January 2025 

               Study and reference Notes

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Unlocking Creativity 

Brainstorming Ideas with "I Remember..."

        As writers, we often find ourselves staring at a blank page, waiting for inspiration to strike. One of the most effective ways to overcome this creative block is by using a simple yet powerful brainstorming technique: beginning each sentence with "I remember..." and allowing your thoughts to flow freely. This method taps into the power of association rather than direct connection, stimulating creativity in unexpected ways. Let’s explore how this works, its benefits, limitations, and some exciting variations to take your writing up a notch.

The Technique: "I Remember..."

          The process is simple: start with the phrase "I remember..." and let your mind wander. Write down whatever comes to mind, even if it seems unrelated to the previous thought. For example:

          Notice how each sentence doesn’t necessarily connect to the one before it. Instead, it follows the natural flow of your thoughts, much like word association. This lack of direct connection is the key to unlocking creativity. By allowing your mind to leap from one memory to another, you create a rich tapestry of ideas that can serve as the foundation for your writing.

How Association Stimulates Creativity

          When you focus on association rather than logical connections, you bypass the critical, analytical part of your brain and tap into your subconscious. This is where creativity thrives. Here’s how this technique stimulates your imagination:

1. Uncovering Hidden Gems: Memories you didn’t even realize you had can surface, providing fresh material for your writing. 

2. Breaking Predictable Patterns: By avoiding direct connections, you sidestep clichés and predictable ideas, opening the door to originality. 

3. Creating Juxtaposition: The randomness of associations can lead to surprising combinations of ideas, sparking new perspectives and storylines. 

4. Engaging Emotion: Memories are often tied to strong emotions, which can add depth and authenticity to your writing.  For example, the memory of burnt toast might lead to a story about a chaotic morning, while the image of cold metal could inspire a scene in a dystopian world. The possibilities are endless.

Benefits of the "I Remember..." Technique

          The benefits of this brainstorming method are numerous:

• Versatility: It works for any genre, from fiction to poetry to memoir. 

• Ease of Use: The simple structure makes it accessible to writers of all levels. 

• Overcoming Blocks: It’s an excellent way to get words on the page when you’re feeling stuck. 

• Generating Ideas: The technique can produce a wealth of material to draw from for future projects. 

• Encouraging Exploration: It pushes you to explore memories and ideas you might not have considered otherwise. 

Limitations and How to Overcome Them

While this technique is highly effective, it does have some limitations:

1. Over-reliance on Personal Experience: Writers may find themselves stuck in the realm of "writing what they know." 

Solution: Use the technique as a springboard for imagination. For example, take a memory and ask, "What if this happened in a different time or place?" 

2. Lack of Structure: The randomness of associations can feel chaotic. 

Solution: After brainstorming, review your list and look for patterns or themes to develop further. 

3. Emotional Overload: Some memories may be too intense or personal to explore. 

Solution: Focus on sensory details rather than the emotional context of the memory. 

Out-of-the-Box Variations

To push your creativity even further, try these variations on the "I remember..." technique:

1. "I Imagine...": Instead of recalling memories, use the phrase "I imagine..." to brainstorm ideas. For example: 

   - I imagine a city where it never stops raining. 

   - I imagine a world where people communicate through music. 

2. "What If...": Use "What if..." to turn memories into speculative ideas. For example: 

    - I remember the sound of my grandmother’s laughter. What if she had been a              famous comedian? 

3. Sensory Focus: Begin each sentence with "I remember the smell of..." or "I remember     the sound of..." to hone in on sensory details. 

4. Time Travel: Use "I remember..." to explore different time periods. For   example: 

   - I remember walking through a medieval marketplace. 

   - I remember the first time humans landed on Mars. 

5. Character Perspective: Write "I remember..." from the perspective of a fictional                character. This can help you develop their backstory and voice.       

 6. Collaborative Brainstorming: In a group setting, take turns adding to a shared list of "I        remember..." sentences. The diversity of perspectives can lead to unexpected ideas. 

Writing Beyond What You Know

          One of the most exciting aspects of this technique is its potential to help you write beyond your own experiences. By focusing on association and imagination, you can move from "writing what you know" to "writing what you are learning." This approach encourages curiosity and exploration, allowing you to create stories that are both original and thought-provoking.

          For example, a memory of a childhood treehouse could inspire a story about a secret society in the treetops. A memory of a family road trip could lead to a science fiction tale about intergalactic travel. The key is to let your mind wander and see where it takes you.

Conclusion

          The "I remember..." technique is a powerful tool for brainstorming ideas and unlocking your creative potential. By focusing on association rather than direct connections, you can generate a wealth of material that is fresh, original, and deeply personal. While the method has its limitations, these can be overcome with a little creativity and flexibility. And with the out-of-the-box variations provided, you’ll never run out of ways to challenge yourself and grow as a writer.

          So grab a notebook, start with "I remember...", and let your imagination take flight. Who knows where it will lead?

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Writing Exercise

        We will do a fun exercise at the meeting. I'm sure everyone is ready to slow down a bit after all the holiday excitement. 

          January is named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, endings, gates, and doorways. In art, Janus is often depicted with two faces, one looking to the past and one to the future.  So, in honor of the beginning of the New Year, we will also devote a few minutes to looking back on 2024 and forward to our activities for 2025. Please spend a little time thinking about the Guild and what you believe we should be doing. If it is worth doing it is worth doing right.

We're looking forward to seeing you Wednesday  January 8, 2025

Happy New Year!