A combination deduction process

Hi,

I have a question, especially for those who have keen eyes for outrageous tactical combinations. Do you follow any logical thinking process when finding a tactical combination? Or is it just a matter of looking hard enough at the board until something snaps?

I find it difficult to improve this creative side of chess. The positional aspect can be learned, but the tactical side is difficult to grasp. It is like learning how to paint when you have no artistic talent at all.

Sure, solving chess puzzles and tactics helps, but it would be better if in fact there is a method behind this madness.

If you guys have read any book or article relevant to the subject, let me know as well. Thanks.

Look up Dan Heisman's chesscafe article on the Seeds of Tactical Destruction.  That sums it up extremely well.

Thanks for the article.