Story Idea Map
I never knew my stick figure drawings would come in handy. As you can see, you don't have to be a great artist to create a story idea map. All you need is a poster board, colored markers, and a little time. And if you don't have a poster board, you can improvise. I taped the backsides of four sheets of white computer paper together and later had it laminated at an office supply store for a few dollars.
So, what is a story idea map? And how can you use it to stir up ideas for your creative writing?
The map is actually a memory map. It can be a map from your childhood neighborhood where you grew up. Or it can be a map of your school, or a map of an amusement park. The map is like a treasure hunt. There are nuggets of story ideas hidden everywhere. You just have to find them!
Once you have your canvas and your colored markers, start drawing the things you remember. My map is a rural horse town. Some of my happiest childhood memories are in this small, dusty town. Our home was surrounded by hills, fields of tall wild grass to play hide 'n seek, clumps of Pepper trees, and large outcrops of rocks to climb. You could find rattlesnakes, tarantulas, and poisonous Gila monster lizards. (see the tarantula crossing the gravel street?) There was a chicken ranch behind our property where Mom sent us to buy eggs. And we looked forward to parades.
Then there was the creepy haunted house. My best friend and I pedaled our bikes past this spooky house to and from school. One day, we were certain we saw a floating head in the upstairs window. A g-g-ghost! We screamed and rode our bikes as fast as our legs could pedal.
The map will jog your memory. Look between the drawings. You'll be amazed at memories long forgotten. Though, you
won't actually see them all on the map. In my mind’s eye, I can see my siblings and I trampling through the empty lot behind our place, on Halloween night, as we trick-or-treated by flashlight. I was dressed like a granny with a pillow for a bustle. And I could hardly see through my plastic mask.
Once the memories start to flow, take out pencil and paper and write for five minutes without lifting your writing instrument off the page, because that will break the magic.
Begin your writing with, “I remember when....” You can use these five minute free-writings to jumpstart a short story, a poem, or even a novel!
Most of all, just have fun!
So, what is a story idea map? And how can you use it to stir up ideas for your creative writing?
The map is actually a memory map. It can be a map from your childhood neighborhood where you grew up. Or it can be a map of your school, or a map of an amusement park. The map is like a treasure hunt. There are nuggets of story ideas hidden everywhere. You just have to find them!
Once you have your canvas and your colored markers, start drawing the things you remember. My map is a rural horse town. Some of my happiest childhood memories are in this small, dusty town. Our home was surrounded by hills, fields of tall wild grass to play hide 'n seek, clumps of Pepper trees, and large outcrops of rocks to climb. You could find rattlesnakes, tarantulas, and poisonous Gila monster lizards. (see the tarantula crossing the gravel street?) There was a chicken ranch behind our property where Mom sent us to buy eggs. And we looked forward to parades.
Then there was the creepy haunted house. My best friend and I pedaled our bikes past this spooky house to and from school. One day, we were certain we saw a floating head in the upstairs window. A g-g-ghost! We screamed and rode our bikes as fast as our legs could pedal.
The map will jog your memory. Look between the drawings. You'll be amazed at memories long forgotten. Though, you
won't actually see them all on the map. In my mind’s eye, I can see my siblings and I trampling through the empty lot behind our place, on Halloween night, as we trick-or-treated by flashlight. I was dressed like a granny with a pillow for a bustle. And I could hardly see through my plastic mask.
Once the memories start to flow, take out pencil and paper and write for five minutes without lifting your writing instrument off the page, because that will break the magic.
Begin your writing with, “I remember when....” You can use these five minute free-writings to jumpstart a short story, a poem, or even a novel!
Most of all, just have fun!
