My pre-writing process has about 6 steps. The 1st step for me is coming up with Idea, or sometimes a Title to work off of.
These ideas can come from anywhere. Sometime I'll be watching TV or listening to the radio when an idea strikes. Wherever I think of something I try to write it down. Then it get's added to the white board of hope. This is where I make list ideas for books, promotional stuff, and anything else I'm hoping to get done or considering doing. Seeing it there gives it some time to take more shape. If after toying with it for a while I decide if its still an interesting idea to me. Sometimes this process can be wiped out by an idea I just can't let go of, which moves it to the top of the list. Then it moves to title time.
I've found that I write better with a title in mind. Again this might not be everyone's preference, but it helps me get a clearer picture in my head. So no matter the idea I try to come up with something. The working title doesn't always end up the same at the end, but it's usually pretty close.
Are you with me so far? Once this is all in place then I'll move on to the next step in my process.