Writing Multiple Projects at Once Keeps the Creativity Flowing
As a horror writer, I thrive on chaos—both on the page and in my process. Right now, I’m juggling a grindhouse novel, a splatterpunk/extreme horror novella, and two short stories: one a swords-and-sorcery horror tale set in the same world as The God in the Glass, and the other a pulpy weird menace story set in 1935 Chicago. Some might call this madness, but for me, it’s the perfect system.
When I hit a wall with one project—whether it’s a plot snag, a lack of inspiration, or just burnout from staring at the same story for too long—I don’t waste time agonizing over it. I switch to something else. This keeps me productive, maintains my momentum, and ensures that I’m always writing something rather than spinning my wheels.
The Benefits of a Multi-Project Workflow
No Such Thing as Writer’s Block
Stuck on a scene in my grindhouse novel? Fine. I’ll jump into the visceral, no-holds-barred world of my splatterpunk novella instead. Frustrated with dialogue in my 1935 Chicago story? Time to switch to dark fantasy and hack my way through a cursed kingdom. By rotating projects, I never feel trapped. There’s always another story waiting, one that might feel fresher and more exciting in the moment.
Constant Creative Stimulation
Writing different types of horror keeps my brain engaged. Extreme horror demands a different mindset than pulpy noir or dark fantasy. Shifting between them prevents monotony and keeps my prose sharp. Each project influences the others, too—sometimes a brutal idea from my splatterpunk work will bleed into my swords-and-sorcery tale in unexpected ways.
Sustained Word Count Goals
I aim for 5,000 words a day, five to six days a week. That’s a lot, but having multiple projects means I’m not relying on a single story to hit that target. If I stall on one, I make up the words in another. Some days, I’ll split my time between two or three pieces, keeping the energy high and avoiding burnout.
More Finished Work, Faster
Rotating projects means everything is always moving forward. Instead of getting bogged down in endless revisions of one story, I draft quickly, let things cool off, then return with fresh eyes. This approach helps me produce more completed work in less time.
How to Make It Work
Not everyone thrives on chaos, but if you want to try a multi-project workflow, here’s what works for me:
- Keep a Consistent Schedule – I treat writing like a job. Whether it’s 5,000 words, 2,000 words or 500 words, discipline is key.
- Embrace Variety – Different tones, styles, and subgenres keep things exciting. If you’re writing two projects, make them distinct enough to feel like a real shift when you switch.
- Know When to Focus – Eventually, a project will demand full attention (especially in revisions), but during the drafting phase, flexibility is your friend.
For me, this method isn’t just about productivity—it’s about staying in love with writing. Horror is a vast playground, and I want to explore every dark corner of it. Why limit myself to one story at a time when there are so many nightmares to unleash?
How about you? Do you focus on one project until it’s done, or do you thrive on the chaos of multiple works in progress? Let me know in the comments—I’m always curious how other writers tackle their process.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a grindhouse revenge scene to write… or maybe that splatterpunk gorefest is calling my name instead. Decisions, decisions.