Sometimes you just have to trust in your creativity

Many writers suffer with a problem that is the opposite of writers block, they simply have too many ideas.

Now if you are a writer who struggles to fill a blank page and find a story worth starting this might not seem like a problem at all. However, the problem is it can lead to ideas hording. Where you have too many ideas, often either start them and can’t finish because you want to move on to something new.

It can also lead to writing paralysis where you don’t know which idea to choose. If this is you, don’t worry you are not alone and finding a way to know if your story is worth committing to is a way to stop struggling with what to write.

What makes your story worth continuing

So picture this, you have too many ideas but don’t know what you should work on first. Many times this can lead to you not working on anything or feeling like you chose the wrong option.

But there are many ways to work out if you story is the one to work on:

• Which story has the most originality
• What are you most excited about
• Do you have the option of paid work
• How much time do you have
• What stories do you like to read
• What story comes easily

---

Chose an original story:

Originality is hard to find in literature or articles. Just take a look at the news, a lot of media outlets these days focus on trending topics which means everyone is writing about the same few stories happening in the world.

Then think of fiction, there are times when certain genres or topics become popular and everyone starts to write about the same things (dragons and fae anyone?).

So whilst it can feel easy to want to follow the crowd and write about the same things, thinking of an original idea will be more exciting because then you get to set the trend. If one of your ideas (be it for a fictional story or article) stands out as more original than the rest then I suggest you focus on that.

Be willing to lead the crowd and start the next big trend rather than following what others tell you is popular.

Work on exciting projects:

When you love something time just flies by. Think about when you are working versus when you are enjoying yourself outside of work. Time can seem to drag at some points and speed by at others.

This is because you get lost when you are doing something you love.

Let that be a sign to focus on the idea that excites you. It doesn’t need to be a popular topic or story idea, but if you are excited to work on it the writing will come easily.

Get that money! Work on paid projects first:

For any freelance writers out there focus on paid work first. You have to pay the bills right?

Personal projects should come second and whilst you should definitely make time for the things you love and the book ideas that may make you money in the future writing for your work deadline should take priority. Then work on your own projects after.

This will avoid that panicked rush to finish any freelance work and you can avoid upsetting clients.

Factor in the time you have to write:

No one has the same 24 hours in a day. Some people work longer hours, have family commitments or study schedules they need to stick to. So, no one has the same amount of time to write.

This should play a part in what you work on.

Maybe consider working on short stories or flash fiction is you only have a little time? This will allow you to practise your writing skills whilst still seeing the results. Alternatively, you could write a paragraph of an article at the time, doing research as you go along. Perhaps breaking your writing into easy 15 minute time slots.

If you have a list of projects look at what can be achieved in the time you have. This will help you decided what to work on. If your ideas don’t fit into the time you have available maybe they are the ones to save for a later date? That way you can build up your writing samples without loosing interest on a story that will take too much time.

What stories do you like to read?

Is your story idea something you would want to read?

Consider this when looking at whether your idea is worth committing to. If this is something you would pick up then it might be an idea worth pursuing.

If your end goal is to have people read your work or maybe enter some competitions it will need an audience at some point. So as a reader you will already know what you like to read. Work on any ideas that appeal to you, because even though we all want to feel unique they’ll be others who like what you read too. Which is lucky for writers!

What story comes easily to you?

Writing is hard, but it shouldn’t be impossible.

Some stories are easier to write than others. Perhaps you find it easy to write about your life but then struggle to create a fictional story. If that’s the case maybe writing in an autobiographical style could work and you could share your knowledge rather than working on fiction.

Or, you could enjoy making up children’s stories but struggle with anything for older ages. This is your sign to get started on that children’s book. By focusing on what you find easy first you’ll build up a writing habit and practise. Of course you can always evolve and try other genres later on but choosing what comes easy first will make it easier to write more.

And the goal of writing after all is to write.

---

So what story idea will you start with? Now is the time to get going and make writing a habit.