Creatively that is. I see connections in all kinds of unrelated things. Not all of those connections make sense to other people, but once in a while I stumble onto something that really works. The best of these ideas form some part of the stories I tell. In a perfect world they resonate with my audience and enhance the story I try to tell.
One of my favorite thought exercises is to collaborate with other writers to create ideas and themes for their work. Not only am I helping someone else, but the ideas spark more connections for my work as well. A real win – win for all of us. I don’t get to collaborate like that as much as I’d like to, so I jump on the few I am able to join in on.