Because my handwriting is atrocious, I rarely hand-write anything, but I had the urge to do so today. So, I was going through a notebook to complete a family tree for a novel outline I'm working on. I flipped to what I thought would be a blank page in the notebook and found several paragraphs of a story synopsis that I had apparently written out at least several months ago. At any rate I read it over, and realized that I'd completely forgotten about this little nugget, and I have now officially added it to my "to write" list.
It just goes to show that it's worth writing everything down when a story idea hits you. You never know if you'll remember it later, and I would have kicked myself if I had let this one slip away.
How about you? Do you write down your story ideas? On what...paper? A Word doc? And how do you do it? List? Paragraphs? Random words? Tell me! :-)
xoxo Sarah
I am not a writer but I enjoy doing the process.
ReplyDeleteThe only writing I do is for my blog. I start draft posts all the time. Sometimes it is just the idea. Sometimes it is a few paragraphs. I am also a list maker. And if I wake in the middle of the night, I'll write stuff down then as well. I usually have a spial bound book for notes and lists, but I have used 3x5 cards in my purse, my pocket, my night stand ... And hope I don't lose it. :-)
I definitely do not rely on my memory.
Don't you just love those moments? It's almost like finding money in a pocket.
ReplyDeleteI keep a journal with me at all times. Everytime something comes to me, I write it down in the notebook. I date the page I write on so I'll know when the idea came to me. Recently, I've started numbering the pages of the journal, and written an make-shift index in the back, just to make searching for what I wrote down a little bit easier.
I also use Evernote just in case I'm on my computer when the thought comes to me. It gives me a way to keep things organized.
Thanks for the #FF by the way, last week!
I always have a notepad with me for scribbling stories ideas, or just reminders of facts I need to keep straight.. I must resurrect Saf & Sean, I miss working with their characters and resolve their differences once and for all lol xx
ReplyDelete@Retired Knitter: I agree, writing things that come to you is definitely not just for writers. Like you, I get a lot of random things in the middle of the night and have to keep a notebook by my bed.
ReplyDelete@mzmackay: Haha, yes, JUST like finding money in your pocket. A very, "Hey, where'd this come from?" moment. I love the idea of an index! I may have to do something like that sooner or later when I get more organized. I will also look in to this Evernote thing...it sounds right up my alley!
@Sage: I also try to keep a notebook at least within reaching distance, or some Post-It notes. You never know when those writing facts will come to you and you want to be prepared. :-)
I have started to use the voice recorder function on my phone. It's quick and easy when something hits you as you are driving. I also use my phone to take down idea in the notes function.
ReplyDeleteOoh, I love that idea, Zack! When I get a phone that functions correctly, I will definitely be taking advantage of any "notepad" feature it has.
ReplyDelete