LETTING YOUR IMAGINATION ROAM....

Last week, as part of the school holiday program, the children helped me find George. I had footsteps leading from the front door of the library to the children's area, and once there we told stories about muddled-up and confused animals, and sang songs like the Ning Nang Nong (where the cows go bong).

Then we made George.

There was no right or wrong way of making George. Every child began with a paper plate body and a set of eyes. Then they got to create their very own George, choosing from-

•  rabbit ears
• fish tail
• frog's flippers
• dragon's tail
• wings 
• bird's beak
• teddy bear's snout
• monster feet
• feathers
• and hair

It was wonderful to see the variety of animals created, where anything was possible. A George with wings, teddy bear's snout and fish tail, could fly, swim and be cuddly, all at the same time. To the children this all made sense.

However,  a lot of parents where trying to tell their children they would HAVE to put on feathers if they added wings.  That George could NOT have five monster feet and a set of wings. To an adult this was logical.

Imagination is a wonderful tool. In life it helps us create visions of what we want to achieve, but as a writer it is necessary.  Where would we be without the 'what if...' Without the ability to think outside the box. 

Writing fiction (and to a certain degree poetry) is a chance to take the reader on a journey. There may be teapots jibber jabber joo-ing, or George's with a set of fairy wings and fish tail. Trees may go ping, mice go clang and even a rabbit that once a year delivers chocolate eggs.  None of this is logical.  None of this makes sense. But it works.

Don't be afraid to use your imagination. To think like a four year old who believes anything is possible. Because then anything is.

Happy imagining....