Occasionally I’ll go to bed with my novel on my mind.

I close my eyes and picture a scene, and am suddenly swept up into the story. (I’m tired, and I know I’m drifting, but I desperately try to hang on because I know I’ve got something good.) I can’t keep track of dialogue, or even what’s happening, because unfortunately I’m beginning to fall asleep.

And I wake up the next morning and can’t remember a thing.

I’m sure you can relate to this. You know your dream gave you the next big idea – the idea that will make you a multi-billionaire author – but it’s all fuzzy. In fact, the only thing you can remember is the excitement of having a really great idea.

It was handed to you on a silver platter, in the form of an extremely vivid dream, and you’ve forgotten it.

You’d think I’d learn, wouldn’t you?

This has happened to me so many times now, and I’ve finally decided to do something about it. So here are my tips for capturing the million dollar idea:

• BEFORE you go to sleep, list (on paper) the scenes you’d like to dream about. Your dreams should serve you (NOT the other way round).
• Keep a small notebook and pencil beside your bed. Even if you’re about to go under, jot down a quick key idea or phrase that could jog your memory in the morning.

Hope this helps!