Hasheley Anie's Blog
May 10, 2022
How I write more than one story at a time...
If you're reading this, then you are probably either: a Reader wondering how an author might manage to have multiple works in progress at one time, or you are a Writer/Author wondering how others like you are able to make it work.
The thing about writing is once you start it is very, very hard to stop. And that comes from not only the ideas you create on your own, but also from everyday inspiration and outside influences. The best part is when you figure out what works best for you, you'll be able to take a break from it and, when you do decide to continue another chapter or put down a plot twist that has weighed heavily on your mind, you can easily pick up right where you left off.
Outlining. It's very easy to get carried away and change the concept of a story completely, even without meaning to.
Personally, I always hated outlining before writing. English teachers would get on me a lot about it. But it made me realize that all of my writing has always been freehand, I realized that it's just my style. But I will say, after I finished writing "Too Close", I made an outline for the Sequel. And I'll admit I was a bit narrow minded with it. I haven't had to make an outline in 2+ years and I was highly doubting that I would actually stick to it. Surprisingly, I enjoyed writing that outline so much I made three more for my other stories.
Story Hopping.
I never work on the same story for too long. I often work on two different stories in one day. I don't recommend doing this if you don't know how to, as it can lead to burnout. But once you figure out how to make it work for you, it's really refreshing.
I also don't work on stories that have the same concept. For instance, if I'm working on fantasy, I might work on a story involving supernaturals then hop into one of high school romance. The last thing an author wants to do is make their books sounds the same.
Playlists.
Some writers need music to write. I typically listen to a particular genre depending on the mood of the story. Playlists might also help with character development and holds loads of inspiration. A story I'm working on right now was inspired by singer/songwriter FLETCHER. I don't know how music works, but it works.
Stepping out of your comfort zone is what makes a good book.
The thing about writing is once you start it is very, very hard to stop. And that comes from not only the ideas you create on your own, but also from everyday inspiration and outside influences. The best part is when you figure out what works best for you, you'll be able to take a break from it and, when you do decide to continue another chapter or put down a plot twist that has weighed heavily on your mind, you can easily pick up right where you left off.
Outlining. It's very easy to get carried away and change the concept of a story completely, even without meaning to.
Personally, I always hated outlining before writing. English teachers would get on me a lot about it. But it made me realize that all of my writing has always been freehand, I realized that it's just my style. But I will say, after I finished writing "Too Close", I made an outline for the Sequel. And I'll admit I was a bit narrow minded with it. I haven't had to make an outline in 2+ years and I was highly doubting that I would actually stick to it. Surprisingly, I enjoyed writing that outline so much I made three more for my other stories.
Story Hopping.
I never work on the same story for too long. I often work on two different stories in one day. I don't recommend doing this if you don't know how to, as it can lead to burnout. But once you figure out how to make it work for you, it's really refreshing.
I also don't work on stories that have the same concept. For instance, if I'm working on fantasy, I might work on a story involving supernaturals then hop into one of high school romance. The last thing an author wants to do is make their books sounds the same.
Playlists.
Some writers need music to write. I typically listen to a particular genre depending on the mood of the story. Playlists might also help with character development and holds loads of inspiration. A story I'm working on right now was inspired by singer/songwriter FLETCHER. I don't know how music works, but it works.
Stepping out of your comfort zone is what makes a good book.
