Lists

I teach my writing students to make lists. Then on days when they can't think of anything to write about, they can go back and look at their lists, then develop one of the ideas they have there into a writing piece.

I keep my lists in my head, usually. I lose the kind on paper. Right now I'm working on a "list" of words I'd like to use in a sentence. Preferably the kind of sentence you say when you're mad and you come off with the perfect retort at the perfect time. What? Is that a weird list to keep in my head? I don't even get mad that often and need a snappy comeback, but oh, to have the right one on the ready at just the right time!

So here's my list so far:

Words I'd Love to Use in a Snappy Retort

Shankopotomus. As in, "Seriously. You are such a shankopotomus!" I want to say it in a dismissive tone, too, so it will be really unexpected that I'm using a word better suited for a 12-year old in a condescending tone.

And that's the end of the list. :-)
Happy Hump Day!