I’ve learned, over the years, that the most common questions authors get asked is “what are you working on”. In fact, I did an event this past weekend and was asked that question multiple times!
I have tackled this question in the past:
- In July of 2019, I had 5 completed drafts (only one of which I was revising) and something like 31 ideas (16 that maybe would be short stories and 15 others, if I’m reading it right). See for yourself https://tabathashipleybooks.com/2019/07/12/organizing-the-ideas/
- In January of 2023, I had 5 completed drafts (2 of which were being revised) and 28 in various stages of drafting or ideas. This blog post is a lot easier to weed through. See for yourself here https://tabathashipleybooks.com/2019/07/12/organizing-the-ideas/
I can tell just by reading those old blog posts that it would be WILDLY different now. In fact, things have changed just since early 2025.
So, let’s take a deep dive.
IDEA ONLY
These are tiny notations in my idea journal (some of which have been there for a LONG time). They’re usually REALLY generic ideas, things I’d like to see but haven’t even considered how they would look. SOMETIMES these get combined with other ideas and drop off the list. There are at least 3 on this list that are ideas for future anthologies of short stories, for example.
Current Count: 13
BRAINSTORMING
These are ideas that have gone BEYOND a simple note in the idea journal. They have a character, a scene, or even some world building done but that’s it! A few of these might have multiple scenes written, but no outline and nothing concrete. For whatever reason, these haven’t sparked enough in my brain to get themselves out of the idea journal and into their own document.
Current Count: 9
OUTLINE STALLED
These ideas moved through the first two stages and still appealed to my brain. So, they got their own documents and outlines were started. At this stage, serious consideration goes into world building and character development as well. The problem is, all of these outlines stalled. For whatever reason (usually a world building element I have yet to figure out) they fizzled and I moved on.
Current Count: 3
What are they?
- Magic Journal Story. This was the project I didn’t choose in 2020 for NaNoWriMo. You can read some details of that story idea here https://tabathashipleybooks.com/2020/10/24/nano2020-planning-idea-2/
- 3 Wishes Story. Another abandoned 2020 idea (this one never even made it final two). Some detail can be found here https://tabathashipleybooks.com/2020/09/24/nano2020-ideas/
- Secret Project. I’ve NEVER talked about this one here on the blog and, based on what I’ve given it for a pet name, you can bet I never will. This ABSOLUTELY would’ve been my next active WIP if something else hadn’t stolen my brain power and taken me from it. This outline isn’t so much STALLED … I was pulled away by my ridiculous brain.
OUTLINE DONE
This is where I have made the MOST progress in 2025. I’ve really been focusing (on the sidelines of other things) to nail down some outlines that were previously only idea or brainstorms. Some of these are ROUGH and will likely undergo a lot of changes. Some of them probably need their own pages in the WIP journal, honestly. Soon I plan to really look at them again and get them pages. By soon I mean before 2025 comes to an end.
Current Count: 5
What are they?
- Superhero 2
- And Superhero 3. This is the idea that stole my brain from the Secret Project. I have three FULL outlines. It’s wild. I talked about them here https://tabathashipleybooks.com/2025/08/28/new-wip-the-superhero-trilogy/
- Genesis Story. This one has been around for a long time. It MAY be my oldest idea. So, it seemed fitting to start with that one when I sat down to outline some of these solid ideas. Basically, this one is a science fiction story about a group that believes they are chosen by their God. Their reality is a LOT different, but that’s a secret we keep for now. It was originally another 2020 idea that wasn’t chosen. Mentioned only only once on the blog, I think, here https://tabathashipleybooks.com/2020/09/24/nano2020-ideas/
- Dystopia. This one has NEVER been mentioned on the blog, I don’t think. Also, that’s a terrible name for it. This one, believe it or not, came to me almost fully developed in a really realistic and long dream. I was able to get a lot of it scribbled down and turn it into a full outline within a few weeks. Basically, our main characters live under an oppressive regime but they might not be on the same side.
- Weather World. Another one that has NEVER been mentioned on the blog. This one first appeared in my idea journal as a hierarchy of the world’s ruling class. Literally a drawing of the hierarchy. I didn’t know what to do with that … until I did! The idea just sort of took off and turned into a fun sort of heat miser vs cold miser story. This one has serious potential.
DRAFTING
I typically only keep one story as an active WIP as a time. Right now that is the Superhero story, book 1. I’ve said before that my brain works in weird ways. This story jumped into my mind when I was trying to focus on something else and wouldn’t be quiet! So, I’ve abandoned some really cool ideas in favor of this one. It better be worth it!
DRAFT DONE
I tend to let drafts simmer for a bit before diving into editing or revising. I’ve learned that it helps my writing grow and develop. It also helps me to see what I actually wrote instead of what I MEANT to write. For this reason, I only have 1 draft done that hasn’t been tackled right now. That’s the Apocalypse Project. It’ll be on my 2026 goals to edit this one, I promise. I won’t link all the many times I’ve talked about this one over the years, but here’s one to give you the refresher https://tabathashipleybooks.com/2024/07/24/the-apocalypse-project/
REVISING
I made it my 2025 mission to move things through the revision process that had been done for any length of time. I think that shows in the final two categories here. I have 1 story in revisions right now, the Romance. I haven’t talked about the Romance much (likely at all) but it’s been here for a long time. It’s another of my oldest ideas. It needed a LOT of work when I sat down to tackle it but it’s officially through the first edit. Lots of cuts were made, practically every scene was rewritten. But it survived and I still like it so it moves onto further edits. If things work out, this could be available in early 2026!
COMING SOON
That’s What Friends Are For is in the hands of ARC readers NOW (if you were expecting an ARC or want an ARC, let me know!) and is on track for a December release. This is a young adult drama about toxic friendship. It’s got BIG themes, BIG emotions, and a realistic storyline.
AVAILABLE NOW
Well you know what those are, it’s just fun to brag with this count.
Current Count: 12
So, that’s it! My current WIP and idea count. Some categories are looking MUCH better than last time we checked in. Some categories have gotten CRAZY. I’m still having fun with the journey, I’m seeing the progress, and I’m proud of where I am.
Also, looking at this, I’m thinking 2026 will be the year of the drafting since I have so many outlines. We shall see!
Keep plotting the path to your dreams. See you next time!
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