i need chestnuts to consume

the Observation Deck :: "make a list"
Pretty much as expected. Discussion of the value of making lists -- lists as brainstorming tools. But did get to some specifics that I'd not thought about. Such as the idea of generating lists of chapter titles as a way to spur work on a novel. Also the idea that, when faced with a problem, instead of beating yr head against it trying to come up with the one perfect solution, try creating a list of 20 possible solutions. Sure, 15 of them will probably be either impossible or totally stupid, but in figuring out what doesn't work, we're perhaps better able to figure out what will work. (I note to myself that this might be a useful approach to take in some matters work-related that I'm dealing with)
Another interesting thing was the mention of a journalling workshop where participants are encouraged, before writing about a period of their past to first make a list of important people in their lives at that time (friends, lovers, family, bosses, co-workers, teachers, etc). Then expand that to include public figures of the time (politicians, movie stars, etc). And go on adding to the lists and elaborating -- what were they doing, what kind of problems might they have been having and so on. Oddly enough, I was thinking this very sort of thing this morning when I woke up early and couldn't get back to sleep. Not about myself but about some characters in something I'm thinking about writing. Maybe. (if i'm crazy enough). Anyway... list type thing in extended entry