Word lists, yes, word lists. While all of us remember having to write out vocabulary words, exercises using words from one poem or by a particular poet can propel some useful freewriting or even lead into a poem or short story. Just as a form can force our writing into a new direction by its restrictions, word lists and ghost lines can offer a starting point. Sometimes a box opens into a whole new room.
Below is a femme fairy tale word and phrase list from “Little Red”in Double Jinx by Nancy Reddy.
Choose eight and climb in. See where it carries you.
Gorged Kindling
Grainy Hearth
Swallowed Framed
Rib cage Rumbling
Papered Hidden
Shelved Pinned
Belly plump Vivisection
Gobbled Pink
Roast Fall
Cracking Inside
Nancy Reddy
Rather than reading the poem that originated the list, which may restrict your own originality, check out the fabulous "The Case of the Double Jinx" by Nancy Reddy.