Brainstorming Archive - Online Writing Lab https://leko.service.th-nuernberg.de/owl/en/artikel_schlagwort/brainstorming-en/ Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:36:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.4 https://leko.service.th-nuernberg.de/owl/wp-content/uploads/cropped-favicon_rot-32x32.png Brainstorming Archive - Online Writing Lab https://leko.service.th-nuernberg.de/owl/en/artikel_schlagwort/brainstorming-en/ 32 32 Creating a Cluster https://leko.service.th-nuernberg.de/owl/en/artikel/creating-a-cluster/ Mon, 11 Aug 2025 14:17:47 +0000 https://leko.service.th-nuernberg.de/owl/?post_type=artikel&p=7341 Why cluster? The association technique of clustering can be useful in several ways: It provides a visible representation of intrinsic connections and links between ideas. An initial order or structure becomes visible in the apparent chaos of the flow of ideas. New perspectives emerge. Your ideas start to take shape and you are inspired to …

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Why cluster?

The association technique of clustering can be useful in several ways:

  • It provides a visible representation of intrinsic connections and links between ideas.
  • An initial order or structure becomes visible in the apparent chaos of the flow of ideas.
  • New perspectives emerge.
  • Your ideas start to take shape and you are inspired to start writing.

What do I need for clustering?

A pen, a sheet of paper, and approx. 10 minutes time. The paper should ideally be A3 in size, but smaller will also work. You should already know the topic you want to work on – but you can also create a cluster to find a suitable topic.

How do I create a cluster?

  • Make sure you are undisturbed.
  • Write the core word in the middle of a blank sheet.
  • Try to relax and let your thoughts run free. What comes to mind when you think about the core word? Do not judge or select – simply write down associations quickly. Let the keywords you note radiate freely from the core word in all directions, as they occur, and draw a circle around each word. Connect each new word with a line or arrow to the previous circle. If something new or different comes to mind, connect it directly to the core and move outward from there until these successive associations are exhausted.
  • You may gradually – or even suddenly – feel the urge to start writing. Stop clustering at this point.
  • Begin writing. One of the elements of the cluster will inspire your first sentence. Then write for three to eight minutes. Your text should be roughly half a page long. While writing, move back and forth between your network of ideas, your visual thoughts, and your conceptual, organizing thinking. Select only the elements from the cluster that fit your concept; leave the rest aside.
  • Link the beginning and end of your text by reusing an important word, phrase, thought, or feeling that appears in the first one or two lines of your text at the end.
  • Now read your text to yourself, either quietly or even out loud. You may feel the urge to make corrections – spend one to three minutes on this, or longer if needed, until it feels right to you.

Image of a mind map for the term "Cluster" in English. The first terms are, for example, Ideas, Forms, Get started, Gabriele Rico, Creative Writing, Mindmap, and Net.

This is what a cluster can look like (diagram by Stefania Santoro).

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of the clustering technique?

Clustering is used to collect ideas on a specific term or topic in keyword form and arrange them on paper in chains or clusters of associations. This makes connections and links between ideas visible. It can also suggest an initial order in the apparent chaos of the flow of ideas.

When should I use the clustering technique?

Use clustering when you are at the beginning of a writing project, when you get stuck, when you want to solve a problem in your text, when you want to develop an idea, or when you simply want a change from screen work.

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]]> Using Freewriting https://leko.service.th-nuernberg.de/owl/en/artikel/using-freewriting/ Mon, 11 Aug 2025 13:15:50 +0000 https://leko.service.th-nuernberg.de/owl/?post_type=artikel&p=7329 Freewriting is a simple writing technique that can be used in academic writing as well as in professional, journalistic, or creative writing. All you need is a pen and paper. Alternatively, you can do it on your computer – it’s best to turn off spell check so you won’t get distracted by it. Or close …

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]]> Freewriting is a simple writing technique that can be used in academic writing as well as in professional, journalistic, or creative writing. All you need is a pen and paper. Alternatively, you can do it on your computer – it’s best to turn off spell check so you won’t get distracted by it. Or close your eyes.

How does freewriting work?

Write for five minutes. Write about whatever comes to mind: smells, opinions, sounds, ideas etc. … If nothing comes to mind, write e.g.:

“I don’t know what to write, why can’t I think of anything, nothing ever comes to my mind, blah blah …”.

The goal is not to put smart insights or beautiful wording on paper, but just to keep writing. Write quickly, don’t correct, don’t think about what you’ve written.

Most free writers find that this method uncovers a gold mine. Very often, when we dig using this method, we are highly surprised by the results, and it can help us find our own voice. Then we can revise the text and separate the nonsense from the sense. Freewriting is undeniably a key to activating the unconscious power of language within us.

– Marcorie, cit. in Werder 1993, p. 111

Focused writing – a form of freewriting

Focused writing is a more specific form of freewriting. You start with a specific starting point. Write for five minutes about all the feelings, ideas, and thoughts triggered by a topic, a question, or a keyword. The focus is not on good thoughts, but rather on what first comes to mind. You may well find that this inspires you and helps you explore your topic.

It is important to stick to the topic or to the one thing you decided on beforehand.

Frequently asked questions

Why should I practice freewriting?

Those who practice freewriting regularly reduce inhibitions and develop writing stamina. The process is what matters, not the product.

What should I do with my piece of freewriting afterwards?

The text produced in a freewriting session may contain unexpected treasures. Sometimes you might not be able to use it at all, but at the very least you are warmed up for writing and can now start on your actual text.

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