 Short Stories: November 29, 2023 Issue [#12298] |
This week: A Writer's Notebook Edited by: Lilli 🧿 ☕  
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"Everybody walks past a thousand story ideas every day.
The good writers are the ones who see five or six of them.
Most people don’t see any."
~ Orson Scott Card
If you're one of those five or six people that notice those story ideas every day, what do you do with them?
Do you think to yourself, Oh, that's great! Surely, I'll remember that! Or do you pull out your notebook and jot it down for 'future reference'?
This week we will discuss the "Writer's Notebook". What it is and how to use one. |
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(tl:dr) A writer's notebook is a notebook filled with ideas and observations to refer to for ideas and inspiration in your writing.
The idea for this newsletter came up when my husband asked me why I have a spiral notebook in my purse. He thought the idea was odd, but he's not really a creative, poor thing. 
I've heard other writers say they keep a notepad in every room in the house and one in the car. I've also heard people use their phone or tablets for jotting down ideas or observations. Whichever way works best for you is the way to go. What we will cover today is some basic ideas for use and organization of a writer's notebook. Therefore, if you've considered starting one, maybe this newsletter will be beneficial. If you already use a notebook, maybe you'll get some fresh ideas today.
 First Things First
Select a notebook! Whether is a one-subject or three-subject spiral notebook, a composition book, legal pad - whatever. Just find something that easy to carry around or have on hand. I have a 5x7 spiral notebook in my purse and end up transferring the ideas into a three-ring binder that is categorized - but, hey, I'm weird like that. You do you!
What Goes Into the Notebook
These are just a few ideas and if you have other ideas, I hope you'll share them in the comment section at the bottom of this newsletter!
 Observations
As writers, we notice things all around us. Look around, observe the world around you and jot a few things down. They just may inspire your current or future project!
Observations can be anything from people’s behavior and actions, to weather patterns, clouds, the color of the sky. Anything that strikes your fancy or seems worth making note of. You never know what can be helpful to you in the future.
People
The best way to develop realistic characters for your story is to watch the people around you. How do they act? How do they talk? Do they have silly little mannerisms and quirks? What are they? Look at their clothing. Did you overhear an interesting comment?Write them down!
Random Ideas
Has an idea ever just popped in your head? Doesn't have to be a great idea, but you should jot it down. Making a note of your ideas, no matter how big or seemingly insignificant is a good practice. You never know when they’re going to end up being useful.
Sketches and Doodles
You may not consider yourself 'artistic' and that's okay. I'm not artistic either. Your drawing don't have to be perfect because they are just for you. Sometimes doodling a diagram about an idea can be helpful. Just let the thoughts flow without too much thought. You never know what inspiration might come from it.
Inspiration
Anything can be an inspiration. Did you spot a leaf fall from a tree? Maybe a car back-fired. A student sitting in the library or a cafe studying. A cat, dog, or some other animal; pay attention to what they are doing and make notes.
To-Do's
Sounds silly, but sometimes the list of things I need to do are stuck in my head and block any creativity. Make a list of the things you need to do to get them out the way. It might help clear your head because you won't be focusing on them.
Conversations
I mentioned this a bit earlier, but if you hear a snippet of conversation that catches your attention, jot it down. It may spark a story later on. Another reason to listen to others speaking is to learn the patterns of how different people talk in real life.
Journalling and/or Blogging
You may be surprised just how much journalling can help! If you need to vent about something - do it in a journal! Get your thoughts out. Make notes of your feelings, your victories and insecurities. Everything you learn about yourself, every thought and emotion you have, goes towards a larger story.
What about you?
What are the most important things you like to put in your writing notebook? Do you keep more than one? Fill it with rough drafts of stories, quotes from the greats, or photos of landscapes that inspire you?
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Comments received from my last Short Stories Newsletter, {tel:12248}:
Samuel Max  wrote:
I liked the information about the different types of genres for storytelling. It is very helpful to pick the best category for writing a new story.
Thank you Lilli and The Writing.Com Newsletter System.
Beholden  wrote:
Thank you very much for including my short story, A Shining Example, in your Editor's Picks section.
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