I have two novels I'm working on right now. The first, a follow up to Depression Cookies. For this, I'm teaming up with Mom again. My other one is a departure for me--a young adult novel with a touch of fantasy.
I'm committed to both of these projects, but I'm at a different place with each of them. I find it hard to juggle two books, even though I feel strongly about both of them. I don't even read two books at once. I'm a one book at a time type of lady. Although I admit I'll dream about other books sometimes. ;-)
I see potential in the second story idea, so I'm taking notes and doing some plotting. But every time I sit down to write, the characters from Depression Cookies invade my brain and take over. Then, when I'm working on our follow up, characters and ideas pop into my head for the young adult story. I'm confused.
For those of you who work on multiple projects, how do you keep the characters and stories separate? Can you truly love two projects at once and give enough of yourself to both?
Or maybe I need to love my projects with a mom's heart. Lord knows I manage to love these three equally, wholly, and even when they test me.
Onto ROW80:
A Round of Words in 80 Days, headed by the lovely Kait Nolan, is the writing "challenge that recognizes that I have a life I can’t ditch, but still provides a challenge and the support of a community of others who are working alongside me with their own goal, their own lives, learning to juggle."
My Update
Writing: I've worked a total of four hours on my WIP since Sunday. Everything from planning to writing (and I admit, a bit of editing). I'm excited to see it coming together. Our last book was 176,000 words, and I'm determined to bring this one in under 100,000.
Blogging: Daily and a review on Mom in Love with Fiction. Tomorrow, I'm featuring an interview with Jessica Therrien as well as a review of her debut novel, Oppression. Please stop back by. I met Jessica during the Third Writers' Platform Building Campaign. A great gal.
Editing: Slower progress, but progress. Sometimes I need to step away from sections, to get a clearer perspective. But then I need to reread from the start to truly get back into it. Often it's one step forward, two steps back.
Reading: I've read some great books lately. It's inspiring, but I do wish there were more hours in the day.
Diet & Exercise: Doing better. I need to sign up for more races... it's so motivating, mainly because I don't want to fall on my face.
Round 1 is almost over, so I hope everyone is writing, writing, writing.
7 comments:
I like to have two projects going at once...but during my third novel - that I just sent off to betas - I couldn't manage both! I had to devote myself fully to the novel and put the research for the next book on hold. That was new for me....
My brain wouldn't handle it all. I suspect it depends on the 'busy-ness level' in our lives at the time. Who knows!
Good luck balancing your 'two-loves'! Have a great week!
Nadja, Thanks! With three kids, a hubby, and life, I think I should probably focus in a little. ;-)
I am working on two books, and I agree it can be very challenging. So what I decided was to just focus on one and give brief moments to the other. Any time I get an idea for my second WIP I write it down on a note card, a scene, a plot twist, a character name...doesn't matter, anything. Right now, I'm trucking along with my first WIP and have a stack of ideas and thoughts for the next..I think it allows me to think about it, without getting too distracted! Hope this helps!
I think it is a lot like loving children....
For me,having several different projects going at once works best. They feed each other, and it seems they all feed me, too.
My muse likes me to make thick stews, and let me ladle out varying flavors and textures....
Those images are in my WiP at the moment...and now here, too.
I'm thinking it depends on personality and writing style.
I need things to blend. You may not......
Either way, it was a lovely post, and I wish you the wisdom to find your best path. =)
I love working on multiple projects, especially when I am creating new work with one and revising another.
I like to "cleanse the palate" by doing something else in between the work. This could be a walk or other exercise, a lunch break, or some other activity that gives my brain a break.
Great post!
I was tempted to juggle two projects recently, and my husband looked at me and politely said NO. (He knows me well.) I'm glad he did because I can't focus fully on two different novels at once. Some people can, and yay for them! Best wishes figuring out what to do!
Great job with the ROW80 goals. Keep going! We're almost there!
Some great advice. I need to soak it all in. As always, I'm thankful to this writing community!
Post a Comment