Brainstorming

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Speaking of brainstorming, I bought a tiny iPod today. I plan to listen to the songs played during the time period of my new novel.

I think I have the title and the basic plot. It will be based on a trial I covered 20 years ago as a journalist. Fictional characters of course.

In writing this new novel, I’ve decided to take a different approach from what I’ve used in the past when I wrote Mardi Gravestone and Hurricane House. Both MG and HH are mysteries, and I’m thinking this book will be mystery/thriller, but to guide me in my new approach, I’m reading a book called First Draft in 30 Days.

Of course, this entire writing process begins with brainstorming.

I usually brainstorm in my head months prior to writing a book. Now, I’m thinking its time to make a soundtrack for my current project as this First Draft book says. My iPod is charging now.

I’ll listen to the soundtrack while I’m driving. I drive quite a bit. The right music never fails to inspire, don’t you agree?

I’ll go shopping and buy something my main character would purchase. No problem as long as it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

I’ll continue to people watch.

Much of the research I have already done, but I’ll cuts pictures from magazines and put them in a booklet so that I can look at the faces of my main characters while writing.

I’ll continue to ask “what if” questions. This worked well with my first two books. Before I began Mardi Gravestone I saw a man fall from the back of a truck into the car behind. I asked, “What if that man fell into my car?

Before writing Hurricane House, I asked, “What if a hurricane hit a Florida fishing village with a murder at large?”

Another part of brainstorming is drifting off to sleep while thinking about my project.

And writing a bio on the main characters.

This First Draft book has a form: Character’s name, age, race, eye color, hair color, build, skin tone, characteristic and mannerisms, personality traits and background. Then the outlining process begins.

Outlining is supposed to save time, provide continuity and allow me to write my polished novel faster.

We’ll see.

If you’re following along, let me know how you’re doing.

Posted by at 4:21 PM

25 thoughts on “Brainstorming”

  3. Hello, Anaizi,
    In the near future, I hope to give some writing tips on my blog, but for now, I’d say write in the genre in which you like to read. If you like mystery, read the great mystery writers, etc. In order to write well, you must read well. Also, write with your heart and edit with your head. Write the book you love and then once it’s written go over it in great detail and edit it. Stephen King has a great book on writing. It’s called “Stephen King, On Writing,” I think. It’s a must read. Good luck to you.

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