Overthinking: How It Stops Aspiring Authors from Completing Their First Book
The journey of writing a book is filled with excitement, creativity, and, unfortunately for many, a fair amount of overthinking.
Especially prevalent among new authors, overthinking can be a significant barrier to completing that first novel or non-fiction work. This mental tug-of-war not only stifles creativity but also prolongs the writing process, turning it into a daunting ordeal. In our previous discussion, we mentioned the importance of writing courageously, encouraging authors to "write your thoughts, even when your prose falters." On that foundation, let’s look into how overthinking specifically affects aspiring authors and learn practical tips to overcome this common obstacle.
Understanding Overthinking in Writing
Overthinking during the writing process can be defined as the tendency to ruminate excessively on various aspects of the work, from plot intricacies and character development to stylistic choices and potential reader reactions. For first-time authors, this is particularly challenging because they often lack the experience and confidence that seasoned writers might have. This inexperience can lead them to question their every decision, fearing that any small misstep could significantly impact the quality and reception of their final product.
Authors like Toni Morrison, who started writing The Bluest Eye while juggling her responsibilities as a professor and single mother, often faced self-doubt and overthinking. Morrison’s perseverance despite these challenges is a testament to overcoming such mental barriers.
The Symptoms of Overthinking
Overthinking manifests in several recognizable behaviors that can stall the progress of a book. Authors might find themselves constantly revising the same chapters, unable to decide when a section is "good enough." Others may struggle to move past certain chapters, continually second-guessing their plot choices or character motivations. This often leads to a cycle of edits that hinders forward momentum. Additionally, overthinking authors might frequently worry about how future readers will perceive their book, which can paralyze the decision-making process and dilute the author’s original voice.
David Foster Wallace, for example, turned his girlfriend’s casual comment into a deep philosophical exploration, which eventually became The Broom of the System. His tendency to overthink and analyze every detail was both a strength and a challenge in his writing process.
Consequences of Overthinking
The implications of overthinking are profound and varied. Primarily, it can significantly delay the completion of a book, as authors get caught in a loop of endless revisions. This delay can sap an author's initial passion and excitement for their project, transforming what was once a labor of love into a source of frustration and dread. Over time, this cycle of overthinking and doubt can erode an author's creative confidence, leading them to feel more like impostors in the literary world than the promising writers they truly are. This loss of confidence can make it even harder to complete projects and stand behind one’s work, setting a challenging precedent for any future writing endeavors.
Zadie Smith, who wrote White Teeth while still in university, often spoke about the pressures and self-doubt she faced. Despite these challenges, she managed to complete her novel, which became a critical and commercial success2.
Strategies to Overcome Overthinking
Overthinking can stall many aspiring authors on their path to completing their first book. To combat this, consider implementing these targeted strategies that can help maintain clarity and productivity:
Set Specific Goals: Establish clear, achievable writing objectives. This could be a chapter per week or a certain word count per day. Specific goals make the task less daunting and provide measurable progress.
Divide Writing and Editing: Try to focus solely on writing in the first draft. Resist the urge to edit as you go, as this can interrupt the creative flow and lead to overthinking. Set aside dedicated editing time after the initial draft is complete.
Feedback Systems:
Beta Readers: Engage with a trusted group of beta readers who can provide constructive feedback on early drafts.
Writing Groups: Participate in writing groups or workshops where you can share your work and receive critiques in a supportive environment.
Scheduled Reviews: Instead of constant revisions, schedule regular review points to assess and refine your manuscript. This helps keep the revision process structured and prevents endless tweaking.
Practical Tips to Maintain Writing Flow
Keeping a consistent writing flow is crucial for completing your book efficiently. Here are some practical tips to help maintain momentum and enhance writing productivity:
Time Blocking: Dedicate specific blocks of time to writing, free from distractions. Use a timer to maintain this discipline, and focus solely on writing during these periods.
Manageable Writing Targets:
Set realistic daily or weekly word count goals that are challenging yet achievable. For example, 500 words per day or 3,500 words per week.
Celebrate small victories to maintain motivation.
Changing Environments: Sometimes a change of scenery can stimulate creativity and aid focus. Consider varying your writing locations—switch between home, libraries, cafes, or co-working spaces.
Use Productivity Tools: Leverage tools that can help reduce distractions and enhance focus:
Apps like Freedom or Cold Turkey block distracting websites and apps during your writing time.
Writing software like Scrivener organizes your research and drafts in one place, making the writing process more streamlined.
Routine and Rituals: Establish a writing routine that signals it's time to write, such as a warm-up exercise, listening to certain music, or preparing your workspace. Consistent rituals can trigger your creative mode and make transitions into writing sessions smoother.
Write Your Thoughts, Even When Your Prose Falters
Overthinking is a common challenge for many aspiring authors. Manage this issue by setting clear writing goals, separating the writing and editing processes, and employing practical techniques to maintain a steady flow of words. Stay focused and motivated, so you can progress steadily toward completing your manuscript.
It's important to revisit the message from our previous blog post: "Write your thoughts, even when your prose falters." Every writer should remember that the writing journey is as significant as the finished product. Aspiring authors should trust in their unique voice and the value of their stories, embracing imperfections as part of the creative process. Let the courage to express yourself freely be the guiding force that helps you complete your first book.
With dedication and belief in your narrative, the finish line isn't just a possibility—it's inevitable.