The #1 Magic of Tweaking: Perfecting Systems in an Imperfect World and How They Are Used by Writers
In a world where precision reigns supreme, the art of tweaking emerges as a powerful tool. Whether adjusting the timing of catching a train or refining complex systems, tweaking offers a pathway to improvement where the status quo falls short.
Consider the everyday scenario of getting to a meeting. You arrive at the station, only to find the schedule slightly off-sync, or rail closures. If it’s a regular trip, tweaking comes into play. By making small adjustments to the schedule or route, checking ahead or leaving just that bit earlier, you’re back on track.
Similarly, in systems and processes, tweaking serves to fine-tune and optimise. Whether refining algorithms in programming as distribution platforms like Amazon do all the time, or adjusting parameters in manufacturing, small tweaks lead to significant improvements.
Take Alexander Fleming. In 1928 this tweak in performance led to life-changing discovery. While away on holiday, he returned to find a petri dish contaminated with mould. Upon closer inspection, he noticed something extraordinary: the mould, Penicillium notatum, inhibited the growth of nearby bacteria. This chance observation sparked the idea of harnessing the mould’s antibacterial properties. Fleming’s accidental discovery led to the development of penicillin, the world’s first antibiotic, revolutionising medicine and saving countless lives.
Thomas Edison’s deliberate fine-tuning in inventing the electric light bulb is a better example of tweaking. Over years of experimentation, Edison and his team meticulously tested various materials for the filament, vacuum levels inside the bulb, and glass compositions. Through countless trials, they eventually perfected a commercially viable electric light bulb, fundamentally transforming illumination technology.
However, while tweaking works well with systems, its efficacy diminishes in human interactions. Unlike systems, people are dynamic and nuanced. Tweaking interpersonal relationships requires a delicate touch as individuals respond differently.
In relationships with friends, family, and colleagues, the challenge lies in navigating human emotions and preferences. A small tweak can have far-reaching effects, making the process a delicate balancing act.
Moreover, people pick up on subtle changes, making it challenging to implement tweaks without resistance. Perhaps you react slightly differently to a question. Or you find out someone has been twisting the truth. You might tweak things – step back a bit or reassess your reactions. But it is trickier with people.
In conclusion, while tweaking is perfect for systems, its application in human relationships requires a nuanced approach. Recognising complexities and understanding human reactions and motivation can help, but it’s a tougher call.
Navigating Human Behaviour in Writing Thrillers By Tweaking
Similarly every twist and turn could mean life or death, the art of tweaking emerges as a vital tool in the arsenal of a thriller writer. Whether it’s adjusting the timing of a suspenseful reveal or fine-tuning the intricacies of a plot twist, tweaking offers a pathway to perfection in a world teeming with imperfections.
Imagine this: you’re on the edge of your seat, heart pounding, as the protagonist races against time to uncover the truth. But wait, the timing’s off, the tension’s waning. That’s where the art of tweaking swoops in to save the day. A subtle adjustment here, a calculated tweak there, and suddenly, you’re back on the edge of your seat, eagerly devouring every word.
Similarly, in thriller writing, tweaking is more than just a skill—it’s a way of life. Fine-tuning character motivations, adjusting plot points, it’s all part of the game. And let me tell you, those small tweaks can mean the difference between a forgettable story and a pulse-pounding page-turner.
Investigating the mysteries of the human mind through tweaking presents new challenges. Unlike plot devices, people are unpredictable, nuanced creatures. Tweaking character dynamics requires finesse, a delicate touch to navigate the murky waters of human emotion.
In the world of thrillers, relationships are the fuel that drives the story forward. Allies can become enemies in the blink of an eye, and enemies can become allies with the right persuasion. It’s a delicate dance, one that requires the utmost skill and cunning to execute.
