Have You Written More Than One Book?

>I have thousands of stories in my head clamoring to get out, of course I'm working on multiple books! I can't *NOT* write. So some days I want to work on the funny one, some days I want to work on the serious one, some days I want fantasy, some days I don't. Sticking to just one would be boring.

>I am, but maybe not in the way you're thinking, Rachelle (and it may be the same for the people asking these questions).

I have three novels I'm working on, BUT I can only really work on one a time (in order to keep the characters and their motivations and all the plot complexities firmly in my mind). I'll do the first draft of one over a few months, then have a break from that and do the third draft of another. That way I've always had a few months breathing space between each draft, so I can come back to the story with fresh eyes and be much more objective.

So LITERALLY I can only work on one at a time, but I do have multiple projects at different stages. Clear as mud?

Katherine

>Just one at a time for me, and in one genre. Though it may not reflect on the page, I try to throw many emotions, experiences, thoughts and angles into just one story. If I worked on more than one at a time, I'm afraid that one project work would get this part of me, and the other work would get another part. I'd rather pour it all into each book.

But I'm often odd woman out in the way I do things. My mind does not work in a linear fashion. Writing from multiple outlines would melt me down in minutes–but I think (hope) there are as many ways to write well as their are writers. That's the beauty of creativity!

>Anonymous 12:28, Thousands of stories? Really? Maybe you should talk to someone about that.

I’m sure we all have multiple story ideas floating around in our heads. I’m working on a story I love right now, while paying attention to a few elements that I will need for the next one, but I’ve also got a couple more orphans out there. One that I think will work and one that I don’t know if it will work but it presents an interesting challenge. Then there’s my idea file. But I’m not working on all of those at once. They’re just floating around in my head and there’s not much I can do to stop it.

But this weekend I started a new project without finishing the other one I’ve been working on, so you might say I’m working on two projects or at least have put one on hold. I came upon this subject the other day that has been covered by others but one that I thought would benefit from my point of view. I might have talked about it in my blog and to some extent I already have, but I couldn’t cover the topic in a blog the way I wanted to cover it. I’ve made it to page thirty-one. My plan is to complete that project and send it on its way, so I’m better able to focus my undivided attention on the novel. If I didn’t do that, I really would be writing two books at once.

>Wow, I can't imagine working on several books at a time. I much prefer to focus just on one.

That being said, of course I have other ideas. I have two ideas for sequels to my current WIP, and occasionally if I get a good short story idea I'll write that. But I wouldn't write two novel-length manuscripts at the same time – I don't think splitting my focus would help at all.

>I have written four books: the first was women's fiction, the second chick-lit, the third children's and the final YA.

I would not say that I work on more than once, but I have jumped back and forth. For example, after I wrote the second one, I went back and re-wrote the first. Then I worked on the fourth and now I am back on the second.

I originally tried to find an agent for my first two books, but I am now glad that I was told to work on my writing before trying again. I absolutely hope to publish at least one of these one day, but at this time, I am still trying to discover in which genre I am most comfortable.

>I'm liking that idea file organization. I have one women's fiction completed and am currently writing my second women's fiction manuscript. After the first one, I started in on a non-fiction book, but the characters in this second novel (and the original idea) took over and I put the non-fiction piece aside. I'm certain I'll return to it.

As far as getting them all published–a hope, something I'll work toward, but I refuse to become fixated on the publication process to the point I'm wasting valuable writing time. I also have two other solid book ideas waiting…waiting for me to work on them years down the road.

I will say that I admire Katie's love of the craft and how she continually places herself in positions to learn.
~Wendy

>I'm one of those people who has multiple projects going on at the same time, so far all in the same genre, most at different stages of completion. I write as inspiration strikes, so depending on what project the thoughts in my head fit best with, that's the one I work on. If I'm just not sure, I settle the thoughts into a document where I keep ideas.

I'm generally at least halfway through a project before a new seed plants itself in my head to start something new. So during revisions of one project, I may be working on the second half of one, beginning of another. For me, this has just seemed to work best. When I've focused on just one project, I ended up losing steam.

>I have one book that is complete and has been requested (and rejected) by a number of agents. One agent asked for revisions, which I'll be sending shortly and another agent also has that version (full). And there is also a partial out there in agentland, but it's the out-of-date version.

But as I wait, I've been working on a new novel (same genre) that should be ready this fall (after my writer's group has given me their valuable feedback). My plan is to query those agents first who were interested in my previous novel.

Of course, here comes the tricky part. My initial novel was rejected for weak characterization and less than compelling writing the first time. It has improved immensely thanks in part to agent feedback and the book, Manuscript Makeover. But will that hamper my chances of requests for my new novel by those agents who had previously rejected novel #1? Or are they likely not going to remember the reasons for rejecting that novel? And do I mention that they requested the previous novel (which is basically setting me up for rejection)?

>I write books one at a time because I simply can't focus on more than one story. However, because I am still actively seeking publication as opposed to having a contract, I currently have two completed manuscripts. Both are undergoing final revisions/evaluations. Ironically, the "last" book written has become the first book queried, simply because it makes a better "first book". And I haven't tried querying my "first" manuscript because of timing. Both stories I believe in and it doesn't matter to me what order they are published in. I figure it can't hurt to have a few "ready" for whenever I hear, "We'll take that first book. So what are you working on now?"

>I am unpublished, with my first novel in the drawer (after eight rejections), and my second novel 20 percent done, and currently dormant–well, I have one untyped chapter to type, otherwise dormant. I'd love to get back to it, but given that the best advice I've seen is that even for novels you should have some type of platform, I've put book writing aside to do platform-building activities. I suspect that will consume the next couple of years at least.

Meanwhile I'm working on several Bible studies. I co-teach an adult Sunday School class, and when it's my turn to teach I prepare my own lessons from my personnal study. I'm working all of these up into Bible study books for possible publication.

Why go these multiple routes? Basically it's following where the creative juices take me, sort of like water seeking its own level. If I get home from work and a Bible study calls me, I write on that. If a novel calls me, that gets my attention. If non-fiction platform-building articles, then those. Occasionally a poem just won't wait.

Confusing? Heck yes.
DAT

>I have three completes MSS, but I'm only working on one. And each is in a separate genre, but here's the story:

#1 was my first attempt, my "Can-I-write-80,000?" try. It's women's fiction (kinda dramatic). When I finished an edit, having people read it/suggest thing, and editing it again, I started #2 while submitting #1.

#2 is a women's fiction with humor and romance. I'm still editing that one.

#3 is speculative, and I wrote it during NaNoWriMo, just for something different. I haven't touched it since.

With each MSS I didn't start the next until I had the previous one completed to my best ability. Now, however, I've learned so much more that I need to revise them all…but I'm only doing one at a time.

These characters are becoming alive to me. When I think about going from one to the other it feels like I'm talking on the phone to a friend and constantly taking another call with someone else. I think each one deserves my undivided attention until we're done.

>I have a novel that is 90% edited, but even while I'm working on it ideas and bits of dialogue pop into my mind for the next one.

I jot these ideas down and slip them into a file. This allows me to continue to focus on the one I'm editing, but gives me freedom to enjoy all the ideas that I can't stop for the next one. It seems like the closer I get to being done with the edits, the faster the ideas come for the new one.

This is a blast!

>I have an old, half-finished project moldering in my laptop somewhere, but no–I haven't touched it since I began my new project. I can't think of any reason to go back and touch it either. It is THAT awful.

>It's more of a "working on one, can't seem to drop the other five" situation.

>I think every writer has lots of ideas bouncing around in their noggin. They don't all have to be books.

I have finished one historical novel (unpublished) and I'm working on its sequel. I have sold a few articles, and I'm writing a series of missionary stories. (maybe complied into a book someday)

I participate in FaithWriter's and Christian Writers Forum's mini-contest challenges. My blog also helps to "release" some of the random ideas that don't fit anywhere. These ideas may someday be part of books, but in the meantime, they keep me growing and sharpening my skills.

>I definitely agree that you have to submit your best work. And what makes it best? Not that you like it more than the others — repeat after me, we all love our children equally. Submit the work that you have polished until it shines, have received impartial feedback on, and have reviewed every word for relevance. Only when you can do no better should you consider submitting your novel.

>Hi Rachelle!

I have always worked on more than one book at a time. It helps me figure out which story
I'm "feeling" at that particular moment. As soon as one of them grabs me and won't let go, I know that's the one to focus on and I put the others away.

That being said, I have four books currently written. The first was shopped around unsuccessfully for a year. I put it aside to work on a young adult series that had been running around in my brain for several years. Since it's a series, I finished all three books instead of finishing one and shopping it around. And I'm very glad I did! I discovered things in book two that helped clarify things that happened in book one. This forced me to go back to book one and better form those ideas. Also, I discovered that an initial idea I had which I removed, did work and I was able to go back into book one and shape the narrative around it.

Short answer: I can only focus on one book at a time, but with a series, I have to look at the whole picture.

And I wanted to have the first part of the series completed before I queried. If I'd sent out queries for book one before I'd finished the series, it would not have been as tightly woven as it is now.

~Jennifer

>I am published in the educational market and am working on a new book for the same market. In addition, my agent is trying to find a home for two works of fiction I have finished – a 'tween novel and a Christian chick lit novel. I'm working on a second book in the Christian chick lit market, and have a sequel for the first chick lit book started and on the back burner.

It is sometimes confusing working on multiple projects, but I find it helpful to have more than one thing "cooking" at a time. If I get frustrated with one project, I can turn to another one where I might be more productive. I think that's a habit I developed because I started out freelancing for magazines, which often meant having several irons in the fire simultaneously.

While I do agree that multi-tasking is overrated, I think writers with full-time day jobs are already accustomed to multi-tasking, and so this habit naturally extends itself to the writing life.

>Interesting post. I've finished two books and have begun querying those. The third one is in the revision stage. Two romance, one women's fiction with a romance thrown in.Must be I do romance best:)
But each one took more than a year to write and prepare–and now I'm finally at the point to get them out there.

>I have two books in the works but am only actively working on one, and will continue until it is finished (currently in the first round of rewriting). I do keep notes as ideas come to me for other works, but I leave it at that. I also work on articles and blogging as my "dessert" for a good day at noveling or if I need a break.

>I finished my first novel, and while I was letting that simmer, etc, I decided I needed to build up a "portfolio" of web and publishing credits, esp since my novel is "general" or "literary" fiction and that's harder to sell.

So, I volunteered for Rose & Thorn ezine, sharpened my editing skills, made contacts with authors, published a few essays, stories, poetry, photography, built blogs, etc, and, while all that was happening, I challenged myself to write a novel in 30 days – and I did – 75,000 words in 30 days (of course, that was just a rough draft!). The character kept poking me, so I needed to write it.

I think you can get too scattered if you aren't careful, but if you are prolific, and Honest with yourself and your goals and what you can accomplish, it's hard not to go on and write something else while you are figuring out what you'll do with the first effort, or are sending out queries. That said, I don't have multiples of novel manuscripts floating about half-finished -if a short story wants to become a novel, I put it aside for later.

Now that the debut, first, novel is published, I'm working on the next one – and that 30day novel is still in my files: I'll wait until it's the right time for that one.

I do agree that when you first start out writing "seriously" that you want to find that "voice" or style that is uniquely yours. Mostly, I just feel writers should do what makes them happy, what feels right to them, when they feel that excitement for the work there is no greater joy and feeling of accomplishment.

As an aside, the only time I would submit another work to an agent or publisher is if they asked for more, or express some interest in my work; otherwise, I figure they just aren't interested in my style or voice.

>I've written SEVERAL books, at one time, I was writing at least three at the same time. However…my multitasking button is broken. I can't do it anymore! To many characters getting mixed together in the wrong books and being in the wrong places and…it's just a mess if I try to do that now.

I still have a LOT of book ideas. I think I could write 2-3 books a year until I'm 90 and still not be done with all of them. BUT I write them one at a time now. I revise them one at a time…or I'll revise one on the computer as I'm editing the other hard copy. *shrug* But that's revisions and only when there are no more major revisions left.

Do I sell more than one at a time. Heck yeah! I have…well, lots of books. I have two series that are going out the door now that have been revised at least three times. I have a bunch more that need to be revised again if I feel like they're a good idea again. Just because I wrote it doesn't mean it needs to be sold.

So…to get back on target. I don't write them at the same time anymore. I just can't. I still write multiple books in a year. Multiple genres. Already have my pen names picked out. But I still sell them at the same time. No. I ATTEMPT to sell them at the same time. Haven't accomplished that yet.

>Great topic! I have one complete ms, Mind over Madi, that took 2nd last year in the Genesis chick lit. It's a mom lit (no, wait. It's women's fiction with elements of humor) and I'm currently doing some major editing on it, getting it ready to (hopefully) pitch in Denver.

In the meantime, I started two other novels – I entered both in the Genesis this year. One got two almost-perfect scores and one pretty-far-from-perfect score that put me out of the running for finalist. It's a Women's Fiction and I love it but it has been transferred to the back-burner for now.

The other is a chick-litty-type mystery (sorry for the term. I know you cringe when you hear "chick lit". . This one actually finaled in the mystery/suspense category. However, it is only a few chapters in and that one sits on my other back-burner until I finish and pitch Mind over Madi. Incidentally, MoM is a projected series. So I guess I'll wait and see what type of feedback I get at the conference before I decide whether to start on book #2 in the series or move on to one of my back-burners.

So I guess you could say I DO work on more than one at a time. And when I'm working on one, I can focus pretty well, so that's a good thing.

Here's another questions for you, Rachelle. When entering contests that only require the first 25-35 pages, do you recommend having the entire ms finished or doesn't it really matter? Mind over Madi actually finaled in a RWA chapter contest in 2007 and was requested by an agent but I didn't have it near done. Even though I finally finished it, she would probably never remember me, although she will be in Denver. Should I approach her with it?

Sorry for this extremely long-winded comment. Thanks for all of the awesome info you include on your blog!

>I finish them one at a time, but the query process intimidates me, so my finished-and-critiqued manuscript pile just keeps growing.
Thank you for answering this question. The timing is uncanny.
Next will you explain how a writer who is confident in her work can get past insecurities about queries? The pressure of having to sell the book without letting the book sell itself is too great for me.

>I have three books in various definitions of 'completed' and three in progress. I queried one of the completed ones a few years ago while writing others, got no responses and took the book apart a couple of times to make sure the plot wasn't the problem (still trying to decide if that's the case).
Am currently working on chapter-by-chapter edits of another finished book with a crit group and writing another. When it gets finished (or stuck), I'll move onto one of the other two currently stuck waiting for something to gel in my brain.

>Toni said: Next will you explain how a writer who is confident in her work can get past insecurities about queries? The pressure of having to sell the book without letting the book sell itself is too great for me.

I recommend writing pals. I have several in The Novel Workshop and we just finished going over each others' query packets and support each other through the submitting process. Each of us have our querying "buddies", I guess you could call them, so that if someone–namely ME–starts to slack on querying (I go crazy. "Oh, I'm being rejected because my pitch sucks and my chapter one needs to be at chapter 5 and chapter 6 needs to be the new chapter 1." I can go insane!) then we'll whip each other into shape.

Air is my buddy. She will–GADS. She's awesome. She'll tell me to shut up! Stop what the frell I'm doing. My freakin' query letter is just FINE the way I have it. Chapter 6 works better as Chapter 6, so leave it alone. And get that stinkin' book back out there! Dang it.

*nods* Honestly, that's what I need.

>I used to be a "one project only" person–until recently.

I'd been focusing so much on my other novel the last three, almost four, years that the creative juices sort of ran dry for that project. Anything I wrote sounded forced and fake.

Then another idea popped in my head–one that I couldn't ignore even though I tried–and now I've switched gears. I still work on my first project and in fact, the new project help get some of those juices flowing again (even if at a trickle) for the other novel.

I suppose it also depends on my mood too and which characters decide their story is more important at the moment

>Wow, I'm glad to know I'm not alone in working on multiple books at once! I don't jump back and forth too often, though. For example, right now I have 2 WIPs that are both about 40% done, but my energy is currently focused on finished manuscript #1, for which an editor has requested revisions on the full. Usually I will work on several manuscripts until each is about 25,000 words in. Then I tend to pick one (i.e. my favorite at that time) and take that to completion. Then I go back and finish up a second one, and so on.

I do like working on several stories at once because it keeps my brain and writing nice and loose. Sometimes I will dig myself into a deep rut or block with one story….I find that if I take a break from that story by working on a different story, the words start flowing again and I feel refreshed when I return to the first story.

>I have a memoir of my thirty years as a Labor nurse which is completed, but is now in the revise and polish stage. I don't think it is ready for submission at this point, and I know my platform isn't ready yet.

I have also been working on parts of a novel, but that will be quite a while before it will be finished. There just aren't enough hours in the day.

>Well, it looks like I have plenty of company! I too work on several projects at different stages at a time. If I'm writing the first draft of a book, I'm pretty focused until it is finished. But during that project, I might get excited about another idea or two, so I stop to write up an outline and character sketch, then I go back to project #1.

I only write with publishing in mind, but realistically, I know many are not publishable. I've written in several genres, but I've narrowed my interest down to mostly action/adventures.

I finally found someone to work with me on editing and to get my projects out the door. We chose one novel that my editor felt had promise, but it was over 600 pages. It needed to be split, so I suddenly had two novels. As my editor worked on bk #1, I started writing bk #3. When I got the edited version back on #1, I wrote the next draft. I gave it back to her then wrote #4 in this series. The queries for bk #1 are out the door finally, and as bk #2 is being edited, I am writing #5. There is nothing I would rather be doing. It's a good thing, because I can't stop.

>I have three books in me just panting to come out, but I decided to just concentrate on one until it is completed and, hopefully, published. After that, my next one is ready and I interview here and there on the second one when the opportunity arises. The third one, well I think about it every time I am going on a walk or driving alone. The plot thickens and I can't wait to write it down! So, I’m back to completing the first to finish the next two.

>I work on one, submit, start another. With many pieces in the mail, I'm not left haunting the mailbox.
Rachelle, your comment on genres is interesting. I write for children but work within many "sub genres", I guess you could say: middle grade, a YA novel-in-verse, and picture books. Too unfocused in your view? I love the swing from novel to picture book from a creative standpoint.