Use The Word "Maybe" When Brainstorming

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Two Simple Writing Tips to Beat Perfectionism and Get Unstuck

Hey friends! Today, I’ve got a quick writing tip—actually, two—for those moments when you feel stuck or bogged down by perfectionism.

We’ve all been there: you don’t want to move forward until every detail is perfect. Maybe you’re hesitant to write anything down because it feels too final. Maybe you’re afraid of committing to an idea that might not be right.

If this sounds familiar, here are two easy techniques that can help break through hesitation and get your ideas flowing.

Tip #1: Use the Word “Maybe” When Brainstorming

When you’re brainstorming, anything goes—yet a lot of writers freeze up at this stage. They don’t want to commit to ideas too soon, fearing they’ll box themselves in. But here’s a simple mind trick that makes brainstorming so much easier:

Start Every Idea with “Maybe”

Instead of feeling stuck because you’re trying to make the right decision, try framing your thoughts like this:

  • “Maybe she’s divorced.”
  • “Maybe she has a cat.”
  • “Maybe that cat is magical.”

The beauty of “maybe” is that it removes the pressure of commitment. You’re not making permanent choices—you’re simply exploring possibilities.

How This Works in Practice

Let’s say you’re brainstorming a character:

  • Maybe she’s divorced.
  • Maybe she regrets that decision.
  • Maybe now she second-guesses every choice she makes.
  • Maybe she’s incredibly indecisive as a result.

See what happened there? The more you keep writing “maybe,” the more you flesh out why these details matter. Suddenly, you’ve gone from “Maybe she’s divorced” to a key part of her personality!

And here’s the cool part—after a while, you stop writing “maybe.” The ideas start to solidify, and before you know it, you’re developing real backstory and character depth.

Tip #2: Transfer Your Notes from a Notebook to a Digital File

If you start your brainstorming with pen and paper, here’s another trick that helps ideas take shape:

Write by Hand, Then Type It Into a Document

Here’s how it works:

  1. Start in a notebook. Jot down all your “maybe” ideas by hand.
  2. Later, transfer those ideas into a digital file.

Sounds simple, right? But here’s why this is such an effective tool:

Why This Works

  • You reflect on your ideas as you type. Moving an idea from paper to screen forces you to reread and reconsider your thoughts. This often leads to deeper insights and expansion.
  • It encourages revision and expansion. While typing, your brain naturally adds new details. Maybe she’s indecisive because of her divorce… but maybe her divorce happened because her ex cheated. And that’s why she struggles to trust people now.
  • You organize your thoughts. Notebooks can be messy. Transferring ideas gives you a clearer, more structured way to build on them.

Often, while I’m moving my handwritten notes into a document, I find myself naturally continuing the thought process—adding a detail here, expanding a backstory there. Before you know it, brainstorming turns into actual writing.

Quick Recap: Two Writing Tricks to Try Today

  1. Use “Maybe” While Brainstorming

    • It frees you from perfectionism.
    • It allows you to explore ideas without commitment.
    • It helps develop deeper character backstories and plotlines naturally.

  2. Write by Hand, Then Transfer to a Digital File

    • It forces you to reflect on your ideas.
    • It often leads to expanding or revising thoughts as you type.
    • It organizes your brainstorming session into something more structured.

If you ever feel stuck because you don’t want to “make the wrong choice” in your story, try removing the pressure with these two simple tricks.

What strategies do you use when brainstorming? Have you ever tried the “maybe” trick? Let me know in the comments!

Happy writing! :sparkles:

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