Why is it when you're having difficulty finishing one project you have lots of ideas for others? I need to power through one before I start another. Anyone have any suggestions as to how to turn the creative flow back to my first project? Or should I just put it aside and work on the others for a while? Thoughts and advice are greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Screenwriting : How many open projects at once? by Lenore Sagaskie
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finish and table everything else. once you "finish" you have product. Until you finish you have ideas.
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While finishing projects is important (obviously!), when you get to the point of pitching screenplays, you'll sometimes be asked "what else have you got?" Always have multiple projects going on! If you're having trouble creatively flowing on the one, one on to another for a bit. Set some goals or time limits for yourself, then return to the other to complete it.
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That should read, move** on to another for a bit.
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Not saying this in a negative way. But as you write you become a better writer. Perhaps these early ideas don’t have enough meat on their bones to support a script and subconsciously you know that now.
They may be like a high school relationship. Great at the time, but you wouldn’t want to go back. That being said, we married straight out of school 30 years ago, so what do I know... LOL
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That was happening to me and I got nothing done. Just pick one that you think about the most and feel compelled to write. Finish it. Then as you're editing the script, start another. You just have to take one at a time. Make a list. What's current? marketable, etc and go from there. Hope that helps!
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Do you outline your story? I can understand how someone might run into some creative roadblocks if they don't outline, and if they don't have their stories figured out. Finishing a story is actually easier to be, because as I'm getting closer to the finish line, I get more revved up, and get like an extra boost of adrenaline in that page area.
If you do outline, and have your story figured out, and are still having difficulties finishing, then I'd recommend to you what I recommend to others - chain yourself to your chair and finish the story!!! (Just kidding.) And if all else fails...maybe write your ending first?
Best fortunes to you in your creative endeavors, Lenore!
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I think this is totally natural for someone creative to have other ideas spring up. As those synapses start to fire your mind just naturally starts to contemplate more "What if'..." questions or come up with new project ideas. But don't let the distract you. I would suggest allowing yourself to make a note of the idea in a journal or diary. Give it as much time and focus necessary - a sentence/log line, a paragraph, a line of dialogue...whatever, and then set it aside.Certainly finish the project you're struggling with. If you find you're having trouble in your Act 3, go back and re-read your Act 1. Ask yourself, have you answered the dramatic question you set up in the beginning of the project? If you're having trouble with your Act 2, consider that you may have not set up an inciting incident that is strong enough to drive a narrative forward.
I gave a whole Stage 32 webinar on Cracking Your Second Act. I am happy to hit you with a few tips in the comments if you let us know where you're running into road blocks.
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Thanks for the great responses! I will definitely refocus my energy and push through to get this project done!
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I always have multiple projects going mainly because I can't stop the flow of ideas that grab me. I try to ignore them, but sometimes i just have to follow my gut. Also it's nice to have different projects on the go for when you're feeling down and need a change. I tend to get really bogged down ni one story. Changing it up can keep the creative juices free and flowing. i find.
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I can't speak for other creatives, but I did allow a book to muscle into line ahead of the book I was working on, glad I did--got a publishing contract for it, and am now back on the other one.
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I often have a hard time juggling one at a time.
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this is exactly how I would describe myself ! me too have thousands of projects in various states... in various shelfes
accumulating research... let me suggest : do not think
that your good lateral thinking is a waist... use it later...
in another project... that will be really advanced by the time
the cosmos is ready for it... search 'laterl thinking' is a brain creative technique...
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I never work on more than one script at a time unless someone's paying me. And I wish that happened more often.