My writing style is fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants, ie: pantser (with a hint of plotter on the side). I have over forty works in progress on the go, and I work on ten or more at a time. When an idea comes to me it usually pops into my head as a chunk, a scene, and I scramble to jot it all down, and eventually a whole story is the result. I know it is possible to concentrate on just one story, to focus and hold off on the barrage of ideas when I have to, and I try to narrow the pile down to just one main story so I can hand it in to a publisher. Most often what happens is I get ¾s of the way done and a new story emerges, most often forcing its way to the top of the wip pile.
If I had a sports commentator broadcasting my writing like it was a horse race or the 500 meter dash it might sound something like this…
Good day spectators. As you will see our Works In Progress are lined up at the starting line. The tension is high, the deadlines impending. All eyes are on the Ménage a Trois, the anticipated winner of this heat, the one said to be next in the submissions pile. Next in line is long standing erotic novella with a reputation for being a little on the deviant side. Not to be outdone is newcomer to the process, a spanking story whose length is still a mystery. And last but not least a handful of paranormals of the furry and fanged kind. Many racers are entered in this competition with high hopes to make it across the finish line.
Here’s the flagman stepping onto the track. The racers adjust for final preparations, brainstorm their stanzas, and… there’s the gun! They’re off.
As expected the menage takes the lead, with erotic novella a close second and spanking story pulling in close behind. It’s a tight race for all those watching. Who knows which way the author will go? Creative licence has a strong presence out there today.
An unexpected contender coming up from the rear, erotic novella, gets a second wind, hip checks the Ménage a Trois out of the way and passes with ease. Not to be outdone, Menage a Trois, throws its all at the author in hopes to regain the lead, flooding the author’s mind with images of nature, adventure, and kinky sex in the great outdoors.
Untitled Short Story stumbles, slows down, but doesn’t flag the paramedic just yet. Working Title One and Working Title Two shove each other for the spot light – if there’s ever been a more true form of poor sportsmanship this author hasn’t seen it. A headache develops on the horizon, all creativity comes to a halt as the author reaches for another hit of espresso.
Now it’s Menage a Trois and Erotic Novella in the lead, neck and neck. Boy, it’s going to be a close one. But what’s this? An anthology submission, a mere fragment of an idea from years gone by, sparked into life? Anthology Submission pins on a number, stretches, jogs in one spot, then blows a kiss to the crowd. A cheeky little item, can this late contender pull it off?
Unbelievable! Anthology Submission is unstoppable, passing Untitled Short Story, Working Title One and now Working Title Two. It’s closing in on Menage a trios and Erotic Novella, and its passing them.
There’s the finish line, the query, the word count, the crowd go wild. Anthology Submission breaks through the printer ribbon with a satisfied smile.
This post was submitted by Tara S. Nichols.
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Heh. I resemble that remark. I plot a good bit, but I never know where the muse is going to land. I have two that are just inches from the finish line right now, but I can’t seem to force them across. I also have several that are far behind in the process that are screaming for attention – so… yep. I’m right with you.
My best work is still in my head, unfortunately! I have a real problem getting what’s up there into my computer; my fingers simply can’t type fast enough to suit my mind. And organization? Forget about it!
Eden ~ Keeping a story in your head is a real trick. I look like a chicken with her head cut off when an idea strikes. I run frantically looking for a pen and paper and if there isn’t one around I repeat the phrase over and over as though chatting incantations. So the ability to keep it in your mind is admirable.
Elise ~ Sometimes the story that hovers at the finish line is waiting for that one last sentence that locks everything into place like the last piece of a jigsaw puzzle. I picture muses doing puzzles now.
Tara,
I can totally relate to this “horse race.” I usually have multiple works going at the same time. Recently, I’ve tried to focus on just one story, but it’s stalled out and I’m frustrated. I guess I should just go back to multitasking cause if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
What a fun comparison, Tara!
“An unexpected contender coming up from the rear, erotic novella,…”
An erotic, coming up from the rear…imagine. 
I have quite a few things on the go, but I can usually only focus on two at a time–write one, polish another–don’t know how you juggle up to ten! Go girl.
Great post, Tara. I’m in awe that you can handle so many projects at once. I rarely handle more than two at a time.
Lol, I think my brain is knotted.
lol…I laughed along with Lainey on that one! Too funny.
I’m more stick with one story, and get it done kind of girl. I can clean up a ms, while writing, but writing two or more stories at once…nope!
Funny, I hadn’t every thought about my wips in that light but it is true.
Janice~
Even the running commentary from the announcer! How does that guy squeeze us all in?
I think my head would explode if I tried to stick with one story, but I do admire the ability in other people.
OMG, that was too funny. I absolutely resemble that commentary….
Glad you liked! And always happy to meet other race horses.