Those of you who have been to an event or write-in this Nano season have seen me lugging around a colorful box everywhere. Some of you might even know what it is. I thought I'd take a minute to explain it to everyone here so I don't have to tell you all about it every single write-in!
This year, Ted and I have put together what we decided to call the Brainstorm Box. It's a tool to help you if you get stuck, or if you're bored and want to give your story a kick, or even if you just want to add a crazy idea to the mix. It is a partitioned box that contains index cards with different story ideas/suggestions written on them, divided into categories. The categories are: Plot, Character, Dare, and Wild Card.
Plot, obviously, is some sort of plot twist or plot suggestion.
Character has something to do with a character, whether it's an idea for a new character, some sort of character development, or something that happens to a character.
Dare is simply that: a dare. A dare to include whatever is on the card in your story. Anything from a dare to include ninjas in your story to writing a chapter of your story NOT on a computer.
Wildcard can be any of the categories above, but it can also be just about anything (as long as it has to do with Nanowrimo).
We also have a settings/images box, which contain pictures cut from magazines, to give you a jump start visually.
I will be bringing these boxes to every write-in I attend (most Sundays and any write-in I organize during the week). I will also be bringing supplies to add to the boxes. The Brainstorm Box is based solely on all of your suggestions! So if you're feeling like you need a break from writing, pull out an index card, jot down an idea, and throw it into the proper box. Or pick up one of the dozen National Geographic Magazines I bring along and cut out a few pictures for the settings/images box.
With the exception of the setting box, if an idea strikes you between write-ins that you want to add to the box, please feel free to send me a Nanomail and I will add it to the box for you.
Rules for using the Brainstorm Box. If you take a card, you have to find a way to use it in your story. You can get creative and fudge a bit, but you have to use it somehow. Draw a card, use it, then put the card back. At the end of Nanowrimo we will compile a list of all the ideas in all the different categories and I will post them.
Phew! Any questions?
Great. Now start thinking of some ideas!
Oh, a quick P.S.
I will also be bringing character and plot worksheets to every write-in, if you want to fill one or several out to get to know your characters better or get a better grasp on where your plot is going. I also have a copy of No Plot, No Problem that I will be bringing as well. Feel free to use any of these tools to help out!
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