Creative writing using random word selection
Esoteric Sensationalism is dedicated to the exploration of random processes and experimentation in creative writing. Randomness has long been identified as a source of inspiration - not only for authors of fiction, poetry, and visual art, but also for businesspeople, scientists or creative thinkers of any type. Techniques such as "cut-up", "collage", "cut 'n' mix" and "mashup" are all based on a process of recombining previously unrelated words, sounds or images. In business, this process is often referred to as "lateral thinking" - a way to derail the train of thought from it's linear, predictable route into more uncharted, creative territories. The theory section of this site explores the rationale behind the uses of randomness and other forms of experimentation for the purpose of creative inspiration.

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 allows users to:
  • 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
  • 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

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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.)

Tools, Techniques, Texts and Resources
For online "magnetic poetry" try the virtual paper and scissors style Cut-up Laboratory. To automatically generate rhyming poetry or song lyrics with a predefined rhythmic structure, start the ROBOPOEM poetry robot. To write prose and poetry that astounds, confuses and impresses the groundlings, try Shakespeare's Brain . Readymadecom offers unique domain names derived from random processes. To read cut-up texts submitted by Cut 'n' Mix users and other visitors to this site, check out the texts page. For links to related tools and information on other websites, open the links page. Address all comments and enquiries about Esoteric Sensationalism to info@cutnmix.com.