Multi-Tasking When Writing

So I've finished book one in my Curse Books series. It's in limbo so I can't really do much there. I've started book two but am reluctant to get far. I don't want a publisher to be interested and change the ending or something that changes book two. I would hate to have to start from scratch.

I've been keeping track of all my book ideas lately that I can add to and look back on. I decided a week or so ago that I really love one idea and started forming the outline and getting the book started. I've written about 20,000 words and love where it's going.

I'm nervous about multitasking different ideas, though. I don't want to screw up stories or mix them. So I've been doing my research and figuring out if multi-tasking can work or not. Here's what I've found out...

Organize the crap out of your stuff. Make sure you have separate folders, markers, hell- even drawers. You don't want to cross characters or scenes. Organize it in your brain too. Work on only one project a day or make sure you have a break in between. 

Set goals. Make sure you know what you want to accomplish for each project. If one is short, set a word count limit. You could even set a daily, or weekly limit. Only write as much as you can handle. For each project make sure to meet a goal before moving on to the other one.

Remember, writing is fun. It's not a chore as a writer to construct a story. The editing- maybe, but the writing part is the best part. You tell a story the best you can and really invest yourself into it. If you're not feeling like writing a day, don't force it. Write a story that you genuinely like. 

DO NOT MULTITASK ONLINE. Seriously, just being connected to the internet opens up way too many opportunities for bad multi-tasking. It sucks you in and five hours later, you realize you have accomplished nothing. Leave safari, or internet explorer or whatever you use, off. Don't tempt yourself.