How do you foster creativity?  There is so much material out there and much of it is very good.  I came across an article from The Creativity Portal which listed:

The 7 Stages of
The Creative Process

STAGE 1: INTENTION  (Aspiring)

First Law of Creation: Birth
STAGE 2: INCUBATION (Germinating)

Second Law of Creation: Enchantment

STAGE 3: INVESTIGATION (Exploring)
Third Law of Creation: Revolution
STAGE 4: COMPOSITION (Devising)

Fourth Law of Creation: Involution
STAGE 5: CLARIFICATION (Deepening)

Fifth Law of Creation: Selfhood
STAGE 6: CORRECTION (Revis[ion]ing)

Sixth Law of Creation: Evolution
STAGE 7: COMPLETION

(Finishing & Letting Go)
Seventh Law of Creation: Transformation

Interesting reading for further exploration.