On Writing : Many projects on the go? by Allison Sadowski

So, what’s on my mind in this ADHD brain? Over the years I’ve had a million ideas pop into my head, and I’ve started so many projects—short stories, chapters for my long-awaited novel, and tons of poetry. Poetry always felt easiest because I wasn’t sure how to start a full writing process.

Recently, something clicked. I realized I can develop a concept, storyline, and characters, and maybe even pitch them one day. I used to think I needed a 500-page novel to tell a story, but this week proved otherwise. I submitted a five-chapter short story, and today I wrote my first screenplay, The Whisper in the Woods. It’s a rough draft, but it’s the first time in a long time that I’ve felt excited about writing again.

I’m not the most experienced writer. I don’t come with a long list of credits. I’m a single mother who just graduated Social Service Work and is waiting to continue to my next level. But I’m proud of myself for taking risks and rediscovering this passion. I’m here to learn, to share, and maybe make a few connections along the way.

My challenge right now is focus. I have six stories on the go, and every time I work on one, a new idea pops up. Today alone I came up with two more, wrote the plot, the synopsis, the logline, and even posted them. I’m diving in hard, but I’m also wondering—how do others ground themselves and choose one project? Or is it OK to work on several at once?

Either way, I feel like I’m finally heading in the right direction.