Too Much

HarperLenox · 10-31-2009, 01:40 AM

I am in need of some advice, because this is the first time I have come across this problem when writing one of my novels.

I have the basic premise figured out, however, once I started fleshing out the rest of my story I ran into a fork-in-the-road (with way more than two tines on it). Its not that I am incapable of discarding zero ideas; I have trashed plenty already that were just stupid, too corny, or not rounded enough. I have even tried combining two of the ideas that were similar and complemented each other, but that ended up not working. See, I find myself elaborating so much on the original thought and adding several options/directions that it could go in and then not being able to choose which would be the best fit for the story or the most interesting.

If there is someone with any suggestions at all they would be very welcomed.

Mark · 10-31-2009, 04:36 AM

First, welcome to Inkify!

Just to make sure I understand your question, it sounds like you have your beginning figured out, but there are a lot of possibilities for the middle, and you aren't sure which one to do?

I can't say I've ever felt that way myself -- I usually have a clear idea of where I want to take a story, even if it ends up changing frequently. I'm not sure if this is similar, but for a while, whenever I read a good book I would want to use some of my favorite aspects of it in my novel, and if they wouldn't fit I'd want to modify the theme of my novel to make them fit. It isn't so much of a problem for me anymore, but at the time I got around it by working on several novel projects simultaneously that were very different from each other. Perhaps you could do that with your story ideas? Choosing one, and saving the others in case they come in handy in your next book?

Or, you could always just pick one and go back to choose another if it doesn't end up working. It might be a lot of work, but writing well can be difficult.

You could also try to let your characters guide the story.

HarperLenox · 11-05-2009, 08:26 PM

I think I understand what you are trying to say. However, I think I already tried that possibility. For example, the novel I am working on now, and the one I wrote this thread about, I already explored the idea of turning it into a multiple book series. Which I am fine with, but that just stirred up more questions and made my head hurt more. I am then hit with the issue of what to include in which book? Which book should be from whose POV? I don't know, maybe this is one of those things I will just have to work through on my own. I am very grateful for your help though. So thanks a bunches!!

Mark · 01-01-2010, 09:39 PM

Glad I helped.

If you feel like posting a more detailed description this "fork in the road" I might be able to offer some better advice. I've found with my own writing that other people can often give me suggestions that seem so obvious I don't know why I didn't come up with them on my own.

10-31-2009, 01:40 AM	#1
HarperLenox Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 5	I am in need of some advice, because this is the first time I have come across this problem when writing one of my novels. I have the basic premise figured out, however, once I started fleshing out the rest of my story I ran into a fork-in-the-road (with way more than two tines on it). Its not that I am incapable of discarding zero ideas; I have trashed plenty already that were just stupid, too corny, or not rounded enough. I have even tried combining two of the ideas that were similar and complemented each other, but that ended up not working. See, I find myself elaborating so much on the original thought and adding several options/directions that it could go in and then not being able to choose which would be the best fit for the story or the most interesting. If there is someone with any suggestions at all they would be very welcomed.

10-31-2009, 04:36 AM	#2
Mark Administrator Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 615	First, welcome to Inkify! Just to make sure I understand your question, it sounds like you have your beginning figured out, but there are a lot of possibilities for the middle, and you aren't sure which one to do? I can't say I've ever felt that way myself -- I usually have a clear idea of where I want to take a story, even if it ends up changing frequently. I'm not sure if this is similar, but for a while, whenever I read a good book I would want to use some of my favorite aspects of it in my novel, and if they wouldn't fit I'd want to modify the theme of my novel to make them fit. It isn't so much of a problem for me anymore, but at the time I got around it by working on several novel projects simultaneously that were very different from each other. Perhaps you could do that with your story ideas? Choosing one, and saving the others in case they come in handy in your next book? Or, you could always just pick one and go back to choose another if it doesn't end up working. It might be a lot of work, but writing well can be difficult. You could also try to let your characters guide the story.

11-05-2009, 08:26 PM	#3
HarperLenox Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 5	I think I understand what you are trying to say. However, I think I already tried that possibility. For example, the novel I am working on now, and the one I wrote this thread about, I already explored the idea of turning it into a multiple book series. Which I am fine with, but that just stirred up more questions and made my head hurt more. I am then hit with the issue of what to include in which book? Which book should be from whose POV? I don't know, maybe this is one of those things I will just have to work through on my own. I am very grateful for your help though. So thanks a bunches!!

01-01-2010, 09:39 PM	#4
Mark Administrator Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 615	Glad I helped. If you feel like posting a more detailed description this "fork in the road" I might be able to offer some better advice. I've found with my own writing that other people can often give me suggestions that seem so obvious I don't know why I didn't come up with them on my own.