Friday Archive Dive: Cascading Brainstorming
Friday, June 28, 2013 at 8:52AM Today's Archive Dive comes from June 18, 2012, when I discussed a writing method I call "Cascading Brainstorming."
I'd like to share with you a part of my approach to writing that has proven pretty productive. I call it "cascading brainstorming." In essence, I write in columns, separating the dialogue/action for each panel as I make my way down the page. If I'm not able to see a clear path to the Funny (or a significant plot point, if I'm working on one of my more storyline driven arcs), I start branching out from earlier panels to see it that leads to somewhere more useful to my writing needs.
It's kind of like going back and taking all of the forks in the road to see where they all lead.
Often, the best path ends up being a combination of several different paths that need to be linked back together to form a cohesive unit. And other times, a simple zig in Panel Two (where there used to be a zag), take you down a creative path that leads you somewhere exciting.
I find it's best to present this in a visual way, so I scanned in a couple pages from my sketchbook, and re-traced my steps.
As usual, click in the images below to see larger versions.