Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a necessary function of any writing. If you are writing short stories, non-fiction, articles or your next big novel, brainstorming can be a great way to get started. When writer’s block hits, brainstorming can help you work your way back out of it.

There are a lot of brainstorming techniques out there and I’m only going to highlight a few of them.

Free writing is a great technique. Put your pen to paper or your fingers on the keyboard and write what anything and everything that comes to mind. Do worry about grammar or spelling; just let it flow. You can either set a time limit or a word length limit if you prefer to help you keep from writing too much. You can always go back to the notes if you get stuck or need ideas to continue with your story.

Topical ideas are another great way to brainstorm. Make a list of all the topics you want to hit in your writing. Jot down ideas for each topic and expand as much or as little as you want for each topic. This is a great way to get organized so that you don’t forget something you think is important. Feel free to throw out ideas you don’t like or want.

Finally, bullet points are helpful. They can be like the topical form of brainstorming or they can be a list of ideas or thoughts that you want to keep at hand to help develop your story. This can be a very effective way to spill out your ideas. Don’t worry about them being organized. You can go back to prioritize or organize them later. The point is to get them on paper first.

Here are a couple of websites that are full of helpful information.

http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/brainstorming.html
http://www.brainstormsw.com/

Copyright 2008 Lynn Tincher

Creating a Space to Write

While speaking at the Casey County Library, someone in the audience asked me if I had a routine that I go through before I write. My answer to her was a simple "no". Then when I sat down to write this article, it hit me that in some small ways I do. My life is a bit hectic. I have to have every task for the home complete before I can sit down and relax enough to write. I have two computer monitors that I use and I make sure that what I'm writing is on the right monitor while email and research is on the left one. I also have to have my comfies on. I've read where some writers have their notes on the left, an ash tray on the right, and their favorite beverage at hand. I'm not that structured in my writing habits. Although, if I can create some habits, it may be beneficial.

Comfort is a big factor for me. I recently bought a new office chair. I'm so glad I did. Now I'm not shifting around on the pillow or towel that I was using to add extra padding to the seat. Now, I can concentrate more without the sore bum distraction.

I have also created an area of the house where I have my office with a bathroom just out of reach. I have actually thought of buying a small refrigerator to put next to the desk as well. Sometimes writing on location is a great inspiration. I've taken two vacations dedicated to writing with amazing results.

Some writers like to write at their favorite coffee shops. I haven't tried that yet. However, I can see the benefits. While writing, you can have someone bring you drinks and food as needed plus the crowd will help provide inspiration. Their conversations could help spur along writers block.

The important thing is to find what works for you. Once you do that, you can create a creative writing atmosphere.


Copyright 2008 - Lynn Tincher

Sign up to receive The Literary Lynnch Pen now!

Sign up for The Literary Lynnch Pen Email:

For Email Marketing you can trust

Welcome!

Thank you for stopping by! This is the official site for The Literary Lynnch Pen. I hope you find this site helpful, informative, and fun!

-- Thank you and have a great day!

Lynn Tincher
Author of "Afterthoughts"
Publisher of The Literary Lynnch Pen
www.lynntincher.com

Member of the National Association of Women Writers
www.naww.org
and
Small Publishers Association of North America
www.spannet.org