Word Association

Another brainstorming technique is word association. The definaition is “the spontaneous production of other words in response to a given word.” It’s a great tool for writing because it can done as a game and could spark ideas. Tod do it, you start with a word and write down other words and phrases that you think of when you see the word. Search the internet for the term “word association. You will get sites full of word association games. You will also get images of word lists to start with. This is a good place to start your creative process.

What you do in word association is to think of a word, set a timer, then write down everything that word makes you think of. It’s a simple technique that can be a fun game in a group. It’s the basis of the game password. The idea is to think of as many words you associate with the original word. When done in a group, this is a good way to enrich your vocabulary.

This technique is simple but can produce some powerful results. Be aware that it is also a tool used by psychologists as well. They use it to delve deep into your memories and might induce powerful emotions. More often than not, it’s a fun game to play on your own or with others.

You pick a word and write down other words and phrases you associate with the original word. I don’t think there is a simpler game. The longer the list you produce in as short a period of time, the better. When you finish, look at your list and see if it sparks anything in you. If it doesn’t, pick another word and do it again. Some people choose the next word from the list they generated from the original word.

The best way to do this is to choose your word. Write down what the word makes you feel, beside the words and phrases you think of. Emotions play a part in the game. This could be a great way to infuse emotions into your characters or even into your writing over all.

Word association is a great way to learn new words. If played in a group, or remember words you may have lurking in the recesses of your mind. Bring your words out to play. This technique or game can do that for you. Words you might not think of immediately will pop out while you are playing this game. You may even find the perfect word for a scene, or for a character description. Play this game and have fun. Writing doesn’t have to be a chore.

About pebblepup

I am not one who is comfortable talking about myself but here goes. I enjoy writing, family history, and reading. I decided to do this blog because I wanted to try something new. I decided to make it a weekly blog because I wasn't sure that I could keep up with a daily one, and monthly seemed like I was writing a magazine. I think I did ok with my choices. You'll notice that there are not a lot of graphics on my site. That's because there are graphics plastered everywhere on the Internet and those sites sometimes take forever to load. This blog is a place where you can kick back, relax and be ready to be amused. At least I hope I willbamuse you. This blog is on a variety of subjects from my ficitional cat agency, the FFL, which is monthly, to instructional blogs to editorials, which are my opinions only. I admit that I don't know everything and could be wrong -- I frequently am. Now, stop reading about me and read what I have to say!