The Brainchild collective was a women's writing group founded in Springfield, Illinois in August 1972 to provide a supportive environment for female writers in central Illinois. The group formed with the twofold mission of encouraging women’s literary expression and providing a public forum for the members’ work.

The group met regularly for thirty-five years, and as of 1997 had published seven anthologies. Membership was open to writers of all experience levels, from absolute beginners to published authors, and included women from all walks of life. Some notable members included Carla Cravens, Peg Knoefle, Rosie Richmond, Jack Jackson, and Maria Mootry. Many of the anthologies provide short profiles on the contributing authors.