HELP! I have

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HELP! I have

HELP! I have a big problem: when I write stories, I barely finish them because I want to write a new one. Cry This is a BIG problem! Any advice? Please give me some. I would really appreciate it. Thanks! 

submitted by Alexa B., age 12, Mississauga, ON
(January 16, 2010 - 7:21 pm)

back to the Inkwell

Try writing down your ideas on a piece of paper and decide which ones you want to write and which ones you don't. Also, stick to your goals and try writing at least 3 chapters of each book a week, or if it's just one book, you don't need this rule. I am writing two books right now, and I write half- a chapter of each every other day.

Hope this helps!

submitted by Lizard
(January 16, 2010 - 11:33 pm)

Thanks Lizard! Smile

submitted by Alexa B., age 12, Mississauga, ON
(January 19, 2010 - 5:47 pm)

Ah! It's the SNISA! *glances at Adina and TNO (umlaut)*

Ahm, yes. Plan out the story for at least a week before you actually start writing it, so you have a basic idea of where the plot's going, and then start writing. This way you'll be a lot more committed to finishing the story. Maybe.

submitted by Mary W., age 12.1, NJ
(January 20, 2010 - 6:15 pm)

Great idea! Thanks! I have tried it before, but I usually do it the night before I start writing, so putting more space in between my "inspiration time" will help a lot! Thanks! By the way, what is SNISA? But you don't have to tell me if it's between people you know. Wink

submitted by Alexa, age 12, Computer
(January 20, 2010 - 9:07 pm)

SNISA stands for Shiny New Idea Syndrome Anonymous, and everyone gets it. Don't fret. I had a really horrible case towards the end of fifth grade. Best thing to do is take a couple notes and then IGNORE IT. No matter how Shiny the New Idea is.

And no, it's not between people I know--- Adina and TNO (umlaut) are both CB'ers, and I recalled them being some of the main posters on the SNISA thread we had a while back, and I think one of them made up the acronym. Although Adina and I email, so I s'pose you could say that we're RL friends.

submitted by Mary W., age 12.1, NJ
(January 21, 2010 - 3:42 pm)

SNISA. Really smart idea. If only there was a medicine for it. (Joking!) Tongue out Now I just have to overcome my SNISA. Hopefully. *fingers crossing* 

submitted by Alexa B., age 12, computer
(January 22, 2010 - 9:13 pm)

SNISA = Shiny New Idea Syndrome... Anonymous, was it? Like AA, only for writers with attention spans on par with that of four-year-olds.

Or I'm just crazy and misremembering. 

As for dealing with the SNIS themselves, I have precisely the same problem and solve it by trying to write about five stories at once. Which seldom works, until I figure out which one I like best and the others fall by the wayside. 

submitted by TNÖ, age 16, Deep Space
(January 21, 2010 - 9:10 pm)

This sounds like it could be one of two things: you run out of momentum quickly, or you become bored with your ideas.  In the latter case, the problem is with your writing and ideas.  Before you begin writing, try to think about all the places your idea could carry you, and develop a true plot, not just a springboard of an idea.  The problem with springboards is that they won't carry you very far unless you've got someplace to go afterwards.  In the former case, the easiest solution would just be GYRTACAW: Glue Your Rear To A Chair And Write.  It doesn't matter if you get stuck or bored or hungry - just keep going.  It doesn't matter if it stinks: you can always fix it later.  The main goal is to get as much down as possible.

 

And if neither of these solutions work, then just keep in mind that there's nothing wrong with writing several stories at once.

submitted by Allison P.
(January 20, 2010 - 9:16 pm)

Thanks Allison! I think I would help a lot if I glue my rear to a chair and wrote. I get bored really quickly, with stories, to music pieces, to blah blah blah. And I usually do use springboard ideas and not a true plot. Thanks!

submitted by Alexa, age 12, Computer
(January 21, 2010 - 7:59 am)

Glad I could help. Smile

submitted by Allison
(January 21, 2010 - 5:00 pm)

Finally, someone who understands... I DO THE EXACT SAME THING! And its hard once u get into the habit of doing that because you get all these great ideas and then theyre lost in the abyss of your computer or journal!

My advice 4 u... well even if you get a great idea while your writing another story, DO NOT SCRAP IT. write it down, notebook journal computer whatever, and continue working on ur other story. ur new ideas can wait! 

submitted by Rachel M., age 10, Neenah, WI
(July 29, 2010 - 7:41 am)