Story dice are a fun and interactive tool for writers looking to spark their creativity and generate new ideas. By writing different characters, settings, or conflicts on each side of the dice, you can roll them to create unique combinations that inspire short stories. This exercise encourages spontaneity and helps you think outside the box, making it a great addition to your writing practice. In this article, we’ll explore how to create and use story dice to enhance your storytelling.
What Are Story Dice?
Story dice are typically six-sided dice with different prompts written on each face. These prompts can include:
- Characters: Unique character traits, names, or archetypes.
- Settings: Various locations or environments where your story could take place.
- Conflicts: Different challenges or dilemmas that characters might face.
By rolling the dice, you can combine these elements randomly, creating unexpected and exciting storytelling opportunities.
Why Use Story Dice?
- Promotes Creativity: Rolling the dice introduces an element of chance, helping you break free from preconceived ideas and explore new directions.
- Enhances Flexibility: You can adapt to the prompts you roll, encouraging you to think quickly and be more open to change.
- Encourages Playfulness: Writing becomes a game, making the process more enjoyable and less intimidating.
- Great for Collaboration: Story dice can be used in group settings, allowing friends or writing groups to share prompts and build stories together.
How to Create Your Own Story Dice
- Gather Materials:
You’ll need six blank dice or small cardboard cubes. If you don’t have dice, you can also use paper to create a similar effect (e.g., writing prompts on pieces of paper and drawing them from a bag). - Decide on Your Prompts:
Determine how many dice you want to create and what type of prompts you’ll include. For example:- Characters: Write names like “a rebellious teenager,” “an elderly inventor,” or “a talking cat.”
- Settings: Create locations such as “a haunted forest,” “a bustling city market,” or “a spaceship.”
- Conflicts: Include conflicts like “a secret is revealed,” “a race against time,” or “a betrayal occurs.”
- Write the Prompts:
Using a marker or pen, write one prompt on each side of the dice. Make sure the prompts are varied and imaginative. - Roll and Create:
When you’re ready to write, roll the dice to determine your characters, settings, and conflicts. Use the results to inspire a short story or scene.
Example of Using Story Dice
Let’s say you rolled the following results:
- Character: An elderly inventor
- Setting: A haunted forest
- Conflict: A secret is revealed
From these prompts, you might write:
*In the heart of the haunted forest, nestled between gnarled trees, stood the workshop of Edgar the Inventor. His inventions were as peculiar as the whispers that danced among the branches. One fateful night, a storm raged, and as he sought shelter in his workshop, he stumbled upon a dusty journal revealing a long-buried family secret—one that connected him to the very spirits haunting the woods. Now, with the truth unfolding, Edgar had to confront the phantoms of his past before they consumed him entirely.*
Conclusion: Embrace the Randomness of Story Dice
Using story dice is an exciting way to unleash your creativity and explore new narrative possibilities. By combining random characters, settings, and conflicts, you open the door to unexpected stories and fresh ideas. This exercise not only enhances your writing skills but also makes the process more playful and enjoyable.
So gather your materials, create your own story dice, and let the dice roll inspire your next great story. The possibilities are endless—embrace the randomness and see where it takes you!
For more creative writing exercises, check out our articles on creative writing exercises and storytelling tips.
To further enhance your writing practice, visit Writer’s Digest: Creative Writing Prompts or explore Poets.org: Poetry 101.