How many WIPs at once?

Madison · Jul 7, 2007

I'd just like to get some opinions:

Should a writer stick to one WIP until it's done or have two or three or a million others going at the same time?

Robert L.B. · Jul 7, 2007

-cough-

-points to member title-

In other words, don't ask me. I'm trying to focus on just one right now, though.

BlueTexas · Jul 7, 2007

I can only do one of each kind of project at a time - one novel, one article. Actually, I think it's one fiction and one non-fic. Otherwise I get lost in character land.

scarletpeaches · Jul 7, 2007

I stick to one at a time. That way I get it finished quicker. I edit it sooner. It becomes ready for submitting sooner.

Sandy J · Jul 7, 2007

When I first started writing, I focused on one project at a time. Of course, I never expected to write more than one story, so I'm constantly amazed that I still have good ideas.

Now, I find it easier to work on at least two at a time. If I get frustrated and/or bored with one, I can switch off and not lose the time altogether. The honest truth is that the stories guide me more than I guide the stories. I know that sounds goofy...

johnzakour · Jul 7, 2007

I like to have 3 novels going at once all at different stages of course.

NiennaC · Jul 7, 2007

It depends on my mood. Whatever I think I can handle at the time. I'm usually doing more than one (but not more than five).

seven41 · Jul 7, 2007

3 Projects

I currently have three projects in the works. A western mystery, a spiritual awakening, and a non-fiction self help book on dream interpretation. Of course, I'm retired and only work on what I want to with no immediate need to finish and sell my work.

san_remo_ave · Jul 7, 2007

I have three in various stages of First Draft, but only one I'm actively writing. The other two I'm letting some plot point holes stew a bit, so when I come back they'll be nice and tender and ready to munch on.

Claudia Gray · Jul 7, 2007

It depends on how you work. There are people who really must concentrate on only one project at a time to make progress; there are others who need to vary it up in order to stay energized.

I personally fall between the two extremes. I am never actively writing more than one novel at a time, but right now I am also outlining a second and doing preliminary research for two others. Most of my attention is on the writing, but I feel good knowing that I'm looking ahead, too.

BlueTexas · Jul 7, 2007

ClaudiaGray said:
I personally fall between the two extremes. I am never actively writing more than one novel at a time, but right now I am also outlining a second and doing preliminary research for two others. Most of my attention is on the writing, but I feel good knowing that I'm looking ahead, too.

I'd never be able to keep them straight if I had as many different novels in progress as you do! Wow.

You people who can do this all impress me.

Chasing the Horizon · Jul 7, 2007

Right now I have 5 novels I'm actively working on writing the first drafts of, one novel I've completed that's in revision, and am outlining 7 more novels. Having that many projects does get frustrating sometimes because I write and write and write and never seem to finish anything, but I figure if I just keep writing 3,000+ words every day I'm bound to finish stuff eventually. Writing is too much fun to just have one story at a time.

Danger Jane · Jul 7, 2007

I have two WIPs right now--one is in editing and the other is about 1/4 done in the first draft stage. I try not to start writing any other WIPs until I'm through with the first draft but I get a few pages in sometimes before I peter out :tongue

triceretops · Jul 7, 2007

Got to be one at a time for me. I delute myself if I'm bouncing back and forth. I really have to concentrate on the complexity of my storyline.

Tri

MelodyO · Jul 7, 2007

I always assumed I could only write one book at a time, the end. But here I am well into my second novel while making revisions to the first novel...and last week I got the best idea ever for a third novel. Just going to jot down a few ~~ideas~~ ~~outlines~~ chapters, I swear!!

Now I live in fear of another new idea. ::twitches::

althrasher · Jul 7, 2007

I have one MAIN project that I work on, a couple lesser going on in my head (Jericho and Cassie right now,) and about TEN THOUSAND smaller ideas that I occasionally make notes on. I don't count other works in the same series, though.

Ali B · Jul 7, 2007

I have about 5...then the dozens of articles I write every month...IDK I guess it depends on if you can muti-task.

thethinker42 · Jul 7, 2007

I have around 20 WIP's right now, in various stages. I like it better that way.

At least then if I get frustrated with one, I can work on another, so SOME writing is getting done, and by the time I get back to the one I was frustrated with, I have fresh eyes.

So...I'm on the "as many projects as humanly possible" side.

reenkam · Jul 7, 2007

I have 1 in the last stages of revision, 1 in the first stages, 1 in complete revision planning, 1 nearing the end of the first draft, 1 in outlining and developement stage, 7 of a series being outlines, and several others at various stages of pre-work and first or second chapter. I like having lots of different works I can do different times, though I tend to write one at once. I won't switch between books daily, though. Then I'd screw up characters...

Andre_Laurent · Jul 7, 2007

I have three in different stages.

reigningcatsndogs · Jul 7, 2007

ditto -- three in different stages. One first draft near completion, one first draft about 1/4 way through, one in outline stage. Please tell me, though, that there are others who are working on one WIP and then another one just sort of butts in to derail that train of thought -- kind of like the bratty little kid that keeps tugging at your hem until you pay attention. It's happened to me several times now and drives me crazy, but you gotta shut him up!!! (notice I used the masculine there for obvious reasons

plaidearthworm · Jul 7, 2007

Usually I can just work on one project at a time, but in the last few months, ideas have been raining down on my head like crazy! I have three novels worked out in outline form, and I'm writing the first of the three now, but bits of dialogue, scenes, etc. for the other two keeping popping into mind as well. It's really weird for me, but exciting at the same time.

reigningcatsndogs · Jul 7, 2007

So you have lots of sticky notes all over the house with the ideas as they pop up because you know when you sit down to commit them to paper they will be gone? Please tell me you do!!! Most people have pictures of their kids stuck to the fridge. Me -- post-its!!!!

Death Wizard · Jul 7, 2007

When it comes to writing, I am definitely a one-at-a-timer. But when it comes to reading, I usually have several books going at once.

BlueTexas · Jul 7, 2007

deathwizard said:
When it comes to writing, I am definitely a one-at-a-timer. But when it comes to reading, I usually have several books going at once.

You made me realize that I write the way I read - one fic and one non-fic at the same time. Neat.

How many WIPs at once?

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