Then What?

A peek inside my planning brain (if you can stomach it):

In a few weeks, I should be done with the (latest) revision of the WIP I'm working on (the sequel to KILLER ROUTINE). Then I need to proof the galleys for KILLER ROUTINE. Then I have a short story I've written, but need to submit. I also have some ideas for the next book in the Last Laff series I should get on paper. Then… Then…

Then what?

I have an idea for a stand-alone thriller. Interesting premise, strong characters, good plot (what I've got so far, in my head—I haven't actually written anything down yet). But before I start outlining it, I need to do a few things. I need to see if it's "been done" before. I'm not quite sure how I'm going to research that, but I think I'll start with der Google and see where that takes me. Then I need to run it by my agent to see if she thinks it's a good use of my writing time and energy. While the story intrigues me, I'm not sure I want to tackle the book if it's not marketable. Then I need to pull out my calendar (yes, the "paper" 2011 planner I bought at the dollar store) to see if/when I can shoehorn it in, amidst the promotional activities for the release of KILLER ROUTINE in April.

And of course, like everyone else, I've got a billion other things to do.

How do you plan your long-term writing projects?