Some writers sit in front of a blank computer screen and wait for inspiration to hit them from nowhere. Others have the opposite problem, with ideas for plot twists, article themes, greeting card phrases and even song lyrics that buzz incessantly in their heads. In fact, when I asked 10 writers if they considered themselves patients of the Too Many Ideas Syndrome (TMIS), everyone’s response was a resounding “Yes”. TMIS may not seem like a problem, especially in an occupation that requires new ideas. Appearing regularly to boost creativity. But having too many ideas and not concentrating can be as debilitating to a writer as looking at nothing, especially if the syndrome causes indecision, procrastination, missed deadlines, insomnia and anxiety. You do not hear much about TMIS because complaining about being too creative is like complaining about being on the New York Times bestseller list too often.
THE THEORY OF THE RED DRESS.
I have been teaching this theory to my comedy writing students for years. It is based on the premise that at any party, there will be more women dressed in black than red, the red ones stand out and attract attention. When faced with an overwhelming amount of ideas, I try to evaluate them to see which of them looks more like a red dress in a sea of black. For me, bold and brazen ideas are almost always the ones that inspire and motivate me.
IT IS THE STUPID, STUPID IDEA.
Tim Bete enjoys pursuing what he calls his stupid ideas. “My new book, Guide to Pirate Parenting, was the stupidest idea I’ve had for a book,” he says. “But as the idea evolved, it became one of the best ideas. I just needed time to grow old. Time lets things filter. If you keep thinking about a stupid idea for a long period of time, you may have legs or, in my case, peg legs. “I may have a point My best-selling book to date is Bedtime Stories for Dogs. stories for dogs Talk about crazy people
THIS IDEA HAS LEGS.
Another way I deal with TMIS is to take my dogs for a walk. Not only do I think better about the movement, but once I get away from the pile of papers stacked on my desk, things become clearer. I always carry a recorder to record ideas while I move. When I return, the ideas that I was excited enough to talk about are the ones I’ll look for first. Hart sticks a pen in his ponytail when he runs so he can write good ideas in his hand while bad ideas get in the way.
THE ALLOCATION IS DUE.
Even if you do not have a deadline, invent one. Too much time often exacerbates confusion and indecision, especially when you face too many ideas. I have taught five-minute writing exercises in my classes for years and discovered that they produce highly creative writing. Bete has a similar advice: “Reduce the amount of time you have to write because less time means less time wasted on unproductive ideas.”
GIVE PASSION.
Many authors, especially non-fiction writers, are inclined to the ideas they have the most passion for. Dr. Christiane Northrup, author of the best-selling women’s health books, including her latest book, Mother-Daughter Wisdom, says: “I still have the idea that it gives me more pleasure or that I have more energy. For example, if I have to choose between writing about osteoporosis or writing about sex, I’m going to go with sex! But I also like to address issues that bring the Crusader into me. I recently wrote about the HPV vaccine and why most women do not need it. “
Wendy Maltz, a sex therapist who has written several self-help books, including The Sexual Healing Journey, says she writes only about things she is passionate about. “I do not even like to write, but I have all these greatest ideas and writing is the best way to have the greatest social impact.” I write about the need to help, so I choose the ideas that will benefit most people and which are less information available. “
Conclusion
If you have TMIS, you do not have to suffer in silence. You can use one or more of these ideas (yes, I notice the oxymoron when presenting a person with more ideas). I hope you get relief quickly. If not, my only other advice is to choose the sugary cereal with the toy in it.