Wednesday, August 24, 2011

To Jot, or Not to Jot?

When I started writing for publication, I decided to keep an idea notebook. I didn't have any real reason for this, other than that I had heard that it was a good idea and was something that "serious writers" did, and I was going to be a "serious writer," so I obviously needed one.

The cool thing is that once I started carrying around a notebook for my thoughts and ideas, I found it to be really helpful. I lost so many flashes of insight in the past, because by the time I got around to writing them down, the minutiae of life had shoved them aside. But I know not everyone does this, and I'm curious about you guys.

I have a small booklet in my purse that I jot things down on, and a journal that I keep next to my bed for recording my dreams or any other thoughts that occur to me while I'm at home.

How about you? Do you jot, or not?

6 comments:

  1. I don't but I know I should. My passing thoughts do tend to get forgotten too easily.

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  2. I try to ...but I am not systematic organized enough. Last night, I had a thought in bed and had to run across the house and type it up. Ha.

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  3. Several notebooks scattered around are essential for me too. No matter how many times I have a thought at night, and think I'll remember it in the morning, I rarely do - I need to write it down. Especially for those occasional 3am awake times when your mind is rambling, imagining dialogue, etc.

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  4. I don't jot. I have a pretty creative imagination. If I go and jot things down, they will bother me until I begin the story. Best not to encourage the muse unnecessarily when I already have trouble finishing up things.

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  5. I don't jot too much, but I do carry around a notebook in my purse, which is great for other things too. Haha. It is handy having notebooks around though! I just need to get into the habit of using them!

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  6. I write down EVERYTHING! My notebooks are a mess of color and lines and diagrams.

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