Brainstorming Methods

I'm a fan of the Snowflake method, at least as far as working out if I have a story I want to work on. If I can't make it passed Steps 3/4 then I've probably not got the thing right and need to think again.

 

I use the journey model.

So I'll brainstorm the Ordinary World elements. Then brainstorm all of the following sections.

In other words, each brainstorming session focuses on solving a particular set of problems.

 

Lately I've been playing with using thematic brainstorming that Paula Munier outlines in her book Plot Perfect. It's a very different angle to take, but so far it has given me some great ideas and new ways to approach things.

The basic idea is to identify your main theme, which can be broad, and then brainstorm all the ideas that pop into your head when thinking about that word. Those variations on the theme can become the basis of your subplots. this way your main plot (theme) and subplots (variations on the theme) all work together in a cohesive manner. Paula models this wonderfully using Pride and Prejudice. The gist of it is:

Main Theme:
Love - Elizabeth and Darcy need to overcome their pride/prejudice to find love

Variations of the Theme:
Fickleness - Lydia falling for every soldier that walks through the door; Wickham and Collins affections switching to someone else
Lust - Wickham being a cad
Jealousy - Caroline Bingley's jealousy towards Darcy, trying to break up Jane and her brother
Brotherly Love - Darcy and Bingley's friendship
Maternal Love - Mrs. Bennet wanting the best for her daughters (marriage)
Self-love - Jane and Charlotte choosing what is best for themselves
Infidelity - Wickham being disloyal to his family, Darcy, and Lydia
Hate - Wickham and Darcy
Unrequited love - everywhere in the book
Etc.....

I don't know how this would work with a brand new idea, but using it to reexamine some of my shelved stuff has given me a new perspective on things and new ideas to breathe life back into them.

 

Is this workbook something you designed yourself? Or something you came across somewhere? Sounds like a good idea, either way.

 

Ok, I read a lot.

I also think about what I have read, and ask myself questions:

Did this sequence of events have to go that way?
Is so-and-so really unique?
Cool! Be it a city, character type, or bit of magic. (Yeah, not really a question, but...)

Then more thought.

Ok, that is how that author handled that situation/city/cool thing on their world. Now, what about my world?

Note: I have done a LOT of worldbuilding down through the decades. Upwards of half a dozen worlds, merged again and again to two or three (third is for a unique situation). About half of that is worse than useless. But usually, somewhere in all that, I can find a event or location or circumstances that a suitably twisted version of inspiring situation/city/whatever. And by the time I am through, said stolen idea is so warped and has so many additions/subtractions it might as well be my idea.