I don't know about you but when it comes to writing, creativity isn't my problem; originality (maybe), time management (definitely), compelling voice (probably) but creativity, no problem. In fact, pretty much the only way I can get anything done is to reign in my creativity. If I don't I'm like a Jack Russell terrier, chasing story lines like their squirrels and starting new projects so quickly that nothing ever gets done. I have WAY too many unfinished projects as it is . I seem to come up with a new story daily and I know I'm not the only one that has this problem. So how do we writers deal with this burden of an over-creative mind?If you walk into my office (a windowless lab space in the basement of the Fisheries and Wildlife building that I lovingly refer to as The Cave) the first thing you may notice is "Holy crap, this guys' a list maker". And you would be right. I have no short term memory. Make as many jokes as you want about why I have no short term memory because it really doesn't matter, I won't remember anyway. So the only way I stay on track with my LIFE is to make tons of lists. I love lists. And even more than that, I love crossing things off lists. Of course in order to cross things off my lists I have to prioritize what needs to be done and when.
The same thing holds true for all the story ideas that my Jack Russell creativity throws at me every day. When you get these ideas, don't dismiss them. Don't say, "I need to concentrate on my current WIP" and throw them to the side. Start a Story List. When you get an idea, add it to the list. Keep track of what's on the list and prioritize what upcoming project you're going to tackle next. Not only does this keep you from forgetting what may be a wonderful (but ill timed) idea, for me it's very motivating. I know that not only do I want to finish my current project for its own sake but I have some cool ideas waiting patiently for me when I'm done. It's great!How about you? How do you deal with your inner Jack Russell?
LOL! This is too funny...
ReplyDeleteI'm not much of a Jack Russell person... When I'm focused on a project, I'm wholly there...
But I love your list idea... I just finished a WIP, so it's the perfect time to start brainstorming :)
Fun post! :D
Congrats on finishing your WIP. I'm sure someday I'll finish something...maybe.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh this is funny. I'm with you -- making lists helps, and if you absolutely have to write a spontaneous scene, do so and tuck it away in a file for later. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Gwendolyn!
DeleteI am glad that you mentioned this post. I imagine your cave with sticky note lists everywhere (even though you didn't say they were post-it lists). Do you by chance have a writer's notebook? I love mine to capture all of those ideas that come to mind as well as exploring and playing with writing.
ReplyDeleteI do tend to wallpaper with sticky notes. And yes, I love my "writer's notebook". I'm a no frills kind of guy but I think of my writing notebook as being sacred so I have a fancy leather-bound notebook with a special pen I only use for that purpose.
DeleteAmen! I have a brainstorming folder on my flash drive where I keep a list of story ideas, character ideas, magic systems, and names I like (the last of which comes in very handy when I'm trying to name minor characters in a new book). I wish the lists were longer, sometimes. And I wish I had a list of short story ideas--those ones are hard.
ReplyDeleteTotally understand the list-making. I have lists for everything...
A names-list is a good idea. I may have to start one of those.
DeleteHi Adam, you're right! I keep a writing journal myself and it's become like a best friend.
ReplyDeleteYup, inner Jack Russel here too. Though, sometimes I'm more like a Pointer. I'm able to remain fixated on an idea for a looooong time before I feel I've explored it enough. Drives my hubby mad!
ReplyDeleteBut most of the time my creativity is flexible and has me chasing idea-squirrels, so I totally understand you. :)
I always have a notebook and pen with me. To keep record of those story ideas. And lately, been crazy about making fantasy maps so I'm out of focus with developing a story idea. It helps when my bf is into writing. =))
ReplyDeleteFantasy maps? Cool!
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