For Writers

I recently came across this little gem at the Absolute Write water cooler. (If you're a writer and you don't hang out around the cooler, you are clearly some sort of shameless Philistine who should be flogged without mercy.)

Was that strong? Perhaps that was a bit strong. Point is, you should check out the website -- it's a fantastic resource for writers of all types. But I digress... the 'little gem' in question is:

http://www.sff.net/paradise/plottricks.htm

It's called the Evil Overlord Devises a Plot. It's a random plot generator, and looks like one hell of a writing exercise. The generator supplies you with a long and ridiculous list of fiction cliches, then helps you string them randomly together -- complete with plot twists -- to develop an original storyline out of unoriginal material. It's ingenious, particularly if, like me, you lean towards humour in your writing.

I plan to give this baby a whirl as soon as I find the time (I know, I know...). When I do, I'll post the result.