I was making breakfast and saw something out my kitchen window. 

"That might be a story idea!"

I should have written that tidbit down, but the toast was about to burn.  And while I rescued the toast, the story idea vanished.  Moments later, I couldn't remember what it was.

Memo to me: Write it down!

I heard a short feature of interest on the radio.  Story idea!

I should have written it down, but the phone rang.  And after the conversation, I couldn't remember the story idea I'd so recently heard. 

Memo to me: Write it down!

How often have I heard a prompt that could have been the beginning of a great story, but have lost it while being distracted by life?  Too many times!  Put paper and pen in your kitchen, in your bedroom, and in the WC.  And use it!  Let the toast burn.  Let the phone ring. Ideas are often as fleeting as a robin's wink, so while the idea is fresh in your brain, WRITE IT DOWN! 

How many story ideas have you lost lately?