Ask Jerry
Writing 2 Books at the Same Time
Asked by Emilee Chesney on August 14, 2020
I am working on two projects simultaneously. One is a memoir and the other is a fantasy. At times the memoir is difficult to write due to how personal it is and not knowing what to include and not include. I have not written much due to that issue. I have written quite a bit of the fantasy story, however. I just joined your guild and an overwhelmed with everything I am learning and how much I have done the wrong way. My tentative plan is to work on the memoir bit by bit when I am able to and use the fantasy book to practice editing and re-writing some of the scenes over using your techniques. Is this okay or should I just focus on one story at a time? Thank you.
Rachel Sawyer
Jerry's Answer
Normally I would advise you to work only on one at a time, Rachel. But your reasoning appears sound to me, and if you can manage it, proceed as you are.
Meanwhile, this may help in your memoir writing: https://jerrysguild.com/how-to-write-a-powerful-memoir/
The closer you get to the bone, particularly in a memoir, the more powerful it can become.