Oftentimes, a writer is given a topic and told to, “Write!” It can be difficult to get started, but brainstorming can help a writer overcome initial stagnation.
Pre-Brainstorming
Brainstorming is part of pre-writing, but if thoughts are just not flowing, try free-writing and focused free-writing to get started.
- Free-Writing
“Free-writing” is a method that many writers use to warm up to a subject and to generate ideas. Write rapidly for five to ten minutes without stopping about anything that comes to mind. Don’t worry about grammar, logic, sentence structure, or anything else at this point, except getting words down on paper.
Free-writing is a potent tool for helping turn thoughts and feelings into words, especially when a writer is stuck. After free-writing, mark any parts that are useable. It’s all right if none of it is great; the purpose of free-writing is to get the process started. If something useable comes out of it, that’s great, but not necessary.
- Focused Free-Writing
“Focused free-writing” can help generate more specific ideas and narrow down a topic. It’s similar to the aforementioned free-writing technique, but should now be centered on the subject at hand. Again, mark any parts that can be fleshed out, and then do so.
Brainstorming
“Brainstorming” is done by freely writing down ideas about a given topic. It is like free-writing in that the writer should generate many ideas to work with and to choose from; however, it is unlike free-writing in that the writer should try to move toward a more focused topic by centering on related words, phrases, details, examples, and thoughts. Emphasize and develop any interesting points.
Brainstorming Example
As an example, say a writer is given the topic “Why are Yarn Crafts so Popular?” Here is a possible brainstorm list:
- senses and yarn—pretty to look at, nice to touch
- shopping as “retail therapy”
- back to basics, return to simpler times
- family activity, wholesome
- bridges gaps in generations, one generation can teach another, something to pass down—knowledge and heirloom-quality items
- gift ideas—more meaningful, for anyone who is hard to buy for
- stress reduction, therapeutic
- social clubs are built around it, online groups
- attainable careers available, own a business
This list has produced random ideas, and needs to be sorted out, organized, and arranged properly. However, the list is a terrific starting point for an article, a short essay, or even a book.
The goal of writing is a polished, organized piece of writing. Free-writing and brainstorming will help a writer reach that goal.
Renee Blixt - Renée Blixt holds an MBA and MHRM, and is a member of various yarn Guilds. She teaches business courses, crochet, knitting, and ...
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