There is something satisfying about turning the page of a calendar. It feels like a new beginning, 31 brand new days for us this month. It doesn't mean everything from September has been finished. Far from it. We probably all have unfinished pieces of writing that we started in September, or August, or earlier than that.
Seeing that new page always makes me feel uplifted. If you're a writer working on a deadline, you might feel panic instead. For those who are looking for story ideas, a new month can trigger thoughts and memories for new stories and poems.
What comes to mind in this tenth month of the year. A few things that might help stir your creativity are listed below:
- Columbus Day
- Halloween
- Jewish New Year
- school parties
- parades for Halloween or Columbus Day
- falling leaves
- autumn colors
- raking leaves
- burning leaves
- preparing for winter--animals and people
- fall crops--squash, pumpkins, gourds and more
- attention to fire prevention
- fall foods your mother made
- weather changes
- different clothing to wear
- football games
If you're so inclined, you can find lists online of National ____________ Day that fills every day of the month. For instance, were you aware today is National Coffee Day? Personally, that's every day for me!
Looking at the list above, the first thing that comes to mind when I see Columbus Day is not what we learned in school about Christopher Columbus. Instead, it is the movement afoot today to abolish the holiday because of the way Columbus and his men treated the native Americans they encountered upon landing in America. Perfect for an essay in which you can argue either side or just present both sides and let the reader decide which way to go.
The differences in the meals our mother made in this fall month are significant. No more fresh fruits from the orchards or corn on the cob, potato salad, and fresh homegrown tomatoes. Our October foods are heavier. Mothers made soups and stews, pumpkin pie instead of strawberry. Our diet during this month is filled with stick-to-your-ribs kinds of foods. Lots of baked goods used spices like cinnamon and nutmeg and ginger. Yum!
Did you celebrate Fire Prevention Week when you were in school? I remember teaching about fire prevention and fire safety when I taught fourth grade in the early '60's. My children learned about the same every October when they were in grade school, and I suppose my grandchildren has also been instructed on fire safety. Great possibility for a children's magazine.
What about football games? That topic provides many a sub-topic--cheerleaders, players, fan, clothing, bands, games, coaches and more.
With every new month, we can find story ideas. Ponder on the things in today's list and then come up with a few of your own. You've got 31 days in October to write.
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