Some writers say that starting a story is their biggest challenge. That coming up with things to write about is difficult.
Personally, something I am never short on is IDEAS. In fact, I have so many ideas that I am often overwhelmed.
You'd think having lots of ideas would be a good thing. And, essentially, it is.
However.
Here's something I AM short on: TIME.
So although ideas are great, when I don't have the time to explore them all, it's just plain frustrating. I have literally dozens of story ideas and I love every single one of them. My brain is screaming to be unleashed and allowed to pursue these ideas - because I know they would all be best sellers. IF I had the time to write them.
So what to do?
One of the things I know I need to do is become more disciplined with my time. Between my freelance work, my personal blog postings, social networking, working one or two days at an outside job, trying to keep my house semi-clean, and running my kids around everywhere, my brain gets cluttered with non-creative stuff so that honestly, even though I want to work on my ideas, when I do have a couple extra minutes, it's hard to muster up the creativity I need to "go there." Making my creative stuff (my novel, in particular) a priority, and scheduling time every day to work on it, might help.
But then comes the problem of which one to work on. People have told me to work on the idea that's closest to my heart. The one I feel "called" to write. See, there's the problem. I feel called to write them all. I love them all. I know I could write them all if I could just find the time to do it.
I know I can't be the only one struggling with confusion and frustration (please tell me I'm not!). So my question for you is how do you do it? How do you wade through all of your ideas and (1) decide which one to pursue and (2) find the time to actually finish them?
Seriously. I'd love to know.
Thanks in advance for your input. I'll check back later for your response. For now, I'm out of time.
8 comments:
It is a balancing act. Don't clean the house for a couple of weeks.....? :O)
Lack of time is definitely a factor I think we all face. However, I have to write every single day, without exception. Sometimes I'll steal very early morning hours. Other times I'm up past midnight, even though my eyes are half closed. I keep notebooks all over to jot down ideas on the spur of the moment, no matter where I am. Sometimes I write on backs of envelopes in the car, if my notebook somehow got left home. I guess, to use the old cliche, where there's a will, there's a way, when it comes to writing. Susan P.S. Sorry about the deleted message. I found a typo.
Two nights ago, I told my husband that if I just had about three more hours every day, I might be able to get everything accomplished. :)
I completely echo this post! I'm SO there right along with you - I thought I was the only one spinning my wheels and not adding anything to my word count. (I think I posted something similar on my blog the other day). It's SO frustrating, I know. Meanwhile, it seems everyone around you is actually writing, finishing and publishing their books! UGGH! Hang in there, Lynda. That's all we can do. Like my husband says (quotes Nike), "Just Do It!"
Good to know I'm not the only one, Debbie. You're right about everyone around us seeming to be writing and publishing. I'm happy for them, but only feel sorrier for myself. LoL. I've always loved that NIKE tagline. Too bad it's easier than it sounds. :-)
Hey Lynda,
Great post. In about a month, my schedule will no longer be my own. LOL! I will be taking care of my grandson full time. :O
I will then be getting up at 4AM to get some work done before he is dropped off every morning. We have to do what we have to do! ;)
Thanks for the read
I understand completely. I have tons of ideas, but have found I often have one with well developed plot, characters, and such...so that is the one I try to get an outline done on first and then write the snatches (chapters) of dialogue, description, etc as it comes to me.
If in this process a new idea comes along, I jot downt the idea and as much backstory comes at the time.
The more I focus on one story, the more ideas come for that particular novel. Just what I've found works for me. That way I get progress made on one novel while still capturing the ideas for new ones.
Lori
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