Problem staying on track

[IronHalo]

I write as much as possible almost anything that comes to mind, poetry, philosophy, fiction, theology, but can't stay on track. I start something with great enthusiasm but then somehow forget about it or suddenly lose interest to go on to my next great idea. WHAT DO I DO?!

 

[GodFlute2]

Keep willing yourself to continue on. There are slow parts in every story. Parts that there's nothing exciting going on, or anything. No one likes to write them and they're not the best parts to read, but they should add something to the story, perhaps not at the moment, ut later on...maybe...

 

[Westvleteren]

As in any other hobby or profession, discipline is key.

I recommend keeping an "ideas notebook" (or a file on your computer) where you jot down all the ideas that come to you. Promise yourself you'll get back to them, then close the notebook and get back to work on the project at hand.

Then, once you write "the end" on one work, it's good to work on something else. Every project needs a "cooling off" period between drafts so it's fresh the next time you look at it.

 

[ConstanceB]

Sound advice already!

Here's one you might try, as it worked for me: instead of writing/typing, tell your story into a little tape recorder (for $30 you can get a cassette recorder that would do). At first it sounds weird to hear your own voice, but as with prayer, it becomes simpler after a while, and most of us abhor a silence -- so we'll say anything!

 

[Westvleteren]

Here's one you might try, as it worked for me: instead of writing/typing, tell your story into a little tape recorder (for $30 you can get a cassette recorder that would do). At first it sounds weird to hear your own voice, but as with prayer, it becomes simpler after a while, and most of us abhor a silence -- so we'll say anything!

That's a darn good idea--I might try that the next time a new story is tugging at my sleeve. Thanks!

 

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

I write as much as possible almost anything that comes to mind, poetry, philosophy, fiction, theology, but can't stay on track. I start something with great enthusiasm but then somehow forget about it or suddenly lose interest to go on to my next great idea. WHAT DO I DO?!

This happens to everyone. When the ideas are new and fresh, it's easy to write. But then we have to tweak it, figure out why parts aren't working, cut out parts we've invested incredible amounts of time to writing, editing, etc. That gets hard and by then a new idea comes. I try to write the new ideas in a folder for that purpose and limit the number of projects I work on in a given time. I have three active, two on the back burner until one of the three is complete. Then I will add one of the two that are partially done and choose another prospective idea to fill its place because sometimes ideas come when the come and it's a good idea to write it then if time permits.