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Writer's Block Help for Those Who Have Too Many Ideas

In his post, Finding Story Ideas from Real Life, writer Bill Holland offered a wealth of inspiration sources for writers. In the comments section, a number of the writers noted that they had too many ideas and that inspiration was not a problem. This is the opposite problem to writer's block. Call it writer's burst!
While it's always good to have more ideas than needed, having too many can lead to the following writing problems:
- Analyze or Paralyze? Is it a good idea? Feeling that many of the article ideas may not have merit, writers can overanalyze the viability of any one of them... or even all of them! The result is the same as with writer's block: No writing gets done.
- Half Baked and Half Done. Another problem is pursuing all ideas, often all at the same time. This results in dozens (hundreds?) of half developed ideas and half done articles. The other result is that a writer can feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of articles before him, sometimes giving up on all of them. Again, same result as writer's block: No writing gets done.
Questions to Help Evaluate Writing Ideas
So how can a writer overcome writer's block, become a good editor and pursue writing projects of greatest value? These questions can help:
- Does this idea align with the subject(s) for which I have greatest expertise and recognition? Sure, it's good to stretch and venture into new territory. But how far off the normal path is this? If it will cause confusion for followers or new readers, ditch the idea. Alternatively, find a way to connect a random idea with typical topics. This can make for some very interesting and creative work.
- Does this idea help me build my writing business? If the goal is to become a paid writer, articles on scattered subjects don't present a cohesive body of work that clients want to see.
- Can several of these ideas blend together into one? Sometimes writers' brain bursts are embryonic ideas trying to connect and grow. Look over the list of random ideas and see how they could connect.
- Is there a market for this idea? The list of possible article, report and book topics is almost infinite. But if the goal of writing is to generate Internet traffic or sales, the idea needs a significant amount of monthly searches in target markets. Using the Google AdWords Keyword Planner Tool is invaluable in doing this type of filtering. A case can be made for "long-tail" keywords with low occurrence if this minimal market ties in with larger writing objectives.
These questions can also be used when evaluating whether to pursue guest blogging opportunities. Unfortunately, many guest posts are unpaid. If the blog, website or publication does not align with a writer's need to build a relevant portfolio or his business, pursuing too many guest posts can rob a writer of time and profits.
Tools for Tracking and Evaluating Writing Ideas
What can writers use to track and evaluate ideas as these bursts of inspiration hit? Some are high tech, others old school. The actual tools used don't matter. What matters is that they are actually used.
- Notebooks and Pens. Truly old school! Yet there are writers that find them more conducive to the creative process than gadgets and computers. Separate notebooks can also be used for different topics. Best feature is that they don't require batteries or power and can be used in a wide variety of inspirational settings. Plus, notebooks can often be recycled! Keeping one next to one's bed at night is perfect for those middle of the night brain bursts.
- Voice Recorders/Software. Voice recorders make it easy to capture ideas even while driving, but they do require transcription. Luckily there are services online which can transcribe these recordings for a fee. But even better is to use software or a mobile app, such as Dragon Dictation, which types while you talk. Then it's merely a task of organizing the transcribed files for access and evaluation later.
- Spreadsheets. Using a program such as Microsoft Excel, ideas can be entered into a searchable spreadsheet. Ideas can be alphabetized, tagged and organized for easy reference when the writer's burst turns into writer's block and an idea needs to be found.
- Organizational Software/Apps. Programs such as Evernote can help organize those overflowing streams of ideas into categories for easy reference later.
Disclaimer: Any examples used are for illustrative purposes only and do not suggest affiliation or endorsement. The author/publisher has used best efforts in preparation of this article. No representations or warranties for its contents, either expressed or implied, are offered or allowed and all parties disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for your particular purpose. The advice, strategies and recommendations presented herein may not be suitable for you, your situation or business. Consult with a professional adviser where and when appropriate. The author/publisher shall not be liable for any loss of profit or any other damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages. So by reading and using this information, you accept this risk.
© 2013 Heidi Thorne
Comments
This is great advice. I'm still doing things the old-fashioned way--writing ideas down in a notebook. I always have too many ideas. Sometimes I feel frustrated because I don't have enough time to develop all of them. But I follow the attitude I learned during my business career. Pick one thing and focus on that. I pick the idea that is foremost in my thoughts. Sometimes it feels like the idea is screaming, "Write Me Now." That's the one I write.
Great ideas, and a very common problem you've addressed here. I tend to be one of those "over-analyzers." It can cause just as much stagnation as no ideas at all.
If it's okay with you, I'd like to link your article to mine on exercises to break through writer's block.
Voted up +++ shared and pinned.
Another winner... have learned more about writing and publishing than I could have imagined. Thanks for doing such fine work. Blessings.
Writer's burst? Hahaha. I loved that phrase. Very apt indeed.
This is a short and to the point hub that I liked a lot.
Since I write in a narrow niche (hiking with dog, enjoying nature, and sharing some scientific facts along the way), I don't think I am going to be blessed with writer's burst ever. But I do get an idea every other month that entices me to build an article on. I hope it continues.
Btw, if I have too many ideas, which happened few months ago, I started writing on all of them and then chose the one I felt most elated about. The others are still in my inactive hubs.
This was a great read and your hubs on marketing are impressive. I too have felt overwhelmed by too many choices at times, it takes a bit to narrow down things. Voted up and useful.
Clever ideas, Heidi. Other than editing, I hate having the TMI syndrome of too many ideas in my head. For six months or so, I've been having the opposite of having no ideas to write fiction at this moment. I believe the switch have been turned off for fiction and on for nonfiction. Helpful tips, too. Voted up!
Hi Heidi, Thanks for great ideas to organize ideas! I use the voice recorder on my phone and Excel on the computer. I don't trust the cloud so I haven't used Evernote. If I ever upgrade Office, I'll use OneNote. Love that bit of software to pieces.
LOL I have this problem! The drawer next to my desk is filled with half-written articles, keyword ideas, and random projects that I might want to start one day. Good tips!
heidithorne you just shared the things I have in common. Sometimes I feel helpless cause too many "Ideas" which one will be the best?? Which one will be attractive? no idea on that! :P
I agree with you that there are times when writers have too many ideas going on in the mind. And it becomes difficult to decide, which one to pen down. This happens with me also. Thanks for your thoughtful suggestions.
Very useful and interesting hub!
Your ideas are truly wonderful. I have found the most success in finding a niche and sticking to that one niche. Occasionally, I veer away from the niche, but only to write about a topic that is personal and gives readers an insight to who I am as a person. That actually seems to add to my credibility in the niche I've chosen.
You are right sometimes there is the problem of too many ideas and this leads to writer's block not knowing which one to choose to write about.
Great tips.
Voted up and shared.
Even with all of the technology today, I still love writing my initial ideas in a traditional notebook. It gives me a chance to actually use a pen and paper and for some reason, it's great to see items truly crossed out rather than just deleted in a Word doc once completed. Great hub!
Even though I have a million notebooks, I write all over whatever is nearby...the backs of envelopes, receipts, whatever! I also downloaded a voice recording app on my phone. It's great when I think of something while driving. Thank you for all these great ideas! May we ever be prolific!
Great topic, Heidi! Not every idea that comes to mind should find its way to paper (or the internet). I like the guidance you provide here as well as the shout-out to a fellow Hubber. Yay!
I'm a perpetual sufferer of the "too many ideas at once" syndrome. It can be just as frustrating as writer's block! I use notebooks and pens all the time, they help immensely. Great hub!
"Writer's Burst!" Love that phrase! Sometimes there are so many ideas that come to mind I have to put them down in a notebook. They look like random phrases, especially when written in the dark while trying to fall asleep. LOL.
See, you didn't need me to write this; you did just fine on your own. :)
Thanks for the mention and well done, Heidi! May we never run out of ideas to write about. :)
Having too many ideas is definitely my problem. Thanks for the hub! It really gave me some ideas on staying focused and what I should focus time on.
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