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Jack’s Notebook Ingeniously Utilizes Business Fable Genre

 to Introduce Creative Problem Solving

(Chicago, IL, January 12, 2007) A business novel with a healthy dose of suspense, a dash of romance, and a rip-roaring thriller of an ending? This is not your father’s business instruction book.

An innovation consultant to Fortune 500 companies by day, Gregg Fraley confidently and imaginatively steps in to the role of author with his debut title, Jack’s Notebook (Thomas Nelson Inc., $22.99, February 13, 2007, ISBN13: 978-0-7852-2166-1). With his compelling addition to the fledgling genre known as the “business fable”, Fraley masterfully intertwines instruction about the methodology of a process known as Creative Problem Solving (CPS) with high-octane, character-driven fiction. Jack’s Notebook is the first of its kind as it brings to life the powerful techniques of CPS in story form.

 “What better way to illustrate the nuances of an applied creative thinking process than with this ingenious new format?” said Senior Vice President and Publisher Brian Hampton. “We feel that Gregg is a double threat—an expert in innovative thinking and a fount of original, thoroughly imaginative writing. I can think of no better way to learn tools for tapping into one’s creativity than through an artistic format such as this.”

 Jack’s Notebook depicts the story of down-and-out twenty something, Jack Huber, as he embarks on a journey of much needed self-realization and life change. Jack’s mentor and guide on his internal expedition is Manny Gibran, a creativity consultant and expert in a process known as Creative Problem Solving. After a brief yet informative tutorial in the practices of CPS, Jack finds himself quitting his dead-end part time jobs, following his lifelong dream of opening up his own photography business, and, as an added yet unexpected bonus, falling in love. Jack even manages to solve a mystery and save his damsel in distress along the way.

 CPS is an organic progression of six stages through which a person may identify a challenge and then develop ideas and strategies for resolving that challenge. It is perfect for use by small business owners, entrepreneurs, and individuals as well. As the ultimate “empowerment” tool of creative problem solving, CPS may be employed by anyone seeking to move ahead in their career, resolve a family or emotional conflict, start or build a better business, develop products, or simply to address complex everyday challenges. The possibilities are as limitless as the imagination!

 “CPS has been used by corporations, non-profits, and individuals to solve complex challenges for more than 50 years,” said Fraley. “Through the reader-friendly format of Jack’s Notebook, I hope to utilize the business fable genre to instruct readers in a meaningful and entertaining context while bringing CPS to the broader audience it deserves.”

Additional features at the conclusion of Jack’s Notebook include a clear and concise summary of the CPS process for easy reference, an actual replication of the character Jack Huber’s brainstorming lists from the story, and a chapter-by-chapter author commentary which offers additional instruction regarding the practices of the CPS process.

Author Gregg Fraley works as an innovation consultant to Fortune 500 companies and does keynote speeches and workshops on creative thinking, innovation, problem solving, and new-product development. He is a partner in The Innovise Guys, an innovation and entertainment podcast. Fraley is a board member of the Creative Education Foundation (CEF), and he teaches creative problem solving at CEF's annual Creative Problem Solving Institute (CPSI). He is also a professional member of the National Speakers Association (USA). Fraley resides in Chicago, IL.

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Thomas Nelson, Inc. is a leading publisher and distributor of books emphasizing Christian, inspirational and family value themes, and believes it is the largest publisher of Bibles and inspirational books in the English language.  For more information, visit their website www.thomasnelson.com.