Writer’s Notebook – pretentious accessory or crucial equipment?
You may have heard people talking about having a “writer’s notebook”, and wondered what it is, and what you should be using it for.
What is a writer’s notebook?
Well, the simplest answer is that it is a notebook that belongs to a writer, and really, that is all it is. Most writers find it helpful to have a notebook with them to write down ideas and research when they are on the move. It makes sense doesn’t it?
Of course these days we are probably more likely to have our phone with us all the time than a notebook, and we can of course make notes, and voice notes, on that. There is so much more to making a note of things than we realise. It helps us to remember things more clearly and also allows our brain to stop obsessing over remembering something, meaning we feel more calm and clearer headed.
What is the benefit of having a writer’s notebook, and how should you set it up?
Firstly, let me say that there is no right or wrong way to set up your writer’s notebook, and what you put in it should be whta is helpful for you, not what someone else has told you to do. For me this is the point where it turns from invaluable tool to pretentious accessory. If you are walking around with a super fancy notebook and it is carefully curated and written in immaculate calligraphic fonts, it probably isn’t very useful.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a beautifully laid out notebook with carefully chosen stickers or decoupage and wash tape. They are beautiful and I have so much admiration for anyone who can create these works of art, but your writer’s notebook should be tatty and dog-eared from being shoved in and out of your bag. The writing should be scrawling because you have scribbled down ideas before you forget them. It is something you reach into your bag and scribble in on the bus because you suddenly have a breakthrough about where you need to go next with your writing project, or because you hear a conversation, or name that you want to record for future use. Personally I prefer to have a physical notebook for two main reasons: I don’t get distracted by other things on my phone so I can concentrate better on what I’m doing and my thoughts, and it’s an excuse to buy more notebooks!
Here are a few ideas of things you might include in your writer’s notebook:
- Quotes
- Lyrics
- Memories
- Reminders
- Newspaper headlines or clippings
- Photos
- Conversations you have overheard
- Names – place names and people’s names that might make great characters or locations
- Fortunes from fortune cookies
- Writing prompts
- Lists
- Ideas
- Kind words – compliments or reviews you have received
- Sketches or drawings
- Ideas for places to visit
Your writer’s notebook isn’t a journal, it isn’t for long rambling daily pieces, in fact you probably won’r write in it every day, you may not even write in it every week, it is mostly for those “out and about” moments when inspiration strikes. Perhaps you take a moment to scribble some ideas or inspiration on the school run or while waiting at the hospital.
How do you set up your writer’s notebook?
There are a few conventions around writer’s notebooks, but really it just has to be useful to you and what you are writing. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Writing ideas
- Quotes
- Writing log – many writers like to log how many words they have written etc
- Words and descriptions
- Mind maps
- Writing tips
- Research
- Character ideas
- World building inspiration
- Playlists
- Deadlines
- Mood boards and inspirational images
- Edits and changes to make
- Plot ideas
The most important thing though is that what you write in your notebook is useful for you. I know I keep repeating this, but that’s because it is so crucial. There is no point in walking around making random notes in a book that you will never even look at again.
Your turn
It’s your turn. Get yourself a notebook. I recommend a hardback book with an elasticated loop to close it so it protects it a little bit – these tend to also come with pockets at the back for stuffing random useful things. I would also suggest adding a pen loop so you always have something to write with. Then sit down and work out what you are going to find most useful to write in there. It is definitely easiest if you can have some sections so that you can find things easier, but what you include is entirely your choice.
By all means choose a notebook that makes you happy and put pretty dividing pages between your sections etc, if that’s your thing. From that point on though it is a tool, not an accessory. Scrawl all over the pages, scribble things out and make it a part of your self. Write everything you might find helpful and scribble out the things you no longer need. Stick things in and rip things out. This will become the most important writing tool you own. Use it and abuse it and make it work for you.
Do you have a writer’s notebook? Perhaps we’ve inspired you to create one. We would love to hear all about your experiences with this wonderful tool.
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