Thinking outside the box

Thinking outside the box is one of those educator terms teachers like to bandy about. But what does it mean? For some, it means coming up with a creative solution to a problem. For others, it means the process by which we solve problems. Either way, it deals with creativity, of thinking beyond the mundane.

So, how do we train our muse to think outside the box? I would suggest a healthy dose of exercise. And yes, you can train yourself to be more creative. One of the first art workshops I ever attended discussed methods for getting children to be more inventive with their ideas. The presenter introduced me to two fabulous books; A Whack on the Side of the Head and A Kick in the Seat of the Pants, both by Roger von Oech. He also developed a Creative Whack Pack, a set of cards designed to help solve problems from a different angle.

About that same time, I took on a coaching job for a Destination Imagination team. This is a wonderful competition that encourages the kids to "think." As part of the training and part of the competition, the kids are asked to solve problems in 5 - 8 minutes. These problems are called instant challenges.

So - what does this have to do with writing? Everything. I think one of the biggest challenges a writer is faced with it coming up with "creative ideas." Many believe that there are no new plots, that writers must use basic plots and change them up or present them in such a way that they seem new. Not an easy task.

Discussion has already been presented on pantser vs plotter. I'm a certified pantser, but regardless, my characters often get themselves into impossible situations. To try and think outside the box, I try very hard to throw out my first two solutions. In my opinion, the first solution is the one that most readers will expect and a writer doesn't want to state the obvious. The second solution might also fall into this category. So - my challenge to myself is to find a third solution to the problem created by my contrary characters. I think and hope that this practice helps create page turners and stories that will engage the reader to the bitter end.

In this respect, doing brain exercises, teasers, instant challenges all help develop a creative mind. The best writers in the world will take their creative thoughts and present them in novel format. Some write well, but the story is lacking and some have the most awesome ideas but a writing style that's hard to follow. A marriage of both creative thought and superb writing is what we all strive for.