How many stories/series do you usually work on at once?

[Leyelle]

I write for a lot of competitions, so I'm usually working on lots of short stories for different competitions at once, even while working on my main novel for Tapas. I'm currently working on "Damsel in the Red Dress," a new novel where I'm writing each chapter to alphabetical prompts, and a romance novel for a competition.

I don't normally write romance novels, so I have to go and overthink the beginning of each romance novel competition. Why are the novel competitions that appear specifically for romances? I mean competing in two back to back is a little insane. When the rule of the competition is that they have to be romances and will be judged on the strength of the romantic element how do you even know if your romances are romance-y enough?

UGH!

Also I'mma be attempting a rural fantasy short story, for a different competition so that'll be fun.

[Todoyama]

A single one, because I don't like when I can't give 100% to other stories too.

[SagaHolmgaard]

Good luck with the competitions you're entering! It can definitely be a good way to explore new genres and develop as a creator.

I also started making short comics for competitions or competition-esque publications, and it's sort of why my webcomic stopped updating (at least, why it's not updating now). It's hard to jump between actively working on several projects, but I find I'm always thinking about multiple projects in the back of my head, planning out what to work on next and also what I need to do on my WIPs.

[mg_xiii]

I try to go with only one, but leaving space to myself so I can think other ideas for stories I would want to write. It’s my first time being on the other side (writing a novel, usually I’m a reader) so I’m focusing only on my current fantasy.

[2DLenzy]

Normally, I'll juggle 2 stories--doing a short comic competition as well as my main--which is new but refreshing for me these days. I did have some other series to do random stuff with when I was bored and/or super hyper, but it's been abandoned for some time (and it's just plain awful XD might try to put some real artwork into it sometime soon)

But despite having two projects (not including DTIYS, illustrations, promo stuff for future seasons), it actually helps the monotony and stress of only sticking to one topic/story for a lengthy period (literally worked through a burnout from Valentines Day through April, but I got my longest story arc finished and done, so I'm free from that for at least a month)

Might try to do another story other than chicken-related stuff, but it'll have to wait until the short competition is over and I have a good buffer in place (hint: it's a zombie story, about a zombie, and female lead, which is somewhat unusual and fun for me)

And good luck on your rural fantasy story! I know you'll do great!

[Vassia]

I usually like to juggle three main projects at a time and I sideline other ones for the time being. I like bouncing between them. If I'm feeling burnt out on one I'll just work on another one for a while. Right now I have one project that I'm doing only for fun and mostly write on my day off.

[FatedSouls]

Most of the time I try to stick with one project at a time. If I start too many projects at once I go a little crazy, feeling pressure from all the wips I would have to do. I will do little projects like competitions because putting all of my focus on one project can drain me a bit. I need a change here and there.

[sams_cartoon_shack]

I have one main project I work on, The Shapes, but multiple side ones I invest a little time towards simultaneously such as a random fantasy comic series idea, various short-form comics, reviews, and even an concept album stand-up comedy idea. I don't know how on earth I keep at it!

[skidiggy]

I'm working on Apparent Secrets presently, with main story chapters for the Top 50 contest, and one-shot side stories to publish during the hiatus between the two books. When I get stuck or hit a wall on the main story, I step away from it for a bit and work on a side story chapter or two to let my brain reset.

I also have a story set on the home world of two of the roommates, which takes place on a fantasy island that has recently been overrun by hideous monsters bent on conquering and destroying all in their path. I'll probably dig deeper into it once Apparent Secrets wraps. All of my stories share a universe, which helps me keep everything straight. Otherwise, it'd be SUPER hopeless for me to keep track.

[kyupol]

One at a time. Now I'm focusing on AngHell Dela Blackpill

[vapidink]

Currently working on four novels and a short webcomic, though one of the novels is a series I'm more or less working on all together off-line. I kinda just go with whatever I feel like writing, unless I have a deadline. Mostly, it's just nice to have variety to avoid burnout.

[allisoncandraw]

I don't know how people can work on multiple, serious kudos to you. I can only handle one at a time

[Leyelle]

It's definitely easier for me because i'm making completely prose based works, not comics, so i've got less steps XD

@mg_xiii definitely when you're starting out on something new it's better to focus your energies so you don't burn yourself out.

it actually helps the monotony and stress of only sticking to one topic/story for a lengthy period

I definitely agree with this. I find that working on multiple projects actually helps increase my productivity. Also thank you for the vote of confidence XD

If I'm feeling burnt out on one I'll just work on another one for a while

same. that way we can actually get work done even when feeling uninspired in a certain arena.

and even an concept album stand-up comedy idea.

A stand-up comedy concept album? now that sounds really interesting

with main story chapters for the Top 50 contest

Top fifty contest? And the shared universe concept is really cool. I have so many different stories and universes I really can't tie them all together XD.

Currently working on four novels and a short webcomic

You are a beast that is amazing!

[skidiggy]

Ah, my bad; the True Love on Tapas contest. I placed in the Top 50 and have been working on buffer chapters for Book Two.

[Leyelle]

Ahh congratulations! so the story is on hiatus then?

[skidiggy]

I'm on a semi-hiatus, posting once a week on Saturdays with side stories that take place between the two books. I'll keep posting throughout the down time before launch, mostly with backstories and side adventures until the launch in late summer.

[Leyelle]

Ahh, that's a cool way of working the schedule out. All these side stories are canon, or are some AU type things?

[skidiggy]

All canon, but most of them take place in the distant past, which is information that is touched on only briefly in the main story.

[Leyelle]

Ahh, I have some of those planned for Damsel. Mostly just because I really want to write about baby (but actually toddler) Kattar XD. And also get to show readers what Mrs. Moon was like when she was younger.

Is this distant past before your leads were born, or just back in their childhoods? (all my characters pasts are distant for me because they were before I was born XD. not one introduced character is the same age or younger than me)

[skidiggy]

Ooh, that sounds fun! Baby Kattar! That's fun that you have older characters to work with. Lots of potential for backstory.

It'd vary based on the character, but most will be during their childhoods or early adult years. Khazmine's is much farther back in time, but she also stopped aging after 33 years old, due to her Conversion into an inorganic life-form. Byxx's race also ages much slower than humans, so his is chronologically long ago too. Iris's will overlap on a couple of other characters' backstories, but mostly before and shortly after college. Zayzann's is still in development. I haven't decided how far back to go for his just yet.