Story Banks: Why You Need One and How to Start Yours
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, keep in mind 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.
25 Ideas to Get You Started:
- 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
Recall the times when you felt knocked down, when you stood tall and unyielding, or when your heart swelled with tenderness. These emotions are the heartbeat of storytelling. When you sit down to write, it's not merely about retelling events; it's about conveying the raw, unfiltered feelings that accompanied those moments.
Readers latch onto emotions. Even if they haven't walked in your exact shoes, they can feel the tug of empathy when you describe the surge of pride, the pang of embarrassment, or the warmth of love. These emotions are the common thread that binds writer and reader, creating an unbreakable bond.
So, as you stock your story bank, don't just jot down the events. Capture the emotions—the gritty, visceral feelings that breathe life into your stories. Because ultimately, it's these emotions that will resonate with your readers, drawing them into your world.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Life and business strategist turned bestselling book coach, publishing mentor, and founder of She Gets Published, Lanette Pottle, helps female coaches and entrepreneurs create books that lead to new clients, bigger stages, & more profits. Need help getting started ( or unstuck) on your book journey? Book a call with Lanette today.
