8. Create two characters and introduce a single item they both desire. This might be a doughnut, a woman, or a bowling trophy. Or give one character an opinion about something that the other vehemently opposes. It can be as trivial as deciding which movie to see. Or perhaps have one character physically, emotionally or mentally attack the other. The assault can be warranted or completely unmotivated. Just be sure to make the counterattack sufficiently conflict-inducing. A simple surrender or agreement won't result in much dramatic content.

9. Think of a single word and explore its meanings, connotations, and narrative potential. Does the word fanatic lead to any story ideas? How about volcano, assassin, toothbrush, shark, hungry, dictator, rabies or connoisseur?

10. Write a series of words on tiny pieces of paper. Start with nouns, verbs, and adjectives, and then mix them up in a hat and randomly pick out two or three. Put them together and see if the combination sparks any ideas. "Enormous bunny" or "purple dancing pickles" might have some narrative potential. Try one hat with characters (eagle, dad, vampire, St. Bernard, policeman) and another with desires (bigger house, better job, more money, spiritual peace of mind, pepperoni pizza), then pick one from each.

11. Begin with a title that sounds appealing, interesting, conflict-inducing or simply combines a few words that don't normally go together. How about The Caveman's New Cadillac or The Piano Juggler? Don't worry if it sounds silly; you can always change it later.

12. Start with a conflict of some kind. A hungry dog has eaten his master's dinner. Two girls love the same boy. A thief wants the Hope Diamond. The ship is sinking. Next think of an appropriate climax, which will be the most significant and intense collision between the opposing forces. Then decide on the resolution. Who wins? Who loses? What is the prize and was it worth the struggle?

13. Begin at the end. Think of an interesting or exciting conclusion or resolution, such as the Death Star exploding, a miraculous come-from-behind race victory, a happy couple limping off into the sunset, or a prince returning home with the recovered magic amulet. Then, once you have a satisfying destination, figure out how your plot and characters got there.

14. Hold a brainstorming meeting with yourself or include a few select friends. Remove all self-imposed restrictions by making a rule that for the first 10 minutes no idea can be dismissed or criticized. Every thought, no matter how ridiculous or technically impossible, must be fully explored with reckless abandon. Impose limits on your creativity only after it has been given a chance to wander around at the farthest limits of your imagination—not before.