Sunday, August 23, 2009

Helpful Tip: Little Notebook

by Jason

This is probably a no-brainer for everyone else, but just in case ...

Something that has helped me immensely with writing my book is to always carry one of those little, 3x5 memo pad notebooks around with me (along with a pen). More often than not, ideas — and I mean really good ideas — will pop into my head when I'm out and about, working through my day.

I used to think I'd remember all my neat ideas, but I regret to admit that I've forgotten lots of great stuff before I started carrying my notebook. Now, that little notebook goes everywhere I go, and if "flashes of genius" suddenly illuminate my mind, I quickly jot them down, wherever I am, and then continue about my day.

2 comments:

  1. by Bill

    There are also digital voice recorders running from about $40.00 to $80.00. The more expensive ones even connect to your PC so you can save a record of what's on the recorder. I like these if you are going to interview another person and need their own words to transcribe.

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  2. Having a way to keep track of your thoughts is an excellent idea; studies have shown that most people will forget something within 20 minutes unless they have a way to "capture" it; there are activities in which your brainwaves are primed for creativity and we have to be prepared to capitalize on those moments; pay attention to times like: walking/exercising; being in the shower; driving; if you're having a creative block, go do one of these activities and see what happens; To share a quote from Nolan Bushnell, the founder of Atari:
    "Everyone who has ever taken a shower has had an idea. It's the person who gets out of the shower, dries off, and does something about it that makes a difference."
    Lisa

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