for so long your impression of it is off.  A new reader would look at the comic differently since they have new eyes.

Switching works (before you start the first one)?

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