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Instead of dispensing advice this week, I'm seeking feedback from you, dear readers. This will be short but sweet because I'm heading to the Catskills with the family later this week, in part for my daughter to compete in an Irish Dance Feis. We figured we'd make a mini-getaway out of it.
I've been busily working on a productivity writing resource I hope to wrap up in the coming months. Among other topics covered will be brainstorming techniques. One that I haven't used much myself is listmaking, so I thought I'd ask you to share your experiences.
Answer any or all of these in the comments:
Do you use listmaking as a brainstorming tool when working on a new story?
At what phase(s) of writing do you make lists?
What kinds of lists do you make?
All thoughts/feedback helpful! Thanks!
I use lists usually when I'm working on a revision. I make a list of all my CPs' big picture comments. As I work through them, I'll cross things off. I also keep a running list of things I see that need to be changed (sometimes when I'm drafting).
ReplyDeleteBut also when I'm stuck, I make lists to myself. Like I might ask a question, "Why would x character do y?" And then write a list of possibilities and choose one. Usually it's not the first answer that pops into my head.
Thanks, Jenni. Sounds like you've found lists a great all-purpose tool. I'm taking lots of notes here!
DeleteI make lists ALL the time when planning. From character characteristics to plot points to be sure I cover, to a list of all the things that inspired me to write the story in the first place.
ReplyDeleteFabulous. I like that big picture thinking captured especially. One can easily lose the forest for the trees when writing.
DeleteLike Jenni, I also make a list of my CPs' suggestions when I'm about to revise. But my list-making starts early, with lists of character names in my outline and lists of chapter titles I want to use.
ReplyDeleteOooh, chapter titles! That's a great addition to my list about lists! :-) Thanks!
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