Brainstorming for One?
It’s Not as Lonely as You Think
Carrie Anton
Carrie Anton – In her own words …
I’ve spent the past two decades knee-deep in words. You can call me an author, a book editor, a copywriter, a brand writer, an SEO expert, a marketing strategist, or just plain “word girl” and you wouldn’t be wrong—I’ve done it all. From books for tween girls to catalogs for boomer men, there are few industries I haven’t touched and even fewer audiences I haven’t reached.
My portfolio of published magazine articles, engaging digital content, and visually driven books obviously wouldn’t be possible without words, but as a collective they fall short of telling the whole story—my story. The tale of a big picture creative who upon recognizing the potential in a morsel of an idea has the know-how to bring it to life beyond just words.
This mastermind-style approach has jam-packed my portfolio, and now it’s time to pay it forward. Let me help you navigate the winding ways of traditional book publishing and help pave the path for your story.
This week, I sat down with creativity expert and author Carrie Anton to talk about something I used to think was impossible: brainstorming by yourself.
That’s right—Carrie is flipping the script on the classic group brainstorm and showing solo business owners how to tap into their own creativity without waiting for a Zoom meeting or post-it note party.
Key Takeaways for Busy Women:
→ Brainstorming doesn’t require a crowd.
If you’re one of the 57 million freelancers in the U.S., chances are you’ve had to come up with big ideas solo. Carrie says not only is it possible—it can actually be better with the right mindset and process.
→ Start with a solo icebreaker.
Before jumping into problem-solving, give your brain a break from to-do lists. Carrie recommends playful activities—think magazine collages, coloring, or even writing with your non-dominant hand. It’s not about being childish; it’s about giving your brain permission to wander.
→ Constraints fuel creativity.
Contrary to what you might think, having some limits actually makes you more creative. Be clear about what you’re brainstorming for and what your goals are—your brain works better when it has boundaries to bounce off.
→ Take a walk, literally.
A walk around the block may be the best strategy session you’ve ever had. Giving your brain space (and fresh air) can unlock new insights you’d never find staring at a screen.
→ Don’t pounce on your first idea.
Let your idea breathe. Give it a day or two before you commit. Carrie compares it to a bad haircut—just because it looks good on someone else doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Sleep on it, test it, poke at it. Your future self will thank you.