Like the grass in August, this is a time when many authors feel flat and uninspired by writing success. Editors and agents are just starting their slush piles. Sent submissions in June? Crickets. It looks like 2028 lists are filling fast. Considering switching careers to ballet because it is easier?
But this is the best time for creativity! No deadlines or pressures. No tweaking or revising for critique group. No one will ever know if you take a day (or two!) to brainstorm!
Prepare
Step away from the computer. In fact, go outside to a park, the library, or a coffee shop.
Silence the cell phone. Close the to-do list.
This is an important brainstorming meeting! You with you!
Begin
Use a pencil or crayon on paper. Draw three columns.
- Name 6 animals. On the paper, write the last ones you named in column 1.
I came up with cat, dog, squirrel, muskrat, platypus, and wombat. I noticed my first three were very typical—by number 4, I began to create. - List 6 action verbs. Write the last ones you named in column 2.
Once again, my list started with walk, run, hop, then dug deeper and concluded with scramble, wave, and scream. - Last, think of 6 places. Put the last three in column 3.
House, farm, school, construction site, tunnel, equator.
Here’s my final grid:
| Muskrat | scramble | Construction site |
| wombat | wave | tunnel |
| platypus | scream | equator |
And write!
Now, without any judgment, quickly write the 3 sentences.
- Muskrat scrambled over the construction site.
- Wombat waved from the tunnel.
- Platypus screamed on the equator.
Not sure about number 3, but 1 and 2 have some possibilities.
Next phase: Add “Why did” to the beginning of each sentence (and add a question mark at the end).
- Why did Muskrat scramble over the construction site?
- Why did Wombat wave from the tunnel?
- Why did Platypus scream on the equator?
Platypus is not going any further.
And answer the questions.
Why Did Muskrat Scramble Over the Construction Site?
- He lost something.
- He was protecting something.
- He was planning to drive the digger.
- He was escaping.
- He was chasing something.
Why did Wombat Wave From the tunnel?
- He was leaving.
- He was returning.
- He needed help.
- He wanted someone to follow him.
- He found something.
Very Important Next Step
Choose one of those and write the back cover description. Not the opening line or synopsis, but that spare text that tells the reader what he or she needs to know before buying. (If you are in the library, look at any book. If not, check the blurb descriptions on Amazon.)
Muskrat lost his Sparkly! Follow his trail around the construction site as his friends use their machine-like skills to help him search.
Floodwaters are raging toward the Golden Meadow. Wombat must enter the mysterious tunnel to plug the leak. Do Dingo or Wallaby have the skills to help?
Have fun!
And remember, when you are brainstorming alone, you are the Smartest Person in the Room!
Multi-award-winning author Robin Currie learned story sharing by sitting on the floor. At libraries and churches in the Chicago area, she has engaged children and their parents with stories full of noise, action, and energy. A professional librarian and ordained minister, Robin has sold 1.7 million copies of her books and writes stories to read and read again!
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