Heh, that's funny.
All I ever use is my mind , I only use verbal commands / hand-rubbing and stuff to ''test'' if it actually prolongs my LD.

But for all my ''powers'', I just use my mind and think. (eg.: If I want to use telekinesis I just expect it to fly up if I want it to, so I point at the object and wave up, and the object flies up too).

You could say that everything in my dreams that I do, almost goes naturally Without ''forcing it'' at all (I just do what I want to do without ''aiding'' by doing certain things like raising hands and imagining myself becoming light).

Hmm.. To create characters and stuff though, try to imagine an object, that can do stuff (eg.: A remote control that can destroy people), then open a drawer or god may know what expecting the remote control most of the times it WILL have the destructive power.
(of course you can imagine it having other powers as well)

Btw: the spinning technique works like **** for me as well, whenever I do that i just spin in slowmotion... and the dream ends 5 seconds after. lol