Brainstorm Your Next Novel!

In this lesson, you'll earn how to evaluate why you want to write the book you have in mind to make it a stronger book.

In this lesson, you'll decide on the overall emotion you want to convey with your new story.

In this lesson, you'll analyze your underlying message.

In this lesson, you'll learn to find your inspiration in people who have reached their dreams or people you admire, or people who inspire you to be a writer or inspire you to create characters in your books.

(Video credits: ballet footage by Alex Wolf; family at play by Tina Messina; skateboarder by Chris Whitaker; woman driving by Cav Kid)

Think about what you are fascinated by. This lesson helps you explore your mind and your world.

In this lesson, we'll take a few minutes to think about where you get your best writing done.

In this lesson, you'll learn that a quick note or even a scribble can be inspiration later.

In this lesson, you'll see how mind mapping can help you come up with new story and plot ideas.

Coffee! Or tea! The writer's tool of the trade. In this lesson, we talk about getting focused and having positive energy for writing.

In this lesson, we take a look at the popular note taking software, Evernote.

In this lesson we take a look at Microsoft's OneNote product.

In this lesson, we take a look at the notetaking application aimed at researchers and academics and see whether it's a good fit for your book project.

In this lesson, we take a look at some of the more popular note taking software options not already discussed.

In this lesson, we take a look at the importance of keeping a notebook with you at all times.

In this lesson, we discuss the next step: outlining your story.

Here is an excellent book for you to consider if you're interested in learning more about outlining your novel.

In this lesson we talk about how timelines and calendars can help you keep track of what happens in your story.

In this lesson, we take a look at the "Hero's Journey," one of the basic structures in novels so you can apply it to your book if you want.

Recommended books for further reading and investigation. These are two of my favorites, as well.

The 3-Act Structure is almost as old as storytelling itself. In this lecture you'll learn what the structure is and what each Act should contain.

In this lesson you'll learn the value of smaller goals on the way to the final goal, and the value (and fun!) of putting worse and worse obstacles in your heroine's way.

In this lesson, you'll learn the value of building tension throughout the story, and ratcheting it up as you get closer and closer to the climatic scene -- where the hero either wins or fails! (Hint: he wins.)

In this lesson, we discuss your protagonist -- your hero or heroine.

In this lesson, we discuss your antagonist -- your hero's or heroine's enemy.

In this lesson, we take a look at the "mentor" figure and his or her role in your story.

In this lesson, you learn the value of the sidekick in stories, a long valued position, from Queequeg to Huck Finn to Robin.

Interested in learning more on how to create compelling and believable characters? Here's a couple of highly recommended books for you to consider.

Now that you have your new brainstorming skills, carry on! Be sure to start each project using your new skills. Use them, too, whenever you get stuck at any stage when writing your next novel. Good luck and see you on the bestseller lists!