What is with you and those notebooks?
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBQE7PZiCZ39JBrKEnvhcR7uNDtwx6wfv9LOn321UMUYHQzUIBPHNuE04uiWjtr-wy7Vb4iAY_QLdxWSEJ4O-s-jEofzVTCV7BEZyAwKbNYkBlJMc7NfrYoRT9aIv146pRlkqA0M6J-Y/s200/il_fullxfull.1104217363_7zir.jpg)
That usually gets one of those “Ohhhhh…” comments and a nod,
one of those nods like you get when you trip for no reason, but look back at
the ground for the non-existent object you trip over.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BCPp6Vq7mFbK1U9DEi50fqVEjVQIAAA-z9KxXv8wUjvtS3adhr4Wp48zJMhrZf6AUvKy5gSeVTlAgzzbYZJmcceTxDSBQovQM00_EO0HJvSC6CM8ShJ4WYfM6gYwYtnL0sETlK78T8g/s200/Lightbulb_idea.jpg)
I have two file folders in my desk drawer that are full of
napkins, receipts, back covers of old paperback books, you name it, if you can
write on it, I have at least one of them in those folders. I would buy
notebooks, mind you, but I never remembered to actually put them in my pocket.
Somewhere in the clutter of my writing room closet, there are probably boxes
full of pocket notebooks that have one page used and nothing else in them.
Look, there’s no shame in keeping notebooks, or even those
file folders full of assorted paper with ideas on them. Every writer seems to
have that desk drawer or file cabinet that has dozens of unfinished stories,
half-a-novels, opening paragraphs of works that petered out after those first
sentences. Some might tell you to throw all those things out, keep everything
fresh, never look back, pick your pithy saying. And that might be a good way
for some people to work.
I can’t, though.
Every morning, when I start my writing time, I spend an hour
or so just free writing. Think of it like unloading all the baggage so you can
restock the shelves. Just start writing, pure stream-of-consciousness, whatever
pops into your brain, put it on the paper. Type it onto the monitor screen. It
doesn’t have to be complete sentences – I mean, let’s face it. If you are
honest with yourself, nobody really thinks in complete sentences. But the point
is, just let the words fall out of your brain. Then, when your shelves are
empty, start filling them again with whatever project you are working on.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAqW9JZpX2LZIzMORjXOXtpg1VeGpQB_3GQiY4svb028QSnU3IkuXcjKnsl8ZK9b4AFdIdMr_DMcYXmgeeBovLyCXEQ7glGPIu1b-cC9HePv-YzxDOwhJgPHKTIl9ex-ViSbNrrkOHEY/s200/treasure_gems_by_purpledaizie2-d1ds5y9.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTN2UKTP1qge9zsiH4ZVdIYTvZveWj1vQW6qVuQ27g4kBzurv2bR2MzyuHyS299MNXcgvZf0jR0cpdVhR9i-H6FRVfc3Urs4B3QPhWUmJfanIfSvWr0BUxbFSsE3-en2V_z3OxMww9RNY/s200/walt-disney-shadow-mickey.jpg)
If you think one idea can’t change the course of your life,
your career, or even the way the world sees things, just think about that
mouse.
It was just one idea.
Comments
Memo to self, buy some notebooks.
I usually have a notebook to hand for each novel or novel series, and then of course there are the notebooks I buy because they look so nice and then can't write in them because they're too pretty.
I've tried electronic notepads etc but I don't find they are as conducive to creativity (using the word loosely) as the paper kind.