JUGGLING MORE THAN ONE PROJECT by James Mihaley

Working on two books at the same time can be dangerous and exhilarating.  Obviously the peril lies in diluting your creative energy and by doing so, neither novel may ever be completed.  However, it is not uncommon for a synergy to form between two projects swirling around in one author’s brain that can enhance both stories.  Sometimes the best thing you can to a book, particularly when you’re stuck, is to put it down and let it breathe.  A beautiful way to distance yourself from a project is to start working on another one.  It’s like a farmer rotating crops.  A farmer will plant corn one season and soybeans the next because the soybeans put nutrients back into the soil that the corn has taken out.  When you come back to your original story you may find yourself rejuvenated.  You may perceive with crystal clarity what the problem is, what you need to revise.  Give it a shot! 

If you’re having trouble with your novel or feel that you need to take a break, consider the possibility of devoting a week or two to a new story, something that has hopefully been incubating inside your imagination for a while and is ready to come out.  Then you’ll have two projects, a book in its early stages and one that is closer to completion.  The one that’s almost finished is always your main focus.  Most of your creative energy is flowing in that direction.  However, on those days when you’re not feeling it, pick up your other book and some fun!