I’ve learned, over the years, that one of the most common questions authors get asked is “what are you working on”. So, as promised, it’s time to dive into the list again.
As I reminder, we’ve talked about this before.
- In September of 2025, I had 1 complete draft and 12 available books.
- 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/
Let’s see what’s changed in just a few short months.
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: 12
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. One of my goals in 2026 is to attempt to outline or abandon the stories stalled at this leve.
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
I’ve really been focusing (on the sidelines of other things) to nail down some outlines that were previously only ideas or brainstorms. Some of these are ROUGH and will likely undergo a lot of changes. These all have pages in the WIP journal and are ready to move to the next step as soon as I have time.
Current Count: 4
What are they?
- 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 at a time. Right now that is the Superhero story, book 2. 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 Superhero Project, Book 1. I decided to finish drafting the trilogy before I even attempt a first editing pass.
REVISING
I have only one thing in revision mode, at this point. My focus over the last few years has been to move things through the process in a way that works for me. Having one things in each of these time intensive categories seems to work for me. Right now, the Apocalypse Project is in revisions. I’m not going to link ALL the times I’ve talked about that project, but here’s a refresher. https://tabathashipleybooks.com/2024/07/24/the-apocalypse-project/ If things stay on this track, Apocalypse could see a late 2026 publication.
COMING SOON
Succour is heading out to ARC readers in April and is scheduled for a July release. This is a romance story for adults and I’m EXCITED to finally let you all see this one! Stay tuned for the ARC call (or check your email if you’ve been an ARC reader in the past).
AVAILABLE NOW
Well you know what those are, it’s just fun to brag with this count.
Current Count: 13
So, that’s it! I think it’s fun to check on this every once in awhile and watch the numbers shift. It’s clear I didn’t abandon any stories between September and today … just moved the progress needle in the right direction!
See you again soon.