Navigating the Ideation Phase of Writing
In the journey of bringing an idea to life, I've often found myself weaving through the ideation phase, where the initial spark evolves into something more tangible. Continuing this series of blogs on my writing process, I'm diving into how I transform fleeting thoughts into structured narratives, aligning my steps with the Hero's Journey as described by Joseph Campbell.
The Process of Capturing an Idea
The ideation stage is all about laying down the raw essence of your initial thought. For me, it involves capturing the gist of the idea in whatever form feels right at the moment – be it scribbles in a notebook, a hastily typed document, or even an organized Trello board. This stage is characterized by broad brushstrokes that outline the format, concept, and characters of the story. It's a blend of random thoughts and some semblance of order, crucial for ensuring that the concept doesn't slip away into oblivion.
Embracing the Emotional Journey
As I navigate through this phase, a range of emotions accompanies the process:
- Deepening: There's a sense of diving deeper into the idea, exploring its potential.
- Relief: Putting thoughts on paper brings a certain comfort, knowing that the idea is now safe and recorded.
- Wandering: This stage often involves mental and emotional exploration, wandering through the possibilities of what the idea could become.
- Safety: The act of documenting the idea brings a sense of security.
Overcoming Challenges in Ideation
However, ideation isn't without its challenges:
- The struggle of not trying to keep everything in my head.
- The urge to figure out the ending before the story has had a chance to develop.
- Battling impatience and the desire for an easy process.
- Confronting the vulnerability that comes with creative exploration.
My Practical Approach
To tackle these challenges, my approach is multi-faceted:
- I start with a one-page outline to give some structure to the idea.
- I allow myself to jot down random bits and thoughts that might later find a place in the story.
- A bit of research helps in adding substance to the initial idea.
- Discussing the concept with others often brings new perspectives and dimensions.
- Regular notebook writing helps in keeping the idea fluid and open to evolution.
The Hero’s Journey: Answering the Call
Setting Goals for Ideation
The outcomes of this phase are crucial yet simple:
- Jotting down random scribbles that start forming a general idea.
- Developing a basic understanding of what the story is or could be.
- Ensuring the idea is written down, freeing my mind from the task of constant recall.
Looking Ahead
As we move from ideation to the next stage, it's about embracing the fluidity of the creative process. For those in the throes of ideation, remember to allow your ideas the space to grow and morph. Be patient and let your story find its path.
Stay tuned for the next part of this series, where we'll explore how to turn these nascent ideas into a structured outline, ready for the next phase of the writing journey.
