Too many plot ideas.

Ive had this problem many times before, it always seems like I can never pin down what I wanna do. Like all of the sudden I wanna write a Stephen King esq horror, the next a Si-fi. It all just gets kind of frustrating you know? its like I'm always on the edge of a good idea but I never get through enough of it and immediately start second guessing and thinking up a new story. If any of you have struggled with this or just have general advice for the problem, please let me know!

 

Also, ik its 11 am lmao. I've just been overthinking as per usual.

 

Go to your cabinet and pull out the best bottle of scotch you have. Before you do, however, jot your ideas down. There's probably some good ones there and you'd be surprised how fast you forget them. Best thing is to have one file tucked away that's your silly plot repository. Trust me, you'll be glad you kept it. Until then, there's the scotch.

 

I unfortunately cannot drink, at least not for a few years now. Thanks for the advice either way.

 

I can't believe you would tell anyone this. It's bad advice. It should be bourbon.

@DyingoftheLight have you studied plotting methods and story structure? If you haven't you might just not know where to begin or what to do. I saw where you said earlier you're a pantser (or was that a different newbie?)—so am I at heart, but I studied plotting and story structure anyway just so I'd understand what a story is, and when I run into a problem I can figure out what it is and solve it. Doesn't mean I need to plot or use any kind of standard story structure. I believe you can't really even rebel against story structure unless you know what it is first. Of course, if you're writing shorts this largely goes out the window, though there are methods of plotting and structure for those too:

• Need help to write my first short story

 

Oh sure you can, you just can't buy alcohol. Lol sorry, I don't mean to push you into being a ne'er-do-well.

 

We're contributing to the delinquency of a writer, lol

 

I have not admittedly and yes that was me, I'm a pantser even though I don't particularly like it I've kinda just gotten used to doing it all the time. Ill do some research though! thanks for the advice.

Lmao, never said I hadn't ever exactly. But I don't think it would help much with my writing process lolol.

 

Just in case you're interested in writing novels or long-form fiction, I would start by looking into the infamous three-act structure. It's the original, discovered (not invented) by Aristotle like twenty years ago (maybe more), and it's the basis of all other structures. Once you know three-act the rest are easy, just figure out what the differences are from it. In fact I'd say three act structure is also helpful to know if you look into those short story structures too. They all use some parts or terminology from it, if not the entire thing.

 

I was about to respond just now about how I've already been looking into them, and few I see already particularly catch my eye. Both for general story aid and things to bend and mold to how I wish to flow my story. The snowflake method and Freytags Pyramid/Five Act Structure seem particularly useful.

 

Yes! Do it! Snowflake Method is good.

 

Here's a really good article on it:

• The Snowflake Method: 6 Steps to a Powerful Story Outline @ Reedsy

 

Thanks for all your help, I really appreciate it!

 

Ill get the plot I want eventually, I'm kinda feeling something a bit dark rn...idk how the forum feels about sensitive topics self harm and all that however

 

Oh man, very sorry to hear that. No, it isn't encouraged to talk about self-harm or mental issues on the message board. That's pretty standard most places online. Really it's a good policy, because if people were encouraged talk about on those issues they'd often end up dwelling on them, and just get worse. Often the best thing is to keep yourself occupied with something, like talking about writing, rather than thinking about the darkness. If someone wants to seek online help or a place to commiserate with others about the problems, there are message boards for that.

 

You misunderstand, I mean in my writing specifically.

 

Oh, well, that's a big relief! I still don't think it's encouraged to talk about self harm and the like, even about a story. I'm not entirely sure though, maybe a mod can say something on that. Paging @big soft moose and @Homer Potvin . I'd say if you're going to approach that, keep it pretty oblique. Don't get specific about anything.

 

Actually, it seems like talking about it, even in relation to a story, can make things get too real, and spark some heated debate and might be triggering to some people. I'd say avoid it.

 

I totally agree, things like that should be included in our stories but not glorified I understand that. I just wanted to ask before I went on to post things that mention it

 

If all your plot ideas are getting in each others' faces then take just one of your ideas out with you for a walk. Walking with it in the back of your mind will make you want to write it. When its ready to be written up some stop in a pub, cafe, by the riverbank, under a tree, under a bridge, etc, and write down what you got.

Think of it as walking the dog until it really needs to go. After twenty minutes or so it'll do its business and you both get to go home again, happier and a little bit lighter.

 

I think you mentioned the Snowflake method. I've heard of it but haven't used it, but may I recommend Save The Cat?

The idea is simple. You know that moment in an action film when the hero has done all the hard yards etc... and now has to rush into a burning building to "save the cat". Scary, right? It doesn't need to be. Save the Cat is here to help you.

A good place to get started is, naturally, the Get started page.

I don't think you need a setting and/or characters before tackling the "Save the Cat" method ... it helps, but you don't need to. Take a day or two to learn how "Save the Cat" works, look at examples that people made of existing books, and then give it a try. But as other people here said: absolutely, stick to one setting, one story, and one only.

Yes, it's tempting to move to another. (I wrote ideas for another story while working on my present one). But don't go any further than that.

Decide on your setting first. What is your world? For me, it's simple. My genre is historical fiction, specialising in ancient history. So I might pick ancient Rome, ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, ancient Babylon, or what have you. I'm not show what your genre is, but depending on your genre, you'll find your setting.

Next, define your protagonist. Who is he/she? What does he/she want? What's standing in his/her way?

Define your antagonist. Who is this enemy? What's his/her goal? What's standing in his/her way?

Think of your supporting players. Why are they here? What do they want? Do they have their own goals, or are they simply playing the Mentor role, or the Reason for the Protagonist's Quest -- or are they simply a Spear Carrier? That's fine, not everyone has to be a major character.

Yes, there's more to it than that, but these are your absolutely vital pieces. Obviously you can't have an adventure without a setting, a hero, a villain, and your others.

Good luck. I hope this helps you.

 

Aw, man, talk about terrible advice. Chocolate. Everyone KNOWS chocolate is the answer.

 

I understand this. However, I think it's better to write what comes naturally, rather than try and force it? I would start writing things down, ideas, notes, anything. Then, maybe you will see the whole picture. What I do with my stories is start with 'oh, I like this concept/power/setting' and then expand from there. Not quite like a snowflake thing, but more of a puzzle thing? Also, a lot of stories come out of a simple question: "What If?" Go wild. Follow that plot bunny wherever it wants to go.

 

Having multiple pieces in progress at the same time is a common theme among a lot of writers. Where it can become a problem is if all of the plot ideas are being channelled into the same piece. Something I really like about having multiple pieces in progress is that I can shift gears when I need to. e.g. Losing steam on an scene and knowing if you keeping going you're just going to end up with filler, so you switch over and work on something different and come back to the scene with fresh energy. Either way you have been productive, just not in the exact way you thought.

It also allows for creative problem solving. By writing down a seemingly unrelated piece, you have a resource that might come into play when you least expect it. Think of it like that Ikea allen wrench you saved because it might come in handy at some point.