Reporters start with six basics: who, what, when, where, why, and how. These same questions can help bring your story into focus. Everyone’s answers will look a little different. What matters most is exploring the questions in your own way.
Planning doesn’t mean filling in every detail, it simply gives you a starting point. Jotting down the basics creates a framework you can return to when you’re ready to dive deeper. It’s not about getting it perfect; it’s about giving your story a place to begin.
WHO?
Who was connected to this item—who gave it to you, used it, or reminds you of it? Think about family members, friends, or even strangers who played a role in its story and include them in your story.
WHAT?
What is the item? Describe it simply—what it looks like, what it’s made of, and what purpose it served, then or now. Don’t worry about fancy descriptions; just be real and tell us what you see.
WHEN?
When did this item become part of your life? Was it tied to a certain age, holiday, season, or chapter? “When” can mean a date, a year, a particular time in your life. You get to define when.
WHERE?
Where is the item from or where has this item lived—your home, someone else’s, or many places over time? If a location stands out in your memory, it’s a good place to begin.
WHY?
Why does this item matter to you? Was it given with meaning, tied to a moment, or something you kept without even realizing why? Be curious about why it is important to you. Follow your feeling.
HOW?
How did this item come into your life? Did you inherit it, buy it, borrow it, find it, or stumble upon it by surprise? Was it a gift from some you loved, was it unexpected?That “how” is often a story in itself.
You can download a free planning sheet here to begin planning YOUR story, and a sample planning sheet for the story featured in my Let Curiosity Lead blog post as an example to guide you.
This is where the work of a Loominary begins: with light, curiosity, and a blank page. Use the planning sheet to spark your memories, then let your writing carry the story forward.
And be sure to share your stories with us!
