Creativity Technique: Opening Lines

So what does a 1972 Dodge Dart have to do with creativity? Well, besides the fact it takes a lot of creativity to keep the bloody thing on the road, I think it will demonstrate one of the basic aspects of creativity--essentially how to overcome blocks to creativity.

I bought my rust(!) red 1972 Dodge Dart from my hippie English professor in 1992. It was my first car so I thought it was great at the time. Among the legion of problems, the beast used to leak automatic transmission fluid requiring occasional top-ups. Now, if you've ever tried to drive a car low on transmission fluid, it tends to slip out of gear at low points. Soooo, creativity is much the same. You occasionally need something to lubricate the gears to get the wheels turning.

One little technique used by writers is the borrowed opening line. When you get writer's block (creative block), try using someone else's opening line. The American Book Review has compiled the 100 Best First lines. Here's a few examples:

8. It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen. —George Orwell, 1984 (1949)
9. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair. —Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities (1859)
10. I am an invisible man. —Ralph Ellison, Invisible Man (1952)

Visit the website and give it a try:  http://americanbookreview.org/100BestLines.asp

Now, you might say, I'm not a writer. But, this technique is universal. If you are stuck in your business challenge, design project, marketing concept, how to get your kids to eat veggies, etc., go to a successful project and use it as your jumping off point. It will take you places you might not expect.
 
Stay inspired!

Cheers,
Maurice
www.voiceone.fi