Creativity Tools

[kailhofer]

I've found a great site if your stuck:

http://watchout4snakes.com/creativityto ... dPlus.aspx

It's great for getting your mind going again. You can get random words, sentences, paragraphs, names (based on the top choices from either 1850 or 1990), or even a section in which to brainstorm ideas.


Myself, I've been doing flash pieces based on the random words the site generates as a mental challenge and as a way to keep creativity flowing. (Challenges much like those I've been proposing in Gareth's 'Blind Collaboration' Thread (end of page 2 through 4)).

What I do is to set the generator for nouns, and collect 4 of them: one from 'Very Common', one 'Common', one 'Average', and one 'Somewhat Uncommon' (there are settings for less popular words, but good luck finding a way to use them). You have to be a little picky in what you take, but it works if you push the button enough times. Then I pick a genre and a theme. The challenge is to construct a story based on that. I limit it to flash, so I only need to come up with a thousand words--and then it won't take too much of my time to write.

Today, for example, I took the words: wig, giant, plateau, & mistletoe. I felt like writing a fantasy, and decided 'Holiday' would be an appropriate theme, given it's almost Christmas and 'mistletoe' was one of the words. (I rate the story like movies before I begin, so in this case, 'G'.)

I wound up with a neat little ditty about a lonely (but deadly) giantess standing under some mistletoe. The forests inhabitants are worried about a repeat of last year's attack (after she was left high and dry), so they disguise a ranger and send him out to pucker up. I think the surprise reveal worked well. Plus, cranking these things out sure makes me feel good about writing again.

Next time you're stuck or just feeling burned out, give it a try.


Nate

[kailhofer]

I'm going to add another resource:

http://www.seventhsanctum.com/generate. ... quicktheme

It randomly generates a genre/setting and a theme.

I'm going to give it a try.


Nate

***
Wow! Upon further examination, in the left column, you can find a generator here for everything from naming your pirate ship to how a potion will work, or from what to call your world's currency to what to name your tavern. There are tons of choices in 17 different categories.

If your stuck on some minor detail, this could be your place for relief.

[kailhofer]

is this one of those sell-your-soul deals?

Lee

Hmm??

How do you mean?


Nate

[Robert_Moriyama]

is this one of those sell-your-soul deals?

Lee

Hmm??

How do you mean?


Nate

We DID have a story that featured a similar theme, I think -- a Muse, of sorts, but one that pretty much took over your life in return for talent and sales. Anybody remember the title?

Robert "I use the Inspiration Pump 2000 myself!" M.