Most of us have at least a couple of ideas bouncing around in our minds at any given time. Some of them are just small ideas (like what to write next in a scene or a great name for a character) and others have the potential to be huge (like a new series of novels or a brilliant twist to our latest plot).

Either way, our ideas need to be carefully looked after if they’re to make their way to fruition.

If we can’t use our ideas right away, then it’s good practice to record them in an idea book. We just recently spoke about how the act of writing changes your ideas.

Getting them out on the page can help you:

• Preserve the idea for later reference (in case the idea changes or is forgotten).
• See the flaws you’ll need to fix to keep the idea alive.
• See connections to other ideas or projects you may not have realised before.
• Try different iterations and drafts while still keeping a copy of the original concept.
• Expand your idea into paragraphs of concrete text ready for further work.
• Get the idea out of your head to free up room for your current project and/or fresh ideas.

Recording the idea doesn’t mean you have to start work on it right away. In fact, writing your idea down is a great way of keeping the idea safe while you move on to other things.

So why don’t you give it a go?

The steps are as follows:

1. Set aside 15 minutes.
2. Settle yourself in front of your idea book or computer.
3. Write your idea out. Note down all the relevant details that have been floating around in your head. Use stream of consciousness if that works for you.
4. When your time is up, reward yourself for your hard work – perhaps with a snack or a pat on the back. Make this an enjoyable experience.
5. Come back to your idea in a few weeks’ time to see if there’s anything you can add to it.

Try it out and then comment below to let us know how you went.

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A quick note: My plans have suddenly changed and I’m traveling overseas next week. I’m looking for some guest posts help me through the next few weeks while I get my plans sorted and recover from jetlag. If you’re interested in guest posting here on Creativity’s Workshop, take a look at the guidelines and then send me an e-mail.