- Have fun brainstorming writing ideas - tap into your limitless imagination!

Whether you write novels, short stories, articles, or how-to books, you will always need a supply of fresh ideas. Brainstorming sessions can yield amazing results! Develop dozens of new non-fiction topics and find fresh approaches to old topics. Dream up new fiction characters. Create unique situations and new settings for scenes. But be forewarned--ideas will flood your mind so fast you’ll have trouble writing them all down!

Brainstorming was originally created for groups, working together to find solutions to specific problems. Authors can utilize solitary brainstorming techniques. This mental exercise is a fun and easy way to begin generating hundreds of great new ideas.

DO get yourself a new notebook and pen, or use a tape recorder.
DON’T think you will remember everything later--trust me, you won’t!

DO make yourself comfortable before you begin. Find a quiet room, free of distractions--television, telephones, and background noise. You may want to listen to your favorite music, though, especially if you routinely listen to music while you write.
DON’T try to brainstorm when you are tired, hungry, overly stressed or ill.

DO plan to spend as long as it takes to get started. If you’ve never tried this technique, you may feel temporarily stuck. Once the ideas begin flowing, let them continue as long as possible. Creativity knows no time limits!
DON’T worry if it takes a while. Setting a timer will stifle your before you even get started, so relax and start off slow. Never stop the idea flow to judge or critique your ideas. Save sorting out the notes for later.

DO use a “theme” for each session, especially if you are trying to generate ideas for a current project. If you’re planning to write an article about fitness, think of anything that could even remotely relate to that topic. If you are developing a fiction short story about cats, focus on feline traits and behavior.
DON’T wander too far away from your theme!

DO try using ideas from hot topics in the news. Utilize what people are already talking about and you’ll gain a bigger audience for your finished writing project.
DON’T get distracted. When you completely open up your mind you may feel overwhelmed. If you find yourself wanting to stop the session to go do a load of laundry, then narrow your focus a bit and begin again.

DO allow your ideas to branch off one another. If your theme is to find new story ideas for your main character, try sending him or her on a trip. Once you select a location, branch off with situations that might take place in the new, unfamiliar setting.
DON’T worry if it seems you’re writing down wild and crazy things. Remember not to stop and critique anything during a brainstorming session.

DO take a break in between the session and the final evaluation of your notes. Set the notebook or tape recorder aside for a few hours or several days.
DON’T worry! When you read or listen to your notes you may feel silly. Many of your ideas might sound ridiculous, and you think they won’t work for any of your current writing projects. Seize the gems out of the dredges and make them sparkle.

DO allow for spontaneous brainstorming sessions. Once you’ve started using this technique, a relaxed state of mind can bring on a surprise deluge of ideas--while you’re taking a walk, gardening, vacuuming, or doing other household chores. This may become a regular idea-generating routine for you!
DON’T forget to keep a notebook and pen or tape recorder nearby, for these impromptu sessions.

Now get out your notebook or tape recorder, make yourself comfortable, and focus on your theme. As soon as ideas start popping into your mind, jot them down or dictate them onto tape. Keep going until you feel confident that you’ve covered every possible angle. Then set your notes aside.

Later, evaluate each idea as you transcribe it onto fresh paper or type it into your computer. Find the diamonds, and discard the rough. Use these notes to help craft new articles, stories, or chapters in your book!