Many of us have a running "To Do" list to keep track of all the things we need to accomplish each day.

Lists can also help us keep track of our memoir writing projects. My memoir writing notebook is divided somewhat chronologically into what I call "eras of my life." At the beginning of each era, I have three main lists:

• Important Events of This Era
• Writing Ideas for This Era
• Photos, Documents, and Mementos from This Era (that are stored elsewhere)

I often come up with an idea for writing at a time when it is not possible to write, so I jot it down in my notebook. I used to have trouble coming up with a subject when I did have time to write. I would just stare at the blank page. Now, because I have so many "idea" lists, I never run out of things to write about, and I can pick and choose stories based on my mood at the moment.

Here are some writing list ideas:

1. Keep an ongoing list of the crucial events that took place in each era of your life (births, deaths, marriages, adventures, milestones, etc.)
2. List the friends (and enemies!) you had during each era. Make note of the special relationships you had.
3. List all the jobs you held.
4. List your educational experiences from each era. Don't forget the "fun" classes, like hair braiding or ice skating classes. Skills that you acquired through experience count as educational experiences.
5. Don't forget the historical events and trends that shaped each era, especially those that had an impact on you. (Astonishing Century by Robert D. Joyce is an excellent and fun resource.)
6. Where did you live? What was the address? When did you live there?
7. List the toys, games, hobbies, and pastimes from each era.
8. What were your goals, aspirations, and dreams in each era? What did you want to be "when you grew up?"
9. What were the painful things that happened? Broken relationships, hopes dashed, abuse, fears?
10. List your accomplishments in each era. Writing about how you achieved each one is a story.
11. What organizations did you belong to? Why?