Getting Ideas

Brainstorm

Brainstorming flows easily for some kids, and it is a little harder for other kids. Your skill level in brainstorming depends on the type of thinker you are. Some people are more analytical thinkers, while some are more creative thinkers. I am an analytical thinker, so brainstorming ideas for my story was often a little hard for me. That is why it is important to practice each brainstorming method because finding which one works best for you is key to getting ideas. You may find that one particular brainstorming method works for you, or maybe all of them will help you get ideas. When we brainstorm in creative writing, we think about characters, setting, and plot. (The paragraphs below will help you with each element.)

For now we will simply go over the different brainstorming techniques and how each one can be useful. The first one is a web bubble. Web bubbles are good for visualizing your ideas in a clear manner. They make you more focused and are good for narrowing down ideas. They help you see all of your thoughts and how they are connected. To create a web bubble, start with one circle in the middle of your paper. Then, add at least 10 smaller circles around it, each one connected to the middle one by a line. When you start brainstorming ideas for your story, you will write the story element (character, setting, or plot) in the middle circle, and all your ideas around it in the smaller circles. To practice, pick any topic, such as your dream vacation spots, your favorite books, or something else, and make a web bubble about it.

The second brainstorming method is making a list of all your ideas. Making a list will help you with the flow of ideas. If you are using lined paper, it’s encouraging to fill up every line with ideas. It also encourages you to write as many ideas as you can. Remember, you must always be open to new ideas. Even if you don’t think you’ll use it in your writing, still write it down. Challenge yourself to write 50 ideas.

If you are stuck in your brainstorming, one method to help you clear your mind as well as get your words to start flowing, is a free write. Free writes can be about anything you choose, hence the name. Choose a topic. Set a timer for 3 minutes and just keep writing. Try not to stop, even if it means writing the same word 2 or 3 times before your train of thought returns. Try each method when you start brainstorming in the paragraphs below. The more practice you have with each brainstorming method, the better! 

Characters: 9/19/20

When you are brainstorming characters, it is beneficial to use a web bubble. Write your character’s name in the center circle, describe them in the smaller circles. When you describe your character, you want to talk about their physical appearance, the type of clothes they like to wear, their habits, their hobbies, their age and their personality traits. You might get stuck sometimes, so some ways to get ideas is to think about people you know, conversations you have overheard, and observations you’ve made.

Story Problems/conflicts: 9/19/20

When you are brainstorming a story conflict, it often helps to use the list of all your ideas. When I was brainstorming plot ideas for my book, Ruby and the talent show, I made a list of possible problems my character could face. I had about 10 ideas on my list. If you get stuck brainstorming plot ideas, try the 3 minute free-write I mentioned in the brainstorming section.

Place: 9/21/20

When you are thinking about the setting of your story, you will need it to seem real. Even if it is a fictional place, it has to make sense. For that to happen, you must know a lot about your setting. When I was writing my second book, “Ruby and the Egyptian Museum,” I went to my library and checked out a few books about mummies, pyramids, and other ancient egyptian artifacts. Even though I didn’t incorporate all of the information I learned into my setting, it was still good to know a lot about where my story takes place. Once you pick your setting, you can research about it in a library, online, or you can observe a place like it. For example, if your book takes place in a school, take time to observe your school’s playground, classrooms, hallway, the locker area, thecafeteria, lunchroom, and gym. All of these methods will help make your setting seem real.

Make Observations – Write about what you see 1 paragraph explaining what that means observation notebook – how to use, carry; stay aware of the environment. Examples of observations – daffodils. Neighborhood walk, bike ride. Explain the notebook – small, easily transportable, what to write short phrases. 9/26/20

Making observations can help us write scenes in better detail. To make observations, you must practice always being aware of where you are, whether it’s a restaurant, a school, or an empty field, because inspiration for writing is everywhere around us. For example, if your story is about two friends in a fight, and you are on your playground during recess witnessing two friends arguing, observe them. Observe their facial expressions, their stance, their tone of voice, what they are saying, and anything else you see or hear. You might end up incorporating some of your observations in your story. This is really beneficial, because it can make your story (insert something similar to “come to life). Now, it may be hard to remember everything you observed, so it is important to have an observation notebook. You will take your observation notebook everywhere with you, so it must be small and easily transportable. As soon as you observe something, (it can be something you might incorporate into your story, or just something interesting that you would like to write down,) quickly jot down a note about it in your notebook.

List Personal Experiences

You may be wondering how reflecting on your own personal experiences can aid us when brainstorming for story ideas. When we are stuck on figuring out a situation for our character, we can think about problems we have faced before. Step one to this process is making a list of 10 problems we have faced in the past. When I brainstormed problems for my book “Ruby and the Talent Show”, I got out a piece of paper and pencil and started brainstorming. I thought about problems I’ve had with school, sports, friends, pets, and more. Some of the situations on my list were losing a best friend, getting made fun of for wanting to play soccer with the boys at recess, and not knowing what to perform for the school talent show. I looked through my list and ended up trying out the talent show idea. I wrote about it, and it worked for me. Sometimes, your first try may not be your last. It may take a few goes to figure out which plot you want your character to face. Don’t be afraid to change what you want to do. Start working on your list!