Free writing

Idea generation is at the cornerstone of all successful marketing and strategic thinking.

Mark Levy has written a truly brilliant and fresh book on effective idea generation called Accidental Genius: Using Writing to Generate Your Best Ideas, Insight, and Content. In this book, Levy encourages readers, in essence, to write faster than your conscious mind can think – no time to stop and ponder – in order to get all your ideas, thoughts, concerns etc on paper / screen. In doing so you effectively empty your mind. He suggests you aim for 10 or 20 minutes non-stop ‘free writing‘. You should then pause to pick through and organise important stuff, links, ideas and concerns by highlighting or bolding key sentences or thoughts. Once you’ve sorted key points you can then set off on further 10-20 minute bouts of free writing to dig even deeper.

I’ve found free writing exercises to be extremely helpful in unleashing more creative and productive ideas which have turned into really interesting plans and actions. It is so easy to get caught up in endless thought-loops and free writing can help unblock these frustrating dead-ends by getting everything out of your head. Once in full flow I’ve found myself (or subconscious mind) willing and able to dig far deeper and, only by finding channels such as this, can potential new openings and ideas be unlocked.

I recommend you get hold of this book and give it a try – especially if you’re looking for that elusive creative breakthrough or killer idea.

Related articles

• How To Bring Out Your Genius (Yes You Can) With Mark Levy (twistimage.com)