It’s Friday afternoon and the last thing on my mind around this time is how to think creatively.  My thoughts consist of ‘when can I shut off the computer; close the office door; and, start my weekend?’  But, it’s only 4:00 p.m. and I still have work to do and deadline’s to meet.  So, how do I think creatively at a time like this?

For starters, a cup of coffee paired with an amazing soundtrack playing in the background really gets the brain stimulated. But, again, it’s a Friday and I’m going to need more than caffeine and a good tune.

So I turn to Roger von Oech’s “A Whack on the side of the Head.”

It’s a great reference book filled with bright ideas and creative exercises to overcome any mental blocks in your way. I recommend it for anyone who needs a little help from time to time in the creative department.

Here’s an example from his book to aid in getting your own creative juices flowing anytime you need a little brain boost:

Exercise: Can you think of a way in which you put a sheet of newspaper on the floor so that when two people stand face to face on it, they won’t be able to touch one another? Cutting or tearing the paper is not allowed. Neither is tying up the people or preventing them from moving.

(I’ll share the book’s answer next week. For now, I look forward to hearing your own suggestions)

Have a great weekend everyone! - Shannon

• Put key points up front – Readers don’t have time to sort through your poetic musing or storytelling to get to the main idea

• Scan your writing like a reporter or reader – Make sure that your writing style is appropriate for the audience and that your message is easily understood

• Brevity – Get to the point!  Your writing gets stronger with each unnecessary word you remove.  “If in doubt, take it out”

• Clarity- Your readers may know nothing about your topic.  It’s not enough that what you have written makes sense to you – it must make sense to them.

• Use the breathing test: Sentences that drag on force readers to breathe midway through.  If they must breathe before hitting the end of the sentence, it’s too long

• Be direct and accurate: Talk directly and succinctly to your target audience. 

• Some of the best advice is your own advice – Offer your own advice.  Better yet, describe precisely how you can fix someone’s problem and refrain from fluff to avoid distraction

• Create a strong summary statement – This clearly defines the theme of your document so that the reporter can instantly know what you’re talking about and decide if she or he wants to keep reading.  

*Remember, your tactic is to get people’s attention and immediate responses: You have to establish a goal for the written piece and make sure that everything you write supports that goal

I think the new trend of both the mother and father partaking in this joyous celebration of their soon-to-be arriving baby is wonderful! 

Why should it just be the mothers who celebrate? 

I personally feel it brings the partners together.  Nine months of pregnancy can be quite stressful at times and being able to take a moment together amongst loved ones and friends to celebrate the miracle of birth is such a positive and loving move for the two.

More details to follow…right now our minds are in creative mode.  

Looking forward to posting pictures from this event

- Shannon