Why I Work on More Than One Book at the Same Time
Sometimes, I can be working on up to four or five writing projects at the same time.
Some people finish one book, tie it up with a neat little bow, and then move on to the next. I am not one of those people.
At any given moment, I usually have several different projects happening, including working on multiple books, at the same time. When it comes to writing, one book might be in the drafting stage, another in editing, and a third simmering gently in the back of my brain, dropping new ideas at the most inconvenient times.
And for me? That actually works.
I know it sounds chaotic—maybe even counterproductive. But working on more than one book at a time keeps me creative, motivated, and moving forward, even when one project stalls out. Here’s why I do it:
1. Different energy for different days.
Some days I feel like writing flirty dialogue. Other days I’m in the mood to tweak structure or revise a scene that’s been bugging me. Having more than one project gives me options. If I’m stuck on one book, I shift gears and focus on something else, whether it be working on the outline of another book, editing, marketing or research. It keeps me in motion instead of spiraling into a writing rut.
2. It helps prevent burnout.
Spending months in the same fictional world with the same characters can be… a lot. I can get “too deep” into a particular angle. It narrows my focus too much. Hopping between projects lets me reset creatively. It’s like switching rooms in a house I built—I don’t have to leave it completely, just change the view.
3. It’s strategic.
I’m writing a series (Love: Some Assembly Required), and I want to publish consistently. That means I need overlapping timelines—while one book is being edited or formatted, or while I’m marketing, I can start drafting the next one.
4. Ideas never arrive on schedule.
Some of my best plot twists, character quirks, and titles show up while I’m working on a different book entirely. If I’m excited about the idea, I simply open a new window and start working on that instead. Keeping space open for multiple projects lets me capture those moments while I’m inspired. I
But it can get messy.
For people who like order and calendars and spreadsheets, this might not work for you because, honestly, it can be a bit messy. But I do my best to stay organized.
For example, each book has its own Scrivener project, title page, character sheets, and mood board. When I open a file, I’m stepping into that world. That separation helps me shift focus quickly.
Also, I usually focus on one “primary” book at a time—meaning that’s the one I’m actively trying to write until it’s finished. The others are in the background. I might jot a scene, revise a chapter, or brainstorm plot points on othe projects, but my ultimate goal is to finish the primary book.
Rarely, I may have two active projects happening at the same time. Some weeks I’m all-in on one book. But then I may need a break from Book A and suddenly make a ton of progress on Book B. I don’t force it. I trust the rhythm and try to make the most of the energy wherever it’s showing up.
Working on more than one book at a time isn’t for everyone—but for me, it adds energy instead of draining it. It gives me freedom to stay creative and a practical path to publishing steadily without burning out. Also, as an indie author, I have the benefit of no editorial timelines or other constraints.
And the absolute best part? When one book is finished, I’m not starting from scratch—I already know what’s coming next.
—Tracy
