A couple weeks ago I boarded a plane headed north to Idaho for a trip I’ve taken 9 times. At the end of that flight waited a group of women–Brandilyn Collins, Robin Lee Hatcher, Sunni Jeffers, Tricia Goyer, Tamera Alexander, Janet Ulbright, Sharon Dunn, Gayle DeSalles, Francine Rivers, and Mama Ruth (Brandilyn’s mom)–who have become so much a part of me that I can’t imagine life without them. Writers and lovers of words all, we gather every July to brainstorm each other’s books. And oh! What a time we have. This trip, this time of fellowship and creativity, is such a gift.
One I almost never received.
When the group first invited me to join them, I was skeptical. Why would I want to go on yet another trip just to sit with a bunch of writers I didn’t know that well and help them write their books? After a couple of years, though I finally gave in and accepted the invitation, albeit grudgingly. It only took a few minutes in the company of these amazing women to know my preconceived notions were not only wrong, they were so far off the mark as to be ludicrous. Now, the trip that I didn’t want to add to my oh-so-busy life is my favorite trip of the year! Because what I’ve found isn’t just a place to brainstorm together, though we do a lot of that. It’s a gathering of hearts and minds and spirits, a place where we pray for each other, a gathering to laugh and create and let our imaginations run wild. Most of all, it’s a place to serve each other.
As I thought about the trip this year, I realized that’s what true brainstorming is. It’s serving others, letting God use your imagination and creativity to spark ideas in others that they can then run with. It’s giving, opening yourself up, sharing with abandon, and delighting in the ways God uses us to bless and inspire others.
Over the years, as I’ve talked or posted or blogged about our brainstorming sessions, many others have asked how we do it. How do we, in an industry rife with egos and paranoia about stolen ideas, with envy and jockeying for position on the bookshelves (be they brick and mortar or digital), brainstorm together effectively? More than that, how do we do it in such a way that’s it’s a blessing and a delight, year after year?
Well, I’m going to tell you how. But first, I’d like to hear from you. Have you ever considered putting together a brainstorming session or retreat with other writers? If not, why not? If so, and what’s holding you back. And if you’ve done it, how did it go?
I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
What a great group of writers and women, Karen! I’ve watched this July habit from afar for many years and am blessed to see it’s still going strong!
I started brainstorming with Susan May Warren in ’05 and never looked back. Now we incorporate what we’ve learned into My Book Therapy — helping writers become the best they can be. With the Lord’s help!
I love brainstorming. And I’m confident there are more than enough ideas in the mind of God for all of us!!
Rachel
Karen, your brainstorming session sounds like a blast! I look forward to having something like that one day. Right now, my crit partner and I meet for a week and spend the time brainstorming and writing together. It’s been wonderful and super fruitful. But I’m carefully cultivating friendships with other writers and praying about doing something more like what you’ve described. I look forward to it immensely. Can’t wait for a follow-up post )to help me make it a not-too-distant-reality. Thanks! (And have a marveloso time at the OWC!)
When you understand that there is no shortage of stories to tell, respect each other enough to share your best ideas, and are plied with copious amounts of caffeine, it’s a perfect (brain)storm!
I was in a group like this for about 30 years. It was very productive for all of us. We initially began with a round-robin letter telling each other what we were doing. Then the internet came in and we eventually sent e-mails and attachments. We would meet once a year either for a few days or a week. I truly miss it.
I have recently moved to East Tennessee and would love to start such a group. If any of you are in this area or would like to begin e-mailing, contact me. I think we would benefit greatly from interacting with each other.,
I live in Central Florida I too would love to find writers here in the Orlando area that would like to BrainStorm….
Chris, the Central Florida chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers meets monthly in Longwood. We’re having a free Countdown to Conference workshop (and serving lunch) on Saturday, August 24th from 9 to 1. We’d love to have you join us. More information can be found at http://www.cfacfw.org.
My wife and I are both writers, although in different genres. We brainstorm our projects several times a week, and find it developes depth in plot and character personalities. It sure helps me when I am suffering from writer’s block.
We are very interested in starting a brainstorming group here in East Tennessee. Anyone out there that are in this area, or would be interested in email or skype interaction, contact me. I believe we would find this a benifical activity for all involved.
A few weeks ago, I hosted a mini retreat with my critique partner and sister. Each brought a writing problem for us to brainstorm. The results were great. What I found most helpful was the prayer I put into it, especially that I would be open to hear what they suggested about my baby. In a few minutes, I had the idea for the scene I was looking for.
The group I was in had members from all across the United States. E-mail was the best way for us to communicate. That was the main reason we only got together physically once a year.
I have already had one response to my offer to start a brainstorming group. I’d love to have other people respond so we can start an e-mail brainstorming group.