I’ve already mentioned that I’m writing my second book, and like you know, I’ve decided to write it in a different way — by keeping it all organized by using the Scrivener writing program. Well, last night, I was at a MLB game and out of nowhere, ideas began filling my head. Instantly, I reached for my phone, which was almost dead, so I quickly typed my thoughts into my iPhone “Notes” application.
I’ve often heard that people carry notebooks, a tape recorder, index cards, their laptop with them wherever they go, (this list could go on and on). How you keep it all together, like from paper/phone/voice to computer, or vice versa, how do you manage to get all your notes down, without losing your mind, or you notes?
I keep a small notebook in my purse as well as a mini voice recorder. However, I use the notebook more than the voice recorder. Less weird looks that way 😉 The voice recorder does come in handy while driving though.
I usually end the night on the computer so while I’m tweeting, facebooking, what-have-you, I’ll organize my notes and either put them in Scrivener (best program ever) or my binder I keep for each story I’m working on.
Thanks for you comment, Karen! LOL, I can see how the voice recorder could look weird. That’s too funny! I’m just now beginning to really use Scrivener and so far, I really like it, (thought it helps to keep the manual right beside me). 🙂
I carry a notebook in my binder at all times. Though, despite my best attempts, I was sitting in bed one night, just thinking of random ideas I could use. I came up with a amazing idea, and debated with myself on whether to turn on my phone and write it in the “Notepad” section.
I decided not to, relying completely on my short-term memory. Well, I woke the next morning, with no memory whatsoever of the previous night. I can’t remember to this day. So, now there’s a small notebook in my binder. 😀
LOL! I’ve had that happen too, and it’s so annoying! Good luck on your writing! 🙂
If I’m out without my computer, which is most of the time, I just carry a couple sheets of paper folded up in my pocket and transfer it to the computer when I get home.
On the computer, I use MonkeyWrite for note-taking then organize that into clean drafts on Jarte; then, if necessary, pretty it up with LibreOffice…
Thanks for your comment! 🙂
Like you, I often use my phone to write quick notes on story ideas, character profiles or other story details tgat buzz about in my head. I also carry a pint sized notebooj with me to jot things down when I can but I tend to fill up,notebooks with lil tidbits so quick i’m always switching to a new pad:) great post. Best on ur writing!
Thanks for your comment, Cathy! Good luck to you too! 🙂
I use a lot of different methods of taking notes. Usually whatever piece of paper I have on hand. I have found that having looseleaf notebook paper folded in a pocket one of the easiest ways to keep track of notes. When I get home I can put it in my ‘writing’ binder. (it’s small so far as most of my stuff is on my laptop)
Another method that seems to be working is I’m using those clear plastic fax covers that fit in a binder. I can slip small notes into them. Things like index cards. That way the notes for certain progects are in their own spot and I don’t have to punch holes.
I am considering getting a Circa punch so that I can make my own Circa paper, then all I need to get is the discs. Then I can carry the Circa paper around with me whenever I want only to put it in its own spot once I get home.
Hope that helps!
Thanks for you comment! Great ideas! 🙂
I always keep a notebook on hand, and every notebook I go through (which has started to happen every couple of months…) I keep on hand in a drawer full of them, in case I need to refer to it later. Thankfully my boss lets me keep my notebook on hand at work, so if things get slow, I can jot down ideas. I’ll also use my iPod’s Notes app, especially if I’m in the middle of walking somewhere and it would be awkward to whip out a notebook.
As for organising it… The great ideas tend to become part of the structure of the idea in my mind, so if I forget an idea later, usually it’s because it didn’t fit well enough to lodge itself inside the story in my mind anyhow. That said, if a project falls out of favour for a few months, it does take some scrabbling to find all of the notes I’d been carrying together in my head when it was a top priority!
Thanks for your comments! Great ideas! It sounds like you’ve certainly have a system that works for you!! 🙂