Problem: Article: There’s no need to clean the garlic before you cure it, but you should take the time to remove any lingering dirt before you braid it. In some cases, you may be able to remove the dirt and other residue by brushing it away with your fingers. If the bulbs are particularly dirty, you may need to use a soft cloth to clean them.  For stubborn dirt that won’t wipe away with fingers or a cloth, try using an old toothbrush to go over the bulbs. Be gentle, though, so you don’t bruise the garlic when you’re cleaning it. If the garlic is extremely dirty, you may want to remove a couple of the outer layers of dry skin. To ensure that you wind up with a neat, attractive braid, you’ll need to trim the bulbs before you begin braiding. There are usually long, scraggly roots attached to the bulbs, so you’ll want to cut those to approximately ¼-inch. The roots aren’t very thick, so you can use regular scissors to trim the garlic. If you notice that any of the leaves are jagged or scraggy, you may want to trim them as well because they can make it more difficult to braid. When you’re braiding, you want the bulbs’ leaves to be pliable so they’re easier to braid. The best way to make them more flexible is to soak them in water. Fill a bowl or sink with lukewarm water, and soak the garlic so just the leaves are submerged. You don’t want the bulbs to get wet. Let the leaves soak for approximately 15 to 30 minutes, or until they feel more pliable. Instead of soaking the leaves, you can sandwich them between two thoroughly wet towels. Once again, make sure the bulbs are not getting wet, and let the leaves sit for 15 to 30 minutes.
Summary: Clean the bulbs. Trim the garlic. Soak the garlic stems.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Good writers are good readers. Not only can you keep abreast of trends in your writing specialty and see examples of other writers' styles, but you can also find story ideas from what you read, whether in newspapers, magazines, books, or online.  Other works of fiction can serve as inspiration for your stories, as well. Scholars have cited the influence of the Scandinavian legend of Amleth and the Roman tale of Brutus on Hamlet.  You can also base a creative writing idea on a quote. The classic "Star Trek" episode "The Conscience of the King," featuring the exposure of a former dictator, who had tried to atone for his past by leading an acting troupe, takes its title from a line in "Hamlet": "The play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king." If readers recognize the connection between your story and something from everyday life, they will be more likely to empathize with your characters and appreciate your story more. Reading a newspaper, news magazine, or news website on a regular basis can provide you with a steady stream of story ideas in the form of news events. Many episodes in the "Law and Order" franchise were based on contemporary news headlines. Some English scholars and historians argue that Shakespeare's "Hamlet" was inspired by the life of King James I. You'll have to change some of the elements in the real story for your fictionalized versions in order to avoid scandalizing real people. If you are writing for a popular audience, see what is popular on the big screen or on your television screen. Think about topics in the same genre as other popular movies or shows. Musicians draw from everyday experience or classic themes. Build off your favorite song. Maybe listen to a Tupac song and write about gang violence. Maybe listen to a Joni Mitchell song and  write about environmental issues. Listen to all kinds of music even if you don't consider a genre to be for you. If you think you are interested in writing about a subject, learn more about it. You might just learn an interesting detail that will form the kernel of your entire creative writing piece. Look through dictionaries, encyclopedias, and even thesauruses. You may come across a word, idea, or event that will spark your imagination.
Summary:
Read widely. Pay attention to current events. Watch movies or TV. Listen to music. Do research.