I recently watched the first few episodes of the new reboot series of Bergerac – a UK detective series set on the island of Jersey. 

One of the scenes had the central character discussing a family issue with his mother-in-law, when something she said sparked a connection in his brain to the ongoing criminal case he was working on. 

This is a classic trope of detective stories – going all the way back to Agatha Christie and beyond – where an element of an unconnected plot strand gives the detective an idea that helps to resolve a sticking point regarding the central mystery. 

Which is a technique I often like to use. Not just for writing stories, also when trying to sort out problems of any sort. 

Looking at an issue from the perspective of another thing that’s going on in your life might just help you come up with a solution you wouldn’t otherwise have thought of.