Clustering is one of the primary forms of working with associations, which has excellent use in creative writing, developing creativity or just training the imagination. It works with the method of linear association series centred in nature. The clustering method was first presented by G. L. Ric in 1976. As we have stated several times, associations are one of the basic thinking structures linked to memory and creativity.

Clustering is a method that is somewhat similar to a mind map, which also works with associations, but emphasises free association, rather than the mind map’s emphasis on substantive association. It is, therefore, not about critical work with the topic but much more about the free association of directly related words. It also serves for simple training in association techniques. Many creative designs are based on associations, and clustering is one of the best development methods. This is because, unlike mind maps, it is more systematic and consistent in the flow of ideas.

It's good for a first creative feel for a topic or when looking for a surprising moment in a story (for example, you're writing a mystery and need a plot). Another area of use can be finding inspiration when you have a topic and are looking for a way to approach it.

The procedure for clustering is as follows:

• In the middle of the paper, write a topic that interests you. Of course, you can also use the software – xMind is probably the most suitable.
• You draw many associations from the topic. The rule is that each association builds on the previous one. For example, lettuce - field - combine harvester - engine - Carnot cycle - molecule. There is no direct relationship between the lettuce and the machine or the molecule.
• You can keep writing until you feel you have strayed too far from the topic, or you may write on time (30 seconds to 2 minutes). A third, not very common option is to align the number to four to six associations.
• Once the series is complete, you return to the central concept and form a new series from it. In doing so, you follow all the rules you have stated above. You are writing the rows in one figure, so allocating space wisely is a good idea.
• You will create a reasonable number of lines - usually around five is recommended, but you can also find writing on time - it usually takes up to twenty minutes for the whole method.

Sometimes, it is possible to encounter a variant where linear chains branch. In this case, you can create a linear series to see if there is any exciting concept. And then you derive associations from there. However, such a procedure complicates things considerably and, in our opinion, significantly reduces the efficiency of the whole method.

Outside of clustering, we sometimes work with an association series, just one branch of clustering. It's a beneficial technique for a quick warm-up to kick-start some creative thinking. On the other hand, regular clustering is suitable for a more complex creative start.

The most problematic point of clustering is evaluation, i.e. finding out what is necessary and valuable for people from each concept. Although the guide is not ideal, we recommend focusing on the following elements:

• Original words
• Repetitive concepts
• Surprising connections
• Repetitive structures
• Overall impression