Oftentimes, writers will draw from personal experiences that inspire them to continue writing, whether that be from a failed date, or a bad day, or even a crush that refused to return our feelings. One of the most powerful muses writers have in their arsenals is memories. More specifically, childhood memories. 

Believe it or not, our childhoods make up a major part of who we are. Sometimes we remember the wonderful moments we’ve had with our parents and long for the times when we didn’t have to worry about bills or pride. Other times, we remember the bad, from a traumatic event that forced us to grow up faster, or feelings of loneliness or isolation. But no matter what, the lessons we’ve learned from the past are with us now and help us mature in ways we may not understand. This was specifically seen in stories such as Stephen King’s It and Carrie. Still, how exactly do our childhood memories help our writing? 

They help us reflect

There’s a reason why mental health professionals tell us to journal, why we’re so protective of our doodles and notes and the like. That’s because, like journals, replaying our childhoods in our heads helps us figure out where things went right or wrong. The act of remembering helps us understand the way our own fictional characters might feel, especially if they’re children or adolescents. But more importantly, the memories put us in a position that helps us relate to our readers and, hopefully, guide them to an ending that satisfies both you and them.

They bring closure

But more than that, childhood memories can also bring closure, especially for those who have experienced traumatic events. When writers want to use their own experiences as inspiration for their stories, they may have to go back and relive all the emotions they felt at the time, the pain and sadness and frustration and anger associated with it. And while this might not be a good technique for everyone, there’s something therapeutic about expressing yourself and all you’ve been through, especially in writing.

They inspire

And of course, there’s the obvious. After we delve into ourselves, after we’ve laid ourselves bare in the story, there’s always the chance that there will be more. For instance, what would our lives be like if we followed in the character’s footsteps? What about the people around them? What would they think? It’s these questions we asked our younger selves that could inspire more detailed works. And before you know it, you already have a series on your hands. 

Memories are funny, even the ones from our childhood. There are times when we may envy our adolescence, laughing at how the world seems to crumble around us even though we know that isn’t the case. There are times when we laugh at our own stupidity when we admit to ourselves and others that we were wrong about certain subjects. Even so, it’s these experiences that mold us into better writers. It might be painful at first, but once we get past all the angst, we may find something in our pasts that could benefit the stories we want to tell.