This year for the A-Z Challenge, I'm attempting to act like I know what I'm talking about and offering advice about writing. Let's see how I do!
Also, don't forget to stop by the Parallels blog to see more posts about the upcoming anthology, which will be available on May 3rd! And guess what! I wrote today's post, so I really hope you'll stop by and have a look!
One way writers can keep the creativity flowing is to brainstorm on a regular basis. I know that brainstorming can dredge up memories of work meetings where co-workers sit around throwing ideas at the wall, barely tolerating each other in the process, but it really can be useful.
Sit down
with a blank sheet of paper and just write down anything that comes to
mind. You can also use a random word
generator, easily found online, and take down a list of words. Afterwards, you can try combining them in
different ways to see if anything clicks.
A writer’s
mind is truly bizarre in that it can forge connections between seemingly
unrelated things, and the result can be brilliant. It can also be an unmitigated disaster, that’s
true. Either way, it’s worth your time
to experiment. You never know what can
happen.
And don’t worry. If disaster strikes, you can clean up the wreckage and try again. No one ever needs to know.
And don’t worry. If disaster strikes, you can clean up the wreckage and try again. No one ever needs to know.
Very good advice, and I can attest! Whenever I brainstorm I find that I'm much for creative for it.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Brainstorming is so important to the initial stages of writing. Every new work I begin, starts with 'throwing up on the page' to see what happens.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog!
A-to-Z Challenge
http://meganwhitsonlee.blogspot.com
This is so true. I brainstorm all the time. I love using it to develop my character descriptions.
ReplyDeleteShalom,
Patricia @ EverythingMustChange
Brainstorming always works out well, though when I start it, often I cringe at the stuff that gets put out there first! Looking forward to C-ing what's next!
ReplyDeleteLove brainstorming, I find it exhilarating! Great advice, I think you've got this down!
ReplyDeleteBrainstorming names is just as fun!
ReplyDeleteI've never been good at brainstorming, my structure mind rebels at it. But, it probably is a good technique that I should give a go, especially as no one will know it it is a disaster.
ReplyDeleteCheers - Ellen | http://thecynicalsailor.blogspot.com/2016/04/b-is-for-boatyard-nancy-drew.html
I totally agree about brainstorming. It can be a great help. It's amazing what can come out of it.
ReplyDeleteSwinging by from the A to Z, great post! I hope you have a most successful month.
ReplyDelete@ScarlettBraden from
Frankly Scarlett
I'd love to be part of a physical brainstorming group to just bounce ideas around...
ReplyDeleteWriter In Transit
Ha, this is pretty much what I'm doing all month with my A to Z theme posts. Discarded Darlings
ReplyDeleteHey there, LG! I've used a journaling technique called a "List of 100" for years, and I suppose it's basically the same thingg. Yeah, it's GREAT!
ReplyDeleteLuAnn (approx #369 on the list) @ Back Porchervations.
(and one of co-host AJ Lauer's #wHooligans)
Most of my writing involves doing research first so I think that my researching is my way of brainstorming. I research wildly and write down facts and ideas and then write. Finding Eliza
ReplyDeleteBrainstorming is always a good idea, no matter what stage you're at with your writing. You can come up with brand new ideas or it can help when you're stuck trying to figure something out.
ReplyDeleteI agree about a writer's mind being bizarre. It's true I never know what will happen when I face a blank page and am always surprised when it fills with words. Whether brilliant or a disaster, I'm awed at the process. ww.w.lorihenriksen.com
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more. Beyond every wreckage is a new word. feeling inspired !
ReplyDelete@Subhmohanty from
And Life Unfolds
A * Alone
B * Butterfly
I should probably do this more often. Have been stuck on one story for a while now. Maybe brainstorming will help.
ReplyDeleteAnna
ATSP @ Deeply Shallow
@natzers
Great advice :) One of my books was kind of a brainstorm. I just sat down with an empty document and started writing to see where it would take me. The whole beginning has long since bitten the dust, but it got me going :).
ReplyDeleteTasha
Tasha's Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)
What a cute site you have! I was going to do Brainstorming for "B" too but ended up doing Block (as in Writer's) instead. :-)
ReplyDeleteC you tomorrow (sorry, couldn't resist). :-) Sati
http://atozwriting.blogspot.com/
I'm a pantser with my writing and I often brainstorm to figure out what comes next. :-D
ReplyDeletepoint taken, thanks
ReplyDeleteI do my best brainstorming work when I'm arguing with my 'editor' aka Mom.
ReplyDelete:)
Heather M. Gardner / @hmgardner
Co-Host, Blogging from A to Z April Challenge
The Waiting is the Hardest Part