Using dreams for story ideas is a technique employed by many writers. Dreams are our minds at their most creative. Authors have often taken inspiration from dreams. I know I have.

Everyone dreams, even if you do not remember doing so on waking, you do too. The trouble with dreams is that they start to fade not long after you wake. So the question becomes – how do you hold on to them?

Remembering your dreams

The most commonly given advice when it comes to remembering your dreams is to keep a notebook and pen (or pencil) by your bed. As soon as you wake, write down as much as you can remember.

At first, you may find you only recall fragments. However, as you train your mind to recall your dreams on waking, you will slowly start to remember more.

What to do with your dream ideas?

This I cannot tell you. Like any creative idea that you have, only you know what you want to do with it. All the fragments and narrative ideas in your notebook are yours and your alone. Only you know what the right use for them is.

You may, it has been suggested, even gain an insight into your own mind through spotting recurring themes and images.

Give it a go. I would love to hear about how this works for you.

Do you already keep a dream journal or diary?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below