This week my sparking source is

1. THE WRITER'S IDEABOOK by Jack Heffron

On page 40 Jack Heffron suggests the technique of "cutting and pasting" sections of a paper, book, manuscript and playing with them looking for inspiration or ideas or changes in direction.

Before you get started choose a mix of books, magazines, newspapers or advertisements from the mail. Photocopy 3 to 6 sample pages from each. Then cut them apart into individual paragraphs or even sentences. Once you have done that then tape cuttings from 6 or more different sources together in random order. Make 5 of these combinations. Mark one for each day.

MONDAY Imagine yourself writing a sports story. Read the combined article and rewrite it or take pieces from it to create a sports story about any sport.

TUESDAY Imagine yourself creating a new situation comedy from television. Use another combined article and rewrite it or take ideas from it for characters, plots, situations, title of your show.

WEDNESDAY Imagine yourself writing a murder mystery. Use today's combined article as your source of ideas and content.

THURSDAY Imagine yourself creating a new game for children. Use today's combined article as your source of ideas and content.

FRIDAY Imagine yourself creating a new restaurant that you would love to eat at. Use today's combined article as your source of ideas and content.

Have fun this week becoming more creative while you are creating.

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