i know this is a very unoriginal piece of advice but watching movies really helps. Or going to the movies rather than just having movie channel on, because if the story manages to draw you in, you'll float in that made up world for a while even when the film has ended. It usually works for me, it's like, you're so fascinated by the story and the setting and the plot that your brain is practically begin you to start creating one of you own, hah.. The other thing is to write at night. It is a proven fact that a slightly sleep deprived mind is at its most creative state, and nighttime (no matter what your genre is) can be a great catalyst. I've even read several studies that claim this - night time is when your brain is most prone to inspiration.. :)