Find an old picture of yourself, preferably from a memorable day that has accumulated nostalgia and emotion. Write about how you felt and what you were thinking at the moment the picture was taken. Then provide some context. Elaborate on the day's events. Write about the people you saw, the conversations you had or the lessons you learned. Be careful not to idealize the day. Discuss any struggles, frustrations or unmet expectations. Remember, all good stories have conflict.
Childhood memories often bring the freshest observations and emotions. Describe your first memory of seeing snow. While visual descriptions will play a large role, be sure to include details from all five senses. If you ate the snow, describe how it tasted, or write about how a warm hot chocolate or a fresh piece of bread felt on your tongue once you came back inside. Write about how the snow felt as it shifted under your feet, or how it gathered when you formed your first snowman.
Heated arguments can bring out some of your most genuine and emotionally wrought work. Take some time to recall a heated argument you've experienced with either your parents or your spouse. Recreate the fight in a dialogue. Write about how it made you feel, but then turn the tables and try to describe the argument from your opponent's point of view.
One of the most ignored emotions is envy. People are inclined to express emotions of joy, anger, sorrow or confusion, but envy is often denied and hidden. Take some time to explore who you have envied in the past. Write about what made you jealous about that person. Was it something tangible, such as wealth, possessions, or a relationship status? Alternatively, did you envy someone because of his internal character traits? Describe one or more moments when you most acutely felt envious of someone else--perhaps when a friend won a science fair in elementary school, when your first boyfriend found a new girlfriend or when someone else landed your dream job.
To exercise your skills with humor, try writing about the first Thanksgiving you hosted for the family. The most stressful events make excellent opportunities for humorous writing. Between kitchen debacles, crazy cousins and family drama, your prose should shake with comedy. Remember to keep your words leaning toward light-hearted laughter, rather than whining or complaining.