The word itself sounds unpleasant, but I assure you, in the context I’ll be using it in, you will come to like using this word. There are other words that describe the process but I like this one because it implies an urgency.

Brainstorming is okay… but not exactly the right definition. Brainstorming usually involves a collective. A group of people gathered to solve a problem by proposing ideas as a solution.

“Braindumping” is something that one person can do and it doesn’t really have to be only about solving problems.

Let’s say, for example, you would like to write a book on a topic you are very knowledgeable about. But to write about your unique experiences, you have to list the things you know. The best way I know of involves jotting down random keywords in no specific order based on your experience about the topic.

Let’s pretend your area of expertise is playing the guitar. A random list might include:

tuning, tablature, theory, styles, players, strings, picks, types of guitars, techniques, amplification, performance, practice, scales, accompaniment, etc...

So the list here is by no means complete until every last conceivable detail is out of your head and on to the paper (or computer screen).

When I do this exercise on a given topic I aim for speed because I’m trying to get my thoughts out as quickly as possible without giving myself time to censure anything. If I bog down and linger on a thought before finishing the “dump” I risk the chance of losing other valuable details. Not good.

The point of the exercise is to express every idea, tenet, belief, doctrine and descriptive detail you can about the subject at hand. Try to complete the exercise at one sitting. Let the list incubate for a while. Then go at it a second time filling in where needed. If you’re satisfied that you have indeed captured all that you want to, that’s it.

Why is braindumping so valuable? Once every thing is out of your head and onto the paper or screen you can look at it more objectively. Sorting, processing and putting the information into an intelligible order becomes much easier. Whether you are writing a book, article, or blog post… using the braindump technique lets you to see the information from a higher altitude, allowing you to write about it clearly without worrying about organizing it.