brainstorming threads?

F

Fahad

Veteran
hi,

so, it's been pretty slow around here recently. hopefully it's because everyone's busy writing great stuff.

but, i was wondering, for those who suffer writer's block, would it be a good idea to have 'brainstorming' threads?

for example, a plot thread, an interesting protagonist thread, a story setting thread, a compelling antagonist thread, etc. etc.

basically threads to share ideas, and spark new ones, where everyone can contribute and be inspired.

do you think it would be a good idea? if so, how would you like to see it organized? what kind of threads would you like to see for brainstorming?

i think it should be organized to make it easy to read and share feedback.

is it a bad idea? are people too protective of everything their brain musters?

what do you think?
 
Sad Max, i'm sure that's how a lot of writers here feel; paranoia or not.

but, what's the real thing a writer should be protective of? is it the A story, B story, C story, a character, a setting, a theme? is it the actual plot?

if one of these is the real 'seller' of the story (i.e. the uniqueness), can't we at least discuss the others without the fear of being ripped off?

if it's a unique combination of all these elements, would it be no-risk to writer if he/she discussed the elements individually?

what do you think?
 
I think it is a fantastic idea! If you are protective of some of your own intellectual property, don't use it. Come up with something original... I think brainstorming is a great way to get out of an intellectual rut.

Character, Plot, Situations, Theme, Story Arc, Loglines.... all would be good for brainstorming!
 
Once you have come up with something original, it is your intellectual property. Well, if you protect it.

Sure, when individual elements are relatively loose and un-formed brainstorming can be very productive.
 
I agree... I wouldn't share my main character in a brainstorming session, but I might throw out some uncultivated ideas, see what sprouts and harvest some fresh new characters, themes, plots, etc...
 
When visiting my brother and niece a few years ago (she was 10) I started a fairy tale story, then passed it on to my niece for the next plot point, she passed it to my brother, he passed it to me, and so on. It was really fun, she was laughing so hard. Amazing how strange a story can go when several storytellers are involved and anything goes (and a ten year old helps the story go in interesting directions also!).
 
That's a great example. You could walk away from a session like that with some fresh ideas without compromising your current projects. Brainstorming with other writers and not preteens would help ;)
 
ok, since there's an interest... does anyone know how such a thread would best be organized?

i.e. should we have a certain format to reply? certain guidelines? things put in place to keep the discussion focused? moderator oversight?

lets brainstorm how we should brainstorm ;p
 
I think they should be sticky threads... along with the "Top Screenwriting books" thread. Maybe just one sticky thread called brainstorming? Or individual threads on Plot, Characters, Themes & Loglines.
 
azharrison said:
I think they should be sticky threads... along with the "Top Screenwriting books" thread. Maybe just one sticky thread called brainstorming? Or individual threads on Plot, Characters, Themes & Loglines.
Click to expand...

having separate threads would be ideal. making them a sticky is even better.

ok...

so how would such threads best be formated?

should everyone quote a good idea preceded by a '+1'. better yet, depending on how good or bad the idea, it should be quoted and ranked, '1' being the lowest, and '10' the highest.

other suggestions?
 
On another forum for writers we did the same thing, called it 'development' - you jot down synopsis, logline, whatever you got and get input from there. I'm not sure for a filmmaker's forum this is the right place for that. But that's just me.
 
Sad Max said:
One man will...
Click to expand...

settle the ultimate debt!

Charli said:
On another forum for writers we did the same thing, called it 'development' - you jot down synopsis, logline, whatever you got and get input from there. I'm not sure for a filmmaker's forum this is the right place for that. But that's just me.
Click to expand...

that's a good idea. since writing is an integral part of filmmaking, i think it would be the right place.
 
this is such a tough idea. "in a world...", i.e. the internet...people steal stuff by the minute....artwork, songs, etc. that includes your idea for your next epic. i don't know man....a brainstorming thread?...that's asking for someone to take your good idea and run. if the internet in its current form existed in 1960, that may have gone over well...not now. in some ways i hate that, in other ways, i think "disconnect from the internet, and write, for as long as it takes....just write". on paper or on wordpad, or on screenwriting software. (some)Authors are reclusive for a reason, yet they're more observant than most of us. the best writers are a silent bunch, yet they get ideas from very unsilent means. news stories....random events, often from people they know. I guess what i'm saying is that writing a story is rarely a collaborative effort, but if need be, and you have someone in mind that can write like you write...go for it, and share.
 
"In a world where no one has any money, one man will settle the ultimate debt" :grin:

That was kinda fun, especially since all involved were just goofing off!

Who cares if anyone steals it!?! If you think you can make a Spec script out of that, go for it! I don't think anyone here would sell out any of their own intellectual property BUT, it is a fun and enlightening exercise to watch where a static idea will flow.
 
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