Creative Brainstorming and Contest Details

I recently purchased a couple writerly kits. The Writer's Digest Writing Kit: Everything You Need to Get Creative, Start Writing, and Get Published and The Writer's Toolbox: Creative Games for Inspiring the "Write" Side of Your Brain.
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Seem redundant? Mayhaps. But the first is more a box of how-to; the second, like a get-you-thinking game. I saw I could get them both (brand new!) for less than $10 (plus shipping) on Amazon, and figured one can never have too many ways to brainstorm, right?
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Anyway, I've opened and lingered over each set. (Who else geeks out over stuff like this?) There are booklets with craft points and reminders, and super-fun things like idea cards. This, from the Writer's Digest kit:
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Write a new story using the first sentence and the last sentence of your favorite novel or short story as your starting and ending lines.

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There are minute-timers and wheels of inspiration, and more. With The Writer's Toolbox, I can choose my protagonist's action (takes up dancing), an obstacle (fear of heights), goal (to know God), or get a jumpstart on the protagonist himself (Devin, with a gift for comedy), or expound upon plot twists and dramatic turns.
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I have yet to really use them, just been so busy. Except now, there's a perfect opportunity to try out my new toys:
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Zoetrope is holding its 14th Annual All-Story Short Fiction Contest. Follow the link for all the details, but it's worth mentioning here that three prizewinners and seven honorable mentions will be considered for representation by some of the most reputable literary agencies.
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This news makes me squee just a little bit. 10 people!
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I'm gonna do it. I have to enter. I just need to brainstorm a little first...
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Do you have either of these kits, or anything like them?
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If you're a fiction writer, will you enter the contest?
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**My newest article is up at the Rose and Thorn Literary Journal blog. Please check it out!

She May Be Searching for YOU

Lit Agent Sara Megibow, of The Nelson Literary Agency, is on the hunt for new romance authors to represent! Check out what she has to say here, at client Natalie Bahm's blog.

She may be looking for you!

And Another...

Number 4 came today, but behold this...

"Hi Janna,

Thank you for your query, which I read with interest. Unfortunately, I am not the right agent for all of your work. However, do not despair as I am sure another agent will feel quite differently.

Thank you for considering me. I wish you all the best of luck with writing.

Best,
[Agent 4]"

How you like them apples? It gives me reassurance and hope!

Rock on, nice agents. Rock on.

4 rejections; 6 out

ETA: I did remove the modification and character identification options for this blog, but have re-added comment modification. I like being alerted to new comments, otherwise I might overlook them entirely.