Adam Scott Thompson at 2013-12-11 19:25:39:

I'm currently learning the value of stacking projects. Working with separate concepts in each of the three phases means you never get bored. And they all pay dividends. Refining your research methods on Project #3 might help you when figuring out fixes for the rewrite on Project #1. Project #2 is where you're actively plotting and putting new words on the page, so that's the most electric. It's the closest I'd like to get to having multiple personalities (aside from "possession" by my characters). Great post, Scott!

Scott at 2013-12-11 22:25:56:

Adam, multiple personalities! Yes, good analogy. You are figuratively shifting 'hats' or 'masks,' slipping from one story universe into another. But as discussed, for writer who do choose to go up for writing assignments, as opposed to simply writing on spec, stacking projects is pretty much a practical as well as financial necessity, thus a necessary skill set to learn.

Drew Bryan at 2013-12-12 04:04:21:

Correct me if I'm wrong Scott, but besides Bass, these guys got full-time assistants pushing the plow for them as well, no? http://gointothestory.blcklst.com/2008/06/bass-hysteria-article-on-screenwriter.html

plinytheelder_t at 2013-12-12 05:07:38:

fyi, from James Cameron's wikipedia page: During the early 1980s, Cameron wrote three screenplays simultaneously: The Terminator, Aliens, and the first draft of Rambo: First Blood Part II. While Cameron continued with The Terminator and Aliens, Sylvester Stallone eventually took over the script of Rambo: First Blood Part II, creating a final draft which differed radically from Cameron's initial vision.

Aarthi Ramanathan at 2013-12-12 05:50:50:

In my case, when I was writing my 'first' script or rather revisited screenwriting after many years, I realized afterwards that it was an impediment not to have stacked projects because I got obsessed with retooling the one script. Once I started stacking though, while it was initially difficult, it got easier the more I wrote and the more I read other scripts. It takes time and effort to effort. Now I am rewriting three or four at the same time - but when duty necessitates, I focus more on one than the other and let the process and the stories dictate what works best without rushing too much. I guess what I am trying to say is stacking in my case while on my first and second script certainly made a huge difference and better output writing wise once I started doing it.. so while it might or might not work for everyone, if you are finding yourself stuck on the same script, stacking can actually free you and help you gain ground, but that's just my two cents. Made a huge difference for me both writing-wise and confidence wise!