Brainstorming & the Creative Process

This week, I taught a workshop for the Pacific Northwest Writers Association called Brainstorming Your Murder. This was a new workshop for me, and as always, I was struck by a case of nerves because I hate the idea of under-delivering.  The workshop evolved out of what I call my “Plotting Parties” – backyard get-togethers to co-write with author friends.  But I soon saw that what started as spontaneous processing of our projects could be systematized to move a novel forward.  And while for me, it seemed like a natural outgrowth of my process, after talking with several writers, I realized that the groupthink of auxiliary brains was not a natural part of their creative process.  So I created a workshop to teach my system and then practice the skills we discussed.

Bravery in the Face of Strangers

Sometimes it can be incredibly difficult to share an undeveloped story even to other writers, so I was also worried that the class attendees might not want to participate.  Then there was the fear that people would be like “yawn, I already know this.”  So while my attendees had to share their ideas, I had to make sure I was giving fresh new thoughts.  It was a time for bravery all the way around!

Brainstorming Success?

For me, despite being moved to strictly virtual due to potential inclement weather, the evening was a wonderful success.  Several authors walked away with solutions to their novel problems, gut-check reactions to their proposed formats, and some lightbulb ideas on how to shape their novels in progress.  To see someone’s face light up with an “OH! THAT IS IT!” moment is gratifying.  So thanks to the PNWA for hosting me and making those moments possible and I hope to be able to share this workshop with others in the future!