The name for this type of constrained writing is apparently “lipogram” (”missing letter”). There have been a number of works written using this principle. One of the earliest was the 1939 novel “Gadsby”, by Ernest Vincent Wright, written with no letter ‘e’.

Another notable lipogrammatic work is “La disparition” (”The disappearance”), by Georges Perec. Both the original French, and the English translation (”A void”) by Gilbert Adair, omit the letter ‘e’. Read about it on Wikipedia here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Void.

Interesting to note that the Wikipedia author has also managed to write the Plot Summary for “A void” (140 words) without using ‘e’!

Indeed, the challenge is to look for relevant constraints to encourage creativity. A number of De Bono’s approaches work by applying constraints, such as the “six thinking hats”, and random word lists.

– Keith

It was excellent though – I highly recommend putting some constraints on yourself when next faced with a problem/deadline etc etc. Strategy plan in an hour? Business plan without the use of the term “ROI” or something to that effect.

Thanks!

Good to see you online again!

– Keith