Once again I'm second in the Blog Chain. Terri started us off with this question:
Do you focus on one project at a time, or do you have many irons in the fire at any given moment?
This will be a short post, as I don't have a whole lot to say about this topic. I'm a one-project-at-a-time person. I can have a couple other ideas brewing in the back of my mind, but when it comes to putting words on the screen, I usually focus on only one project at a time, the one that currently has me in its grip. I think there have been times when I've tried working on a few projects at a time, but I've never sustained multiwriting for long. These days, when I only have a half hour or so to write, I have to focus on one project. It's a nice idea in theory to have a couple of active projects so you can switch when you need a break, but it's not how I normally operate. Maybe if I had more time (or was under contract!), I could try it. But while I occasionally try writing techniques or methods I hear about from other writers, I don't worry too much about them. I just do what works for me.
That's all I have for now. Head on over to Kat's blog for her answer to this question. And I almost forgot--we have several new members who joined us recently! I'll update the links in the sidebar in the next couple of days.
I would have to agree with you - when you have limited time, best to stick toone project - right? Right!
ReplyDeletevery true. If you only have a few minutes a day to write, you'd never get anything done switching back and forth :)
ReplyDeleteAs a mom with two young kids, I can relate--writing time is precious and is easy to squander if you've got too many irons in the fire.
ReplyDeleteI agree. It's good to be focused when time is short!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear you say that! Short, but so helpful. I think that has been my problem lately, and I'm way too ADD to work efficiently that way.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU!!!!
:) Terri
I have a tendency to jot down notes for future projects as well, but I try not to let those thoughts take over because I always run with new ideas. Right now, I wish I hadn't ignored some of those inspirations, because I need something new to write about while I let my finished WIP stew!
ReplyDeleteThat makes sense to me, too :). Plus, if you only have one thing to work on, there's nothing to procrastinate with! Nice!
ReplyDeleteOnly 30 minutes a day to write would be harsh! I would be a one project at a time person, too!
ReplyDeleteI can't sustain multiwriting either. I just get overwhelmed, then no writing happens.
ReplyDeleteYou hit the nail of the head. With time being limited, it is impossible to multitask. Like Annie said - it's too overwhelming.
ReplyDeleteI think sometimes just being able to focus on one project - especially when you're pressed for time - is the best way!
ReplyDeleteGeez, I feel like I'm really late getting here. Sorry.
ReplyDeleteI like what you said about doing what works for you. I don't think there is a set way of doing certain things when it comes to the writing process.
That's the one thing I've learned about writing so far: no one way is right. Everyone sort of has to figure out the best way to make stuff work. I'm STILL struggling to figure that out.
ReplyDelete