Certain things always sound exciting to me, something new to try. I’ve written for a long time, but I always think there’s something better around the corner, something I could do better. And sometimes there is, but often times, I should know myself better.
I read Craig Boyack in Story Empire, and he often works on two or more manuscripts at a time. I thought that sounded brilliant, and it IS brilliant, so I tried it. And I am a total failure at it. I respect people who can multi-task, but this has finally proven to me that I am not one of them. I’m a plodder. One thing at a time. One step at a time. So boring…..
In my brilliant plans, I was going to work on the Vella novella for my medieval story and work on my next Karnie story at the same time. Once before, I tried two stories at once, and it worked. But only when I had lots of time with no interruptions and no melodrama. I could hold two books in my head then. I could flip back and forth between them.
Not now. I didn’t see all of the complications coming. Even if I had, I don’t think I could have coped with them. BUT, I know, I could have finished one manuscript. But not two. My head’s just too scattered. So, for the moment, I’m closer to finishing Blood and Bones on Vella than I am with even getting a good flow with Karnie–even though she’s pulling at me–I’m going to finish Blood and Bones. Because I can see all of the steps in my head. And boy, am I having fun with them! And THEN, I’m going to concentrate on Karnie. Because I know where she’s going, too. But it will take longer to get there.
Blood and Bones is shorter. Much shorter. So I’m going to write like a crazy woman (no comments) and finish the damn thing. Then I’ll start on Karnie. One thing at a time is all I can handle right now. It’s sad, but true. But I’m beginning to suspect that’s probably the best route for me. I’m not a multi-tasker, even though I’d like to be.
Judi Lynn 
No worries about not being able to multitask. I can’t, but I admire the ones that can.
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Me, too!
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that sounds like a daunting task and i know there is no way i could do both. i admire you for trying
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I know people who do it really well, but I’m a one thing at a time person:)
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I cannot write two full-length novels at once. (And really have no desire to try.) I have gone between a short story and a novel, which is what I’m doing now. Bless you for trying.
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Craig does it so well! I’m jealous.
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Sorry it didn’t work out for you. I applaud people for trying something different.
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You make it look easy, and I love the idea. Your Story Empire blogs always inspire me.
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Good to know. I struggle for ideas there sometimes.
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Judi, I can thoroughly relate. I’ve been tempted to try to work on two projects at the same time, but it’s not in the cards for me. I have to focus solely on one, scene by scene, chapter by chapter. I’m 57K into my WIP and have two other stories serenading me, but I’m determined to finish the one I’m writing. I’m amazed at Craig’s ability to bounce back and forth between projects. My mind just doesn’t work that way!
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57,000? You must be getting close to the last quarter of your book. Yay!
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Yep. The end is in sight—finally! 😀
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It depends on the genres that are WIP. Some are easy to sort and separate inside my head and some get ugly jealous/ possessive and won’t let me work on anything else. But it’s good to have another one in the works to fall back on when hitting a wall, usually in the middle. So when do I get to read the B&B?
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When I finish it. It’s going to be short, a novella length, and I’m having a lot of fun with it.
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I’m working on two novels at the same time (plus an assortment of short stories). It’s difficult, as you want to provide enough attention to nurture each story. Sometimes it works, other times it doesn’t. If you write one at a time, you’re accomplishing something. Best wishes.
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Thank you. And good luck with all three of your projects!
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