Two of the best sessions today at the HOW Conference featured southerner Sam Harrison, who told us not only where to look for ideas but how to sell those ideas to naysayers. Harrison crafts his popular presentations on his two books: Zing!: Five Steps and 101 Tips for Creativity On Command and the thicker and more recent Ideaspotting: How to Find Your Next Great Idea. Both these books are peppered with catchy technique, and Harrison gathered quotes about creativity and inspiration from dozens and dozens of inspirational folks. Best advice for staying focused and psyched: "Ask yourself about everything in your life. Does it inspire you or tire you?"

Full disclosure: Harrison taught us pretty much everything we know 'bout writin' at a hot little school in Atlanta.