“Zoom” into a New Way to Brainstorm

By Morgan Tarpley Smith

Technology is ever evolving and as writers these type of advancements can be super helpful but also possibly overwhelming. But one new technological method has brought brainstorming with fellow writers from across the country to a whole new level for me – and it’s called Zoom.

Several weeks ago, I took part in an online video conference with three fellow writers and it couldn’t have been easier or more fun. 

The best part was that we were all in different states and time zones. We chose a time that fit us all, and we joined in to talk through one of our manuscripts. I even used my Kindle Fire for it, which was awesome.

Now, let me tell you more about this awesome technology called Zoom. Zoom is a private company headquartered in San Jose, Calif. Founded in 2011, Zoom is a leader in modern enterprise video communications that offers a secure, easy platform for video and audio conferencing, messaging, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems.

Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in conference, huddle, and training rooms as well as executive offices and classrooms. Zoom helps over 650,000 businesses and organizations bring their teams together to get more done.

The Zoom app is free, and it was free to sign up to have our meeting. All we had to do was create a log-in and then was click on Start with video to start a video meeting. The next step was to click on Schedule to set up the future meeting. Then, we had to join the meeting when we were sent an invite. It was fairly simple, and we were able to speak uninterrupted and with no issues.

The free version allows for 40 minute meetings with up to 100 participants, but you can have unlimited meetings. You also have unlimited one-on-one meetings. We could see each other on the screen in our own little boxes, and I had flashbacks from “The Brady Bunch” show intro. (ha!)

Have you used Zoom before? If not, what other technological methods have you used for online brainstorming? What has worked best for you?

Morgan Tarpley Smith

Morgan Tarpley Smith is an award-winning newspaper reporter and photographer in Louisiana. She is also an inspirational adult and middle grade novelist. 

Besides writing and traveling to over a dozen countries, her interests include acting, genealogy, photography, and singing. She resides in Louisiana with her husband and is expecting their first child in 2018. For more information about Morgan, connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Goodreads.