Brainstorming Tools for Writers: Top Picks for Writers Block

Brainstorming is an essential part of the writing process, helping writers develop and expand their ideas to create compelling stories and articles. In today's fast-paced world, there are various tools available to assist in organizing and refining those thoughts. For writers, choosing the right brainstorming tool can significantly improve their writing process, enabling them to generate ideas and piece them together coherently.

Brainstorming tools for writers come in several forms, from physical aids such as notebooks and whiteboards to digital options like software applications and mobile apps. Digital tools are growing in popularity due to their versatility and ease of access, allowing writers to collaborate with others and have their ideas available at their fingertips.

When selecting the right brainstorming tool, it’s crucial to consider factors such as user-friendliness, customization options, collaboration capabilities, and, in the case of digital tools, platform compatibility. These aspects can greatly impact a writer’s efficiency and creativity, ultimately affecting the quality of their work. We have devoted significant time to research and testing various brainstorming tools, identifying the best options to enhance the writing process for authors at different stages of their careers.

In this article, we will guide you through our top picks for brainstorming tools that are designed to simplify and streamline the process for writers, allowing your creativity to flourish and your ideas to take shape effortlessly.

If you in the mood for a writing game look through our list!

Narata Storytelling Cards

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Narata Storytelling Cards

$32.79

We believe the Narata Storytelling Cards are an excellent tool for creative writers seeking inspiration and new story ideas

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We believe the Narata Storytelling Cards are an excellent tool for creative writers seeking inspiration and new story ideas.

Pros

• Boosts storytelling abilities with diverse card categories
• Useful for various creative professionals
• High-quality materials and illustrations

Cons

• May not be specifically tailored to fantasy writing
• Expansion packs might be difficult to find
• Delivery time could be lengthy

The moment we received the Narata Storytelling Cards, we were impressed with the quality and design of the sturdy box and cards themselves. As we began to explore the 200 illustrated cards, we noticed how the variety of characters, situations, and locations combined to spark unique story ideas we hadn't considered before.

As writers ourselves, we found the associated terms on each card to be a valuable addition in broadening our creative thinking. Additionally, the 24-page booklet containing suggested methods for using the cards came in handy for developing not only story ideas but also characters, scenes, and plot structures.

While these cards do cover a wide range of creative fields and industries, we observed that they may not cater specifically to writers focusing on fantasy writing. Only a limited number of cards relate to that genre, so it's important to keep that in mind if you're looking for specialized tools. Nevertheless, these cards can be incredibly beneficial for a variety of storytellers.

In conclusion, the Narata Storytelling Cards serve as a valuable and versatile tool for writers searching for new ideas and inspiration. Although they may not cater specifically to fantasy writers, we find that their quality, design, and range of card categories make them a worthwhile investment for anyone in the world of storytelling.

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The Coloring Book for Writers: An Inspirational Brainstorming Tool

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The Coloring Book for Writers: An Inspirational Brainstorming Tool

$7.50

This unique tool is an ideal choice for writers seeking a relaxing and stimulating way to brainstorm ideas

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This unique tool is an ideal choice for writers seeking a relaxing and stimulating way to brainstorm ideas.

Pros

• Effective balance of coloring and brainstorming exercises
• Wide range of intricate designs
• High-quality paper for coloring and writing

Cons

• Designs might not appeal to everyone
• Coloring patterns over pictures
• Some prompts can feel repetitive

The Coloring Book for Writers combines the tranquility of coloring with the creativity of brainstorming exercises to help writers develop new ideas and boost motivation. We found that the balance between the number of coloring pages and the brainstorming prompts was well-maintained, keeping us engaged and our creative juices flowing.

Upon digging deeper into the designs, we noticed that they vary from simple patterns to more elaborate pictures. This allows users with different artistic preferences to find something that piques their interest while providing a diverse coloring experience. The paper quality is also exceptional, making it enjoyable to color and jot down ideas without facing bleed-through or smudging problems.

However, not everything about the book is a hit. We observed that some coloring enthusiasts might not appreciate every design, especially those who prefer more detailed illustrations over patterns. Additionally, the writing prompts can occasionally feel repetitive, making it less effective at generating new ideas for experienced writers.

Despite a few shortcomings, The Coloring Book for Writers remains an innovative and engaging tool for authors to alleviate writer's block, enhance their brainstorming skills, and enjoy a creative escape.

If you need a luxurious pen for your writing brainstorm, find one from our list.

A Story Journal For Writers

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A Story Journal For Writers

$7.24

A Story Journal For Writers is a helpful tool for brainstorming story ideas that we found effective, but not without a few limitations

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A Story Journal For Writers is a helpful tool for brainstorming story ideas that we found effective, but not without a few limitations.

Pros

• Compact size for portability
• Effective prompts for brainstorming
• Encourages creativity

Cons

• Limited pages (150)
• Simple design
• Lack of sections for organization

After trying out A Story Journal For Writers, we found ourselves immersed in the process of brainstorming story ideas. The compact size of 5.98 x 0.33 x 9.02 inches makes it easy to carry around, ensuring we have somewhere to jot down ideas whenever inspiration strikes.

Thanks to the writing prompts included within the journal, we were able to generate a myriad of new ideas and inspirations for our stories. The prompts are thought-provoking and encourage our creativity, which is essential for any writer. It's a great way to help in overcoming writer's block or simply getting the creative juices flowing.

However, there are a few downsides to A Story Journal For Writers. With only 150 pages, we found that the journal fills up quickly, which can be frustrating if you're working on multiple projects or generating a high volume of ideas. Additionally, the design is fairly simple, not offering any special features like pockets or ribbons for keeping your place. The journal also lacks sections for organizing different aspects of story development, such as characters or settings.

In conclusion, A Story Journal For Writers is a useful tool for brainstorming story ideas, offering prompts that encourage creativity, and its compact size makes it perfect for on-the-go writers. However, the limited pages, simple design, and lack of organization features might not be suitable for every writer's needs.

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The Psychology Workbook for Writers

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The Psychology Workbook for Writers

$9.95

This workbook is an insightful tool for writers wanting to develop authentic characters and create engaging conflicts in their stories

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This workbook is an insightful tool for writers wanting to develop authentic characters and create engaging conflicts in their stories.

Pros

• In-depth exploration of character psychology
• Helpful worksheets for character development
• Applicable to various writing forms

Cons

• Relatively short in length
• Occasional proof errors
• Worksheets may not suit every writer's style

We recently discovered The Psychology Workbook for Writers by Wooden Tiger Press, which delves deep into the realms of character psychology. The book provided us with valuable insights and tools for building realistic characters, which ultimately improved the quality of conflict in our fiction.

The workbook is packed with character-building worksheets exploring different aspects of personality and motivation. This practical approach helped us get a better grasp of our characters, making it easier to create consistent and believable actions in the narrative. We loved that these techniques could be applied to different writing formats, from novel writing to poetry and even flash fiction.

However, we did find that the book was relatively short at just 90 pages. Some might prefer a more comprehensive resource, but don't let the length deter you – it's still packed with valuable information. We noticed a few proof errors, but these were minor and did not detract from the overall message of the book. As for the worksheets, some of us found them incredibly useful, while others felt they didn't quite fit our writing style.

In conclusion, The Psychology Workbook for Writers is a worthwhile investment for authors seeking to create deeper and more engaging characters and conflicts. Its practical approach, despite the short length and occasional flaws, provides a helpful foundation for understanding character motivation and psychology.

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The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Expression (Second Edition)

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The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Expression (Second Edition)

$17.99

A valuable resource for writers looking to enrich their characters' emotional expressions and improve their writing skills

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A valuable resource for writers looking to enrich their characters' emotional expressions and improve their writing skills.

Pros

• Comprehensive list of emotions with detailed descriptions
• Enhances character development and emotional depth
• Suitable for writers of all levels

Cons

• Might not cover every single emotion
• Some users may prefer digital resources
• Not focused on other aspects of writing

The Emotion Thesaurus is a gem that we found to be incredibly helpful when crafting authentic emotional expressions for our characters. With its well-organized list of emotions, along with detailed descriptions, it allowed us to convey our characters' feelings more accurately and relatably.

While using this book, we noticed that our writing skills improved significantly, especially when it came to character development and creating an emotional depth that resonated with readers. This book is suitable for writers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals, as it offers valuable insights that can benefit anyone looking to refine their writing.

However, it's worth mentioning that The Emotion Thesaurus may not cover every single emotion a writer might need. Nevertheless, it does an excellent job at providing a solid foundation of the most commonly used emotions. In addition, some users might prefer digital resources over physical books, and this guide doesn't address other aspects of writing such as plot or dialogue.

That said, we believe The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Expression (Second Edition) is an indispensable tool for writers who are eager to bring their characters to life through authentic and engaging emotional expressions.

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The Only Character Workbook You'll Ever Need

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The Only Character Workbook You'll Ever Need

$14.38

We highly recommend this workbook for writers looking to create and organize well-rounded characters for their stories

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We highly recommend this workbook for writers looking to create and organize well-rounded characters for their stories.

Pros

• Comprehensive and in-depth character building
• Suitable for writers of all levels
• Part of the Series Bibles for Writers

Cons

• Can be overwhelming with the amount of content
• Some information may be available online for free
• Not tailored for specific genres

Having used "The Only Character Workbook You'll Ever Need," we must say it's an exceptional tool for writers who wish to develop and organize their characters. The comprehensive character-building modules in this workbook allow for in-depth exploration of each character's traits, making it perfect for writers of all levels and experiences.

The workbook's versatility and inclusion in the Series Bibles for Writers makes it an excellent resource for authors working on a series or creating epic heroes. We appreciate how it gives us the tools needed to develop characters that can span across multiple books and hold sway over readers' hearts.

However, with the vast amount of content in this workbook, some writers may find it overwhelming to fill out all sections provided. While this allows for thorough character development, it's essential to know which parts to use and which to skip based on your story's needs to avoid any unnecessary confusion.

Another point to consider is that certain information in the workbook might be found online for free. Nevertheless, having everything compiled in one organized book provides convenience that online searches may not always offer.

One downside to this workbook is the lack of genre-specific features. Although the character-building tools are beneficial for various writing styles, writers working within distinct genres may wish to see guidelines tailored to their specific needs.

In conclusion, we believe "The Only Character Workbook You'll Ever Need" is an invaluable writing tool for authors looking to create well-rounded and in-depth characters for their stories. Though it may have some drawbacks, the benefits it provides in organizing and developing characters significantly outweigh them.

You might store these brainstorming tools between heavy duty bookends.

Writer's Workbook: A Personal Planner with Tips, Checklists and Guidelines

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Writer's Workbook: A Personal Planner with Tips, Checklists and Guidelines

$15.98

We highly recommend this workbook for writers in need of organization and inspiration for their ideas

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We highly recommend this workbook for writers in need of organization and inspiration for their ideas.

Pros

• Comprehensive content
• Excellent organization
• High-quality paper

Cons

• Binding may be fragile
• Not suitable for experienced writers
• Limited to certain writing formats

Upon using the Writer's Workbook, we were thoroughly impressed with its comprehensive content. It covers various aspects of writing, from character creation to setting and plot development. As novice writers, we found this particularly helpful in keeping us focused and organized.

The way this workbook is laid out made planning and organizing our writing projects easier. Its sections devoted to character build-up and locations prompted us to thoroughly think about every detail, contributing to more vibrant and engaging stories.

One of the standout features of the Writer's Workbook is the high-quality paper used for printing. It's a delight to write on, making brainstorming sessions feel more enjoyable and professional.

However, we did find that the binding of the workbook could be fragile, starting to wear down in just a short amount of time. We'd recommend being gentle with the book to ensure longevity.

We also noted that this workbook may not cater to more seasoned writers. Its format and tips might be basic for those with significant experience, proving to be more useful for beginners or intermediate writers.

Additionally, the Writer's Workbook may not be ideal for those writing non-fiction or memoirs, as it focuses more on storytelling elements of fiction. If that's your main writing focus, you might want to look into other resources.

Overall, the Writer's Workbook is a valuable tool for up-and-coming writers in need of guidance and structure in their projects. It's worth trying if you struggle with organizing your ideas or seek a more comprehensive approach to plotting and world-building.

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Buying Guide

When looking for the best brainstorming tools for writers, there are several features to keep in mind. We want to make sure the tool meets our specific needs and preferences. In this guide, we'll discuss some important factors to consider while selecting a brainstorming tool.

Ease of use: The tool should have a user-friendly interface to help us focus on our ideas rather than navigating through complicated menus or figuring out the software. Look for an intuitive design that allows for a smooth workflow and easy organization of thoughts.

Customization: Each writer has their preferences and may need different features from a brainstorming tool. The ideal tool should offer customization options to adapt to our unique requirements and cater to various writing styles.

Collaboration: If we work in a team or need input from others, it's essential to have a tool that allows for seamless collaboration. Some tools offer real-time collaboration, version tracking, and the ability to share our project with others easily.

Key Features

Here's a table summarizing the essential features to consider when selecting a brainstorming tool:

Support and updates: It's important to choose a tool that provides responsive customer support and regular updates. This ensures that we have access to help when needed, and the tool stays up-to-date with improvements and new features.

Pricing: Last but not least, we must consider the budget. There's a wide range of brainstorming tools available in the market, with either a one-time fee or a subscription-based model. Evaluate the features and benefits of each option to find the one that offers the best value for our needs.

In conclusion, to select the right brainstorming tool for us, we should pay attention to crucial aspects such as ease of use, customization, collaboration, support, and pricing. Making a well-informed decision will help us be more productive and efficient as writers, ultimately aiding in the creative process.