A simple 1d6 (one six-sided die) is all you really need to spice up the creativity of your writing, because you ask it a Yes or No question then roll for result:
1. No, and...
2. No
3. No, but...
4. Yes, but...
5. Yes
6. Yes, and...
For example, let’s say you are a private detective investigating a murder scene and you’re searching for clues about the killer’s identity, so you ask the question, “Do I discover any clues about the killer?” Then you roll your trusty 1d6 for the Yes or No answer:
1. No, and...
The answer is “No” with an added negative twist; you don’t find any clues about the killer, and you realize the bumbling rookie police officer who arrived before you mucked up the crime scene while haphazardly taping it off and scaring away any potential witnesses.
2. No
The answer is a simple default “No” without any added twists or factors; you don’t find any clues about the killer at the crime scene.
3. No, but...
The answer is “No” with an added positive twist; you don’t find any clues about the killer, but you do discover a potential witness lurking nearby.
4. Yes, but...
The answer is “Yes” with an added negative twist; you find a clue about the killer, but it might have been tampered with or could be a possible red herring planted to lead you on a wild goose chase.
5. Yes
The answer is a simple default “Yes” without any added twists or factors; you find a clue about the killer at the crime scene.
6. Yes, and…
The answer is “Yes” with an added positive twist; you find a clue about the killer, and it narrows down the list of suspects to a specific age or race or gender.
You can use this fantastic method of sparking unexpected creativity for practically any situation while writing on the fly. Just pause, ask a Yes or No question, then roll for result!