FAME Cards

F A M E Cards ~ Productive Play for Creativity and Self-Confidence

What's in play? Play with the 40 FAME prompts and make 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.)

Specifications for the "Pocket-Size Muse"
Pack: 3 3/4" x 2 3/4" collector quality box
Contents: 40 prompts and orientation sheet

Examples of the 40 Prompts
"Recall a recent interaction and jot a montage of images."
"Stretch freely and follow responses throughout you."
"Draw from a dream."
"Make a gift list of some of your favorite words."

"Create sequences and structures by combining more than one prompt. You'll yield endless possibilities. James Nave of The Writing Salon suggests a Five Card FAME poker version. Players in groups debut three-prompt combinations to energize one another through shared imagination and lively challenges.

Responses from Individual and Group Players of Many Ages

"Simple, provocative, and helpful, 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, which is something that tends to be lacking with this population at this stage of sobriety. I love bringing out the talents and treasures from individuals who are so beaten down. It provides a wonderful sense of empowerment." Certified Addictions RN

Writers at the premiere teen group realized:

" The cards make you think and go to other parts of your imagination."
" I had the opportunity to explore dusty locks of my writing, daring to go beyond the door."
" Interesting: the forced idea in flow. That is, the cards force me to do a certain thing. Thank you!"
" The cards challenge the boundaries of a set mind."

"When I get "stuck" in my writing, the cards that suggest physical movement help me loosen up and come at it from a fresh perspective." Marlene Grand Maitre (poet in two anthologies, Breaking the Surface and Mocambo Nights, and numerous journals)

I pull a card from the deck and use it to guide and inspire my dancing." Todd Wilson, dancer

Writers at the premiere course remarked:

"I can have fun - don't take the act of writing too seriously."
" Playing FAME was stimulating and catalytic."
" 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."

"They're a handy pocket-sized tool. I carry them to the beach or on my hike, along with my fold-up watercolours. The size allows me to have them on my person, when I need them, rather than sitting on a shelf at home. The cards refresh my brain. They're very personal and work like the mirror does for my painting. They turn things topsy-turvy by shaking my perspective up. No one can give me that view of myself, or my creativity, except me." Linda Macfarlane, artist

Writers at the premiere children's group suggested using FAME:

"when you're bored and have nothing to do."
"when you have a little idea but need a bit to continue on."
" to help you get ideas and write more often."

I was dubious at first, but after having them around for a while, working with some of them and having so much fun, 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 and nonfiction writer

Writers at the premiere workshop experienced:

"spontaneous, unexpected focus of topic."
" renewed commitment to writing."
" unlocked creative expression."
" breakup of a log jam of several years."

FAME play transforms creative blocks and fuels productivity while you have fun, turn on the lights, hear from your muse, plan next steps . . .