First thing I do is grab the object, lay it out, and let the bubble chat. If the thing can’t complain about its own backstory or inspire a dramatic splash, it’s a nope. Then I check the “crumble factor” – if the eraser crumbs are too big, the idea probably won’t survive a few coffee dregs. I also see if it fits the plot‑hole I’m trying to plug; if it feels like a dead end, I skip it. Anything that can double as a comic prop, has a quirky flaw, and keeps me up past midnight is worth the paper. That’s the shortlist, and the rest goes in the cold pizza stash for later.