An Update, Finding My Muse, and the Way Forward, Oh My!
#BoxcarNation #ttrpg #Musing #Update #Inspiration #StoryEngine #CallofCthulhu @storyenginedeck.bsky.social @jdroucker.bsky.social @titterpigs.bsky.social
http://rollingboxcars.com/2025/04/07/an-update-finding-my-muse-and-the-way-forward-oh-my/
Before working on my latest #StoryEngine prompt I need to research how auroras work and the difference between rime and hoarfrost. It's a good thing I like to learn.
Does anyone else have the Story Engine Deck and use it nonstop anytime they break it out? 😂 I’m obsessed with creating various pieces of worldbuilding material like this.
I’ve been playing with the idea of something similar but with conlangs. I think that would be so much fun as well.
#writing #storyenginedeck #storyengine #worldbuilding #fantasy #conlang #fiction #scifi
#AI #GenerativeAI #Fiction #Literature #StoryEngine: "For all its shortcomings, Story Engine is strangely satisfying. If early AI writing felt like guiding a very well-read toddler into telling stories, Story Engine feels sort of like building a video game prototype. You start with an idea and try to get a computer to execute it. The results probably aren’t quite what you expect, but through trial and error, you can lean into what the system does well and find the fun."
https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/24/23732252/sudowrite-story-engine-ai-generated-cyberpunk-novella
I tried the AI novel-writing tool everyone hates, and it’s better than I expected - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/24/23732252/sudowrite-story-engine-ai-generated-cyberpunk-novella
Sooo ... has anyone used #Subtxt?
I'm so old I remember #Dramatica, #DramaticaTheory, and the software, #DramaticaPro and #DramaticaStoryExpert).
It's clear that Subtxt.app is based on Dramatica. And I wouldn't mind having access to a working #StoryEngine (especially since the Dramatica people can't seem to put out a modern version of their software compatible with 64-bit Operating Systems).
But ... $25-50 dollars a month?!? Yikes.
Over at the blog today I'm talking about #facility23, which is #dungeon23's SF cousin and how I'm using the #storyengine card system to do it. https://alasdairstuart.com/facility-23-getting-started/
Had a migraine, but decided today was the day to reorganize the spare desk as a gaming/writing space. #MutantsAndMasterminds books, alongside my #StarTrekAdventures book (and tricorder)—I have the rest as PDFs, because shipping—but all within reach for the three campaigns I’m running. My #StoryEngine and #DeckOfWorlds up top for when I’m coming up with ideas, and—finally—a mug of tea and some jujubes. Also, on the table beside are my journals and a gorgeous piece I bought from Jay Odjick.
My Deck of Worlds from #StoryEngine arrived!
I've been using the Story Engine deck for a while now and it's been great for generating new ideas, building out existing ideas, and just getting the creative juices flowing again. So I couldn't resist backing the new Deck of Worlds set!
I got the basic deck, expansions, and even some new packs for the Story Engine too!
For my fellow writers, what are your favorite writing tools?
#DeckOfWorlds #WritingTools #WritingPrompts #WritingCommunity
Got my KS for #deckofworlds today. Seeing as how I love both cards and worldbuilding I ordered the base set plus every possible expansion and also some cards for the previous #storyengine deck too. https://storyenginedeck.com/products/deck-of-worlds-worldbuilding-prompts
I found the first one great for plot building but my #ttrpg style does not involve game plots so a little work was required. It definitely involves straight up worlds though.
My first microsetting made using the Deck of Worlds from the Story Engine:
I could expand on this using the Story Engine to create plots, or make more settings to create a world or continent map. Very useful for DMs, GMs, storytellers, and writers.
This week's NaNo short story prompt:
A vindictive outcast wants to settle an old score with a government-backed heist leader
I'd like to say "this one writes itself", but apparently it won't and I have to write it myself. Rude
I took a small break from the #nanorimo novel and did a quick prompt from the #StoryEngine. 2100 words in one hour and most of the short is done. Tomorrow I get back to the novel.
Week two of #NaNoWriMo22 and time for another short story. This time, I'm writing about...
An unassuming demonologist wants to hold on to a fragile broadcast, but it will shatter a delusion they are dependant on
#NaNoWriMo thought. Scrap the novel and just crank out short stories from #StoryEngine prompts, or write the damn novel again.
Anyway, I spent my morning hour testing my chops by starting a short story prompted by the #StoryEngine and only managed about 1,000 words in an hour. That's going to make for a bad #NaNoWriMo unless I can get back up to speed.
