What metaphors do you have for writing? Is it something that’s as natural as having a daydream, or as tough as cracking a particularly elusive walnut? And what about ideas? Are they like butterflies you have to catch with an imaginary net, or that you tune into on your mind’s private radio station?

The metaphors we use are a reflection of what we believe, and shape how we behave. I worked at an ad agency once where one of the directors would pair up with a writer to have what he called a ‘braindump’, an unsettling image that conjures up furrowed brows and straining - and is frankly an activity that should be engaged in on your own unless there’s a medical need for assistance. Then there’s the famous ‘brainstorm’, a term some people refuse to use now as they believe it offensive to the mentally ill, so hence we have new terms like ‘thought shower’, one that’s never really convinced me.

If you’re unclear of what your metaphor for creativity, or writing is, ask yourself what your mental picture is of that process. Some people’s mental picture will contain that metaphor very obviously: a zoo full of wild and exotic animals; a solar system where every planet has different physical and maybe even social rules; a garden that needs to be cultivated. If you don’t seem to have a mental image, then ask yourself ‘what is creativity or writing like…?’ and listen for what comes up.

At which point, some of you will be nodding your heads, and others will still be wondering why any of this matters. Well, if you’re in the latter camp and you’re confident in your ability to generate workable concepts and develop them to fruition (…another metaphor, as it goes) then all very well. If, however, you’re someone who feels that their writing is sometimes difficult, that they’re stuck, and that words flow like the last inch of treacle out of a crusted-up tin (..another metaphor) then perhaps it’s time you had some fun with this notion and explored what your metaphors around writing are, and what they could more productively be.

Metaphors for creativity give you some idea of the pre-conditions that need to exist before someone will allow themselves to be creative. If your creativity is such that you require Classic FM, a chilled Chianti, and certain flowers in your study before you can put words to paper, then I wish you all the best and hope you continue to enjoy a steady stream of classical music, wine, and blossoms. But what if creativity could be as natural as breathing, say? It’s not a coincidence that the words ‘inspiration’ and ‘respiration’ have a lot in common…so what if you could literally come up with ideas as easily as breathing in and out, wherever you happen to be?

Start to keep your eyes and ears open for evidence of metaphors that you and others have for creativity, for writing, for ideas, for whatever else you’re interested in. And notice the difference between those who have an abundance of those things, and people who struggle to come up with anything inventive or novel. What metaphors do the generative people use, compared to those who find creativity difficult? And how might you be able to assist them in finding more constructive metaphors, if that’s something they want to play with..?