Brainstorming Tool
It's genius
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In this issue:
Brainstorming Tool
Writing Prompt
WWT Tool Kit Craft Card
Brainstorming Tool
I have this book. It’s been years since I’ve looked at it, but I pulled it off the shelf today and was reminded why I’ve never made it past page 21.
Page 21 has the most genius brainstorming tool. Here’s the gist:
First, you write down your story issue. What’s your hang-up? In my case, I need something helpful or positive to happen about the main story question that can lead to the dark night of the soul. That’s the general of it. I’ll skip the detail.
So now, with your story issue clearly in mind, you brainstorm possible solutions. But! You don’t just brainstorm willy-nilly. You come up with answers according to a set of prompts, a list of solution types, intended to give you options that run the gamut from obvious, top-drawer ideas to wild and crazy ideas.
Here’s the list:
Automatic
Obvious
Commonplace
Literal
Labored
Interesting
Unusual
Obscure
Odd
Opposite
Inventive
Creative
Magical
Amusing
Outrageous
Ridiculous
Obscene
Preposterous
Over-the-top2
I like to add Ironic and any word that speaks to my story’s concept.
I don’t know what it is about putting a little descriptive limitation on an idea that makes it pop, but pop they do.
Just like I never make it to page 22, I never make it to the bottom of the list.
Enjoy.
Writing Prompt
Character: PRIEST
Light Attribute: Facilitates spiritual commitments. Serves as a channel of spiritual energy.
Shadow Attributes: Violates the trust of your spiritual community. Seduced by your own spiritual role.Setting: An estate.
Object: A locket, a pressed rose, a saucer.
Emotion: FREE. Liberated, independent, unburdened.
WWT Tool Kit Craft Card
As mentioned before, I’m making a deck of craft cards to quickly remind myself of techniques while also having a convenient place to keep track of elements like character, conflict, and theme specific to each story. This week’s card is the brainstorming tool
Thank you for reading!
I hope this helped you, and I hope your writing goes well this week.
Keep at it,
Megan
WritesWithTools
site: writeswithtools.com
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p. 21, Fiction Writer’s Brainstormer by James V. Smith, Jr.