Choices

So. I've come to the sobering (well, almost) realization that my single largest writing roadblock is "finishing large projects".

I have no trouble doing this at work for technical projects. Somehow my fictions get sidetracked or mysteriously implode after about 120 pages.

It's not that I lose interest in them, it's simply that if I run into a difficulty I find it far easier to start another project. Right now I've got two unfinished novels, at roughly equal length and work.

I feel shamed by the very talented Misters kingcadillac and pax_draconis who have both finished drafts of their novels. I am certainly pleased for them; they are both very good. I enjoyed Jason's book, and I am gratified at having been allowed to offer some suggestions even if I had nothing particlarly valuable to say about it.

I'm not particularly envious of the two gentlemen in question, I don't think, as they have both completed works that I am incapable of writing. But I am shamed. I can do this. But I haven't.

[Note: I'm not even really in the same league as my friend ladyeuthanasia; it's impossible for me to feel anything but pleasure when I hear of her successes. No, I can't explain the difference. Sorry.]

My new resolution is to push push push on with one until the story is complete. I'm setting myself time, and I'm setting myself production deadlines. I work much better under pressure, even self-imposed pressure.

Now all I have to do is decide which to do.

That's where you come in. I've done pro and con on both, and really it's a waste of time. I'd be quite happy finishing either first. I'd flip a coin, but somehow a survey just appeals to me.

I'm like that.

Here are some crappy drafts from the two projects I'm considering.

Choice One: Aradéc Spring

Fantasy. Marsupials. Religion. Magic. Politics. Muskets. Decay. Apocalypse. Mayhem.

( excerpt )

Choice Two: The World is Bound in Secret Knots

Horror. The King in Yellow. Alternate histories. Surrealism. Decay. Apocalypse. Mayhem.

( excerpt )

[Poll #492260]

Edited to add: Please feel free to comment, even if the poll won't let you vote. Cheers!