As a writer, do you ever get distracted and end up with more than one manuscript at a time on your computer? Or is it just me?

I’m like a dog in training who sees a squirrel. I’m sitting my best sit and listening to my master when “squirrel!” And I lose my mind.

I’ve been working on a novel for a while now—something new—when along comes the best idea in the world for a middle grade reader. Squirrel! And I start a new project.

Now I have two, and I need to finish both. I need a sign up in my room, or just a sticky note on my laptop that says “Squirrel!”  Or perhaps “Stay.” Because like that dog, I’m in training. I think no matter how long I write, and I don’t see myself ever quitting, I am in training. Not just in training to learn better ways to write, but to keep my mind on one subject. I wonder if all creatives are like me with wandering minds looking for the next big thing.

At least my ideas pop up with abandon and the well has not gone dry, but how can I put them in some sort of order and make all those dreams come true?

In the past when I had several things going at once I looked at word count and finished the one closest to its end first. That’s not a bad idea, but when you’re stuck on one project those other ideas creep up on you. This time, I’m stuck on the big project, and the smaller project is calling my name.

I guess just to finish one is the best idea. Whichever one it is, finish something! What do you think, should I finish the big one with the longer word count or go with the one that keeps drawing me back?

I need help.

What are you reading, writing, or creating this week? Squirrel!