{"id":14435,"date":"2023-06-11T19:21:46","date_gmt":"2023-06-12T01:21:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pjmaclayne.com\/?p=14435"},"modified":"2023-06-11T19:21:50","modified_gmt":"2023-06-12T01:21:50","slug":"to-sit-and-think-openbook-blog-hop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pjmaclayne.com\/?p=14435","title":{"rendered":"To Sit and Think #OpenBook Blog Hop"},"content":{"rendered":"

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June 12, 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n

How do you keep from overthinking your story?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cNo problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking.\u201d\u2014<\/em>Voltaire<\/p>\n

Recently, I had an old acquaintance describe me as “intense.” I can’t disagree, and that bleeds into my writing. Overthinking my story? I plead guilty.<\/p>\n

Even minor details can become sticky points as I consider whether they belong in the story.. Does it matter what posters are on the walls of the gym? They could be a nice touch to the setting, but they could also just be a distraction and slow down the pace of the action. It’s possible that I will spend ten minutes creating them, only to rip that section out and move it to my outtakes folder. Overthinking at its finest.<\/p>\n

When I write by hand, I don’t have the same problem. I may spend more time pondering a single word, but less time trying to figure out the plot. It seems to flow more naturally. (But then editing takes more time.)<\/p>\n

In my current work in progress, I’ve been spending energy trying to figure out the romantic subplot. When will I introduce it? I know I want there to be one, and who should be involved, but I’m not sure how to make it happen without seeming forced. Yes, I am overthinking it.<\/p>\n

But it shouldn’t be a surprise, because I overthink life in general. Expecting overnight guests? I figure out which set of towels to wash and set out for them a week in advance. Trip planning is a whole production, and I won’t share the appalling details.<\/p>\n

Still, I can be laid-back and spontaneous, and when I tap into that side of me I do perhaps not my best writing, but my fastest writing\u2014the most words in a sitting. I love those times, when I can stop overthinking and just write. Sadly, I have no hints on how to achieve that state.<\/p>\n

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What about the other authors in this hop? Find out how they battle overthinking by following the links below.<\/p>\n

Until next time, please stay safe.<\/p>\n

June 12, 2023<\/p>\n

How do you keep from overthinking your story?<\/p>\n

Rules:
1. Link your blog to this hop.
2. Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
3. Promise to visit\/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
4. Tweet\/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
5. Put a banner on your blog that you are participating.<\/p>\n

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You are invited to the Inlinkz<\/strong> link party!<\/p>\r\nClick here to enter<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n