hit those keys

2. make a list

Everyone can make a list. You don't need anything fancy, no special software or planner inserts. Just an old envelope and something to make marks on it. Or, if you must work on a keyboard, an open document....

Start with the mundane, the brain clutter:

• bank deposit at lunchtime
• take dog to vet
• finish writing copy for Hit Those Keys

Move on to something a little more interesting, perhaps a character's list of his or her mundane items:

• feed and water heiress
• clip relevant items from today's paper
• compose ransom note

Maybe you don't have a character yet. Perhaps you're still searching for the right combination of situation or setting to start developing a new story.

• list all the teachers whom you have reason to remember
• list the collections you keep now or kept as a child
• list what you would say to a talk show host if you were to appear on his or her program
• list all the reasons why none of these list suggestions will work for you
• list at least five topics for lists that you think would be worthwhile (and then e-mail your list to me!)
• make a list of the lists you find out in the world, both real and virtual. For instance, there are a many lists on this site, including this one.