Brainstorming

Personally, I think that brainstorming is very likely the most important part of writing. No joke. When you really think about it though, it really makes a lot of sense. Without a simple beginning idea, you can't start writing. The seed idea is what starts the actual story, and those often times simply come to you, but, brainstorming is sort of like developing characters; except it's more the developing of the plot and storyline than characters. That actually relates quite a bit to world building, which is used a lot in science fiction and fantasy, which I'll talk about another time. Once you have your seed idea, you start to think about it. Open a new word document, or flip to a new page in your writer's notebook and start to write. Anything and everything that comes to your mind; write it down so that you won't forget about it and it vanishes into thin air. If you come up with a plot idea, or a scene seed, write it down. Even if it just doesn't happen to work for the book you're brainstorming for, it's pretty likely that you'll be able to use it sometime in the future.

For example, you come up with an idea for one of your characters to have a journey with and eccentric customer of theirs that just won't leave them alone. But your character is a kid that doesn't work. So they obviously can't have customers. You can still save the ideas however, and, eventually, it might fit into a current story. Another thing I suggest, is that when you're writing, brainstorming, or even putting down seed ideas, I recommend that every now and again (at least once a month) you look back through your notes and read some seed ideas that you've put down in the past. Even the simplest, most stupid sounding idea at the time, may now sound like absolute brilliance and may (or may not) spark a brand new idea for a book or screenplay. That is the thing with ideas. Even the most dumb sounding ideas may later make a comeback and slap you right across the face.

The first thing you'll probably think is: "Hey, I sure am glad that I wrote that down." The second thing that will go through your mind is that you'll remember next time, that, no matter how stupid sounding the idea is at the time, you'll write it down. Then you'll get down to business with the actual brainstorming part. Everybody actually has a different explanation (or description) of the brainstorming process. Some people play quiet music without words and take a walk. Some people sit down at the table at spurt out words, going back through later to find the gems (kind of like mining), and still others just let the words just flow, not putting a care in the world into them. So, until next time, Write On!