The Mental Progression of a Work-in-Progress

Yesterday afternoon, I sent my latest project to my agent and her assistant for review. This was accompanied by lots of excitement...and a huge sigh of relief. While writing any new book I always wonder a few times if I'll ever reach The End, and this one was no different!

The rest of the thought process usually goes something like this:

-A new idea! It's great. I love it. Can't wait to get started.

-Have started! Words are coming so fast my fingers struggle to keep up!

-First chapter done. Could be the best one I've ever written!

-Chapters 2-5 also done. Love this story, love these characters, love what happens next!

-Um...what happens next?

-Thinking, plotting, thinking, plotting.

-Three more chapters done. Took longer than the first bunch, but that's okay.

-Long pause.

-Outlining will help.

-Another new idea! It's great. I love it. Maybe THIS is the one I should focus on.

-But I've already written 100 pages of the other idea. Shouldn't I see it through?

-Should go with inspiration when it strikes. Brainstorming New Idea #2.

-Can't stop thinking about New Idea #1.

-Back to first new idea. Words flowing once again.

-Oh! But what if, in the OTHER story, I—

-Nope. Must focus.

-Focusing. Writer blinders on.

-Two chapters to go! Almost there!

-Oops. Underestimated. THREE chapters to go!

-First draft done!

-Big smile.

-Huge sigh.

How about you, fellow writers? Is your thought process generally the same for each book? Do you bounce around, or do you keep writer blinders on the whole time?