Digging in Your Past for Writing Ideas
Have you ever tried making a list about things in your past that you can use as writing material?
Hello hello hello, my brother and sister writers. It’s the Old Soldier here flinging words out into the world to see what sticks. The last few days of blogging and writing have been very satisfying. It seems I can’t get the words down fast enough before another writing idea pops up. Talk about constant content.
Image via Wikipedia
Well, I don’t know about you, but when I need new writing ideas, I start daydreaming about my past. My mind brings up memories, some painful and some pleasant, that parade in front of my writer’s eyes, each memory shouting, Pick me! Pick me!
Now don’t try and fool the Old Soldier. I know you do the same thing.
So, how do you go about digging in your past for writing ideas? Do you just sit there and stare dumbly into space? Do you drink beer (my favorite)? Do you smoke hash? Shame on you. Shame on you for not sharing. Maybe you are a little more hands on than just medicating yourself to a higher state of personal recall.
Maybe you pull out old photos or an old journal. How about this? How about making a list of things from your past that would make for good writing material. Let’s see if I can come up with a short list right now.
- Being in the army
- Being the lead singer for several rock and roll bands
- Making and starring in a full length underground movie
- Driving a truck for the phone company for a living
- Working as an intern in an office as a clerk at a local television news station with the on camera talent
That’s just five things I could write about. I’m sure you have plenty of things in your past that you could write about, too. So, maybe making a list is one way to get your creative writing juices flowing for some excellent constant content.
This is the Old Soldier reporting from Pittsburgh.
Flash Fiction: Nude Massage is a short story of mine.
Liked it
Tags: constant content, creative writing, words, writer, Writers, Writing, writing ideas
Click the icon to the left to subscribe to Writinghood with your favorite RSS reader.
- Just a Love Note
- Toddlers on Triond: Take Time to Make Your Comments
- Addicted to Triond?
- Triond is Online Writing with Training Wheels
- I'm Sorry Triond...but There's Someone Else
- Is It Wise to Keep Writing for Writing Sites?
- Painting Pictures With Words
- My Triond Writing Experience
- Triond Facts of Life
- A Writing Sabbatical
January 14th, 2011 at 4:21 pm
Online Writing Jobs
Turn your valuable content into money. Join our complete free online writing jobs program. We offer the most innovative idea to help maximize your writing skills.
http://online-writing-jobs.co.cc/
January 14th, 2011 at 4:23 pm
This is a good idea ! I will try writing a list and see what happens. Nice writing ! Thank you for sharing.
January 14th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
Excellent article with an excellent idea! I have been doing this very same thing. I draw on past memories to create a lot of articles along the way.
January 14th, 2011 at 4:47 pm
I love making lists, not so hot on ticking the items off though. Good ideas again, Guy.
January 14th, 2011 at 4:54 pm
It is so true drawing on your own experiences makes for great writing.
January 14th, 2011 at 5:07 pm
Great work. Looking forward to read more articles from you…
January 14th, 2011 at 5:11 pm
Thanks! I could write about how 11 years ago this February I had severe congestive heart failure caused by a virus. It was a scary time because I was only 29 years old.
January 14th, 2011 at 5:45 pm
That is great Guy! It is fun when the ideas just pour in isn’t it?
You have a vibrant past. I have thought about this but have not as yet put my ideas to paper. I think I will… maybe some I will leave out though Thanks for the inspiration Old Soldier.
January 14th, 2011 at 6:21 pm
What a great idea!
January 14th, 2011 at 6:34 pm
Wonderful article, Guy. I love the humor almost as much as the tips. Thanks bud.
January 14th, 2011 at 6:35 pm
Very Very good idea!! I agree 100%
January 14th, 2011 at 7:08 pm
I think this is a great idea. I will have to start writing lists too so I can have different ideas on what to write too.
January 14th, 2011 at 7:45 pm
Truth to tell, its really one of my problems. Sometimes, I simply run out of ideas on what to write about. Your tips will help me deal with that problem.
January 14th, 2011 at 7:49 pm
Guy,
Great Idea!!! Now my only problem, is where to start. I have several journals going as far back as 1969, when I was 15! So I believe I can find much to write about. Thanks for the great Idea!
Randy
January 15th, 2011 at 12:28 am
The past is rich in content ideas, not just our own but history itself.
January 15th, 2011 at 1:58 am
That’s an interesting idea. Maybe I’ll give it a try.
January 15th, 2011 at 9:18 am
too bad I’ve led such a boring life.
January 15th, 2011 at 1:14 pm
I use a lot of my life for my stories. I also love to make a list of things to write about.
January 16th, 2011 at 9:16 am
gud share
January 20th, 2011 at 1:28 pm
I’m sure we could all put some interesting (and possibly embarrassing!) stories from our life to good use. Very good ideas, thank you.