ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on two fairly distinct shapes to the anatomy of creativity. One offers a kind of straight line, or linear conception of creativity. The other will return us to the dialectical conception of creativity, and will be a more circular picture. James Webb Young compares the development of a creative idea to the growth of a South Sea atoll. The preparation stage, given that it is about gathering raw materials, is closely connected to developing research skills within a reflective creative practice. Preparation for creativity is taken forward by a period of digestion, which is characterized by the general mulling over of ideas so as to become familiar with them. It appears that the incubation period works best if we divert our attention with something mundane, going for a walk, driving the car, taking a shower are often reported by creative people as a useful part of their creative routine.
