A Writer's Notebook - What is it?

So yesterday in my post, I said something about a writer's notebook, and how I would talk more about it later on. Basically, a Writer's Notebook is a place for a future author to keep and organize their ideas and thoughts, planning out books and short stories, and saving random plot ideas for later on. I tend to use the regular, basic 70 page, single subject notebooks that students use in school. It really depends upon the particular person, though. Some people are quite fond of finding a specific kind of specialized notebook, and only use that kind. Ever. (Normally these are quite expensive ones, such as moleskin notebooks.) Some people like a bound composition book, as it gives it a permanent feel. And, still others, enjoy sketchbooks, diaries, and notepads. Some people even use the computer. So firstly, find a format that works for you. The reason I'm so fond of 70 page notebooks is because of the spiral binding. At least that's one reason. I can simply flip to a page, wrapping some of the pages behind. I don't have to worry about my surface not lying flat (a composition notebook), or anything else. I work on both sides of the pages.

Next you decide what kind of pen you want to use. I know this sounds kind of pathetic and weird, but really, find a pen that works for you. Try out as many different kinds as you can find until you locate the one that's perfect for you. I have two personal favorites. Number one on my list are blue Papermate pens. The old kind that are all blue casing. The ink flows perfectly, especially when it's been used a lot, and, best of all, the ink is blue! Can't go wrong with that one. At least not in my opinion. My second choice, if I was forced to are Bic Roundstik. They work very well, even though the ink is black. :D. Personally, I just think that the blue ink makes it a little more interesting. For Christmas this year, my parents bought me a 60 pack of the blue Papermates - you know; the huge boxes that they normally get for offices. And I'm one person. Haha.

After that, I would recommend leaving three or four pages at the very beginning of the notebook empty, for a Table of Contents. That way you can find exactly what you need, exactly WHEN you need it. It feels amazing to be so organized, even if it isn't as good as a book TOC. Now we come to the actual CONTENT of the notebook. Different people put different things in their notebooks, but I'll list a few of the things that I have in mine. First off, and probably most importantly, I have seed ideas. I talked a lot about seed ideas in my last post; how they are the basic idea that eventually turns into a plot. In my notebook, I don't label it as seed ideas; though you could if you so desired. Instead, I label them as Random Ideas I, Random Ideas II, etc. So far, I'm thinking I've got somewhere around 10 pages full of these little tidbits. You can also include: name ideas (first and last; I have a page for each), brainstorming sessions, freewriting sessions, random words, prompts, quotes, lyrics, conversations, and whatever else your mind can think up that may be useful in your all too near writing future. So, until next time, write on!!