1. Example: First time I saw Santa!

2.  They are the moments that really matter in a larger event.  They show the essence, or core of the event.  Often you can associate the happenings in “small moments” with your senses.

3.  Think of a person who matters to you, list Small Moment stories, choose one, and write the whole story.  Think of first times or last times you did something, list Small Moment stories you could tell about each, choose one, and write the whole story.  Think of moments that really mattered because you realized or learned something, list those moments, choose one, and write the whole story.  Think about a place that matters, use pictures, a map, or quick notes to jot about the small moments that occurred there, choose one, and write the whole story.

4.  Pay attention to the small moments in your life that could be fictionalized.  Consider places where stories could take place and then imagine those stories.  Read about current events in newspapers, blogs, magazines, etc. Allow yourself to be inspired by true events that could be fictionalized.  Ask, “What stories do I wish existed in the world?” Let this question lead you to invent a character with traits, struggles, actions.  Think about an issue that is important to you and create a character who struggles with that issue.