The Double Whip System

You’re thinking whips, like Indiana Jones in the Temple of Doom, right?

No. What I’m talking here is the balance I’ve discovered in the past three months in terms of my workload.

I’ve discovered something about myself—commitment makes me antsy. Tie me down to one heroine and one heroine, and I start to fidget. I dream of cleaning out closets. I dream of the day when Julie Garwood will return to historical. I start thinking of the millions of stories I could be writing—anything to ignore the two characters who need me the most. It’s a curse. I’ve got a roving eye when it comes to my writing, I suppose. It’s all wine and roses in the first 20 pages—I love the honeymoon stage. My characters are good looking and well-mannered. The villain is devious and says “muwaahahaha” a lot.

But clear past Chapter Three and suddenly I can see his crow’s feet and she’s got an incessant whine to her voice (in my head) that I can’t stand.

You see where this is going?

Enter WIP #2. (And cue the “Mighty Mouse” theme song, while you’re at it.)

I’ve learned that, for me, being a one-wip kinda girl is pointless. But two? Now, you’re talking.
In my case, I’ve got my historical that I am ON FIRE about. I’ve nailed down five chapters in the last week and half. That’s STUPENDOUS for me. But there are mornings when I am up in my chair and I just don’t feel like delving into the Scottish Highlands before I’ve had my coffee.

It’s during these moments, where I’m conflicted between not wanting to look at Lady Adela for fear of deleting her, and the nagging need to be productive, that I call upon the back-burner WIP. Jumping between medieval Scotland and Steampunk/Victorian England ain’t exactly easy, but I’m not gunning for a Pulitzer yet. What I’m tracking down is words on the screen and if jarring me from bliauts to corsets does the trick, well, it’s a mighty fine trick, indeed.

I know some of my writer friends can juggle three or more, but that’s just not in the cards for me. I’m spastic enough already.

But I’ll take two any day.

So, what’s your magic number? Do you divide your time equally or do you play favorites?

Do tell.

Side note: Can you forgive me for my absence? I moved. Sucks, right? Add to that the fact that I got myself a nasty pneumonia infection and an overnight stay in the hospital. It was great! (I kid. But really, I’m sorry for the silence. Can we be friends again? Want to ride bikes after school?)

Happy writing,

h.