Many of the Challenges I have sent out since January in 1997 have been meant to serve as idea sparkers, creativity igniters, blank wall/white canvas/blank white paper tension removers.

So is this one. An oldie but a goodie.

Many creativity writers and other creative people this century have suggested that one technique that they found useful was randomly choosing words and letting them spark our creative lights, juices, etc.

This week I am suggesting a variation on that approach combined with another Merry and I used often in our individual and joint client work.

First pick up the type of publication listed for the particular day of the week.

Second randomly wander through it and find 6 to 12 words without any thnking or rational or necessarily consistent selecting process or technique. Let the words find you or let them jump off the page or simply poke your finger with your eyes closed and pick the word your finger points closest to. The technique you use is up to you.

Third write the 6 to 12 words together.

Fourth create a short story, scene, potential experience that involves all the words.

MONDAY a dictionary

TUESDAY one of your encyclopedia books

WEDNESDAY a cookbook

THURSDAY a television guide or other reference or guide book

FRIDAY a newspaper from the day before or a magazine laying around

If you are far more web focused than I am then use websites that equate to the books I have suggested.

Have fun. Take the random words and be creative.

© 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006 Robert Alan Black, Ph.D. CSP