The Cultivation Technique Why? Why? Why? takes statements from the specific starting/departure points for a component of a creative work, and repeatedly asks the question why? of these opening statements.
How does 3xWhy? work?
By repeatedly asking the question why? a series of practical possibilities for the development of the creative work are generated.
By expanding each of the possibilities into a prospective paragraph (or other element) for the creative work, Why? Why? Why? is an effective way of sketching out a spread of trajectories that a creative work could take.
Illustration: 3xWhy?
The following is an example of a passage from The Tailor developed through repeatedly asking why? of the stated specific idea starting point.
Specific Idea:
The plan to establish a business that makes a virtue from – and profits from – making consecutive alterations to a garment so that it fits tightly around – and responds to – the stress and strain of the particular life a person is living.
Why?
Anjali sees an opportunity to design around the individual needs of her customers.
Why?
It is the only way she can escape from the restraints her uncle is imposing.
Why?
Her uncle understands a formula for success that he believes will help Anjali, but Anjali needs to find her own formula.
Why?
A river that does not change its course will just vanish into the sea. Anjali needs to fashion her own course, find her own style of flow, but that will be difficult.
*****
‘I need to construct garments from a scribble on paper to the complete structure that enhances the human form and presence,’ Anjali pitched to herself as she sat at the shop’s kitchenette table, a tap dripping effortlessly in the background. ‘Threads will not thrive unless we can offer a comprehensive tailoring service.’ This thought was attractive to Anjali and, being attractive, seemed correct.
Such a statement is no sooner released into the world, than it is seized upon by doubts and misgivings. A succession of barriers and blockages surfaced ahead of her. She could not conceive of a realistic way through all of them. The demands of the growing business, the watchful presence of her uncle, the clients that wanted no more than a precisely defined alteration or repair, all seemed to confirm that building a business designing garments in this damp and unfashionable valley was a hapless pursuit.
When mired by the drag of willow branches, and obstructed by obstinate boulders, the river will still wind its way through to the sea.