Whatever type of writing you prefer or do for a living, a notebook should be something you should absolutely consider keeping in your routine.
Now, to be honest, I have struggled to keep this habit alive myself, despite my desire to do so. Ever since I was a kid watching Harriet the Spy, I have aspired to follow in Harriet’s steps to keeping a good notebook as every good writer should. But usually, things like housework, homework, or a social life tend to get in the way of keeping my notebook alive. I’m sure you may have a similar story.
So, my fellow writers, will you join me in my goal of consistent notebook keeping? This time, let’s commit.
- Assess the notebook for quality, functionality, & longevity.
- Will this notebook take a beating?
- Is it small/big enough?
- Is the spine going to break easily with lots of use?
- Do the pages rip out or can you add more?
- Do you like the feel of the pages or how it holds?
- Are you going to end up not using it because it’s “too pretty”?
It’s amazing what you can do with some washi tape and stickers. Reinforce the spine with some duct tape. Add some googly-eyes. Make it inspiring; make it yours.
I recommend keeping things open and flowing with whatever comes to mind. But this system may intimidate you. If you’re a list maker, then an indexed system may help you focused. Whatever way works for you, but just allow yourself to go outside of the box if it happens. This is meant to be safe and free space to do what you will.
Now…what to write? Anything. Everything. Fill your notebook with fortune cookie fortunes, quotes you overhear on the bus, lists: whatever comes into your mind. Use this to scribble some lists of projects you want to do. Haiku’s that describe your lunch. Glue in magazine clippings for inspiration. Anything works as long as you’re writing.
The real goal is to keep writing. This is the hard part. Its easy to be inspired at first, but after the first week or so it may become tedious. The novelty has worn off, and now it may feel like work. This is where we need to push, friends. Push through the weeds, and stick to it until it becomes a habit.
With this blog, my hopes are to continue this journal series with a set of writing notebook prompts. So keep your eye out and keep writing :)