To memorize is to store information in your brain for reuse later. The definition of memory is the power or act of remembering. The definition of remembering is to recall, to bring back to mind by an effort. There are two kinds of memory, short-term and long-term, each stored in a separate part of the brain. All long-term memories were once stored in short-term. Giving these parts of the brain a workout through memorization games can help keep them fit and benefit you in your writing.

Most of us are born with the ability to memorize things temporarily and then forget them when they are no longer of use (there are a few conditions that break this ability). Although, it seems that some of us are better at it than others. Remember all those times in years past you studied just for the sake of passing a test and now you couldn’t pass that test if your life depended on it? This is the result of short-term memory — those memorized facts never got moved to long-term storage.

Flash cards are a well-known tool for memorization. If you are studying a foreign language, you can use flash cards to write one interpretation on one side, and the other version of the word on the other side. Children’s books often use the flash card method to tell a story that will help the child memorize. Pop-ups are a fun way to learn. Many books will use pictures of animals, toys, or even food to help a child memorize the name of a word and its proper usage. Read more »

You know the old saying — “an elephant never forgets.” Whether that’s true or not, it is clear that the mind of an animal can be substantially large in its learning capacity, using memory to perform amazingly in many ways.

With humans, we’ve discovered that memory can be shut down, temporarily or permanently, depending on how traumatic the remembered event was. People have protected themselves subconsciously by disengaging the memory. The mind sometimes seems to play tricks on us by confusing one memory with another. Sometimes this causes the person to be unable to function in society. What seems to be a problem with memory can actually be a problem with the processing of information going into the mind.

Memory can be adversely affected by a variety of things, such as medication, diet, attention when an event occurs and more. For me, the latter is most prominent in my life. I have ADD and if I’m not paying attention, I don’t remember. On the other hand, I have a fantastic memory for things that I’m engaged with. Read more »