The ABCs of Imagination

Here's the thing, one of the many highlights of the Highlights Fiction Workshop was an all too brief visit with Peter Jacobi. He is a completely lovely man with an amazing mind. Peter comes often to Highlights and shares his  insights and sheer joy for words, language, creativity, the arts. Peter JacobiPeter is professor emeritus of journalism at Indiana University and a consultant with magazines and corporations, helping CEOs, writers, and editors learn to express their ideas more effectively. His articles have appeared in World Book, the New York Times, Highlights, and others.
On Thursday evening he spoke on Imagination. In part this is what he presented in  his gentle, smart way. As you look at this list, think of your art whether it is writing, painting music, crafts, whatever your joy, consider these:The ABCs of Imagination.
A            Accurate. Be trustworthy in your writing.B            Buoyant, be optimistic, hopefulC            Convincing – choice of languageD            Discerning, not wildE            EvocativeF            Flexible – be willing to reconsider, listen to your editorG            Generous – don’t hold back. Give readers your best.H            Honesty-Authentic and sincereI            Intense-ImpassionedJ            Jovial, friendly, conversationalK            Knowing-let reader gain enlightenmentL            Luminous – cast light into the shadowsM            Magical – conjure, spellbindN            Near – bring the reader closeO            Original – totally yourselfP            Penetrating – imaginative eye of the soulQ            Quenching – use enough of everythingR            Resonate S            SpecificT            Tuneful – add melody to languageU            Unexpected – surprise your readerV            VisualW            Wise – Clear and perceptiveX            Xorcise – hasty judgmentY            Yearn to improveZ            Zealous           
copyright Peter Jacobi, all rights reserved