Authors, Writers, Publishers, and Book Readers

Multiple Works in Progress

How many of you have multiple works in progress? Are they all the same genre? How do you divide your time between them?

Currently, I have 4 WIP's.... sounds like alot huh? Right now I am thinking that too! As my second book just went back to my publisher for the formatting (after 13 hours of editing, my eyes are still crossed) I find myself looking at all the projects I have in the works.

One project is about half way through - but I had come up with a snag in the plot and I got frustrated so I put it on the back burner. Recently, as I find myself mulling over the issue, I think I found the way to work through my snag... but.... There is a more recent project that I started that I was working hard on. As soon as I figured out how to work through the other issue, I lost my train of thought on the new one.

Then there is the other book that I am working on with another author. Now that one is a huge project that will be in the making for a long time, but we are throwing ideas back and forth and running plot ideas and twists back and forth.

Then there is book 3 of my series (the second book is about to be published). After reading book 2 - and coming back to those characters I find myself running that plot hard and heavy in my mind. Conversations and characters building....

I'm at a loss right now as to exactly what I should be working on. I think I have so many things in the works that I am befuddled as to which one to go to next.

Anyone else get themselves in this situations? How do you work through them?

3 members like this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Steve Norris on October 25, 2011 at 2:32pm

You put it so delicately lol

Catherine Green said:

I have a new problem today. My daughter. Well, ok, she's not a problem, that's a bit mean. But she is extremely grouchy at the moment, so I cannot sit down and write because I can't leave her alone. Oh dear. Well, that'll teach me for getting knocked up at the same time I launch my writing career!

Permalink Reply by Catherine Green on October 25, 2011 at 2:34pm

Well I don't like to be vulgar! ; )

Permalink Reply by Stacy Eaton on October 25, 2011 at 2:38pm

Catherine - lol... tooo funny! You know that kids go through rough times - we do too. Don't stress over it. Go sit down and snuggle with her. Remember something.... Your daugther is going to grow up and these moments of her being young and needing you completely will end. Enjoy them while you have them - your writing is not going anywhere. Go relax and play with your daughter!

Permalink Reply by Catherine Green on October 25, 2011 at 3:18pm

Good advice thanks Stacy! Well she needs a nap now so I'm trying to settle her down. She is so adorable!

Permalink Reply by Stacy Eaton on October 25, 2011 at 3:27pm

Catherine - I say that as I look at a picture of my 21 year old son and remember the times he wanted to snuggle or have my attention but I was to busy. They grow up so fast.

Permalink Reply by Robert L. Allen on October 25, 2011 at 8:13pm

I agree with you. I hope you do find time to do your art, write. Perhaps with your next publisher, you can asks many questions such as what and how much they are willing to do with and for you. If there is hasitation, just pass and go onto the next. Maybe it's time to find an agent. However, finding an agent can be as hard as finding a publisher.

Borislava Borissova said:

Robert, I also cannot understand why my publisher is not sales-oriented but I am afraid it is the fact. Therefore just write and write is not enough for me. I must consider finding another publisher to touch the readers. Sometimes the audience could be ready for your book but it should hear a word about the story somehow.
Happy writing!

Robert L. Allen said:

Borislava, what I'm understanding is that you have a small publisher who will not give you pointers on how to promote your book. I must be ignorant. I can't understand why anyone (publisher) would not want to help you make money for them. I agree with Catherine. If you are writing a series, perhaps it is better to write all the books before trying to publish. But perhaps you have the wrong publisher. Small or large. Large publishing houses don't offen publish first time writers, that's not to say you can't try!!! Look at J.K. Rollens. how many publishers are kicking themselves in the you no where. (I don't think we can swear here). Always remember that you are the writer! Do everything you can to make the book sellable. I'm not saying to spend a lot of money. Edit the book, promote it and if need be shelve it and go ontothe next. If it's not moving, perhaps the audience you are seeking is not ready for that book at this time. Just put it aside and write more. I'm certain one day the book will sell when it is ready to sell. I have been sending out my book, After the Fact. I have gotten some rejection letters which is a whole lot nicer than no return at all. So I know some of what you're feeling. But i am writing everyday, for hours. I hope you will too.

Permalink Reply by Robert L. Allen on October 25, 2011 at 8:16pm

And knocked up isn't valgar:) :) :)...Love it...

Catherine Green said:

Well I don't like to be vulgar! ; )

Permalink Reply by Robert L. Allen on October 25, 2011 at 8:23pm

My son is 30 yesterday. Yes time goes way too fast. When he was young, I spent every waking hour I could with him. I even took him to work with me. One time I let him drive a lift around and I told him not to raise it. I left the room for a minute and sure enough, he raised it 30 some feet in the air. When I came back, it scared the h**l out of me. Now today he is in busness for himself, doing what I used to do. Our life is like the song Cat's in the Cradle, I believe the song is the one where the father doesn't have time for the son and later on in life the son doesn't have time for the father. Which is just life. So Catherine have fun with your little one, time will steal her away...

Stacy Eaton said:

Catherine - I say that as I look at a picture of my 21 year old son and remember the times he wanted to snuggle or have my attention but I was to busy. They grow up so fast.My son is 30

Permalink Reply by Robert L. Allen on October 25, 2011 at 8:45pm

By the way, I am not scolding you, I think it would be a blast hanging out with you and the gang...

Robert L. Allen said:

And knocked up isn't valgar:) :) :)...Love it...

Catherine Green said:
Well I don't like to be vulgar! ; )

Permalink Reply by Steve Norris on October 25, 2011 at 9:11pm

Knocked up - I love it, belies Catherine's good northern routes - just like me :-)

Permalink Reply by Amy Manemann on October 25, 2011 at 11:55pm

hahaha you guys crack me up :0)

Permalink Reply by Catherine Green on October 28, 2011 at 1:06am

Actually I'm from Stoke! (Ahhh!) Well, technically, North Staffordshire so yes, I like to be a Northern lass. And I married a Wiganer. You can't beat the good old North of England eh Steve? I love it!

Steve Norris said: