Brainstorming in Writing

When trying to think of an idea to write about, either in formal or creative writing, it is always important to brainstorm.  There are many different strategies and approaches to brainstorming, but it is important to select the strategy that works the best for you.  Personally, I find that, when it comes to creative or ad writing, it is best not to overplan or overthink things but to literally pick up and run with the idea that appeals the most to you.  Usually the first idea that springs to mind, particularly when it comes to creative writing, will have a visceral appeal that other, more preconceived ideas won't.  When it comes to formal writing, such as essay or journalistic writing, conversely, I find that more analysis and planning is necessary and often the most fruitful method.  This is largely because, for these forms of writing, I rely more heavily on specific quotes and examples to build my arguments.

For brainstorming, you also have the option of drawing a visual "idea cloud" that links together the various ideas you plan to use in your writing, thus visually establishing how these ideas will relate to each other.  Major ideas can be represented with big letters or in a big cloud, and smaller ideas can be represented with smaller letters or in a smaller cloud.  Though I can't seem to find an example of one of these online, I have seen computer programs that can generate them.  You may prefer to draw them or use Microsoft Word.

That should be enough to help you get started.  I hope this gets you started on the path to making some great stories and essays.  I will see you next week!