Abstract
The first part of this chapter includes an overview of a variety of pre-writing practices ranging from traditional pre-writing activities such as outlining, brainstorming, and mind-mapping to out-of-the-box pre-writing activities such as engaging in mindfulness practices, front-loading, and scheduling focused blocks of time. The authors describe each pre-writing strategy and provide guidance for when to implement the specific practice. The authors also provide 3 to 6 tips for optimizing each pre-writing strategy. The second part of this chapter features an analysis of qualitative data, collected from real-world writers, about the impact of pre-writing strategies. Findings from the qualitative data analysis reveal that pre-writing can, among other things, combat frustration, lower anxiety levels, remedy writer's block, increase confidence, and expand creativity.
TopBrainstorming
One of the most widely used pre-writing strategies is brainstorming: the act of generating many ideas to answer a question, solve a problem, or create something new. Brainstorming is most commonly practiced in a group setting where participants are encouraged to share all of their ideas, thoughts, or solutions without judging any suggestions brought forth by themselves or others during the session. The goal is to promote creativity and innovation by coming up with as many fresh or unique ideas as possible in a relatively short time frame. Ideas are evaluated for merit after the brainstorming session has ended. If needed, more brainstorming sessions can be scheduled to improve the quantity and quality of the ideas.
To illustrate an effective brainstorming session, let’s use an example of coming up with the title for a new book. Imagine you are preparing to write a new non-fiction book, and the editor at your publishing house has asked you to solidify the book title before you write an outline or the manuscript itself.
With this scenario in mind, you might schedule an hour of time in a conference room with three colleagues, who are experienced writers themselves, to help you generate new title ideas. To begin the brainstorming session, clarify the intended purpose for the group by explaining what kinds of ideas you are hoping to generate. In this example, you might tell your colleagues the book’s genre, examples of best-selling book titles in the same category, how the book will be marketed, the target audience, or any intended impact on the reader.
Before the session begins, choose a tool to capture the ideas (whiteboard, computer, pen and paper, video camera, etc.). If desired, set a timer to establish an ending boundary for the session. This can also act as motivation for the group to come up with ideas at a faster rate. Begin the session by starting the timer and opening the floor for all group participants to quickly suggest all of their ideas. Record all of the ideas as they are presented while ensuring no ideas are pre-judged or left off the list for any reason. At the end of the session you can evaluate the ideas and choose the best one.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Front-Loading: A scheduling strategy characterized by work time that is concentrated at the beginning, or front, of the time allotted for a task.
Relaxation Response: According to Benson (1975) the Relaxation Response is “an inducible, physiologic state of quietude” (p. xvii).
Mindfulness: Intentionally focusing one’s attention and awareness on the present moment, without judgement
Outlining: Constructing a hierarchical, ordered list of topics and subtopics.
Benson, Herbert: Author of The Relaxation Response.
Focused Blocks of Time: According to Sanders (2015), “a focused block of time is simply a predetermined amount of time when you are able to work on an important task without being distracted” (p. 115).
Brainstorming: The act of generating many ideas to answer a question, solve a problem, or create something new.
Mind-Mapping: Creating an illustrative or graphical representation of relationships and connections between concepts and ideas.
Free Writing: Recording all thoughts on a topic without stopping or adhering to a set structure.