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How to Make a Random Quote Generator

June 5, 2019

Programming

computer, creativity, javascript, knowledge, programming, quote generator

Although today’s topic doesn’t have to do with literature, society, the Gothic, or writings tips, in some abstract way, it does. Although this post is a technical step-by-step guide on how to make a JavaScript random quote generator, it’s also yet another reminder that creativity (like knowledge) is a holistic process.

In other words, there aren’t “areas” of creativity, neatly isolated from one another. There isn’t a creativity related to fiction writing, another related to academic writing, and yet another related to developing Android apps. There is only one form of creativity, and the more efficiently you can combine its different facets, the better.

make a random quote generator
To “outsiders” code appears as something akin to witchcraft. Things are stunningly simpler once you get past the surface

Chances are, if you found this post you care more about the JavaScript code, so I won’t tire you with theorizing – if you’re interested in philosophy, feel free to take a look at the many posts dealing with philosophical musings.

Having said that, this post still wants to make a more theoretical point, namely that what appears difficult and incomprehensible (like coding) can be very simple. Therefore, I will be a bit… verbose in my explanations, trying to help beginners keep up.

So, let’s get to the details of how to make a random quote generator written in JavaScript.

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Character Nods: a Development Tool for Fiction Writers

April 18, 2019

Programming

Android, app, characters, computer, fiction, programming

Please note that none of my Android apps is any longer maintained – and they’re not even available on Google Play anymore – for reasons you can read about here. If you still have any of the Home for Fiction Android apps installed on your phone, you’re advised to uninstall them. The post below should be seen purely as a snapshot of history.

My plot development tool, Narrative Nods is by far the most downloaded of my apps on Google Play. A lot of people have told me it’s helped them a lot. And so, I made another similar app, Character Nods, which is based on character narrative theory.

character nods
Character Nods analyzes a great number of variables to detect psychological patterns, that can help you design realistic, engaging characters.

How Character Nods Helps You Design Better Novels

If you haven’t read my article on fiction character types, I really suggest that you do. It gives a lot of information of various character types you can implement in your plot.

However, the focus of Character Nods is on your protagonist and your antagonist. They are by far the most important characters of your book. As a result, it’s them you should make sure to develop properly. The reason? The interaction between protagonist and antagonist is what creates the narrative tension of your story.

If you recall my article on narrative antagonists, this tension is an absolutely critical aspect of story-telling.

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Worder: a Word Puzzle Game for Android

March 31, 2019

Programming

Android, app, computer, game, programming, worder, words

Note: If you’re interested in word puzzles, also take a look at my newest game, Word Journey.

Please note that none of my Android apps is any longer maintained – and they’re not even available on Google Play anymore – for reasons you can read about here. If you still have any of the Home for Fiction Android apps installed on your phone, you’re advised to uninstall them. The post below should be seen purely as a snapshot of history.

I’ve been enjoying programming lately – more than usual, that is. When you enjoy something, you become better and more productive. That’s why we need Universal Basic Income instead of jobs making us miserable. But let’s leave that aside for now and talk about Worder, a word puzzle game for Android that I made.

Worder is a word puzzle game. You must create words from randomly appearing letters before time runs out. As you move through a beautiful environment, letters begin to fly in front of you. Pick them to form a word recognized by the app’s dictionary.

Each word adds seconds to your timer and points to your score. But strategy is important! Should you wait for “A” and “L” to form the word “Mor[al]”, or play it safe and just wait for an “E” to form the word “Mor[e]”? Longer words means more points, but the clock is ticking!

Worder - word puzzle game for Android
Worder is a word puzzle game. It’s a bit like Tetris, only with words!
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