What’s a Story Bank and Why is it Important: 25 Ideas to Get You Started
Every non-fiction author has found themselves facing down writer’s block at one point or another. How great would it be if you had your own personal writer’s block kryptonite that you could access at any time? That’s where story banks come in. Having a notebook full of bullet points that jog your memory about a specific incident can be just enough to spark a burst of creativity and get you back in the flow.
A story bank is filled with your lived experiences, which can be used to demonstrate a point, teach a lesson, make a connection… and so much more. The problem is that if you’re waiting until you’re sitting at your desk and writing to access these stories, you’ll probably come up empty. Recording your experiences in your story bank as you live them gives you something to jog your memory when you’re otherwise drawing a blank.
Create your story bank in a way that meets your personality and preferences. Maybe it’s handwritten in a journal, or bullet points written on post-it notes, or it could even be methodically organized in a spreadsheet. There’s no “one size fits all.” Wherever you decide to keep your story bank, remember this: a story bank isn’t a collection of fully written stories. It’s a sentence or two, just enough to jog your memory that the story exists.
Be sure not to censor your story bank. While not every story will– or should– make it into your final book, story banking is about recording your life and deciding later what is and is not relevant. Building your story bank is like working out. The more you record from your day-to-day life, the more you will become aware of all the stories around you.
Think about a time when you…
Learned a tough lesson
Did something in your life that’s fun to talk about
Faced a fear head on
Felt especially cared for and loved
Learned something about yourself during an everyday occurrence
Created a special childhood memory
Did something that still makes you laugh out loud to think about
Participated in cherished traditions
Bonded with a special pet
Achieved a milestone
Were led to a surprising discovery
Met someone unexpectedly at the perfect time
Changed your mind about a long-held belief
Missed an opportunity
Persevered when you wanted to quit
Were surprised by something or someone
Had a memorable interaction with your favorite teacher or mentor
Overcame an obstacle
Attended a memorable event
Received an act of kindness
Changed a habit or built a new routine
Were able to look back and connect the dots on a situation in your life
Experienced an embarrassing moment
Embarked on an adventure
Lost something (or someone) important to you
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