Writer's Toolbox Reflection

In the Writer’s Toolbox, the author takes a look at several different ways to begin generating ideas in the beginning stages of a project, as well as using techniques to spur new ideas as the project progresses. I think all the techniques discussed in this reading are very important to remember and consider using when dealing with any kind of creative project. It is easy to forget all of the techniques available, that can generate ideas and really get a person or a group thinking about the task at hand and what they want to create. I think a lot of the time when trying to come up with a new idea, many people use only one of the methods discussed in this reading, or something similar, and while this is useful and will generate ideas, by only utilizing one technique a person misses out on the other possibilities that may have come out of using a variety of techniques.

When I am trying to come up with ideas I almost always use the technique of word listing, or some form of word listing, discussed in the reading. I find it extremely helpful to simply list out words that connect to what I want to get out of a project, and then move on to listing what needs to be done and what I want the project to accomplish. 

On this particular project, as well as the last project I also used mind mapping which I had never used before.

I think this reading is very accurate in its description of mind mapping and how it can help with coming up with new ideas. I found when I used mind mapping I was coming up with ideas that were outside of my comfort zone, and different from the kinds of ideas I typically come up with. Mind mapping really pushed me to think outside the box and consider every possibility.

I really liked the section on brainwriting, as I agree with what they said about how typical brainstorming can somettimes leave out the more quiet people of the group. With brainwriting the group can come up with initial ideas, feed off of eachothers ideas, and explore a number of possibilites while keeping everyone involved and having all your thoughts written down for future refrence.

I never really considered using freewriting as a way of coming up with new ideas, or exploring how to solve a problem before, but after reading the section on it I will definitely try it in the future. I freewrite all the time, but usually it is just to get down random ideas I have through out the day or else to just write down how I’m feeling, like a journal. It was really interesting to me how they discussed that freewriting could be just like writing in a journal, but that it doesn’t have to just be random thoughts, but can be used to come up with new ideas as it just gets you thinking. Usually when I write, when coming up with new ideas, I just write what I want to accomplish and don’t even think to open my mind and let new ideas come naturally. I think after reading this I will be able to use my freewriting much more effectively as I will be more open in the process.