I've always been inspired by the writings of Roger
von Oech (A
Kick in the Seat of the Pants and A
Whack on the Side of the Head). I drew out his ideas on the Artist
stage of the creative process. Before the Artist stage is the Explorer
stage--gathering a bunch of ideas. After the Artist stage is the Judge
stage. The Judge evaluates the Artist's work.
After
everything
is good,
then the Warrior fights for the idea. Very good book about the brainstorming
process.