Writer's Notebooks

do any of you fabulous writers keep "writer's notebooks?"

I want to start writing, & i've heard of these notebooks and they seem like a great idea, sooooooo i was wondering if any of you keep them? And how do you organize/set them up?
:)

I have a notebook too. Every idea that passes through my brain I write it down.

i'm very good at remembering things, but since i have an itouch, i just use the notes feature

I don't carry a notebook. I've thought about it and it would be good, but I don't like carrying a lot of things on me. I have gotten to carrying my purse more, so maybe I'll start with the notebook. What I do right now is type things into the notepad section of my cellphone. I think a real notebook would be better, though.

I have tons of notebooks with my stories in them, most of them being fan fiction. However, it's the best thing to do if you want to write at all. Sometimes, I'm tempted to buy more notebooks because I know some of my other ones will run out soon.

Um the problem is I have most of my ideas in work, and as I work on a checkout I don't really get a chance to write things down. Elsewhere though I write them down

Yes, I try to always keep a notebook on me to write random thoughts down and any ideas I may get. However, I also always keep a good book on me.

"If you don't have the time to read, then you don't have the time (or tools) to write" -Stephen King.

i always have a notebook on me...i collect quotes as well as write, so it comes in handy for both things. lately, though, it's been used for me to write down reminders to myself, which is sad :(

definitely a notebook, and it has inside clipped, napkins, tissue paper, random scraps of paper. Along with writing inside as well. It makes the book really messy cos when you dont have a pen to write you really reach for anything, lipstick, matches, gravy from steak at times even using paint, pastels really anything.

I carry a notebook sometimes. When I was in high school, I carried it everywhere. I would write down not only story ideas, but also thing such as names/locations and other such small details. I don't have as much time for a notebook or writing anymore, but it was useful back then.

I never carry a notebook - I use my mobile phone and write myself a text message if I get an idea while I'm out :lol:

This thread made me think of Poemcrazy by Susan G. Wooldridge. It's a wonderful book for all writers, not just poets. In it she talks a lot about being inspired by your daily life, finding inspiration in the world around you. She talks a lot about her writer's notebook. It's a good read.

I used to use my PDA to write when I was away from home, but didn't really use it for notes. Since I write historicals, I do my research for the period and put it in a 3-ring binder.

I always carry a notebook anyway. Seems I frequently need paper and pen to write down something ... phone numbers, grocery lists, whatever. I keep notepaper beside my netbook because it's a sure thing that as soon as I turn it off, I'll think of something I should have put in. :lol:

I carry a small one with me everywhere for the sake of portability, and I've gone through quite a few. But without something to scribble in I'd be lost.

i have a notebook, which i fill with poems, and story ideas, and quotes, but i don't carry it around with me everywhere. when i get an idea, i just take out my cellphone, and write a text message, and then save it as a draft. then when i go home, ill just copy it down into my notebook. i don't carry around my notebook everywhere, for the fear i might lose it, or that someone, weather it be sister, or friends take a peak in it..which would be a traumatic experience for me..i gotta lotta private stuff in there!!!

I had originally used a Moleskine notebook (LOVE THEM) but I eventually ended up switching over to a simple ruled notepad. Now I just fold the papers over to the back of the pad and keep them in place with a binder clip. It also helps because I don't feel so bad about ripping out a page or two if needed, whereas I used to avoid ripping a piece of paper from my Moleskine at all costs.

As another post said, don't worry about organization. When you try to organize, you really only get in the way of your own creativity. Some of the best ideas I've had have come from the sloppiest, most disorganized pages. They came out when I just decided to write something down without concern for order or clarity. It's a great feeling to have that kind of freedom while writing.

I really hope you find something that works just right for you!

- Inigo

I normally keep a composition book for ideas I get that I might want to write later.

I also write my drafts of my poems in them as well and then write the finished version on regular paper or print it on paper.

Journals are good to have to remember all the ideas and brainstorm stories or poems down.
I recommend it!

You just asked the right question...

I do have notebooks, lots of them cuz I write, I draw and for worse I write diaries too :p

And all those notebooks are very important, I mean I will not get rid of them.

I have lots of notebooks and really I don´t know what I will do with all of them...
Becoz they are my diaries, I writes diaries, and my biggest problem if that i don´t want any one to read them ever :p

Honestly if I have to move, to some other place other country, I have the big problem of my notebooks... really I prefer to stay home with my stuff than to move...and thats not good if I have any oportunity.

Well, in my writtings I use notebooks to write ideas, the sketch of the stories.
Then I work on it in the computer with more details and organize them...

But anyways it is a big mess many times, really XD

I keep a half a dozen or so. When I get inspiration I make sure I have something with me to write it down in. All of them have something in them. Not completed, but started or half way there. I don't really organize them. I just leave them as they are.

I think I might try keeping one to see how it works out. I usually get lots of ideas, but it also depends on what i'm doing. If only I could spend my PE period writing! XD

I know, right? I have a notebook, but I'm always leaving it somewhere. It's gotten to the point where some weird kid whose name I don't even know will walk up, hand me the notebook, give me the evil eye, and walk away. Half the school probably knows everything that's in it; that is, if they can read my handwriting.

I keep a moleskine journal with me where I write notes and plan out my stories; I write pretty much anything about my writing in there. There are extensive plot outlines, charts, lists, sketches, etc. I just started keeping it two days ago, and have two entries so far—but they're long!

Come to think of it, I should probably write some more down soon...

You don't have to write in it every day. Just when ideas come to you.:)

I keep meaning to start carrying a notebook around with me - they're good for people watching if you, like me, use people-watching as inspiration for new characters - but I keep forgetting!

I always have a notebook and pen on me, or at least try to. Not only to catch any ideas I may get, but more so as a student of knowledge. You never know when or how knowledge will come to you, having a pen and paper on you helps you catch it.

I carry a journal. When I get inspiration, I write about it in my journal. It is a public journal, so anyone can read it and if they like it, they can add comments in the back. It comes in really helpful. It has journal entries and paragraphs. I would be nowhere without my journal. I find it helpful to keep a notebook. I never go anywhere without it and it has helped me so many times.

I had originally used a Moleskine notebook (LOVE THEM) but I eventually ended up switching over to a simple ruled notepad. Now I just fold the papers over to the back of the pad and keep them in place with a binder clip. It also helps because I don't feel so bad about ripping out a page or two if needed, whereas I used to avoid ripping a piece of paper from my Moleskine at all costs.

I'm the same way! I love using Moleskins, but I have grown more towards ruled composition notebooks as my favorite, mainly because they're a heck of a lot cheaper. I also hate ripping pages from them though.

I think having and actively using a writer's notebook is a must! They allow you to capture your more fleeting observances if you carry it around with you, which is what I normally do. I also use another one I keep at home to compile my random characters, poetic thoughts, plot ideas, etc. Then, whenever you are low on inspiration or looking for a character to fit a part in your story, just peruse it and something might fit the situation! I find both of mine extremely helpful.

I have several. I use a different one for each story, that's my organization. Then I have one that has many ideas in it. I have a few that are brand new. They will one day be filled as well. If you don't have a cell phone or text message ability, then finding a notebook will do. It doesn't matter what size. Find what works for you. I don't know about carrying one around though. What if you loose it, or someone reads it and steals your ideas etc? It's up to you.

I write poetry, songs, stories, pretty much everything. I keep a notebook in my room, one in my locker, one in my backpack, etc., so I'm prepared whenever inspiration strikes. I did this after I ended up writing a song on a napkin with a borrowed pen. Needless to say, that doesn't happen anymore.

Yes. If writing is your thing and you want to be a writer, ALWAYS HAVE A NOTEBOOK. It can be a composition book or a spiral bound one if that's what you like. But I suggest a leather book, or something with a cover that interests you, it could be inspiring. Keep it by your bed at night, and if you have an idea don't think "I'll write it in the morning" cause you won't remember it. TRUST ME.

I've written an entire story on my arms and legs once cause I had eyeliner but no notebook or pen ;D now I leave the eyeliner at home and always have the notebook and pen. It seems a little extreme, but when you have an idea you have an idea, and you can't lose it. I also record quick quips on my phone, for playback later, and that's a good way of taking notes.

Hope I helped. (:

I pretty much 3 subject notebooks from stores. I still have a 3 subject noteboook that has a green cover and havent had the time to write in it.

I would love to have a 5 Star 3 subject notebook but the 5 star brands they can get pretty expensive up to 6 bucks

I finally started carrying around a notebook. It's small enough to fit in my purse. I haven't really used it, but I know it's there. I take that back. I did scribble some stuff in it on a recent car trip. I'm glad I started carrying it, though. I always have to have something to write on and with near me, even if I don't use it. If I don't have it near me that's when I want it. You know? I'll go on trips and when I'm away from home I'll be dying for a pencil and paper. I get the urge when I don't have something to write with.

I got 20 bucks left in my wallet. I should go and buy at least one or 2 3 subject notebooks from the Ben Franklin store downtown and squeeze in one of the 2 disc special edition DVD of Harry Potter Sorcerer's Stone or Chamber of Secrets

You don't have to write in it every day. Just when ideas come to you.:)

It's my experience you can't just wait for ideas to come to you. Now I've only been working on a novel for three years, and it's probably still far from finished, but you must write every day, even if it's only a few sentences. If you wait for your Muse, you'll be waiting for a long time. The more often you write, the more often Inspiration seems to come. It's weird. ;)

I have three notebooks, all of them on me at all times. I have three because two are full -- bits of the novel, notes of changes, and various diagrams of rooms I can't forget. In recent months, as the first draft has turned into the third draft, writing in the processor has become tough, so, most days, the notebook is the way I go, at Starbucks or in the park. Notebooks and pens have always been quite inspirational to me.

Happy writing, guys. It's a helluva journey.

- Brian

My gosh, yes. I have so many notebooks (probably too many!), and each, in theory at least, have their own specific purpose. For example, one notebook is for doodling, one for a journal, one for random ideas, one for my novel, etc.
I think a lot, and I guess I feel as though the only way I can get those thoughts out is by writing them down in a notebook! I have a tiny little book in my purse as well; that's helpful if I'm out and I get a burst of inspiration.

Get your heads out of your notebooks and write.

I get an idea, name my lead character (the name might go through several incarnations), set up my word processing file, type in the title (which also might change along the way), type in a few notes about the lead, and then I start writing the story.

I keep notes as I add new characters right at the bottom of the doc so I have everything there for easy reference. Timelines are important, too, and I keep everything right in the same file.

When I'm finished for the day, I email myself the file (if I remember :rolleyes:) so I have a backup copy. Can't afford to lose all that work.

Get your heads out of your notebooks and write.

I get an idea, name my lead character (the name might go through several incarnations), set up my word processing file, type in the title (which also might change along the way), type in a few notes about the lead, and then I start writing the story.

I keep notes as I add new characters at the bottom of the doc so I have everything right in front of me for easy reference. Timelines are important, too, and I keep everything in the same file.

When I'm finished for the day, I email myself the file (if I remember :rolleyes:) so I have a backup copy. Can't afford to lose all that work.

One small notepad in my purse is all I need. Whatever I've jotted down goes right into the computer when I get home. If I don't type it in right away, I may lose it because I have a hard time reading my handwriting.

I've had around 30 notebooks so far and more are filling. I write everytime I feel like it, which means I write every day. I'm working on two fanfics right now and I've got separated notebooks for both. I just don't get any ideas when writing on computer only. Of course, I type on computer what I've written to the notebooks.

It's kind of exciting to see the notebooks filling themselves with text - and I like to read my old stories and see how much I've progressed in writing.

I've got so many notebooks! Paper makes me want to write even if it's silly scribbles. Most of my notebooks are notebooks my siblings and I used for school but didn't fill up. Paper doesn't go unused in my house. I've got a tablet PC now so I do less writing in my notebooks, but I've always got to have one in case inspiriation hits.

I have too many notebooks. I use whatever piece of paper I can find to write down whatever comes into my head, whether it be a sketch or a character description or even a few sentences...Now I have to find them all eventually.

Um the problem is I have most of my ideas in work, and as I work on a checkout I don't really get a chance to write things down. Elsewhere though I write them down

When I worked on a till, I would pull off some till roll and scribble my ideas on that! The only probelm was I'd end up leaving it in my pocket and the washing machine would gobble it up! After one too many incidents, i finally bought a small 'black and red' reporters notepad and kept that in my fleece jacket in work. When I was in between customers or it was a quiet afternoon, I would pull it out and just scribble away! There is always a way to get your ideas down!

I find that when I am not activly writing creativly, my writing juices dry up, and it can take me a while to get back into a good writing rhythm!

Write every day! - even if it's just a few words or a few thousand, squeeze something out, be it the next page of your current project or the opening (or ending) to something new! A random scene from an idea you never knew you had, or a stream of consciousness exercise for 10 minutes over tea and toast. Carrying a notebook means you can do it anywhere!

I have two half full notebooks for some reason, but I don't use them that much. I only really write in them if I have an idea for some dialogue or whatever and am feeling too lazy to boot up my laptop, or if I want to plan something and it won't make sense if it's too structured like it would be if I typed it up :lol: They are useful if I have an idea before I'm about to go to sleep, I'm not having an idea and then not writing it down because I think I'll remember it in the morning again.

I actually have two notebooks: one is an 'everything' notebook dedicated to any and all story ideas that I get (among other things).
The other is dedicated specifically to the current novel that I'm (trying) writing. This is useful for me because it prevents me from getting mixed up with all the other random stuff I write in my 'everything' notebook.
I know a lot of people use laptops but I'm so old-fashioned that I hardly have touched one (although I do plan on typing up my final draft).

I always keep a tiny leather notebook with me at all times.

I keep story notes in several ways.

I keep a spiral notebook (one that's the size of a half sheet of paper folded hamburger-style so it's about 5" x 8") that I jote down plot ideas in, character sketches, names, location descriptions, interesting or funny exchanges of dialogue I happen to think of, anything that might be useful for a current or future story. I have learned not to depend on my lousy memory.

If I'm at a computer I plug my USB key in and bring up the Word document I use as my electronic copy of my sprial notebook - only this document doesn't just contain ideas or quotes or brief descriptions, it has fully fleshed out scenes of stories, full exchanges of action and dialogue between characters and if these scenes pertain to one story or deal with the group of characters I'm currently writing about I try to keep the scenes in a somewhat chronological order in which they would happen in the story itself (a scene delivering a problem comes before a scene that complicates the problem which comes before a scene that resolves the complication which comes before the scene that resolves the problem itself...) I tend to write out of order and in discreet scenes so I find this method helpful.

The only reason I don't use a notepad feature on my phone to keep notes (that's a great idea, BTW) is because I don't have a smart phone. If you do, though, that would be a very handy way to keep a sort of writing "notebook."

I have a hard time with the touchpad on my smartphone, but that is a really good idea.

I tend to not think about stories until I'm sitting at the keyboard. If something comes up, like a minor character's story pops into my head, I'll open up a new doc and start the story. I can usually get a couple of paragraphs in.

If something occurs to me about the wip, I'll type it in at the bottom where I keep my character notes and word counts. That way, I can plug it in at the appropriate time, if the appropriate time comes up. It doesn't always.

I have several notebooks in which I write in. If I'm at school and can't access a computer, I'll write in my notebook. At home, I write down future plans that I'm not ready to type up yet. If I'm out somewhere that I can't take a notebook, I'll key my ideas into my cell phone and read them later!