Creative Writing With The Cut'n'Mix Word Machine

Creative Writing With The Cut'n'Mix Word Machine

The Cut'n'Mix application helps creative writers generate new ideas through the use of different methods of text randomization and manipulation. Cut'n'Mix expands the pallete of tools available to writers with functions not available in standard word processors:

Randomly re-order the words in text files or "word pools" (known as the "cut-up technique")
Generate pools of random words from Cut'n'Mix's English dictionary database to inspire creativity
Blend words (sequentially or randomly) from up to 4 different text files or "tracks"
Generate random poetry using the "ROBOPOEM" algorithm which automatically calculates rhythm and rhyme
Create new words and names using "word shredding" and "word gluing"
Experiment with intentional fridge magnet style word reordering using the Cut'n'Mix Cut-up Laboratory

Read from sections of the user guide to find out how Cut'n'Mix:

Experimental Writing
To establish an independent voice, the writer needs to prevent the programmed structures of language from limiting the range of creative expression.

How to be a Post-Modern Writer
In each reading of a novel, the story is born anew in the mind of the reader.

What is Cut-up?
Transform yourself into a centipede-loving character from a William S. Burroughs novel! Explore the inner alchemy of the Word!

Online Poetry Generator
Preview one of the random poetry-generating algorithms from Cut'n'Mix's ROBOPOEM functions.

Download Cut 'n' Mix 5.3
(6.1 MB, Windows XP or Vista required. This installer contains a fully-functional 7-day trial. For continued use beyond the trial period, a license key can be purchased for $14.99. Purchase instructions are contained in the application, or check the licensing page.)

Find out about how the Cut'n'Mix application came to be: from the initial inspiration through the variety of different versions, all is documented in the Cut-up Application Museum.

Mac OS X Version

Many of the word processing functions found in Cut'n'Mix for Windows are now available in a version for Mac computers. Basic functions like text shuffle and mutlitrack text file mixing are included, plus more unique features like "smart replace" (word morpher), shredding, gluing and random fill. The Mac version also introduces better handling of large text files by allowing the user to page through large texts 200 words at a time. To find out more about the Mac version functions or download a copy that will run on Mac OS X, go to:

Mac Version of Cut'n'Mix.

Tutorials, Demos, Creative Writing Resources

Cut'n'Mix User Guide Videos
Watch video clips demonstrating Cut'n'Mix functions.

For an online example of the Cut'n'Mix answer to "magnetic poetry", try the virtual paper and scissors style Cut-up Laboratory. To find out how Cut'nMix helps you astound, confuse and impress the groundlings, try Shakespeare's Brain . To read texts submitted by Cut 'n' Mix users and other visitors to this site, go to the texts page. Or, check out some other software tools for creative writers: Icon Poet, Page Four Novel Writing Software, Instant Article Wizard. For more recommended tools and information, open the links page. Address all comments and enquiries about Cut'n'Mix to info@cutnmix.com.