The writing process—how does writing begin—where to get ideas—

One way to generate ideas is by “brainstorming,” which is another word for thinking; specifically, it is a lot of thinking at one time about a given topic. Some people organize as they brainstorm; others spill out ideas as quickly as they can without worrying about organization.

There are as many different ways of brainstorming as there are people who brainstorm. Human minds all work differently, so different techniques have been developed to help everyone come up with ideas. 

I have selected some wonderful books that one could use to improve their thought process when it comes to actually writing…the how-to nuts and bolts of writing:

One such book:

The Writer's Devotional by Amy Page

ISBN: 9781402781834; Publication Date: 2012-03-06

An abstract of this book reads as follows:

"Whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction, screenplays or poetry, or simply trying to keep a more compelling journal or blog, this invaluable volume will get your creative juices flowing. Beautifully designed with a cloth-bound cover and ribbon place marker, it's filled with 365 inspiring quotations and informative tutorials to help you develop your unique voice. Each day of the week focuses on a different aspect of the writing life, from the business of writing, to the nuts and bolts of editing, to tips and tricks for getting past writer's block"-- Provided by publisher.

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The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond by Marissa Meyer

ISBN: 9781250362377; Publication date: 01/28/2025

An abstract of this book reads as follows:

Part craft guide, part writing coach, and part cheerleader, this book offers useful advice on a slew of common writing and publishing ailments, such as how to end procrastination, how to build a social media platform that reflects your personality, how to get your imagination to overflow with new ideas, how to listen to your intuition when receiving a critique on your work, how to overcome impostor syndrome, what to do when you’re stuck in the query trenches, and so much more.

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Writing through the Fog: Techniques for Outwitting Brain Fog and Reclaiming Our Writing Lives by Shana Ronayne

ISBN:  9781070255002; Publication date: May 26, 2019   

An abstract of this book reads as follows:

In Writing through the Fog, you’ll learn how to re-frame your attitudes toward brain fog and writing; Find and use the inspiration that’s all around you to determining your optimal writing times; Harness small windows of clarity and creativity; Work with your foggy brain to develop routines that work for you; Set up a writing space that helps you realize your writing goals and to learn how to banish distractions, and much more.

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One final note for brainstorming or not to brainstorm, is that brainstorming does not always work for writers because listing things makes it for shallowness and not for brevity, characters/parts of plays…when it comes to writing fiction. I play at writing, I can start, but I don’t always finish things.  When all is said and done, writing should not be about volume but clarity and connection. 

Well, I hope to return and add to this Art of Writing topic every month, and please do give these books a try because it's another way to gather/generate ideas –this is what writing is all about.

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Thank you!