Does Your Brain Storm?

How do you generate and expand writing ideas? Do you brainstorm?

I do on occasion, depending on the project. Sometimes brainstorming is simple, like jotting down ideas, doing research, or talking to fellow writers. Other times it's more extensive, like using one of the following methods. 

Freewriting - Set a time limit (like five minutes), and write down anything that comes to mind. If you can't think of anything to write, write that down and then see what flows next. When the time limit is up, review what you’ve written. Some of the content won’t be useful, but it might surprise you to see that there may be good ideas. Save potential ideas and toss the rest.

Clustering (or Mapping) – Take a word or two from the topic, write it down in the middle of a blank piece of paper and circle it. Write related words around the main word/s, circle them, and draw a line from each to the main word/s.  For example, if the topic is teen cell phone use, related words might include texting, convenience, communication, data plans, billing overages, texting and driving, etc.

The Five W’s – Ask the questions that journalists do when writing an article. These include Who, What, Where, When, and Why. List these five words on a sheet of paper, then answer each one using thoughts about the topic. The answers do not have to be extensive, just write any thoughts that come to mind that might apply. 

The Flip Side – Consider the topic from a different angle. This is especially helpful if the topic is a controversial issue. For instance, if the topic is requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets, consider both sides. Why do people think it is important to wear a helmet? Why do opponents feel that they shouldn’t have to? 

Ideas are everywhere, but sometimes the brain needs a little nudge to get that storm going.

Do you use any of these methods? What helps you generate ideas and work through the process?

Happy writing,

Karen

P.S. Congratulations to Jeanette Levellie, the winner of Cathy Gohlke's Saving Amelie! Thanks to everyone who stopped by last week's post.


Copyright 2014 Karen Lange. No part of the text may be used without prior written permission.

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Brown and Blue

When I was growing up, there were a few things that Mom told my sisters and me not to do.

Like, for instance

No tattling and whining.

No writing on interior trim. I confess to scribbling on my windowsill once. Okay, maybe twice, before I got caught. I remember Mom mumbling something about having plenty of paper around the house. Probably should have told her I wanted to be a writer. Things might have gone easier.

And

We were not EVER to wear articles of brown and blue clothing together. It simply was not done. After all, they did not match and it just didn't look right.

Right?

For years, I was fine with the "No brown and blue" rule. Mom knew best, of course.

Recently though, I've seen brown and blue thrown together. In pillows and draperies and such...

What?

How is this possible? Clearly they missed Mom's memo.

You know what? 

This stigmatized blend, say, on a scarf or framed print, doesn't bother me so much anymore. It's grown on me, particularly when a dusty, light blue is combined with a rich chocolatey brown.

So how does this relate to writing? Unlikely combos provide great writing ideas. Articles, posts, interviews, stories, poetry, lessons - the possibilities are endless.

For instance, why not:

Pen an article about the similarities between skydiving and marketing.

Share a blog post that compares hockey and writing.  

Or discuss blogging and babies. 

Create a character who has traits of Abraham Lincoln and Tom Cruise.

Hey, why not? 

Perhaps it's not brown and blue but apples and oranges that will generate fabulous ideas. Go ahead, let your mind wander. You never know what might come from unlikely blends. And perhaps your mother, like mine, might not mind so much.

Do you like the combination of brown and blue? What improbable pairings give you ideas?

Have a great weekend,

Karen 
 
P.S. Don't Forget

Tomorrow at midnight is the deadline to enter the giveaway for With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin. Monday's post has the interview, my review, and the details. If you missed it, click here.


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Ben Earwicker
Garrison Photography, Boise, ID
www.garrisonphoto.org

Layers of Life

How much of real life makes it into your writing?

For fiction, do you:

Choose character traits or physical features from people you interact with or know?

Form settings based on where you've lived or visited?

Create a plot from events you've experienced or heard about?

Taken ideas from all of the above?


For non-fiction, do you:

Gather snippets of ideas from Facebook posts?

Generate an article from an encounter with a rude customer service rep?

Turn a journal entry into a poem? 

Grab an idea from a cereal box for a sidebar in a children's magazine?


Ideas are everywhere, aren't they?

Not just on the surface, but in between, among the layers of life - past, present, or perhaps even under the kitchen sink. That's the beauty of it, you just never know. Something jumps out at you, or glides across your path, unnoticed at first. Before you know it, it's woven itself into an idea, right there in your head.

I had an idea emerge this weekend while talking to my brother in law, our family's historical expert. We were discussing one of my Pennsylvania ancestors who died during the Civil War on a battlefield in Kentucky, not far from where I live. 

I pondered, and wondered.

This ancestor's gaze roamed the rolling hills I see everyday!

Did he compare the landscape to his home? It is similar.

Did he think about how that war would affect future generations? My family and I are among them.

The ideas run wild in my brain, fiction and non fiction, and it started with a discovery my brother in law made.

Like I said, you just never know...:)

Where did your last writing idea hit you? When was the last time you found a good idea between the layers?

Happy writing adventures,
Karen

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Sparks

I've been working on edits this week for the book  
Susan J. Reinhardt and I are writing. While reviewing a passage, I reflected on where I gathered the ideas for a young character.

I had to smile, for I took snippets of actions and conversations from my 3 year old grandson and 4 year old nephew. It was great fun to write!

It still thrills me that a teeny spark of an idea can develop into a full fledged flame, directing and adding immense personality to a story or article. This is one reason I keep a small tablet handy at all times. This way I can note ideas when they hit me. Which, btw, is often - like at the grocery store, in church (I promise I am only distracted momentarily:), in the middle of making dinner...

I, for one, am a fan of inspirational sparks. How about you? How has your writing been ignited?

Happy weekend!

Karen

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The Soapbox

Got any pet peeves?

Ever get cut off in traffic?

Have a rude customer service rep?

Or experience anything else that challenges your patience or makes you want to hop up on the soapbox?  

Me too.

While I believe that these episodes are opportunities to build character, (work with me here) I also see them as fodder for writing ideas.

For example, while attending a funeral, I witnessed an interesting breach in etiquette. To be fair, it wasn't anything horrific; funerals are awkward and people are often at a loss as to how to behave. I was probably only attuned to this hiccup in decorum because the service was for a relative.

I wasn't upset, but rather, inspired. My thoughts turned to writing an article, perhaps entitled Five Things Not to Do at a Funeral. Once the wheels were turning on that idea, I had a few others, and was pleased that something that might have sparked a soapbox speech provided a creative opportunity instead. 

Soapbox topics can be tricky. They generate enough emotion to make us jump up there, but I think tact is necessary. What good is a blistering speech if it turns readers off? On the other hand, an emotional and thought provoking commentary has its place too.  Granted, not everyone will agree with your stance, but well written prose will gain attention and respect. What do you think? How would you maintain a good balance?

What makes you want to hop on the soapbox? What writing ideas do they generate?


Happy writing,

Karen

P.S. I am approaching 300 followers! I think it is nearly time for a giveaway to celebrate. Stay tuned!

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What Have You Learned This Week?

I came across this entry recently on Hope Clark's blog.

http://hopeclark.blogspot.com/2009/07/what-i-learned-this-week.html

It seems Hope's finger had a mishap with her shrub pruners, and she was feeling a bit thoughtful. She shared some things that she learned during her eventful week. Reading the list gave me all sorts of ideas for writing projects, blog entries, and just some good old food for thought. The main thing I came away with, so far, was the idea to take a little time each week reflecting on events, personal revelations, emotions, and so on. For me, it could be a way to get my head together and help my writing, but it could also be a way to file the good and the bad and move forward.

So. what have you learned this week? Where will it take you? Share it with us; we'd love to hear about it!

Blessings to you, and of course, Happy Writing:)

Your Life in a Transcript

I have a diploma transcript appointment today with a homeschool parent. Unschoolers Network, www.unschoolersnetwork.bravehost.com, the homeschool network that I work with, offers this and other services to families who are homeschooling their children. We compile and document a student's work for their high school years. This summary becomes a transcript that can be used for college or job applications and the like.

These transcripts are a reflection of a student's life through high school. Not a total reflection, mind you, for they do not show character traits such as kindness and patience, but these transcripts do help a student move into the next part of their life. Of course, the writer in me takes this concept a step further. What do our lives reflect that can translate into writing? If we think in transcript terms, we can boil our life down to subjects and hours accrued, volunteer and other activities, specialized training, jobs, and more. Whether we realize it or not, we each have a rich past from which to draw.

Think of all the possible avenues that you could write about. Are you a stay at home mom? An office worker? Counselor, volunteer, or big brother or sister? Are you interested in sports, sewing, or stamp collecting? Do you have contracting, legal, or automotive experience? Are you a movie or antique car buff? There are trade magazines, ezines, newsletters, websites and other publications for all of the items that make up your life's transcript.

It might help to make a list of things that you have done - past and present, and maybe even things you'd like to do in the future. Include who you are - mom, grandpa, sister, uncle, only child - and include every relationship you can think of. You may be an only child but you are probably a cousin, god parent, friendly neighbor, or dozens of other things. Include your interests, hobbies, awards, special certifications, anything that you can think of. I am sure your list will include many things that you can either write a story about, generate an interview idea, or produce a how-to article. Why not start that list and get your very own transcript? Be prepared, you'll probably be adding to the list regularly, as you live, interact with people, and write.

Go ahead, investigate a few writing possibilities from your life's transcript this week. Be sure and leave your comments and let me know how things are coming along. I'd be happy to brainstorm with you...

Blessings to you, and as always, happy writing!

Copyright 2009, Karen Lange.

How About Another Writing Prompt?

I still say that writing prompts can be a fabulous way to get your brain in gear and help get thoughts on paper. I've gotten more mental digressions (as opposed to those verbal digressions I'm prone to) from a writing prompt session, whether it be for a student writing lesson, an article idea, or whatever. So here goes, another prompt to help you write till there's no paper left in your house...ahem, well, okay, we'll just settle for getting those creative juices flowing...

Write several paragraphs about an embarrassing or memorable moment in your life. But wait, there's a twist! Do not write it in first person, write it from the perspective of someone else - a trusted relative, a friend, a teacher or mentor, or a bystander.

I'd love to read it! Email it to me at karenelange@gmail.com