How to decide on next writing project when you have lots of ideas?

[Celia24]

I am just completing the final edits of my first novel at the moment. It was shortlisted for a writing prize and I have received interest from a publisher. The advice from the prize was to try and find an agent as a priority which is only next step.

But now I'm about to do a writing residency where I have to begin my next project. The problem is im having cold feet about my original idea which is in a different genre from this first novel.

I think part of the issue is I have it in my head that if I land a publisher they often want to sign you for more than one book (if I was ever so lucky!!) - in which case id likely need to ditch writing in a new genre to focus on that.

So...how do you decide on your next topic if you have several floating around?

[LouisaMayAlcott]

I tend to explore several ideas, one of them will then make me more excited and I can see where it's going to go. If you're going to try for an agent and a trad deal they will want you writing in the same genre at first even if you change and use a different pen name later.

[Celia24]

@LouisaMayAlcott the agent is what's causing the conundrum. The judges of the writing prize told me they think I have a very good chance of getting an agent. But who knows in this climate?

I could see myself writing a sequel to the first book but I've only just finished the edits and feel too close to it for now.

The other book which would be a totally different genre is historical fiction and one I'd love to explore. I'm not sure whether to allow myself that exploration time or try to think of a sequel for a future eventuality...

[Grammarnut]

To some extent it is the same process you use to choose exam questions. Which one do you know most about that you can write about with some verve and expression. Make synopsis for each idea.