Today Michelle Lim, author of the new non-fiction book, Idea Sparking: How to Brainstorm Conflict in Your Novel, is guest-posting on the BlessBack blog. She is also a romantic suspense author whose manuscripts have earned recognition in The Rattler Contest 2012, the Genesis Contest 2011, and the Frasier Contest in 2010. Michelle is the Brainstorm/Huddle Coach at My Book Therapy, an online book-coaching business.
Michelle Lim, author of Idea Sparking
I reconnected with Michelle in July 2012 at a writing conference in Duluth where she facilitated our time together. I found her twists and schemes inspiring. Her depth of knowledge of how the brain works makes me think she’s studied many an FBI file . . . Yes, she’s a clever girl. She’s a perfect fit in her role as Vice President of the MN N.I.C.E., the Minnesota chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. Be sure to visit her blog as she’s having an incredible giveaway of a Kindle Paperwhite! Her ideas always get my creative wheels turning. Welcome, Michelle.
Brainstorming Ways to BlessBack Those Who Have Inspired Us
Julie, thank you so much for inviting me to visit your blog. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you through our local ACFW Chapter, Minnesota N.I.C.E. and our last year’s retreat.
For those of you who haven’t heard, during my Idea Sparking: How to Brainstorm Conflict in Your Novel Tour I’m having a drawing for a Free Kindle Paperwhite. For each different blog I visit that you comment on during my tour, you get one entry. Each day I will post any new tour locations on my blog.
Brainstorming is a fantastic tool for all of us. From thinking up new ideas for Christmas gifts and helping your children with homework, to brainstorming ideas for your new novel.
As so many of you, I have been blessed by Julie’s book BlessBack. Brainstorming is my specialty, so in the theme of Julie’s book we are going to brainstorm ways to bless back those who have inspired us.
Think back to the times you have been most blessed by someone else. Usually, the individual showed understanding of you as a person. They took the time to get to know a bit about what you might like and added that personal touch to their thoughtfulness.
In completing my book Idea Sparking: How to Brainstorm Conflict in Your Novel I was blessed by many who helped me along the way. One of the more recent blessings came from Colleen Coble as she encouraged me in my brainstorming skills.
I am so thankful for Colleen’s big heart for newer authors. As a BlessBack, I would like to recommend her newest book Tidewater Inn. By Page 2 I was hooked with the suspense and I love the romance thread. A great read by a New York Times best-selling author!
So, who would you like to bless black? Here are a few brainstorming questions to get you started on ways you can do that:
- What are their favorite hobbies?
- In what way did they bless you? Is there something that would signify that blessing?
- What encourages them most?
- What is their favorite snack?
- Is there something they hate to do?
- What is something you could offer them that would help them to manage their schedule more efficiently?
- Do they have young children?
What is the most creative or endearing bless back someone has given you?
Idea Sparking Endorsements
Here is what authors are saying about Idea Sparking:
“I think it’s a great resource! I love the way you give examples, offer opportunities for writers to craft out their own ideas.” Lisa Jordan Author of Lakeside Reunion and Lakeside Family
“Michelle recently helped me brainstorm Silent Night, my new Rock Harbor digital novella coming at the end of next month. Her brainstorming prowess amazed me! I loved her new book, especially the chapter on secrets.” Colleen Coble, award-winning author
“Michelle encapsulated some workable, practical, yet energizing techniques to help spark that all-important conflict and tension in our stories. I especially appreciated the buffet of ideas that showed how a combination of tips could bring about a tailor-made solution to a lack-luster character, scene, or plot.” Cynthia Ruchti, multi-published author, speaker, and writing instructor.
About Julie Saffrin
Julie Saffrin is the author of numerous published articles and essays. Her latest book, BlessBack: Thank Those Who Shaped Your Life, explores the power of gratitude and offers 120 creative ways to journey toward positive, lasting change.
I love both of these books, BlessBack and Idea Sparking.
Thanks, Pat!
Thank you Julie for inviting me on your blog today! I loved your book and look forward to reading more of your work in the future.
Brainstorming sounds like it could only be fun, fun, fun! I like the idea of getting together with a couple other creative people and hasing out possibilities. You could use up a couple trays of munchies and a couple pots of coffee! Love this idea. Gotta look into your book.
Oh, that sounds like great fun Carol! I love to brainstorm.
Michelle, you are definitely a master at brainstorming. Seems when the rest of us hit a brick wall, you’re just getting started (figuring out how to go over, under, through or around the wall AND how it could add to the plot!). Thanks for putting all that brain power into this book!
Thanks, Stacy! I appreciate the vote of confidence. We all have that ability in us, we just need to know how to bring it out.
Considering the best blessback I have received, I would have to say it is the long term friendships I have been blessed with. We each know so many people in a superficial way, but then there are those who give from deep in their hearts to make time and make a way to continue forward together in a true bond of supportive friendship. My friends each have unique ways of keeping the warm embers of friendship going so our relationships don’t burn out.
The books sound like treasures that would be referred to often as helps along the road of life. Thanks for the opportunity to hear about them.
Blessings, Janice jsmithg(at)hotmail(dot)com
Janice, thank you for sharing your experience. I too have been blessed with amazing friends on this journey and am ever so grateful for them!
I agree, Janice. It is those long-term friendships that have gone through the ups and downs of life wit you and endured that mean the most. We have been missionaries since 1976 and it amazes me the people who have supported us for all those years. I need to find ways to bless them back.
What a lovely thought, Leanne. Some of us might feel we need to bless you back for being the feet of the gospel while we were at home watching football.
The best blessback I’ve ever received? Probably the bracelet a friend tucked away in my luggage once when I went to a writing conference. I opened my suitcase and there it was. He said it was just for me being me.
OH, I love that story Pat.
Hi Michelle,
So glad I followed you over here tonight. It’s the first time I’ve heard of BlessBack.
You are definitely a blessing to me. I’ve learned so much from you this past year. I briefly met you in Dallas and was disappointed we didn’t get to spend a little more time chatting. Maybe next year.
Have a great night.
Thank you, Jackie. I enjoyed meeting you also. I’m sure we will get another opportunity to chat.
The biggest blessing I’ve had in my writing are two particular friends who have encourage and propelled me on, even when I didn’t believe in myself. It made the different between getting books publishing and giving up
That is so the case when it comes to the writing industry. If we don’t have encouraging friends the rejections can be overwhelming. Then we have a moment to share in celebration as well.
Love this, Julie: BlessBack is so awesome. I do a workshop on brainstorming, so it’s always fun to see how others approach it.
The best gift someone’s given me so far is a few years ago when a friend stopped on her way home from work when she knew I was sick, and shoveled snow from my driveway. I hadn’t even known she was out there.
Snow shoveling it definitely on my awesome list, too. Thanks for stopping by Lisa.
Julie, I really like your blog. It has given me ways to revive my own. I hope you will allow me the liberty to use some of your ideas. I also like the “read inside” preview of your book, “Idea Sparking”. The very idea of sparking ideas to help others and thanmk them, for their being a friend is encouraging and I look forward to being able to buy your book.
By the way, where are the other men who can abtain wisdom from your book. I’d like to see posts from them.
Hi, Tom. Thanks so much for your compliment. My book is more focused on brainstorming conflict in your novel. But the first section teaching the art of brainstorming and that would be helpful in brainstorming Bless backs. Glad you stopped by.
Hi, Michelle:
Lovely post! I, too, thoroughly enjoyed the retreat in Duluth and the many awesome ideas you shared. I’m going to get a copy of your book ASAP! I hope we will see eachother again at next year’s retreat. 🙂
Hugs, Jill
Jill, that is really sweet! What an amazing group we had at that retreat! So much talent and so much fun! I look forward to seeing you again, too. Hugs!
Boy, you got my attention with endorsements from Colleen Coble and Cynthia Ruchti. Your brainstorming book sounds great.
Thanks, Latayne. All the endorsements have been such an amazing blessing!!
Few writing craft books are truly innovative, but this is definitely one of them!