we study the fascinations list, move items around, add to them, group them, and look for themes. Believe me, we find themes. It’s like what Edward Tufte meant when he wrote that “the act of arranging information becomes an act of insight.” We get new ideas just by recombining what’s in front of us.

and the original: Difference #2. This revised edition contains a new section,

When you freewrite, the page is alive. The ideas that appear on it will change radically, if you let them. You must be open to the truth of the material as it shows up. When something good materializes, jump on it, whether it fits what you’ve been writing or not. Don’t be afraid to turn your back on what got you there.

reminding myself to

Your best thought comes embedded in chunks of your worst thought.

Focus-changers have endless numbers or forms. Here’s a partial list of some helpful ones: • How can I make this exciting? • How can I add value? • What else can I say about this subject? • Why am I stuck at this particular point? • How can I get unstuck? • What am I missing here? • What am I wrong about here? • Why? • How can I prove that? • How ca

One of the warm-ups I use might be called the opposites game. I read about the concept in John Vorhaus’s The Comic Toolbox. It was created to help people write sitcoms and other comedic work. The rules take some explaining, but playing it is simple and fun.

These chunks, by the way, aren’t mere fragments. They’re complete thoughts. That’s what makes this method work. If I read a chunk even a decade from now, it would make sense to me.

If you’re interested in learning more writing marathon-like ideas, see “The Loop Writing Process” in Peter Elbow’s “Writing With Power.” He has wonderful thoughts on how to further disorient one’s thinking so that it turns productive.