As a writer, I mostly compose on my computer, but I still keep a notebook for each project. Some of my writing friends can be very particular and will choose just the right notebook for each project. I have tried that. For example, I purchased this really cute robot notebook for a project I'm working on.
Did I mention it was hot and humid here today? |
But I abandoned it midway through for a good old-fashioned school notebook. It seems I always come back to the three subject, college ruled with perforated pages, and it's because I still need those pockets. I have gotten better at taping things into my notebooks -- research, notes to self, that sort of thing. But there are some papers that I need easy access to, such as maps and timelines. For those, I like to be able to just slip them into a folder.
It's a little sad because I do love nice stationery and writing supplies. Have I caressed Moleskine journals in the store? Yes I have. But I guess writer's notebooks are just like everything else: you have to find what works for you. I would love to hear about the notebooks and supplies that other writers use. Favorite type of paper? Best pen? Please share in the comments.
I use those black and white composition books (wide rules) — the ones you can't tear anything out of. An early writer teacher of mine suggested them for that reason, so you don't lose anything. I fill them with research notes, character sketches, plot exercises. I even number of the pages and create a table of contents in the front for easy access. For a historical novel, I might fill as many as three or four. Now I feel like I couldn't write a novel without one —well I COULD, but it would be hard….;-)
ReplyDeleteI do love the black and white composition books. And those you can get in kind of fun designs now, too.
ReplyDeleteUnlined spiral notebook (usually actually a sketch book)
ReplyDeleteGel pens (at least 4 colors for rewrites and ms markup).
Unlined index cards (planning)
Sharpies in various colors (for index cards)
Drawing supplies (for drawing to brainstorm)
Scissors and tape (so I can literally cut and paste)
Stapler and paperclips (to separate manuscript into scenes)
Tape flags (101 uses)
Sticky notes (ditto)
:-)
Sage, you need to lead a workshop on your process. This sounds fascinating!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'd love to, though I fear it might make strong women weep :-)
ReplyDeleteI was using a 2-subject Mead notebook. I wasn't crazy about the rings, but what I loved was the folder that divided the two sections, and not just because it stored things. I used the front half of the notebook for my own writing and play with stories and I used the second half for professional writing about my classroom/instruction. The back cover is smattered with interesting words or things to look up later. Both sides of the folder have collected favorite quotes from book I've read/authors I appreciate.
ReplyDeleteNow I'm in a bound journal that fits easily in my purse. Convenient, but I'm missing my sections and the pages are too small!
I'm still searching for the notebook I LOVE, but my addiction to Sharpie pens holds fast.
Melissa, I keep small journals all over the place, too. You never know when an idea will strike. But I really like you're two subject approach.
ReplyDeleteIn high school through grad school, I would write story ideas/notes in the margins of my class notebooks. Sometimes I would write whole scenes, flipping back and forth between writing my story and taking notes. I thought I was being subtle, but probably not.
I use spiral notebooks--world's best "laptop"--for outlining and planning out chapters. I keep the notebook next to my keyboard as I type up the next chapter / section. Tarantino once called the pen a kind of antenna to God, and I think there's something to that. Just can't brainstorm as well on a computer...
ReplyDeleteMegan, this is such a fun post! Like Laurie, I use comp books because they are the perfect size, and I am not afraid to write in them and make mistakes. I have a few really pretty journals but I never use them because they seem too fancy for my scribbles. And like Holly, I find great freedom in using a pen and paper!
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