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.

The Long and Winding Road

The Long and Winding Road (with special thanks to Lennon and McCartney)

There are defining moments in an author’s life, or for that matter, any artist’s life – whether they be author, poet, painter or sculptor. Being creative souls, we produce works of art which are a direct reflection of ourselves. We have a great deal fun of creating them. We strive very hard to market and sell them. But when we hear words from someone who has critically appraised our works and finds them worthy of commendation, it brings our art to a whole new level.

We love what we do. Otherwise, how could we possibly be part of the crazy “long and winding road” that is publishing, or creating an artistic piece? I’ll tell you – the answer is “no way”. Unless you’re deemed the current year’s sensation, making a living through creative processes is no picnic in the park.

So why do we do it? To entertain, of course. We entertain ourselves and hope to do the same for our readers.

I recently received my first “fan” message and my first novel review all in the space of a week and I’ve got to tell you – I am thrilled. I am more than thrilled, I am on top of the world. This is what makes it all worthwhile. The validation that what I create is not only fun for me to do, but fun for someone else to read.

For me, it’s taken a decade: from the first time I wrote the manuscript for Golden Enchantment in the early 1990s to the second time of rewriting and finishing in September 2007, to publication in March, 2008, to this day, finally, receiving the validation that someone likes what I wrote!

And that’s what it’s all about. We’ll keep on writing and continue the journey down that long and winding road, as you keep on reading.

“The long and winding road

That leads to your door

Will never disappear

I’ve seen that road before”