Too Many Ideas Syndrome

Do you suffer from the Too Many Ideas Syndrome?

One of the most popular questions I get from kids when I do a school presentation is, "Where do you get your ideas?" There isn't some mystical, magical way to find ideas because, truthfully, ideas are everywhere.

I've found that my kids are gold mines for ideas. I've sold several magazine stories based on things that have happened to my kids. I have a long list of story ideas in my notebook directly related to things my kids have said or done.

I've gotten ideas from the news, from listening to people talk, from my friends, and from just wondering about something. I have a list of subjects I'd like to write about when I'm more comfortable writing nonfiction and most of those ideas are based on questions my kids have asked (and I couldn't answer).

I wrote a picture book based on an experience with our pigs. (I hate pigs). I haven't sold it yet, but I hope to in the future so that something good comes out of dealing with those ornery things.

So, yes, I think I suffer from TMIS. I don't think I'll ever be able to write about all the ideas I have. And, I keep getting more and more and more. My daughter gave me two ideas for chapter books just last night.

Here's a link to a Writer's Digest article that some of you may find helpful in combating TMIS:

Creativity: Overcoming Too Many Ideas Syndrome http://writersdiges t.com/articles/ jasheway- bryant_blinded. asp
Don't let your creativity get in the way of your productivity.
Here are nine tips for overcoming Too Many Ideas Syndrome.

Of course, in the long run, it's far better to have too many ideas than none at all!