Writing Tip #5 Brainstorming

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First, get a timer and some paper and a pen or pencil. Set the timer for 10 or 15 minutes. Begin writing and DO NOT STOP until the timer goes off. If you cannot think of anything to write, write that you cannot think of anything to write. Write past your jugdments. Don't worry about spelling or whether the sentence makes sense. You just keep writing. When the timer goes off, set your paper aside. Go back to it later in the day or even the next day. Read the paper and identify topics that you can use in your outline. You can also use topics from the Sample Outline if you choose. Another way to identify topics for your paper is mind mapping, which will be discussed in another writing tip.