Too Many Ideas
I thought the hardest thing about writing would be the writer’s block, having no idea what to write about. But there’s something even worse than that. What’s worse is having too many ideas and not knowing which one to choose from.
Honestly, that’s sounds like writer’s block because it is kind of preventing me from writing. I think I’m just over thinking it. Instead of trying to figure out how to make it make sense, I should just write and see what happens. I can always clean up the inconsistencies later. Right?
With that being said, here are some techniques I have tried, and others I’ve googled to figure out all these thoughts bouncing around in my head.
1. Make A List – Now I don’t know about you, but I love making lists. It’s an easy way to see the full picture, rather than dealing with it all piece by piece. In this instance, just take some Post-it notes or a sheet of paper and write down every idea you have. That’s it. Then take a step back and decide what stays and what goes. Be firm in your decision and never look back.
2. Pick the Least Complicated Option – If you haven’t made your list, do so now. I think this option works better when you have a list in front of you. If you don’t have a list, that’s okay, just think about all your ideas and pick the one that’s easiest to do. For example, I have an idea for a fake marriage story but there are multiple ways to write this story. So, I need to pick the one that’s easiest to work with. And the easiest one is fake marriage to cover up and impress the family. And I’ve read enough of those stories to know how to write one.
3. Stop Overthinking – Easier said than done. I suffer from anxiety, so I’m always over thinking. But there are ways to trick the brain into taking a break. You can either watch something that makes you happy or do a chore. I find that doing chores allows me to focus on the task at hand, rather than fixate on my writing or even my anxiety. It’s something that requires no thinking on my part and I can easily do.
4. Create an “ideas” folder – According to Method Writing, it states to create this folder and recognize these ideas as fragments. That these ideas are not “fully fledged projects,” and you shouldn’t treat them as such. Just place in the idea in that folder and revisit at a later date and time.
5. Test Out Your Idea – The Method Writing site also suggests testing out your idea by using the “PROBLEM” tool. This tool comes from screen storyteller Erik Bork, and he suggests taking “the acronym “PROBLEM” which stands for ‘Punishing, Relatable, Original, Believable, Life-Altering, Entertaining and Meaningful,’” and applying that to your idea. Bork advises not to commit to an idea until “it has hit all the elements.” This way, you’ll know before you start if this idea is a viable project.
6. Plan It Out – This seems fairly straight forward but there are many ways to plan an idea. For me, I like to do what I call “the storyboard method.” Now I think I got this off of Instagram from author Christine Riccio but I’m not 100% sure. What I am sure of is that it works. So, you take Post-it notes and write out the scenes for each chapter. And I like to use different colors for each chapter. You don’t have to write much, just enough to contextually know what’s going on. I have done this for one of my books already, I just need to sit down to write it.
Now that you have the whole story mapped out, figure out when it the best time to write and where is the best place to write. For me, inspiration seems to always hit best at 2 am, but I have work in the morning, so I need to find a better time to write. Honestly, I could write as soon as I get home from work, but I’m so mentally drained by then, I can’t think. I think the solution may be to write at work when I have some down time. I’m my most productive at work and I won’t be mentally drained from teaching all day. Also, weekends, I usually have lots of down time (unless grades are due) and I not nearly as stressed from work as I am during the work week. But it takes times to figure out where and when works best for you. Don’t just pick a place or time because its free if the writing juices aren’t following. The point is to write and if you can’t do that, pick another place and/or time.
7. One WIP at a Time – Speaking of writing it, I have a nasty habit of starting too many WIPs (Works-In-Progress) at one time. I think currently I have four WIPs in the works and at least three more that I have ideas for. Thus, why I have too many ideas swimming in my head right now. So, I should work on the WIP that I have already finished the storyboard for and worry with a different WIP some other time.
8. Find a Mentor, Accountability Partner, or Reading Buddy – This advice came from the business website Prowess, however, I think it touches on some good ideas. According to the site, a mentor can help you “bounce ideas around, get encouragement, take practical action or just get a kick up the backside.” The same came be said for an accountability partner or a reading buddy. In the writing community, an accountability partner or reading buddy will check in with you to see how the writing is going and help you stay on track. You and partner/buddy can decide how you want this relationship to go. Whether you’re just looking for encouragement or someone to help you kick it into gear and make sure you don’t procrastinate or spiral. You choose what works best for you.
9. Take a Writing Class – Some of my best ideas and follow through on those ideas were when I was in a writing class. One, there was a grade to achieve and as an over achiever, I did what was necessary to ensure I made a good grade. I put in the time, effort and energy and that’s what helped me progress on my writing. Two, there was an entire class as well as instructor guiding my writing, giving my encouragement and proper feedback to help my writing grow. Lastly, the environment. I felt at home when I was in a writing class. Despite being a class, it was the least stressful time in my life because I felt I was where I was supposed to be.
10. Celebrate Your Creativeness – This one is the hardest for me to do because I don’t celebrate unless I have achieved something. For me, having an idea isn’t hard, I have them all the time. That’s why I’m in this mess. According to the Method Writing site, “‘Too many ideas’ are a symptom of the wild imagination that lets you invent new worlds, and see into characters’ heads!” The website also states, that despite the frustration, you should celebrate how creative your brain is. I don’t think I’ll be throwing myself a party, but maybe I can go out, buy some cupcakes or something, and give myself a little treat.
Reference Links:
· Prowess.org (this last one mostly pertains to business but there were some helpful tips that could be transferred to writing)
