Lisa Geichman Prosek

Now that my book’s written, I need to move on to the next project.

But what should that be?

When I first started writing, I thought I’d have trouble coming up with ideas to pursue. Instead, it turns out that I suffer from TMI Syndrome–too many ideas.

Probably like many of you, I see the world as a series of stories longing to be told. They pop out at me, craning for my attention. I try them out. I make a lot of notes, beginnings that often end in frustrating nothingness. Still, I keep going back to them, trying to work them through.

One of my essays took two years to write. It came to me in a flash, combining my interest in Jane Eyre, my discouragement in a constrictive workplace, and my relationship with my mother. I started writing with zeal. But somehow, when the words got onto the page, either I lost my way or the story fizzled out. The creative problems nagged me. When I went to my computer to work on something else, I saw the unfinished essay there. “Enclosure.” The piece served as a neon sign flaunting my inability to finish it. I’d work on the essay another time, and then again have to put it away, discouraged.

But during the two years this project haunted me, I found other essays and brought them to productive conclusion, sometimes in the first sitting.

Then one day, without any real intention of working on it seriously, I opened the “Enclosure” file…and finished the essay. The concept had matured as my writing skills grew, and I was ready to pick the story and put it in my basket.

Right now, I find four main projects vying for my attention.

I’ve placed these ideas on my windowsill and frequently glance in their direction so I can be ready when each reaches its peak. The ideas tempt me. Sometimes I think I’ll work on the one that seems to be the biggest, the easiest, the most marketable, the one that might get me broad recognition. Still, it’s premature and not likely to be the one with the potential for the greater payoff–creative fortitude and growth.

However, while these projects on my sill seem like the best ideas for my pursuit, maybe while I wait for these to mature, other notions–perhaps even more fruitful ones–will come forward. These unknown stories might end up being even juicier, sweeter, more satisfying.

What do you do to find your next project? Do you suffer from TMI, and how do you handle it?