Creative Rotation #1
My Top 5 DC Absolute Universe Stories
Creative burnout can strike when you least expect it.
You're deep in your story, characters are coming alive, plots are unfolding and suddenly…
The well runs dry. Every writer knows this feeling.
But what if I told you that the solution isn't pushing harder, but stepping back strategically?
I call this approach "Creative Rotation,”it's designed for neurodivergent creators who need something more dynamic than traditional writing breaks.
It's about intentionally engaging with different creative mediums to keep your mind fresh and ideas flowing.
When your usual hyper focus isn't available, don't fight it.
Instead, rotate your creative energy into other channels.
This isn't procrastination…it's strategic creativity management.
Let me show you how this works through my current obsession:
The DC Absolute Universe.
This fresh reimagining of classic heroes is breaking sales records and revolutionizing how to approach character reinvention and world-building.
The genius of the Absolute line lies in how it respects core character themes while boldly reimagining everything else.
This balance of familiar and fresh is exactly what helped me develop my own series:
I found inspiration in unexpected places - from Solo Leveling's power progression to John Wick's action “Gun fu” choreography and Equilibrium's “Gun Kata,” fighting style.
If you haven’t been reading…
Catch up now:
https://thestorydeveloper.substack.com/s/everybody-must-die)
The key to powerful storytelling isn't just writing - it's immersion in the genres you love. Study what moves you. Analyze what keeps you turning pages. Deconstruct what makes your favorite stories unforgettable.
Here's what we'll explore together:
Why strategic "creative rotation" is essential for neurodivergent storytellers
How diverse media consumption fuels better storytelling
The science behind creative breaks and why they're crucial for sustained productivity
My Top 5 DC Absolute Stories
Creative fog.
You want to write but your brain isn't playing along.
You sit, you stare, you scroll. Nothing comes. You feel like the only way to finish a project is to brute-force it.
But what if the real problem isn't your focus—it's your method?
Neurodivergent writers need creative rotation.
You don't grind through creative blocks.
You rotate.
That's where Creative Rotation comes in…
It’s an intentional, active break strategy designed to help you ideate, recharge, and return sharper.
Rotate like a pro.
Play video games. Read comics. Take walks. Watch anime.
But time yourself…
Study YouTube story breakdowns.
Sketch story maps.
Switch between different creative mediums and modes.
When you feed your mind fresh experiences, it rewards you with creative breakthroughs.
That's exactly how "Everybody Must Die" came to life through a mix of games, anime, and story mechanics.
Reading the DC Absolute Universe was part of that rotation.
It's incredibly engaging and imaginative.
I never thought I'd enjoy any version of Batman more than The Dark Knight interpretation.
Yet this Batman is grounded and compelling.
I follow each release closely and particularly love Nick Dragotta's artwork.
He also illustrated East of West, one of my favorite modern Image Comics series.
If you need inspiration, check out the list below.
They’ve kept me and my imagination on a creative high…
My Fav 5 DC Absolute Stories
Absolute Batman: My personal favorite. 400K+ copies. Civil engineer Bruce. No mansion. No butler. Batsuit is brutal, homemade. Still a knight. More dangerous.
Absolute Wonder Woman: 150K sales. Raised in Hell by Circe. Fights Leviathans. Goddess witch energy.
Absolute Martian Manhunter: 120K+ sales. Cosmic identity crisis. FBI noir meets alien metaphysics.
Absolute Superman: 180K+ sales. No Clark Kent. No family. Just a confused powerhouse searching for humanity.
Absolute Green Lantern: Cosmic horror. No Guardians. Just unknowable power. Early buzz is huge.
This works.
Creative rotation isn't procrastination. It's process. It's incubation. Active breaks boost creativity and sustain momentum. You just need to give yourself permission.
Catch up on Everybody Must Die.
My serial novel is the result of this system in action. I used games, YouTube, genre analysis and character sketching to build it.
Read Here: https://thestorydeveloper.substack.com/s/everybody-must-die
Be early. Be one of the first to say, "I read AJ before he blew up."
Have a Story Idea You Can't Finish? Let's talk. I can help you get started, and get finished: