It’s kind of crazy but I’m in a creative dilemma. I’ve got two abandoned projects (two books with different story plots) that I want to reopen and I’m feeling very ambitious. Should I work on the two books simultaneously? Or, finish one before embarking on the other one?
I’m kind of between the devil and the deep blue sea on this one. I could defeat the devil and get a boat to cross the sea, can’t I? ๐
What do you think guys?
I really need your advise!
Much love, always! ๐
Seyi Sandra David 
I think you should start on one, and if you have an idea for that one, then grab that one and write in that one until you get an idea for the first one again and then go back to that one. Either way, do whatever you feel you can do ๐
Thanks so much for your input Al. I’ve been ruminating on this for days before throwing it open. I think I’ll do whatever I think I can, like you suggested. ๐
Always the best way I think.
Finish one first, the one that’s burning the most to get out of you. ๐
Thank you Nadine, I’m glad I posted this. Both stories have almost equal amount of burn, but one is longer than the other. I bet one would definitely get more attention from me now. Appreciate your kindness! ๐
Seyi, what I do and what I say might be 2 different things. It sounds best to work on one so that you can put your entire focus on it. That said, I often do best when I do 2 things at the same time. So I’m no help :).
You’ve certainly helped Luanne! ๐ I’m very good at multitasking but I’ve never written two books together before, it’s like dating two men at the same time! In any case, I’ll start on one and see how things flow from there.
Thanks for your comment, I appreciate it! ๐
Haha, I love that analogy!!!
it’s gonna be crazy doing that though! ๐
Rough drafts can be done two at a time. I think if you’re editing and rewriting, probably one at a time is a better idea. At least it is for me. I remember the plots better that way.
Thanks for your comment. I already have drafts for both novels. I’m at the developmental stage and was wondering if tackling both is a great idea or not. I think you’re right, I can’t edit both books together when completed. I appreciate your kindness.
Blessings.
Go ahead and work on both, but on different days.
Thanks Adam, I guess I can pull that off. Appreciate your kindness!
I would say just go for it. Although, you should be careful of characters overlapping. If you already have rough drafts of both stories, I don’t see why not. Everything depends on the creative juice flowing through you at each point time.
Best of luck! ๐
Christy.
Thanks Christy, I’ve thought of stories overlapping and would watch out for that. I’ve got drafts of both works and just need to dig on one first. I’m grateful for your kindness.
Blessings. ๐
You’re more than welcome. It’s very good you have two books you’re working on at once. It showed your versatility. It also showed how prolific you are, just go for it Seyi!
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Thanks Christy, appreciate the vote of confidence! ๐ Have a pleasant weekend and see you soon!
Blessings. ๐
Cheers Seyi. Hope to see you on Monday! ๐
I can only speak for myself but when I try to tackle multiple projects at the same time I end up finishing none of them, so my vote would be one then the other.
Thanks my friend. I understand your point. I love multitasking but never attempted something like this, it’s not a chore but a creative process. So I guess I need to devote my attention to one book at a time. Appreciate your visit and comment.
This explains why I’ve been outta here for many months. Multitasking is not really a thing for highly cerebral people especially in the creative arts. This is why God didn’t create all things in one day. Follow your heart, one thing after the other if you must nail it as always. your post draws me back to WordPress. Cheers
Glad to see you on my site. We’ve missed you here at WordPress. I’ll definitely follow my heart and see how it goes. Wishing you the best of 2015!
Blessings. ๐
I would say whichever one that calls to you and you are inspired to work on, with the words brimming out of of your head waiting to be put on paper. I’ve got multiple knit and crochet projects going on, and although I rotate between them, invariably as I pick up one that I mean to work on, there will be another one that will just keep my eyes fixed on them and suddenly that’s the project I have to do now and finish now.
You’re right, some words are stuck in my brain and I just have to put them down. I work in a very funny way, once I’ve started writing a book, another idea would start brewing for another one. I know it’s crazy but I always follow all my stories through and I intend to do justice to both books.
Thanks for your wise comment, I truly appreciate it!
Blessings.
You’re welcome. And the same thing happens to me with the crafting … as I start a project, an idea comes to mind of a variation on the pattern, etc. so I have to start that before I forget! It might explain why the multiple projects around the house! Good luck!
The dilemma came upon you in one day, it will leave you at it’s own will. Begin on both and let the days resolve themselves, it may be the muse bringing a new and unusual gift. respond to how it is now and it will show itself. Often the unexpected dilemma is a new door, step through it and the story mind will develop what it will.
Thanks so much for your comment, I’ve started on both. I’ll work on one for a day or two, then shift to the other one. They’re different genres so it’s quiet easier than I thought. I appreciate your comment and do have a great weekend!
Blessings. ๐
Finish on whichever you are inspired to. The burn may be equal but there HAS to be one that you dying to spill out! start that. then when you get an idea for the other, jump on it:)x Good luck
http://www.artbecomesyou.com
Thanks my friend, you’re absolutely right and had already begun and it’s exhilarating. I’m so grateful for your kind comment!
Do have a fantastic weekend.
Blessings. ๐
My dilemma exactly Seyi. So I have put aside the one that is not really flowing and working on the first one.. Work on one then the other, preferably the one that inspires you more. ๐
Thanks Celestine, have already started and both seemed eager for my attention, but like you said, one is more demanding than the other. I’m really excited and can’t wait to see how this pans out.
Have a beautiful and relaxed weekend my friend!
Blessings. ๐
Boy, I’m relating to you on many levels today, Seyi. I too, have two story ideas for novels. They say not to work on two at once, but I think we should do whatever motivates us to do. And who is “they” who say this anyway? The writing Gods? Editors? Publishers? Don’t know.
I’ve been working on both of mine since the fall (with a break for the holidays), because I didn’t want to lose my ideas about them. I got to Chapter 7 on one of them and now I’m stuck. So, as of this month, I’m focusing on the one where I’m not stuck.
Go for it and enjoy. ๐
Thanks for that fantastic encouragement Lori! ๐ I’ve started on both and they are both vying for my attention, the creative juice is also great! I hope you get to finish both your books too, can’t wait to read it! ๐
I’m grateful for your comment and visit, appreciate it.
Have a wonderful weekend my friend. ๐
[ Smiles ] restart one of them and take the process of completing that book, one day at a time.
Thanks Renard, I’ve begun and it’s great. I appreciate your visit and comment, do have a pleasant weekend!
Blessings.:)
[ Smiles ] You are welcome, Seyi.
Well, when I am in a dilemma I try listening to the writing voice that shouts the loudest and then concentrate on that. Hope that helps Seyi and all the very best my friend whatever you decide to do ๐
Thank you so much Sherri. I threw it open when I was so confused. I’ve started now and both stories are flowing. I’ve already written three chapters on both (at different times last year) when I abandoned it. Then suddenly, the stories kept coming to me, on both books! They’re also different genres so it’s easier for me.
I’m grateful for your kind comment. Thanks again my friend and have a beautiful weekend!
Much love to you! ๐
Wow…that’s so great my friend! Sounds like both voices shouted just as loud as the other! You are on a roll Seyi, long may it last. As you say, writing in different genres definitely helps, in fact, I think that’s a great balance. Happy writing, happy weekend and thank you so much. Lots of love & blessings to you… ๐
I would keep both open and what idea strikes first that goes first, but if you get a brilliant idea for the other one… do it.
That’s a neat way of looking at it. Thanks Ute, I’m doing it now! ๐ I’m grateful for your visit and comment!
Blessings. ๐
Go with the ambitious feeling and choose the book you feel the most excited to write about or add to, my friend! I would concentrate on one, then finish it as much as you wish to and if you find yourself “running dry” in creative juices, switch to the other one! Good luck!!
Thanks so much my friend! Both books are different so it’s kind of easier, when I’m bored with one, I could always switch to the other one. I’m grateful for your comment and do have a fabulous weekend!
Blessings. ๐
I like the way you thought about this, and have to agree. By the way, in your stack of books I loved “Julie and Julia” and always enjoy Anthony Bourdain on his television show where he travels the world and eats everywhere. Sometimes I worry about his getting sick, but he seems to do quite well. I have never had two projects going at a time, but someday I hope to concentrate on my children’s books. I went for awhile spending time sending them out to get them returned, but lost interest after that.
Take care, my friend. Enjoy your writing and hope your pen never runs dry nor your mind stop creating!
My vote is to focus on one at a time. Once you finish the first manuscript, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and be motivated to move on to number two. Best of luck, Seyi.
Thanks for your wise comment Jill, have started already. I’m grateful for your visit and kindness. Do have a fantastic weekend!
Blessings. ๐
Take the project that is nearest to your heart and finish that one while letting the other one simmer on the back burner. Once you are finished with the first, then attack the other. Trying to juggle the two will keep you in a constant state of flux where neither will get the focus needed.
Thank you for your kind comment, it’s appreciated. I’ve already resumed work and I’m confidence of finishing by summer. I’m grateful for your visit my friend and do have a great weekend.
Blessings. ๐
I read three books simultaneously.
One in the bedroom on the night stand, one in our study, and one in the toilet.
My wife says she doesn’t know how I do it.
I enjoy the variety.
I have one book in progress, I write two blogs a week, and just finished a short story.
Having multiple projects going is stimulating.
I love that! Three books simultaneously? That’s awesome, you won’t get bored then. ๐
I’d always been great at multitasking. Besides, the two books are different genres so there won’t be confusion with overlapping characters.
I’m grateful for your comment, do have a great weekend!
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Do whatever the muse desires. ๐
Thanks Rosy, appreciate your kind comment! Have a great weekend! ๐
I think you should go for it… grab both by the horns so to speak… and if you feel that one is getting more attention than the other, then go with that flow. Take it as it comes…. you will never know your potential until you try it…. Good luck…
Thanks Kerina. With such positive feedbacks, I’ve embarked on both books. Besides, the genres of the books are different and that made it easier. I got inspiration to write both and the words are flowing.
I’m grateful for your comment Kerina. Do have a pleasant weekend!
Blessings. ๐
Quite a choice… Hmm, I think, despite all the “cons”, I would still try to balance on two chairs and work on both of the projects. Do a bit of time management and see how it goes, leaving space for changing this plan, of course ๐
Thanks Ese, I’ve balanced well behind my desk now! ๐ I’m glad I threw it open, the support and feedback has been amazing. I’m grateful for your kind comment. Do have a beautiful and relaxed weekend!
Blessings. ๐
Work on both until one of them seems like the front-runner. I’ve tried that before.
Thanks, I’ve already started. They’re different genres so it’s easier than I thought. Appreciate your comment!
Blessings.
Ordinarily I would say one at a time. However, you say you feel AMBITIOUS so if you work on both simultaneously they each may give you input for the other as you move ahead. You can always put one down. ๐
Yeah Bonny, I do feel ambitious. And like you said, I could work simultaneously which I’m doing already.
Thanks for your comment, I appreciate it! Have a blessed weekend. ๐
Two books, that is awesome! I would tackle one book first but if you get stuck or just fancy a change switch to the other one. I think it is possible to work on them both, perhaps rather than worrying about, you should go with the flow and see where you end up. After all the year is young and I know that success will find you again this year.
You always have a way with words! I’ve began to move with the flow. I hope success finds you this year too. By the way, knock, knock, he’s at the door! ๐
Have a pleasant weekend my friend. Thanks for your kind comment.
Do one at a timeโบ
Cheers, Mojisola
http://www.mojintouch.com
Thanks Mojisola, I appreciate your comment and visit.
Blessings. ๐
It’s great that you’re writing both at the same time. Well done
Thanks, glad you stopped by! I sincerely appreciate your comment.
It takes me so long to get into the mindset of my characters and the world they inhabit, I couldn’t imagine floating between two novels. But, I do take breaks from my novels to write short stories and posts. So, it is doable if you don’t try anything crazy.
Liebe Seyi einen schรถnen Sonntag wรผnsche ich dir und danke dir Klaus
Could be a nice title- The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea
Oh Kendra, you make me laugh! Have a great week! ๐
When I can’t choose, I choose both ๐ Pawkisses for a Happy Weekend ๐ โค
As so many others have commented, I like the both idea. Do you write best a certain time of day? Does one work excite you more than the other – or at separate times? I wish you the best, and hope they both get written & published this year! ๐
Hey thanks my friend! ๐ Coincidentally, I think both books appealed to me in equal measure. I’ve devised a crafty way of dealing with the deluge of plots; write on one today, pick on the other the next and it’s working.
I appreciate your visit and comment my friend! Thanks.
Blessings. ๐
go for it Sandra!!! ๐
Thanks my friend! ๐