Lists can be important catalysts for writers. In Aimee Buckner’s Notebook Know How: Strategies for the Writer’s Notebook she suggests ways to use lists to spur creativity. She has her students make both a Best and Worst list on a topic, like family vacations. Then the student chooses one of the most appealing items from the list and writes the story relating to it.

Just ask anyone to sit down and start writing, and it seems an overwhelming task. But by narrowing the writing down to a specific topic and by creating a list for the topic, the process is greatly simplified. This allows more time to be creative and less time to be stressed on what to write about. And the more writers write the better writers they become.

If you’re interested in exploring the ultimate writers’ list go to Writers Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers: http://www.writersdigest.com/101sites/categorysearch.asp?year_101=2007