How can I be more creative. That's the request — sometimes a plea — that I hear most often.

It's the question that the Go Creative! book series was written to answer.

These books go on sale in January. To lead in, I'm doing an A to Z series that will introduce some of the concepts and hear about your own experiences and ideas.

I hope that you'll find the series useful and enjoyable. Questions and comments are welcome, in the guestbook or below.

And in the meantime, here's an extract from How To Create Anything: The Seven Stages of The Creative Process to whet your appetite.

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THE SEVEN STAGES OF THE CREATIVE PROCESS

STAGE 1: INTENTION (Aspiring)

First Law of Creation: Birth

Infancy: Impulse.

Creative Infancy: True Wants – Intuition.

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STAGE 2: INCUBATION (Germinating)

Second Law of Creation: Enchantment

Childhood : Magic.

Creative Childhood: Dreaming Wonder – Fantasy.

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STAGE 3: INVESTIGATION (Exploring)

Third Law of Creation: Revolution

Adolescence: Experiment.

Creative Adolescence: Active Observation – Research.  

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STAGE 4: COMPOSITION (Devising)

Fourth Law of Creation: Involution

Adulthood: Logic

Creative Adulthood: Reasoned Orchestration – Expression. 

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STAGE 5: CLARIFICATION (Deepening)

Fifth Law of Creation: Selfhood

Early Midlife: Appraisal.

Creative Early Midlife: Selective Amplification – Simplicity.

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STAGE 6: CORRECTION (Revis[ion]ing)

Sixth Law of Creation: Evolution

Late Midlife: Adaptation.

Creative Late Midlife: Mindful Acceptance – Surrender.

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STAGE 7: COMPLETION (Finishing)

Seventh Law of Creation: Transformation

Aging: Release.

Creative Aging: Detached Revelation – Letting Go.