Analysis paralysis is a term that I’ve heard and used in business. In my line of work, it generally boils down to overanalyzing minor number or processes to the point that doesn’t make sense, and stalls people from making real decisions because they are too busy analyzing to step back and look at the business in a more holistic fashion. It boils down to the old cliché: you can’t see the forest for the trees.
When I first started writing, I didn’t worry about that sort of thing. To be honest, I didn’t worry about much of anything. First drafts in those days only varied from final drafts because of a quick line edit to catch spelling and grammar issues. I was unfamiliar with the application of terms like revising, structure, plot holes, characterization, and voice.
Since I started studying writing and treating it more like a job and less like a hobby, I’ve become intimately familiar with some of these terms, along with others even more dreaded like query and synopsis. I’ve taken classes and read several books relating to these subjects. Books and classes related to the science of writing, I guess you could say, rather than the art.
During this process I’ve learned a lot and I think (hope!) that my writing has improved because of it. However, as I work on draft after draft of a story, attempting to apply all of the wonderful knowledge that I’ve tried to pump into my brain over the last 8-10 months, I worry that I am dragging myself into another sort of analysis paralysis, where I can’t see the story for the style.
Anyone else experience or worry about this?
Very good points. This is where it helps to let a story rest of a while before coming back to it. It's also good to have betas because they catch items that you miss. Conversely, they may put to rest doubts you have about certain section. When you boil it down, the main point is whether or not you have a compelling story. Everything else is polishing.
ReplyDeleteI suggest writing as you did back in the day--just write without thinking or worrying about all that stuff. Write whatever comes to mind about said story.
ReplyDeleteWhen you get to the revision/editing part, that's when you'll apply the science of writing.
Until then, everything else can wait.
Oh--except structure. I'm a firm believer in having a planned structure to your story. Nothing elaborate, just some key points.
Part of the Seven Gecko Justice Style of Kung Fu Writing.
I'll be talking about that in an upcoming post over at my blog.
Great comments. Thanks guys! :)
ReplyDelete