Streamlining, i.e. the Kitchen Sink Syndrome

[Pike]

Here's the situation:

I'm working on a new novel. Have this idea that's really exciting me. I've got my MC, his opposition, some side-line characters, setting and genre, and then there is this pile of info that keeps invading my notes. As I progress with the plot, more and more nuggets keep cluttering up on the page. Ideas as to where the original story begins, intrigue between the villains, romantic vs. non-romantic interests, etc. Heaping, steaming piles of it. The harder I try to focus the more I look like a sugar-smacked six year old turned loose in a Toys R Us.

So my question is to those who either deal with this disease, or those who have conquered it; what is the cure to the ailment? I know each of us have our own methods to the craft but I'd like to hear how someone has dealt with it in hopes of slapping the crap out of my wandering muse.

Thanks in advance,
Pike

[HeronW]

Actually the Muse is giving you an epic! Or at least enough for a trilogy. Some stuff will let you know that there's more to write, other stuff is for unseen scenery, what you know enabling you to write what goes on.

Focus on what story you're really telling: the MC is grownup and saves whomever against fearful odds. He's got friends and enemies on a rough parallel course ad they al meet at the end.

A handful of flashbacks are okay, the rest save for a second third, etc book, same world, told by same or alt. MC, extending the world, characters, etc.

Ex; book 2, 'My son would grow up to save the world, but first he had to live long enough to do so.' Mum or Dad's tale sets the pre-conflict to book 1 and ends with son at their graves (end of book 1), a phyrric victory.

[dempsey]

Write it all down, then ruthlessly edit.

It may turn out that one of these useless nuggets becomes a major plot point. For those that don't, there is always the delete key.

[scarletpeaches]

If I have a lot in my head to get down on paper, I write long. I write everything. I stick it all in, even if it doesn't seem relevant. I stuff the pages chock-full of every little nugget I can mine from the Muse's...um...mine.

Yeah.

Then I cut out the irrelevancies on the edit. Sometimes what seems unnecessary develops into a pretty fine plot thread and you never know until you try it.

[Pike]

Doh! Don't you hate it when the obvious is staring you right in the face? Great advice for a tired mind. I've already written down most of it and can see how spilling the rest on the page will help. At least I can get most of it out of my head on on to the page where i can mess with it. Huge thanks!!!

Pike

[otterman]

I've run up against the same thing in my WIP. I've done three things to help me keep focused:
1. Like you I've written all the ideas down (and created a very detailed outline)
2. I've realized that the story will take two books (there's just too much to try to fit into one). Knowing there will be two books has helped me come up with an interesting concept (a kind of bridge between book one and two) that I think agents/publishers/readers will like. Maybe you have to spread your story out as well.
3. I've tried to focus on one key event/character development for each chapter. I have weaved other plot lines in, but concentrating on one thing at a time has helped build the story's foundation and avoid making me feel overwhelmed by the material (the outline has helped in this). It's almost like telling a story each chapter - takes away the "big picture" pressure.
So far, I think it is working. It has certainly helped me cope with the kinds of issues you are experiencing. Two chapters to go, then my betas will be fed. If their appetites are sated, I will call it a success.
Hope this has been helpful.

[Pike]

I hear ya. My first road block was trying to tie down my villains to a particular course. I kow I shouldn't pigeon hole them or halt potential growth, but I needed them to have a firm basis to work their diabolical deeds from. After sitting down this morning and pumping out the gobbledy-gook in my head, I started to get that foundation. damn that helped bunches.

As for future stories, I'm seeing possiblities.

Pike