Juggle, Juggle, Juggle

In the dim mists of time (way back in 1998), my agent phoned me with the exciting news that he had an offer for my first novel, a traditional fantasy called THE GLASSWRIGHTS' APPRENTICE. When I finished squealing my delight, my ever down-to-business agent said, "They want a sequel. When can you have it done?"

More squealing, more delight, and then some serious thinking. "Two years?" I suggested.

"Six months is more what they're thinking."

"Um, one year?"

And that's what we settled on. One year, I thought. No problem. I could handle writing a book in a year - after all, this was my dream come true!

I delivered that second book on time, but not without a lot of sleepless nights. No one had mentioned to me everything else that I had to do, in addition to writing the sequel. I had to edit the first book, answering my editor's concerns about character and plot and structure. I had to review copy edits for the first book, making sure that the grammar, punctuation, and continuity modifications had all been properly completed. I had to review galleys (page proofs) for the first book. I had to create a website and develop web content. I had to set up readings and signings. I had to create bookmarks and business cards and press packets and all the other promotional items, all associated with the first book.

Now that I've become a full-time writer, the demands on my time are even greater. The third novel in my Jane Madison series, MAGIC AND THE MODERN GIRL, will be in stores October 1. I am furiously promoting that book - after all, it's the wrap-up of a fun series, all about a librarian who finds out that she's a witch. (You can read more about Jane, including sample chapters from all three books, at my website - http://www.mindyklasky.com )

In addition to that wrap-up work, I'm making the final edits on my next book, THERE'S THE RUB, the start of a totally different series that won't be in stores until 2009. Just this week, I've outlined a sequel to RUB, polishing the plot for my editor's approval. I've proposed a third book in that series, and another entirely new three-book series, all for my editor's attention. I've answered questions about yet another three-book proposal that my agent is circulating.

In short, during the past five working days, I've touched files related to nine different novels, not to mention answering emails from readers of my first eight books.


What are your greatest challenges, as writers and as readers, when it comes to juggling projects and time? (Just to add to your time management challenges, I'll send one copy of GIRL'S GUIDE TO WITCHCRAFT and one copy of MAGIC AND THE MODERN GIRL to two different commenters (a total of two books, one each to two different people), selected at random from all the comments to this post! Either leave your email address, or check back here tomorrow to see if you won!)

Mindy, who realizes she should have bargained for juggling lessons, way back in 1998!