Do You “Un-Brainstorm?”

Posted by Shakirah Dawud in Writing & Editing

I asked the following question on LinkedIn Answers Saturday before last:

Does anyone still brainstorm before writing?

Writers, for detailed or “important” pieces, do you brainstorm religiously, skip to research or freewriting, or does it all depend on other factors?

Most of us do brainstorm, of course. Some have incorporated it religiously into the writing process, others use a mindmap as needed, and others use freewriting to kickstart ideas. I was interested in the types of brainstorming we do, but as the answers rolled in, I realized a lot of what we call brainstorming actually comes from outside ourselves. Ten of the 24 responses mentioned research and group brainstorming as part of their creative process.

The best writing–creative, promotional, or otherwise–is always supplemented by research, supported by peer review, or both. I decided to call these processes ”un-brainstorming,” because of the resulting ideas don’t come from our own brains alone. Neither process is easy, but done correctly, the finished product is always worth the effort.

Bob Kalsey, owner of Bravura Films, regularly brainstorms video scripts, presentations, speeches, and more with his clients and creative teams. He experiences the best results from group brainstorming sessions when minds are open and productive. But he’s found it can actually hinder the creative and productive processes of the entire group when, as he says, “not everyone is able to put their preconceptions, habits, ego, agenda, and linear thinking aside long enough to let the ideas flow. One overly serious, goal-restricted linear thinker can easily pollute the atmosphere and block the creativity of the group.” And sometimes, “it’s merely a gesture designed to give the appearance of egalitarianism and collaboration—to make the participants feel they are respected and their ideas valued when, in reality, only one opinion matters. Trouble is, you often don’t know if a session is genuine or merely a feel-good exercise.” 

During “genuine” sessions, though, the pen won’t lie down, and an idea that dry up in one mind may spark in another. Everyone learns a lot about the creative machines of others, and all are valued. Even the worst ideas in the group contribute to the polished jewels in the end.

If group brainstorming done right produces the most eclectic results, research done right can be the quickest route to the finish line, especially when writing on unfamiliar topics. Covering your bases and filling in gaps with details, facts, and data interesting to your readers brings your work together.  

Try research first. Chat with a group of writing peers, working team, or family and friends. The flow of ideas from the “outside” compared to solitary mindmapping is as a run around the block is to a soothing cup of tea. One is invigorating, the other comfortable. You’ll find the jolt of information from un-brainstorming kickstarts your process, while solitary mindmapping later brings coherence. Try it!

Thanks goes to Bob Kalsey  for the permission to quote him here.

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