Skip to main content

Writing Tool: Genre Masher

Contents may settle after mashing...  

Tired of run-of-the-mill mystery, canned science fiction, or stock-photo fantasy?  Want to come up with a creative genre?  Why not give Genre Masher a try?

Steps:
1) Download and save the python code GenreMasher from Github into a Python script
  • If you don't have Python, install it
  • Or, bribe a friend who does have Python to run it for you (use gummy bears)

2) Run the Python script and select the number of mashups
  • Example:


3) Use the output for inspiration
  • Examples:

















Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Creative Tool: Idea Mutation

It's mutating out of control!   Here is another wild method of improving the creativity of ideas through the process of introducing random 'mutations'.  I call it Idea Mutation. Method: Start with an idea.  Add it to a circle on the far left side of a piece of paper.  That is round 1. Make two branches off the first idea.  Each branch has a new circle.  That is round 2. For each branch, roll a 10-sided dice and select the 'mutation' from the table below. For each branch, create a 'mutated' idea incorporating that branch's mutation. Continue branching and mutation ideas for subsequent rounds (3, 4, etc.). Modifications: Include different mutations (ex. Add Thrill, More Collaborative, Clearer, etc.) Add null mutation (no changes for certain branches) Change probability of mutations (same mutation for more than one number) Examples:
Post a Comment
Read more

Creative Tool: Idea Bracket

Let the Best Idea Win. How to generate great ideas?  Why not create an Idea Bracket ?  It is analogous to a sports league play-off.  Ideas are pitted against each other, with the winning idea moving on to the next round.  The last idea standing is the winner. I do have a few additional rules.  The Three M's : Modify, Merge, and Markup.  These rules allow for both idea modification and saving sub-winner ideas. Simple enough, right?  Let's try it out on some examples. Story Beginning Location Floating City and Haunted Graveyard merged into Floating Graveyard Screaming Wastelands modified into Blasted Wastelands Winner was Floating Graveyard and Sundered Titan merged into Floating Graveyard of Titans Artistic Inspiration Shack Brainstorming and Review Idea/Notes merged to Shack Review Ideas TCG View modified to TCG Mashup Shack Review Ideas marked for later Monster App and Walk and Song merged to Walk and Song with Monster App Priming Winner was T...
Post a Comment
Read more

Myth Match #3: Simplifying Forms

Heads or tails...   This is the third and final entry into combinations from Myth Match.  For the last few combos, I'll also create a simplified version to use as an avatar or icon. Amphis Lion:  A combination of the doubled-headed serpent made from the blood of a gorgon, the  Amphismafha , and the mighty feline of Greek myth, the Nemean Lion . Ahujcinus:  A combination of the Aztec beast with possum and primate parts, the  Anhujzotl , and the crab of titanic proportions, the  Carcinus . Chitinger:  A combination of the fusion beast of Greek fame, the Chimera , and the alpine forest dweller of German folklore, the Wolpertinger .
Post a Comment
Read more