In terms of writing, I was thinking about how I like to work from personal experiences but view them from a different angle.  For example, if I’m writing about something that I actually experienced first-hand, I’ll try to approach it through the eyes of an outsider or someone who is indirectly affected by it.  On the other hand, if I’m reading about something in the news that has some impact on me,  I try to imagine the person or the life behind the story.  What has the news left out?  What has been twisted?