I’ve just published my third novel, Artful, about the continuing story of the Artful Dodger. Editing and improving it was a long, thought-provoking and instructive process.
I now have another novel ready for editing. This is set in the last years of the twelfth century in the Kingdom of Jerusalem when it was being re-conquered by Saladin. However, I would like a rest from editing so want to get my teeth into writing a new book.
The problem is I can’t decide which of my ideas to pursue.
I could write the third instalment of The Lost King series, write a follow-on to Artful, rewrite my Elizabethan spy novel or try my hand at a new era (I have several time periods in mind.)
I am like Buridan’s Ass/Donkey. I am between two bales of hay and cannot decide which to eat. I always thought this dilemma was one of Aesop’s Fables by the way. Amazing what an educational tool the internet is.
(And what a time eater it can be. I actually want to read the learned post by Prof. Michael Hauskeller of the University of Exeter which can be found in the current issue of Philosophy Now. http://www.philosophynow.org/issues/81/Why_Buridans_Ass_Doesnt_Starve. But I will use my free will to continue with this post. It’s a great find though!)
Anyway, where was I?
Oh yes. I am in a dilemma. I lie on my terrace thinking about the options for my next book. I hope that inspiration will make me leap up and say, that’s the one. If not I suppose I can always toss a coin or draw lots.
Or should I trust to fate on such a fateful day as The Ides of March?