The Writer's Skill Set - Working the Notebook

Every writer should invest in a notebook. The notebook is an idea catcher, a problem solver, a rant holder, a place to strategize, to develop, to record observations. It's a storage space, a bank and a vault. Think about where you store your ideas, where you solve writing problems, where you create. Is it in one focused place? Are your ideas organized or scattered? Do you have shoeboxes filled with napkins and envelopes?

If you're a beginning writer, looking for your first big idea, or trying to take your work in a new direction, the writer's notebook is a worthwhile endeavour.

While it is beneficial to write in your notebook everyday, it's important to make a distinction: the writer's notebook is not the same as a personal diary. Make a clear separation between professional writing and personal writing.

So if it's not a diary, and you're supposed to write every day, what do you write?

Everything in the writer's notebook should be work related. Even the rants! Keep your notebook as organized as possible with a section for ideas, a section for observations, a section for project specific questions, a section for writing exercises, a section for rants, and so on. Every day, write in each section. It doesn't have to be long or cover multiple pages, nor does it have to be your best writing. Expecting brilliance every time you create is the quickest path to writer's block. Simply work on a routine of regular writing in a consistent manner in a focused location.

It's important to keep in mind that this notebook does not have to keep to a traditional form. It can - it can be a small moleskine that you carry around to be whipped out at a moments notice when creativity strikes. But there are many writers who don't create with pen and paper. Don't reject this concept because it's outside your current creation method. It's easy to be flexible with the form of the notebook. It can be a file folder with pictures for inspiration. A blackberry where you store idea files. An envelope of newspaper clippings. An artist's pad. The form doesn't matter so long as it allows you to write in a consistent and regular manner.

Every writer needs a place to store the thoughts, the ideas, the observations, that occur daily. Every writer should have a single point of access, a well to draw from when something special is needed to move a project forward. Use the writer's notebook to inspire creativity, to prevent writer's block, to consistently improve your skills as a professional writer.

Lindsay Price is the resident playwright for Theatrefolk, an independent publisher of playscripts for schools and student performers. http://www.theatrefolk.com

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