Writers: How do you stay focused on what you`re writing?

Question

I always have a problem with staying focused on what I am writing. I get new ideas and then drop the story I`m writing ot start a new one. As a result, I`ve never completed a story or screenplay. How do you stay focused on one story?

Answer 1

Write the whole thing in an outline. Fill in the blanks. Don't EVER EVER tell anyone what you are writing, EVER, untill you are done. If you do, stab yourself in the eye with a pen or something horrible. If you tell people what you are writing, you will give away your energy for the story, and it will already be told. If you don't tell it, you really really really want to tell it. Right? So, you have to finish it. This is why writers don't EVER tell people what they are working on. I will use the word EVER a couple more times!!! DO NOT EVER tell people what you are writing!!! EVER!! :)

Good luck. You'll be fine.

Answer 2

What you need to do is get an outline. Spend some time to think of all the great ideas you've come up with and put them together into one story. Trouble staying focused could mean you don't know EXACTLY where you want to go with this story. Also, just stick with the story you have. Once you finish and edit it, you can always write another one! :P

Answer 3

Often, a short story or a novel comes to me by inspiration as I type away. I'm never sure how the plot will end until I reach that point that nothing more needs to be inserted. That's the easy part for me; the difficulty comes with the never-ending editing that the story needs.

Another poster offered a sound suggestion; write an outline of what you want in your story and then fill in the gaps.

Answer 4

Each writer will find a different method for dealing with this problem. Primarily we need a place that will provide the least amount of distraction. Then set goals for how much you want to work, not in terms of quantity but time. William Kennedy worked 17 years on one project, although he was also working on others in the meantime. Join or start a critique group or workshop where you will be expected to provide each other with progressive samples of your writing. Such groups are available on line or you can find them through your library or check with local college creative writing teachers. Find contests of interest which will spur you to start and complete your work for that deadline.

Julia Cameron uses Morning Pages as a strategy for keeping the mind free of unnecessary clutter so we can focus on the real project. If we write three pages when we first get up (no matter the time of day that may be) we will clear our mind of the previous days' dregs and can be open for the new.

Answer 5

I imagine the story as I write it in my head. That's how I come up with ideas. I shut out outside noises and start playing the story in my head. It's help alot with describing the story because you become the character your writing or if more than one you switch if not in 1st person view. I think you get the idea. You play the story in your head.

Answer 6

Do a rough draft of what you'd like to cover in the story or screenplay, then fill in the gaps! I often start with writing my ending, and work backwards. God bless!

Answer 7

I just keep focus on what the story will be and write down the details. I usually first write a rough draft and show it to the other people and what they think and i write down there ideas, After when i think i have a good enough story i write the rough draft.

Answer 8

Alot of human beings supply you lots of those issues than can help you conquer author's block. yet you could no longer. author's block happens to each author. it rather is occurring to me good now. the sole possible element there is to do, is to attend. Alot of circumstances, i've got got here upon, is you get author's block once you don't recognize what's going to take place next. you're at finished loss of what to jot down next. And we call that author's block. somewhat, the sole way we are in a position to get via this is to attend. Wait till that next great theory consists of us. hear on your desires, seek for a thank you to be inspired. something will come to you, and the author's block would be over. Write down all your concepts, each and every thing you spot, each and every thing you dream. do no longer supply up writing in this era. Write extra effective than you many times do. because of the fact whilst the author's block is over, you could positioned all your concepts you wrote at the same time to make a great enormous theory.

Answer 9

Brainstorm first of course! Then choose the topic that interests you the most. Brainstorm again (about the topic you chose), listing things you would like to talk about how they relate to each other or different scenarios the story or screen play could have.

Answer 10

Try to write some of ideas down on paper.