Idea Syndrome - TMIS

When writing any piece of text, for example an article, poem, song, or story, the two parts of technique and imagination are closely tied. There is a strong bond between these two components, and when coming together the wonderful world of rational creativity is formed. This goes back to an earlier hub of mine linking both sides of the brain, and how one connects to the other. When you sit down with a cup of coffee (tea or orange juice in my case) to write, approaching it in an organized manner is key. It's very easy to fall into the process of the artistic mind, and start writing whatever comes naturally. However, constructing a process of writing and going through the experience is what can give a writer depth and profoundness, making the journey of creative writing more pleasurable.

Writing is a different process for most. Some can sit down for hours in front of their computer and wait for inspiration to suddenly hit them, while others have the exact opposite, where words, topics, and arguments are relentlessly bustling through their heads. This syndrome is what Leigh-Anne Jasheway describes as Too Many Ideas Syndrome (TMIS). This kind of condition may not seem half bad for any writer, however too many ideas and views may lead to a non-focused approach causing indecisiveness, which often times can leave the reader feeling confused. Look at it this way; when you walk into a supermarket, the amount of choices are endless, right? What cereal should you buy; bran flakes or something fruitier? What kind of meat should you buy; chicken, turkey, or beef? If you buy the chicken you have this kind of sauce at home but you wanted beef so it would go with that pasta you planned on making. Catch the drift. That's why people go in with a list. Stick to your plan and the journey will be smoother. Writing takes on the same sort of concept: always enter the room with a plan.

Author Melissa Hart has written about ways to help a writer in dealing with TMIS, and these strategies have guided top, money-making writers as well as writers who simply do it for pure pleasure. Either which way, a direct focus on writing something resourceful or creative is what we each set out to achieve. Below are my favorite four of her strategies:

1. Organize Visually - many writers are particularly visual, and so the approach of having a bulletin board in your office or home could serve as useful. It is an organized method that allows you to sort out through numerous ideas.

2. It's the Stupid Idea, Stupid - when coming up with a stupid idea : ) , write it down. At first it may continue being ‘stupid', however if you continue thinking about it, gradually over time that idea may turn out to be quite the opposite of ‘stupid'. There is a huge market out there to think about, and that ‘stupid' idea may be the one that ends up as ‘clever'.

3. That's What Friends are For - a healthy network of friends to share your writings and thoughts never hurts anyone. A writer should always have a couple of friends who you trust to be honest with you. To let you know when a piece "needs more work" or simply to give you a nice pat on the back.

4. This Idea has Legs - When sitting and writing for a long period of time, the best thing to do is leave everything. Get out of the house, go for a walk, play some sports, let your mind wander off for a good hour, and come back feeling refreshed and energized. You might be surprised at some of the ideas you picked up along the way.