Last week my writers group got together and had a brainstorming session. It was good that there where only four of us, because we took 20min + each to talk about our books. I went in not really expecting to talk about me. I mean, I've already written my book once. I'm re-writing it to iron out the bumps. I thought I knew where my story was going.
I was wrong.
Something about hearing everyone's ideas compelled me to share my own story. I had no idea how many lose ends needed tying up. They even helped me think about what to put in the second and third books.
I discovered that brainstorming with other writers improved my story line in ways that I could have never done on my own.
We are so lucky to be surrounded by writers in the internet. You might even find a few that live near you. Take the time to get to know them and pick their brains when you get a chance. You never know how much they can help you become a better writer.
I was wrong.
Something about hearing everyone's ideas compelled me to share my own story. I had no idea how many lose ends needed tying up. They even helped me think about what to put in the second and third books.
I discovered that brainstorming with other writers improved my story line in ways that I could have never done on my own.
We are so lucky to be surrounded by writers in the internet. You might even find a few that live near you. Take the time to get to know them and pick their brains when you get a chance. You never know how much they can help you become a better writer.
22 comments:
I ran the outline for my next book past my critique partners and they had some good suggestions. Rusty really gave me ideas for a new twist in the story.
I ran my story past some CPs before I started. Also polled the blogosphere. Its cool to see what others find interesting.
So true! I'm so glad to be around some really wonderful writers. We had a brainstorming party last week. Helped out my wip so much!
Yes! Other people's brains can come up with stuff ours wouldn't dream of thinking. I've had some great ideas come from other writers.
Someone's blogpost was the inspiration for one of my characters. They don't even know it either :)
I love brainstorming. I've got some creative children who help me, but one in particular is awesome at it. He's helped me a ton of times. Sometimes it's not even what he suggests but what those suggestions trigger in my mind.
I wish I had a group like that. Maybe sometime I'll find one. :)
I'm envious. I have some great people I can talk to, but none of them are writers. They are avid readers, so that goes some way to filling the gap, but reading your account, talking to other writers gives a different type of help.
Gosh, I love this idea, but how to do it myself...How have you found the best ways to brainstorm with other writers? Most authors I know live far away from me.
Google Hangouts might be a good option or just starting an e-mail conversation. The guy who lead our meeting actually did this at a writers conference. I know you've been to a few of those so might want to try it there. Good luck!
Ooo, Hangouts would probably work really well. I usually just throw questions at my sister and she tosses new ones back during long road trips. It works for the most part.
That sounds like an awesome writers group. :)
Perhaps we'll have to do it some other time again. I wish I could have been there!
Brainstorming can become so insightful and such fun. :)
When I have nothing for my CPs in a certain week, I ask for a brainstorming session. Extremely helpful, though it's good to be sure the group members will stick to their own ideas. :)
Here, here! I am seriously a stupid idiot without my CP's.
I get paranoid about sharing too much. Glad it worked out for you.
I found a great email writing group that I bounce ideas off and brainstorm with. And my other CP"s. I send pictures or snippets. Also my best brainstorm partner is my husband. He asked the best questions.
My husband is unofficially invited to my brainstorming sessions all the time. He's not a writer, but he still asks great questions that get my brain chugging.
Glad you had a productive time with your writer buddies!
I saw your suggestions further up as to how to do this online. I might give this a go. That's the only thing I miss about my friends being online. I'm desperate to talk over this new idea I've got, and nobody to talk it over with :-)
So true!
Btw, how's the pregnancy going? I hope you're feeling tons better by now. Love yah!
OH I agree. Working with other writers has REALLY improved my plotting and writing. :)
And, I gave you an award! Stop by my 4/1/12 post to pick it up.
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