The document discusses how to tackle large writing projects without feeling overwhelmed. It uses the analogy of eating an elephant by taking it one bite at a time. It recommends starting by choosing a genre and subject matter you are interested in. Then brainstorm ideas and create an outline to structure the project. However, remain flexible and open to changes as ideas expand during the writing process. Breaking a large project like writing a book into smaller, manageable steps makes it seem less daunting and more achievable.

1. How to Eat an Elephant and Not Feel Overwhelmed
Have you ever felt overwhelmed when starting a writing project? Have you stared at the blank
computer screen and said, “What am I going to write about?” If you have, you're not alone.
Let me tell you a story. One day, my husband and I walked outside to survey our home for repairs. He
saw so much more that needed to be done than I did. He understood and knew how to accomplish each
task. I didn't. One by one he began rattling off a list of things we had to do. By the time he finished
explaining all the necessary work, I began to cry.
Why? Because I was overwhelmed by my lack of knowledge. The saying, “knowledge is power,” is
true. How many of us are stifled when it comes to accomplishing a task because we don't know how to
do it? Or rather, how to start. How many times have we given up and moved on to something else
without ever trying to take on the task?
In addition to not understanding all we needed to do, I didn't have a clue as to how we would get it
done. Do you know how my husband solved the problem? He took my hand and said, “We are going to
eat this elephant one bite at a time.” Immediately, I began to calm down. I've learned that by doing
things one step at a time, any task can be accomplished.
The same goes with writing. Let's apply the elephant theory to our next project. We have a book to
write. We need approximately 100,000 words, we haven't started yet, and we haven't a clue as to what
to write about. The task can be overwhelming. That is the moment that causes many to quit.
However, if we tackle the project one step at a time, we can eat the entire elephant and not suffer
heartburn. So, where do we start?
So as not to 'overwhelm' anyone, I've listed only the first three steps I take to start.
1) Know What You Want To Write About. Choose your genre and know your subject matter. You can't
write a successful novel about vampires just because the genre is popular, especially if you're not
interested in them and have no background information about the genre. Genre popularity does not
guarantee publication. On the other hand, if you always read mysteries and know the rules of writing a
mystery, then you have chosen your genre and subject matter. You will be writing about something you
know and in which you are confident.
2) Brain Storm Ideas. Let your mind flow with thoughts and ideas and jot them down. Don't try to
edit or make sense of them, just let them come. Out of that, you'll discover ideas and plots. Soon you'll
be writing your outline. I like to start my brain storming with a 'who killed who and why' question.
That is a great kick off for me. That, or something else, might work for you. You decide.

2. 3) Be Flexible With Yourself. Once you have your outline, you are free to change that outline while
writing. Tell yourself that changes are alright. In fact, they're good. Changes mean you've expanded
your mind as a writer. You saw the plot going one way but thought another way would make the story
more interesting. Way to go! Remember, nothing is set in stone until it's published.
How do you begin your writing projects? Do you follow a number of steps or just roll with it? I look
forward to reading your responses.