What to Write? Dr. Ed Iannuccilli

What to Write? Dr. Ed Iannuccilli

“How do you find things to write about?” is a common question that I get, not only online but also when I give a presentation. It started me thinking, “How do I?”

Sometimes, I just have to sit back, think, and pull something out of somewhere . . . a character, a situation, a character in a situation, in action, not in action, descriptive, something that happened to me, to another, news of the day, etc. Childhood memories are triggered by conversations with friends and relatives, and pictures. Yes, pictures.

Pick up a picture. Notice all you can about it, including the surroundings. Write of it. You will be surprised at what comes out.

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I try to suss out stuff. Now right there, that simple word “suss” is a topic that simply ‘popped’ up. So, I headed for the books to learn more. Suss out---- to find by thinking, investigating, wanting to learn more, to come to understand someone, a place, or a thing. In its earlier meaning, it was an abbreviation of suspicion, spelled sus. To suss someone out. So, in thinking of writing topics, I suss out. OK, enough of suss.

Ideas can come by noticing things. In last week’s piece, I discussed writing for your senses. So, I try to use my senses to find things. And then I dig deep, ‘Look under the hood’ as Dad would say. Ask why. In the “why” you get expressions, exclamation points, ideas, and then, voila, a story. A stew is a stew, but it is the ingredients that make it a stew. So, I look for the ingredients.

News media is a source. Many of my early influences, correct or not, came to me through the media. Still do. When I write those impressions, I try to personalize them, with the thoughts of my readers foremost.

There are guidebooks with creative suggestions. Look at these that I found in a memoir writing book:

Did you wear mittens? Were you upset when your parents fought? What was your favorite tree as a kid? Why? When was your first date? Your first love?

Here is a common query. “Would you consider writing about me . . . or my business?” I love those. Though one might think the underlying thrust may be to promote the business, I think not. Rather, I suspect it is about them and their pride in having started something. I try to comply if it fits with a theme and my editor is pleased.

But most often it is you, the reader, who gives me an idea; something humorous, poignant, insightful, etc. At times, your questions alone generate the work. It gives me a chance to connect with people that may otherwise never happen. And it makes me just plain feel good when I touch a mark, rekindle a memory, or generate a laugh or a sniffle. You all are so kind to respond.

Have I given you pause, food for a writing thought? I hope so. Try it.

Dr. Ed Iannuccilli is the author of three popular memoirs, “Growing up Italian; Grandfather’s Fig Tree and Other Stories”, “What Ever Happened to Sunday Dinner” and “My Story Continues: From Neighborhood to Junior High.”  Learn more HERE.