While my debut year ended six months ago, I still think of the things I’m discovering now about the writing life as an extension of those early days. With that in mind, as I transition into long-term career mode, I’ll continue to post about this phase of writing as part of my Navigating a Debut Year series.
Remember my recent good news with G. P. Putnam’s Sons? A two-book deal is thrilling, but in my world is also unchartered territory. Book one in the Putnam sale is BLUE BIRDS, a historical verse novel I started researching almost two and a half years ago (It was surreal to discover someone has already added it to Goodreads!). For most of that time (barring a few weeks of revision work on my forthcoming picture book, OVER IN THE WETLANDS), I’ve been able to focus solely on this manuscript.
Now’s the time everything changes.
Because while that book is finished, book two doesn’t yet exist. It has no connection to BLUE BIRDS whatsoever and will be a stand alone title. I’m currently in research mode, awaiting my first editorial letter for BLUE BIRDS, which should arrive at the end of June. The plan is to (ideally!) wrap up the majority of my research before then and to draft the second book when BLUE BIRDS is back with my editor. I’ll go back and forth between the two manuscripts, drafting one while revising the other.
Can I tell you something? I’m scared of this untitled book. There’s a new sort of pressure in working on something that’s already promised. If you’ve spent any sort of time around here, though, you know fear, like it or not, is a natural part of my creative process. I always reach a point where I can move through it, and I trust this time will be no different.
I’ll keep you up to date on how things unfold!
Do you work on more than one manuscript at once? What strategies work for you?
So far I haven’t worked on more than one manuscript, but I have worked on novels and short stories at the same time. It’s hard. Not to discourage you because I think you can totally absolutely do this!! Of course you can! My advice would be take breaks as much as you need to. If you feel yourself starting to burn out, go for a nice long walk, take the day off–(with no guilt because preventing burnout is better than trying to recover from it.) Also, I’ve found it helpful to work on one project in the morning, put it aside, take a long lunch break, and then work on the second project in the afternoon. Or do project #1 on M, W, F, and project #2 T, Th, Sat (or some other useful combination). Some kind of schedule that allows you to give your whole attention to one project, take a nice long break, then give your whole attention to the second project. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself (easier said than done, I know), work a little every day and then rest. None of us are Superwriters with brains and fingers that can work nonstop, but I’m always surprised at how much gets done just by showing up every day and committing to the work. Last thought: YOU CAN DO IT!! RAH RAH RAH!! 🙂
You’ll be fine, Caroline!
I have worked on two projects at once, though of course never with editorial deadlines hanging over me. What I found helpful was to keep my morning “creative time” for the one I was actively planning and writing, while any other writing time was spent revising the old one. The consistency with the way I used my mind really helped keep things separate–and was necessary for my list/schedule-obsessed mind!
And Blue Birds is on my Goodreads list! Can’t wait!
I must admit that I sort of enjoy the stress of juggling deadlines on multiple projects, although it can be a bit overwhelming at times. The main thing I’ve learned is that it’s much easier when the projects are at different stages (one in drafting, one in revision, etc). Otherwise, my wires start crossing. It sounds like you have a good plan, though. Good luck with it!
You can do this, Caroline! I believe in you.
That said, I admit I can be a nervous and fearful writer. I go through phases of being positive and energetic and revising one novel while writing the rough draft of another, but it doesn’t last long. Then I realize I can’t do two things at once and I have to decide what to work on. But as Faith said, I’ve never had to do this with editorial deadlines.
Thank you, all. I’m not sure I could juggle one story in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Keeping distance — even if it’s as short as a few weeks — seems like it will be most helpful for me. I’ll think of you (maybe email you, Anna) when things get tough.
I appreciate the support so very much.
I can’t draft two projects at once, but I can draft a little, revise a little on two – or research, daydream a new book simultaneously. This summer is THE SUMMER OF MAJOR JUGGLING. More than ever in my life. Hope I’m sane by the end of it. 🙂
I should add that the ability to be able to even revise/draft a book and start thinking about another idea comes only after decades of writing practice. And deadlines. They can be quite the motivator!
I shared about all this at The Gathering yesterday, Kim, and Kersten reminded me you are the one to talk to when it comes to all this. You’ve got a big summer ahead, and I know you’ll pull it off beautifully. xo So happy to have you in my life!
Oh, yikes, no I’m not! Ha, ha. Look at Kersten with her two dozen plus books. She cranks stuff out in all genres.
We’ll see about my summer. It’s already off to a not-so-good start. I can’t seem to cut a break for a week – or a day! I’m already way behind on where I should be writing-wise. Since I got home from Utah, I’ve written for exactly *one* day.
We’ll just have to keep each other sane the next few months . . . xo
I agree that if the projects are in different stages it can work. But I’ve never actually tried to draft two books at once.