Many Projects Verses One
Lately, I’ve been taking on a lot of writing projects. Or at least a lot compared to what I was doing until the beginning of December. I fear I may be taking on too much at once, but I am feeling so inspired, productive and happier now that I am creating things.
So, should I put all my eggs into one basket or should I spread them around into all these other baskets that I really like as well?
Currently, I have two blogs. I am participating in two short story writing contests this month. I have a mystery novel work-in-progress that I have resumed, and I have started outlining and plotting a YA fantasy novel. I didn’t mean to start working on the fantasy novel, but the idea has been itching in my brain for months now, and I have to do something about it. I would really like to complete my mystery, but I feel that plotting and character sketches on the fantasy is fine to do while I work on it. I could be wrong, and it wouldn’t be the first time. However, I love this idea I have. So, in I jump.
Writing a novel is hard and time-consuming, and it makes sense that you should focus your time and energy on this one particular piece of work. However, I am finding that I am not the only one who is dividing herself between multiple novels, blogs or gigs. I have been scouring the web lately and have been discovering many interesting writerly blogs. There is a thriving writing community on the internet, and I hope to highlight some of my personal favorite writing blogs within the next few days. On these blogs, I am finding writers editing one manuscript, writing another and participating in multiple blogs. Some of which are agented and/or published authors.
So, it cheers me to see that I am not the only one who is struck by the multiple project bug. And also that some of these are successful at what they do. Of course, one could argue that just because others do it does not mean that it is right for you, and I would have to agree.
So, the question remains: Is it better to focus on one project rather than many? I believe my answer to that question would be, “It depends on the writer.” I believe that it is a good way for me to do things. I feel it is better for me to become really involved in many different aspects of the writing world because it motivates me and propels me forward. For others, too many distractions would squash productivity. It’s up to each writer to decide what works best.
Filed under: projects, time-management, writing
I, too, am struggling with this question. I have just started seriously writing, and I have a YA ms almost finished, but I have another idea that keeps poking me in the brain, saying “Write me!” So I’ve been writing notes on the idea, but trying to finish the ms and edit before I focus on the other project. I’ve read a great many blogs, and most writers, I have gathered, write one ms and edit it while writing the next one. Good luck! At least you have tons of ideas!
For me, it depends on the time I have, what I’m working on, and how focused I think I can be on each project. I really only do two things well at a time, though. Right now I’m working on just one project, but I’m also working on submission materials for another.
If you want to see a blog by a gal who really knows how to juggle projects, check out pbackwriter.blogspot.com - Lynn Viehl (aka SL Viehl). Today she’s got a post about how she plans out her year. It’s too much for me, but it’s a great lesson in time management.
You’re right that not everything works for everyone, but it doesn’t hurt to try new things and see what works for you. =oD
@ Jill: Good luck to you too on your YA ms! I’ve seen the same pattern on other blogs as well. It seems to be a good process for a lot of writers.
@ B.E. Sanderson: Good luck on your submission. Thanks for sharing that blog. I will definitely check it out.
I think it would be safe to say that you’re hardly alone on this one! Creative minds are always buzzing. Personally, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with juggling multiple projects (within the limits of sanity, of course). In fact, I think the variety keeps my creativity sharp and my interests kindled.
Here’s my two cents worth:
I’m a graphic designer in my day job, which is a creative profession, too, but like writing, it’s still a business. I just HAVE to organize myself, or I don’t get paid! For example, this week, I’m working on designing a brochure, a product label, some t-shirts and several exhibit graphics for a children’s science museum. I just think everyone has to find their own system.
When all is said and done, as long as you’re happy =) If it’s draining your soul, time to rethink things.
Good luck!