Managing an Overflow of Story Concepts: A Practical Guide
In the world of writing, one common challenge that many authors face is Too Many Ideas Syndrome (TMIS), a condition characterised by having an abundance of story ideas. Here are some effective strategies to manage this syndrome and advance your writing progress.
Firstly, it's crucial to choose one idea clearly. Evaluate which story excites you most or aligns best with your current goals. This focused approach prevents the scatterbrained feeling that comes from trying to do everything at once.
Once a story idea has been chosen, commit to it. Set a writing routine or deadline and focus exclusively on developing that story. By dedicating time and energy to a single project, you are more likely to see it through to completion.
To capture new ideas without distraction, consider creating a dedicated notebook, app, or "idea bank". This way, you can preserve your creativity for future projects without letting it interfere with your current work.
Structured outlining or a "story skeleton" can also help clarify your focus and prevent feeling overwhelmed by multiple angles in the same story. By planning out your narrative, you can ensure that your ideas are well-organised and coherent.
It's important to allow room for reflection and breaks. Temporarily stopping creation to recharge can help you revisit ideas with a fresh perspective. Recognise that idea generation is different from task completion, and deliberately compartmentalise brainstorming versus drafting phases.
Avoid beating yourself up over interruptions; instead, honour natural cycles of inspiration and productivity to sustain momentum. Embrace the fact that creativity can strike at any moment, and be prepared to jot down your ideas when they come.
Another practical tactic is to use daily writing prompts or 30-day challenges focused on specific writing skills. These activities help channel creativity constructively without scattering focus.
When it comes to starting a new project, consider beginning research or outlining for the new idea. This exploration allows you to delve into the story without distracting from your current creative work. However, it's important to stick with a chosen idea once it has been selected to avoid distraction from new ideas.
If a production schedule exists and the new idea has potential, scheduling it can provide motivation to complete current works-in-progress. Alternatively, you can work on the new idea in free time without derailing the current work-in-progress.
Ultimately, the writer or artist has the final say in choosing the best story ideas for their creative life and audience. Trust your gut, and don't be afraid to explain ideas aloud to determine their strength and potential.
By prioritising and committing to a single story idea while systematically managing the flow of new ideas, you can fight distraction and advance completion. Happy writing!
[1] Daily writing prompts and 30-day challenges can be found in various online resources and writing communities. [2] For more information on honouring natural cycles of inspiration and productivity, consider reading "Deep Work" by Cal Newport. [3] The concept of deliberately compartmentalising brainstorming versus drafting phases can be found in "Writing Down the Bones" by Natalie Goldberg.
- To balance opposing interests and enrich your personal life, one might explore diversifying their lifestyle by incorporating fashion-and-beauty tips, home-and-garden improvements, and writing progress into a well-rounded routine.
- For hobbyists who enjoy crafting and DIY projects, engaging in home-and-garden projects could provide a welcome respite from the demands of managing Too Many Ideas Syndrome in their writing. They may find this multifaceted lifestyle, which includes fashion-and-beauty hobbies, to be fulfilling and rejuvenating.
