“It’s not enough to be aware of the domain you’re working in, you need to understand it. Noticing things and being curious about how they work is the single most common trait I see in creative people. Once you can break the components down, you can put them back together into something brand new.” - Seth Godin
I want to add to this, but I’m afraid Seth’s nailed it. Let’s start breaking things down and putting them back together.
I love that quote! I’ve been feeling that way since reading Larry Brooks’ Story Engineering. Like I finally understand what I need to finish my novel. I can break it all down and put it together now.
Story Engineering, the Snowflake Method, even the TV Tropes Periodic Table of Tropes all play with the idea. And it’s fun to play with!