I'm starting to work on a transmedia project for next year. That's a fancy way of saying parts of it will be delivered via different media, such as websites, videos, live events, etc.I have started recruiting a few people to help create it and I've noticed something interesting.
When I get emails from them asking about some aspects of the project that I haven't really thought through yet, quite often ideas pop into my mind instantly--more than when I sit down for a long brainstorming session.
If you'd like to find out whether this method works for you, here's what I suggest:
1) Decide on a project or issue for which you'd like more ideas
2) Make a list of questions about it that you'd like to be able to answer. This is in place of having other people ask you questons. The list should be out of sight but easy to access when the time comes.
3) Set a timer for a random number of minutes or hours ahead
4) Get on with whatever you need to do
5) When the timer sounds, grab the list and choose one question at random
6) In a new document (paper or on your computer) quickly write down whatever ideas come up. Do this for no more than about five minutes.
Of course this will interrrupt the task you're on, so it's best to do this when you're handling things like filing or other admin work that won't suffer from being interrupted--in fact, it gives you something to look forward to.
Repeat a couple of times a day. Compare the results you get with the kinds of answers that come up during longer thinking sessions. This could also be helpful for writer's block.
Let me know your results here as a comment or via [email protected]. Good luck!
(You'll get loads of additional innovative methods of thinking, writing, and marketing tips in the Writing Breakthrough Strategy program. It starts again in January but now is the best time to sign up so you'll get the Early Bird bonuses. Get more information at http://www.WritingBreakthroughStrategy.com . If you have questions, email me at [email protected])
