The Juggle is Real: Balancing Multiple Projects
Ask me for a hidden talent, and juggling won’t be one of them. Blame it on poor hand-eye coordination, or that clowns freak me out…either way, I’ve never been able to master those silly balls. But when it comes to my author career, that’s another story. I’ve had no choice but to learn how to juggle. Let me put it this way: It’s kind of like trying to pat your head, rub your tummy, and ride a unicycle at the same time (see where I’m going with this post?). Not exactly easy, but in the world of writers, it’s the juggle that keeps us on our toes. 🤹♀️
I like to compare it to a three-ring circus…
Ring 1: The Writing Tightrope
Cooking up fresh plot twists and new characters, tackling the highs and lows of writing a new, complete novel that hits all the marks. You’ve got moments of brilliance and times when writer’s block makes it all hell. There’s pressure to get it done, but also make it good. It’s a fine line, but don't worry, you've got your balance.
Ring 2: The Editing Spectacle
Meanwhile, you’ve got another project in late-state editing. Fine-tuning this work is like watching a high-wire acrobat – one false step, and things could tumble. Editing requires attention to detail, patience, and a steady hand….and often multiple attempts to get it right. By this point, you’ve read this book a million times and really just want to focus all your energy on the new, shiny project instead.
Ring 3: The Promotion Extravaganza
Hustling to get the word out about your book that’s already published – book signings, blog tours, social media, newsletters. It's exhilarating and exhausting, all at once. You're the ringleader, the performer, and the janitor sweeping up popcorn. But, hey, the show doesn’t stop once the book’s out in the world…it’s just getting started.
You know that phrase, “Not my monkeys, not my circus”? Well, this IS my circus and these books ARE my monkeys.
Here are some tips for juggling multiple projects and keeping all those balls in the air:
Schedule Your Time Wisely: Divide your day/week/month into designated blocks for each task. This helps prevent burnout and ensures that each project gets the attention it deserves.
Set Realistic Goals: Be honest with yourself about what you can accomplish in a day. Meeting an editing deadline might mean that social media posts take a backseat for a couple days, and that’s okay. Prioritize what’s most important.
Embrace the Power of To-Do Lists: Organize your tasks and prioritize them. I’m obsessed with Post-It notes. Crossing items off my list feels efficient, even if they’re small victories.
Stay Adaptable: Life is unpredictable, and sometimes you'll need to shift your focus. Roll with the punches and adjust your schedule as necessary. Working ahead on things like social media posts and using a scheduler like Later or Buffer can be a great way to free up time.
Seek Support: Connect with fellow writers, authors, and friends who understand the juggling act. Sometimes you just gotta vent, and the writing community is the perfect place because every author is running their own personal circus just like you.
Sure, juggling multiple projects can feel overwhelming at times, but the rewards are worth it.
Seeing my books reach readers gives me the motivation to write the next one. All the necessary steps along the way are just part of the process to get me there.
Remember, the juggle is real, but so are your dreams and ambitions. Embrace the circus of creativity and hard work, and you'll find that the show must (and will!) go on. 🎪