F A M E Cards ~ Productive Play for Creativity and Self-Confidence
"Play is our brain's favorite way of learning." ~ Diane Ackerman
Awaken your inner sources of spontaneous creativity, imagination and aliveness, solo or with others. Play with the 40 FAME prompts and make the 4 keys to creativity work for you: Focus, Awareness, Momentum, Expression.
Writers, artists, and facilitators use the prompts to jump start expression, multiply images, and awaken the senses. FAME play is productive on its own and in groups. Use for an instant dip or a longer stretch.
"Simple, provocative, and helpful…creative prompts," says writer Christina Baldwin, author of Storycatcher and International Coach Federation (ICF) conference presenter. These one-liners prompt images and sensory responses as well as words. (More from players of many ages below.)
Here are three examples:
"Draw from a dream"
"Mix your breathing and your writing"
"Make a gift list of some of your favorite words”
Create endless possibilities with sequences and structures combining prompts in fresh, novel ways. James Nave of The Writing Salon suggests playing FAME poker. Group players create three-prompt combinations to energize one another through shared imagination and lively challenges.
Responses from Individual and Group Players of Many Ages
"Connie Frey's little deck of creative prompts provides a stepping stone into writing, whenever we want, wherever we are. I keep a set in a tiny bowl on my desk and draw on them for spontaneous inspiration. Also great fun to use in groups, everyone drawing a card, or everyone writing on the same prompt." Christina Baldwin, author of Storycatcher and other titles and ICF conference presenter
"They were a wonderful catalyst in my work! The group took on a sense of fun…I love bringing out the talents and treasures from individuals who are so beaten down. It provides a wonderful sense of empowerment." Certified addictions nurse
"I pull a card from the deck and use it to guide and inspire my dancing." Todd Wilson, dancer
"The size allows me to have them on my person, when I need them, rather than sitting on a shelf at home. [They] refresh my brain…and perspective." Linda Macfarlane, artist
"I was dubious at first, but…I now view them as a reward: 'Oh man, if I get enough done then I can pick one of these cards!' No expectations, no demands - that was an important thing for me!" Academic/nonfiction writer
Reasons Teens and Children Enjoy Playing FAME
Go to other parts of the imagination.
Explore dusty locks of writing, daring to go beyond the door. Challenge the boundaries of a set mind.
Play when you're bored and have nothing to do.
Play when you have a little idea but need a bit to continue on.
Play to help you get ideas and write more often.
Reasons Adults in Writing Groups Value Playing FAME
Playing FAME was stimulating and catalytic.
I can have fun - don't take the act of writing too seriously.
There's value in spontaneous writing exercises, bypassing the intellect (figuring out beforehand what to write).
The Momentum cards prompted me to get going and keep going.
Spontaneous, unexpected focus of topic.
Renewed commitment to writing.
Unlocked creative expression.
Breakup of a log jam of several years.
FAME play awakens your natural flow. You make contact with creative energies you didn’t know you had.
Specifications for the "Pocket-Size Muse"
Pack: 3 3/4" x 2 3/4" collector quality box
Contents: 40 prompts and orientation sheet
Ships from a Coaching Toys Associate (Canada)
Shipping on this product to Canada is $3.50
Shipping on this product to the US is $9.00
Minnesota residents will be charged sales tax
For quantity orders call Coaching Toys at 612-822-8720
