In search of ideas

In search of ideas
       When deciding to write two very important qualities are required:
1.	Clear, logically planned, coherently arranged material.
2.	Avoidance of what is obvious and trite not only in thought, but in expression.

If one is asked to write about "Handkerchiefs," for instance it is unnecessary to state the obvious that it is a piece of square linen, used for wiping noses!  We have to find something more interesting than that.
	For example. One instantly thinks of tears, laughter, sorrow-farce and tragedy; or of waving the handkerchief at friends or family leaving on a long journey- a poignant and dramatic moment; or of the handkerchief coquettishly dropped by a beautiful young lady-looking for romance. 
Then maybe we could write about the knotted handkerchief used as a memory aid, the four cornered handkerchief used by grandfathers to protect a bald pate from the sun during his siesta; or the hidden depths of the magicians miraculous handkerchief.
Maybe we could write about the handkerchief in literature, too, immediately remembering Marius in (Les Miserable's), who treasured the old mans handkerchief believing it was Cosette's!
Then there was the handkerchief with which Dennis the hangman in (Barnaby Rudge) used to "work' em off"; what about the handkerchief that Widow Wadman loaned to Uncle Toby - a picture of the scene still hangs in the Tate gallery; then there are the handkerchiefs found as clues in numerous murder stories or the handkerchiefs sprinkled with chloroform in hundred of spy stories.
As the mind adjusts to the subject it is amazing how the material just keeps accumulating even on such a dull subject as handkerchiefs.
One final point. A ponderously serious style of writing is not an indication of huge intelligence. When a man feels strong he treads lightly; when he feels tired and weak his footfalls are heavy. So it is with literary style.

Good Writing
Rowland