Novel Writing

Writing Two Books at the Same Time

Amy Walters

I am bored of writing my first novel. Shock horror, how dare I, I’m obviously not made to be a writer! That’s how I imagined I would feel if I ever became tired of my first story. To me, the thought of having two books simultaneously taking up space in my head was akin to cheating on my husband. Just plain wrong.

At first, I saw my novel as my baby, something I would love and nurture, protect, and devote myself to until it was done and ready to fly the nest. I couldn’t imagine leaving my baby crying in the cot for weeks on end, with no love, no food, no nurturing.

Well, it turns out that my novel is more of an orchid. Sure, it needs sunlight, water, attention, pruning. It doesn’t, however, need constant attention, it likes to be left alone, to grow and to settle, to become beautiful. So I’ve started planting another little “novel orchid” in my head every now and then, plan a main character here, grow a plot point here, sprinkle some intrigue over there. 

It keeps the creative part of my brain happy while the perfectionist, grammar-obsessed part of my brain can tend to the original story. In short, I’m happy, more productive and enjoying writing a whole lot more.

I wonder, does anyone else find novel writing a strange balance of generating fresh ideas and beating old ones into submission? If so I’d love to hear from you, please, comment away!

Published by Amy Walters

I am a twenty seven year old woman. I'm married to the weirdest and best man I've ever met, work full time in an office, and live by the sea in the South East of England. I love reading, music, and seeing my friends. I have recently started writing my first novel which I have been dreaming about since I was ten years old.

26 thoughts on “Writing Two Books at the Same Time”

  1. I can definitely relate to what you’re going through. I recently just finished & self published my first novel and almost the whole time I was fantasizing about new book ideas. I don’t think that means you’re not meant to be a writer, I think it’s just the opposite! It’s great to have so many ideas. When you do finish your novel & your readers fall in love they’ll be dying to read the next one & lucky for them you have more stories to tell.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Great thoughts, I’m glad to hear you feel this way. Well done on publishing your work, how did you find the process? I am in awe of those who have got to that milestone 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  2. It has definitely been stressful. I did it through Amazon’s platform and it was pretty simple to use. Luckily I’m familiar with photoshop & was able to do the cover & binding myself otherwise I would’ve had to hire someone to do it. I like how they let you proofread and format your book before they just begin to print. The only downfall of self publishing is getting the word out there. I did attempt to get a book agent and go the traditional publishing route but after several no’s I didn’t have the patience to keep sending my query out. I do want to try again though for my next novel. Hopefully my first one will help me get me foot in the door and give the agents something to reference because the people that have read it have given such good feedback.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  3. Thanks for the follow! Walt and I really enjoyed this post. We often struggle with the allure of starting something new when we’re bogged down in our current project-it’s something we try to avoid (no matter how painful) because we find we end up losing our flow-though this is probably just because we’re easily distracted. We’re interested to see how it works for you; if you’re able to do it we can see how it would be a big help. Thanks again, and good luck with your writing,

    W & W Sawday

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

      1. Same here, I am still reading your posts, they’re all fun!
        I would love you to check out my blog and read a part of my series, and see if you like it. If you get time, I’d love to get your feedback! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  7. Keep going is my advice. They say you should another book on the way to keep agent/publisher happy. It took me 5 years to get my New Adult suspense novel, ‘What If I Go?’ to press. It’s out on 31st Jan with Solstice Publishing. Mind you, I did write some short stories to keep me sane in the interim:) And of course there is another novel taking good shape.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. I am constantly battling within myself to stay on track with one story. I have several projects I want to work on, and yet when I commit to one , the others try to distract me. Currently on my blog I am serializing a second draft of a completed book, and even then my other stories are trying to tell me to stop. Like most writers I know, I guess I just get all these ideas in my head and want to instantly bleed them onto the paper 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. I totally agree with writing more than one thing at a time. I am writing; two novels, three short stories, a geological paper and posts for the blog. I think it is enriching to be able to flip from one to the other and stops boredom with ‘the same old thing’ creeping in and showing up in your writing. The more the merrier! I start with ideas and then decide where to use them after they have become half formed after a bit of work.
    Eorðdraca

    Like

    Reply

  10. I’m so glad you found my blog and liked it. Your writing is delightful, and I believe you will become a wonderful novelist. And, I completely agree with this post about letting a book settle and grow. While I’m very focused on one novel at the moment, I usually have about 3 or 4 others in the works as well. What can I say? I get bored easily. And numerous manuscripts is an antidote to writer’s block. I wish you all the best!

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment