Several
years ago, my well of topic ideas dried up. Practically overnight, I found
myself floundering for something—anything—to write about. In desperation, I
sent out an impassioned plea to my friends and family on Facebook to PM me
suggestions for possible blog posts. The more people responded, the more
inspired I grew. I grabbed a new spiral notebook and listed topic after topic.
Whenever I find myself thirsty for something different, I turn to this list.
Every
time I buy a new spiral for my drafting and crafting, I devote the first page
to that brainstorming list. Most of the time, life presents me with plenty of
material. Occasionally, I peruse the list, select one item, write about the subject,
and cross it off my list.
This
week my substituting work landed me with classes that need a “warm body” in the
room. The students, attached to Chromebooks, ask me for a bathroom pass and
leave me to my own devices. Out of boredom, I tugged out my trusty spiral the
other day and skimmed my list for inspiration. “Dirty Clothes” caught my eye.
The next thing I knew, I crafted a fun poem for my blog. Since I’ve been on the
same campus with a similar job all week, I’ve returned to my list daily. I’ve
entertained myself by writing on ten different topics using a combination of
poetry and personal narratives.
I feel accomplished and satisfied each time I
scratch words off the list.
In
the very back of my mind, a little nagging worry chirps, “What if you use the
all?”
I
smile. I’ll do like I did so many years ago and ask friends and family to help
me with a brainstorming list!
Copyright 2019 Elizabeth Abrams Chapman
