Working On Multiple Books And Not Completing Any?

Do you have more than one book bouncing around in your head? What methods do you use to organize the mess? Have you never published that manuscript you started?

As a writer, sometimes my method seems closer to madness. I have at least seven books planned and I've only completed two so far. We all know that a book doesn't get finished unless you buckle down and make it happen. You have to find hours upon hours for writing and editing. What if you work?  What if you're  married? What if you have kids? These are all things to consider.

When I was in college, I was also working and trying to complete my books. Needless to say, I often could not find the time to finish what I had started. What did I learn?

One Thing At A Time

Pick a book and stick with it until the end. If you are working on more than one series, then you can finish one series before completing the next. You could also finish a book from Series A, and then finish a book from Series B. Don't bounce back and forth between manuscripts or try to complete more than one at a time. That will be too distracting. I know. I've done it. The only way to finish a book in a timely fashion is to stay focused.

It's All About Priorities

When you are young, people say you can accomplish anything. But let's face reality for a moment. Working 40 hours a week with a spouse and kids leaves very little room for anything else. If you find yourself this busy, then you can maybe spend a hour a day working on a book. It might take a while, but at least it gets finished. The trick is to sacrifice any free time you have. How badly do you want that book finished? I'm not passing judgement here. When you are on the verge of collapse, you don't really feel like digging through pages upon pages of material to edit. So pace yourself. Do a little here and there when you can. But don't throw in the towel.

Publishing Options

Having trouble with publishers? I'm a self-published author and I like having complete control over what I write. Often, publishers want you to change your story. I don't get marketing help and I'm not saying I'll always forgo professional publishing, but I have plans for some of my books that might not be popular enough for an agent or publisher to stomach. You know how they are. It's all about what sells. To be honest, I've only tried a handful of agents. I know they say it took Steven King 50 tries before his work was approved and Harry Potter was rejected multiple times before someone thought it might be a good idea, but I really don't want to waste my time trying to convince someone to support me when the books keep piling up in my head. So what's my advice? Do what works for you. If you are interested in making money, then write something you know will be popular and sell it like any other product. If you have something to say and want to stay true to your story, then self-publishing is another option. Some people become wildly successful, but you have to have good marketing skills and be willing to learn. I'm still in the learning stage.


So these are the things I have learned in my writing journey. Take whatever is useful to you and leave the rest.

Happy reading!