Brainstorming
Purpose
Writers often know more than they realize. Before writing, it helps to think about what you already know. Brainstorming is a free flow of ideas—no editing, no judgment. Just get your thoughts down on the page.
How
- Pick a topic
- Write down everything that comes to mind—even small ideas count
- Don’t worry about spelling or organization—just keep writing
- Use one of the strategies below to help you get started
Question Strategy
Purpose
Generate ideas about any topic by asking basic questions about it.
How
Answer these basic questions about your topic. It’s okay if some of them don’t fit—just skip those:
- Who?
- What?
- Where?
- When?
- Why?
- How?
See it in Action!
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Question Strategy
Use simple questions—like who, what, where, when, why, and how—to explore your topic. You don’t have to answer every question. Just start where you can and follow your thoughts. This strategy helps you connect personal experiences and opinions to the topic, even if you're still figuring out what you want to say. As you answer the questions, ideas begin to take shape.
Timestamp: 5:05 – 7:30
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List Strategy
Purpose
Generate ideas about any topic without thinking too much. Just make a quick list of anything that comes to mind.
How
- Write the topic at the top of the page
- Make a list below it with anything that relates to the topic
- Don’t overthink—just write what comes to mind, even if it seems random or small
See it in Action!
Watch
List Strategy
Make a quick list of anything connected to your topic. Start with people, places, or examples from your life. Then try listing types, categories, or reasons related to the topic. You don’t need full sentences—just jot down thoughts as they come. Listing can help you discover patterns and focus areas to explore more deeply later.
Timestamp: 7:30 – 9:45