How to Brainstorm Effectively

By Nicole Klunder

Feeling stumped on a piece of writing that you’ve been staring at for the past month, year even?

Not sure where to start or continue that short story or novel? You have X number of words written, outlines created and thoughts with scenes running through your mind. You wonder, should I focus on writing more chapters to finish what is here, write my ending, add to my outlines, start plot or character, or read some writing craft books. 

Well, I’ve been there and am still there wondering all the same!

I have six romance story ideas outlined and drafts started but I need more of a polished plot and character profiles so I can move forward with building the story world. I realized this takes a lot of time therefore I’ve considered turning them into short stories, focusing on one at a time until one is actually finished!

Novel? You need to spread everything over a longer period of time whereas a short story is a quicker read over several days or weeks for the story to unfold. This in turn can mean cutting a lot of what you’ve already written to fit in a short story. You will need a smaller number of characters and details as well. Does each scene seem relevant to the story, and does it move the story forward to keep the reader engaged? Meaning less research and time.

I am currently struggling with this. 

Here is 6 ways that I have come up with finding solutions for these speed bumps in my writing process:

Brainstorm:

Anything! What do you want in your story? Create character characteristics, quirks, scenes, dates, events, holidays, milestones and supportive characters- good and detrimental. If there are things you are passionate about or just love or enjoy, incorporate it in your story! This brings life to it causing it to feel more authenticate to the reader. Don’t forget about the senses, moving the reader through the sensory experience!

Character interviews: 

Get to know your characters! Not sure where to start? Ask basic questions and let it flow. Maybe include questions about their childhood and upbringing and then move to their struggles and what their goal and motivation is. Maybe start with what if? Then, move to how they feel about their new love interest and future ahead. How will they face their hurdles?

Plot: 

Map it out using a map on paper. Create the main plot and then develop sub plots from there. Use colored pens to make it stand out and that way you can have a better understanding of it.

Create setting: 

The five senses create realism for the reader. Whether it is colors, items, sentimental things/ideas/objects, weather, symbolize, or anything that has a scent throws you into the past at a memory. This is helpful in your world building! I started a brainstorming draft relating to setting and it already creates a visual, and some new ideas I hadn’t thought of before this!

Conflict:

Make it rough! Really rough! Add depth by including other smaller conflicts for both main characters. You might include supporting characters conflicts that can affect the main characters in some way.

Story Structure:

This was an eye opener for me! Depending on your story word count and number of chapters you have, you can structure the story pertaining to what you already have written. Then, add scenes and see if it flows well. Always plan out an act one, two and three. Better yet, plan out the six sections to a story- opening scene, inciting event, act one problem, midpoint, act two disaster and the ending. If you fall into trouble, start brainstorming again and re-structure.

What’s next?

I attended a recent critique group to ask questions. I realized you don’t have to have all the answers to your story right this second. Getting yourself back to just writing those scenes and creating the world and their actions is enough. Let it flow creatively and seeing what happens is where the fun lies! Writing the story is a journey in itself. You might delete a chapter or scene because It’s not necessary but always keep it on hand. When I get stumped, just ask the questions. You can get your mindset and directing moving again and feel less overwhelmed and lost. Writers helping writers!

Just Write!!