| Whether you write novels, short stories, articles, | | | | writing project. |
| or how-to books, you will always need a supply | | | | DON'T get distracted. When you completely open |
| of fresh ideas. Brainstorming sessions can yield | | | | up your mind you may feel overwhelmed. If you |
| amazing results! Develop dozens of new | | | | find yourself wanting to stop the session to go do |
| non-fiction topics and find fresh approaches to old | | | | a load of laundry, then narrow your focus a bit |
| topics. Dream up new fiction characters. Create | | | | and begin again. |
| unique situations and new settings for scenes. But | | | | DO allow your ideas to branch off one another. If |
| be forewarned--ideas will flood your mind so fast | | | | your theme is to find new story ideas for your |
| you'll have trouble writing them all down! | | | | main character, try sending him or her on a trip. |
| Brainstorming was originally created for groups, | | | | Once you select a location, branch off with |
| working together to find solutions to specific | | | | situations that might take place in the new, |
| problems. Authors can utilize solitary brainstorming | | | | unfamiliar setting. |
| techniques. This mental exercise is a fun and easy | | | | DON'T worry if it seems you're writing down wild |
| way to begin generating hundreds of great new | | | | and crazy things. Remember not to stop and |
| ideas. | | | | critique anything during a brainstorming session. |
| DO get yourself a new notebook and pen, or use | | | | DO take a break in between the session and the |
| a tape recorder. | | | | final evaluation of your notes. Set the notebook |
| DON'T think you will remember everything | | | | or tape recorder aside for a few hours or several |
| later--trust me, you won't! | | | | days. |
| DO make yourself comfortable before you begin. | | | | DON'T worry! When you read or listen to your |
| Find a quiet room, free of distractions--television, | | | | notes you may feel silly. Many of your ideas |
| telephones, and background noise. You may want | | | | might sound ridiculous, and you think they won't |
| to listen to your favorite music, though, especially | | | | work for any of your current writing projects. |
| if you routinely listen to music while you write. | | | | Seize the gems out of the dredges and make |
| DON'T try to brainstorm when you are tired, | | | | them sparkle. |
| hungry, overly stressed or ill. | | | | DO allow for spontaneous brainstorming sessions. |
| DO plan to spend as long as it takes to get | | | | Once you've started using this technique, a |
| started. If you've never tried this technique, you | | | | relaxed state of mind can bring on a surprise |
| may feel temporarily stuck. Once the ideas begin | | | | deluge of ideas--while you're taking a walk, |
| flowing, let them continue as long as possible. | | | | gardening, vacuuming, or doing other household |
| Creativity knows no time limits! | | | | chores. This may become a regular |
| DON'T worry if it takes a while. Setting a timer | | | | idea-generating routine for you! |
| will stifle your before you even get started, so | | | | DON'T forget to keep a notebook and pen or |
| relax and start off slow. Never stop the idea flow | | | | tape recorder nearby, for these impromptu |
| to judge or critique your ideas. Save sorting out | | | | sessions. |
| the notes for later. | | | | Now get out your notebook or tape recorder, |
| DO use a "theme" for each session, especially if | | | | make yourself comfortable, and focus on your |
| you are trying to generate ideas for a current | | | | theme. As soon as ideas start popping into your |
| project. If you're planning to write an article about | | | | mind, jot them down or dictate them onto tape. |
| fitness, think of anything that could even | | | | Keep going until you feel confident that you've |
| remotely relate to that topic. If you are | | | | covered every possible angle. Then set your |
| developing a fiction short story about cats, focus | | | | notes aside. |
| on feline traits and behavior. | | | | Later, evaluate each idea as you transcribe it onto |
| DON'T wander too far away from your theme! | | | | fresh paper or type it into your computer. Find |
| DO try using ideas from hot topics in the news. | | | | the diamonds, and discard the rough. Use these |
| Utilize what people are already talking about and | | | | notes to help craft new articles, stories, or |
| you'll gain a bigger audience for your finished | | | | chapters in your book! |