Word Clusters Help Generate Ideas

I was talking with a friend the other day and when we got on the topic of stories and characters, I proposed that he try something one of my art professors had us do.

It is simply a word cluster map. The idea is start with a word--in this case, my character's name (see example below)--and branch off continuously. After a while, you will end up with words that differ from the ones you started with, and oftentimes, these can help you see more aspects of your character or new avenues for your story, all of which can still be traced back to the original concept.

This is a great activity if you are having trouble coming up with ideas, whether for stories, characters, or art. Explore ideas and possibilities you wouldn't have thought of otherwise.

Great to pass time in boring classes or on rainy days, too, while still being productive!