After you have engaged in creative brainstorming then critical thinking is key. Analysis, evaluation and determination must be applied. Critical thinking determines patterns, examines assumptions, discerns hidden values, evaluates evidence, accomplishes actions, and assesses conclusions. Non-fiction writing especially as it relates to business or how-to information must have an essential critical thinking component.
Tip 1: EVALUATE CREATIVE IDEAS
Consider each of the ideas for achievability or best idea with the most benefit. Establish a rating system for uniqueness, meeting needs of customer, generating revenue and amount of time it will take to achieve results. Narrow down the ideas to five or six and keep them on the short list. If it is about a potential title for a new book test it in the search engines or bookstores to see if it is available or if others have already used it. If it is a new way to engage customers then try out a few questions or try out one of the steps and see what kind of response you receive. If it is a solution to a problem how will you package it or deliver it to the customer?
Tip 2: ANALYZE PROS & CONS
Gather all the facts. What are all the positives associate with each idea or activity. What are the potential negatives or stumbling blocks that might keep you from achieving as much success as you would like. What do you know? What might you not know? Narrow it down to the three ideas with the most potential. Critical thinking is about asking questions of yourself, your team or your customers. It involves asking the tough questions of what will it cost, how many hours will it take, who will accomplish what tasks and what will need to be activated to achieve the desired results.
Tip 3: DECIDE ON A DIRECTION
Finally choose one idea, activity or process and move boldly in that direction. Get started. Clarify your goals. Develop a budget. Determine a timeframe. Build in some benchmarks. Decide on the ultimate result. How will you know when you have accomplished your objectives.
Critical thinking is most valuable when one must figure out what to do and what to believe. Critical thinking employs not only logic, but broad intellectual criteria such as credibility, depth, breath, precision, significance and fairness. It might be a simple idea that can be accomplished in an hour or a campaign that takes several weeks or months. Regardless of whether the project is big or small, be sure to utilize critical thinking at the right time in your non-fiction writing. To your writing success.
Be creative every day, Texas Creative Cowgirl, LawlessLiz
Liz Lawless works as a creator, author, speaker, radio host and self-publishing coach. She helps people focus their creative energy to achieve financial results, take back their time and live the lifestyle they desire. She guides and mentors individuals who want to write, speak, publish and market their professional or how to message to transform the world. www.lawlessliz.com.