Hey Quill Keeper,
Research shows you forget things you see or listen to within 48 hours. Maybe that’s one of the reasons we forget things when we don’t write them down.
But, what if this was exactly the reason why some writers were masters at their craft?
For not forgetting things.
For writing things down.
More importantly, for having a writer’s notebook.
I’ve noticed that writers who want to take their writing seriously keep a writer’s notebook with them. Always.
Notebooks have been the ultimate weapon of choice for writers throughout history, and I think there’s something to it.
I think keeping a notebook makes you a better writer.
Here’s why:
The ultimate expansion tool
Most of the notes that writers jot down in their notebooks are random thoughts, observations, or anything that catches their attention. But what most people don’t realise is that jotting things down is just one part of the equation.
The second part is where the magic happens. It’s when you revisit your notebook and birth ideas to expand upon. This is where the seeds are sown for your writing garden. But if you don’t have a dedicated space to jot down things, then it blocks out the very first step of your creative process- expanding your notes into ideas to explore.
Keeping a writer’s notebook makes you better.
You, the writer, become an ideas machine.
Selectivity practice
This one’s interesting. Most of the time, your notebook is small-sized. This serves two purposes: portability and selectivity.
Portability is simple: you have a compact notebook, and you can freely carry it with you anywhere.
Selectivity, on the other hand, is where things get interesting. The size of the notebook dictates how you jot down things. Using words, short sentences, and brief notes forces you to become selective about your word choices.
This is a good thing because it helps you develop your writing skills. If something can be said in three words, then why use five?
Keeping a writer’s notebook makes you better.
You, the writer, become a crisp writer.
Modern-era notebooks
The great thing about today’s world is that we can have digital notebooks. This may be a notes app on your phone, social media, a micro-blog, etc. It’s up to you if you want to keep it private or share it with the world.
One huge advantage of keeping such a notebook is that it helps you polish your work. Since you’re posting online, you need to be mindful about your words. If it’s only you who is going to go through your notes, then it doesn’t matter.
This is the blessing of the modern era- you can have analog or digital notebooks.
Keeping a writer’s notebook makes you better.
You, the writer, become a modern-era notebook keeper.
Growth record
Keeping a writer’s notebook does have its own benefits. But this one is the most important, according to me.
Which writer hasn’t doubted their ability to write? How many writers can say they didn’t experience imposter syndrome during their writing careers?
When you keep a notebook, you can undeniably see your own growth as a writer. Not just how your ideas have evolved- but you, as a writer, have also grown in your craft.
This prevents you from focusing on others. We all know comparison is the thief of joy. But having a record of your own progress helps you compete with yourself. You’re no longer in competition with others.
Keeping a writer’s notebook makes you better.
You, the writer, become your only competition.
Ideas container
I once heard Stephen King talk about how he doesn’t jot down any ideas. After a while, if there are some ideas that are still floating around, only then does he start to pay attention to them. That works for him. But for most of us- and especially beginners- we need to get into the habit of jotting down our ideas immediately.
“ideas are alive, that ideas do seek the most available human collaborator, that ideas do have a conscious will, that ideas do move from soul to soul, that ideas will always try to seek the swiftest and most efficient conduit to the earth (just as lightning does).”
― Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
I think E. Gilbert puts it down so clearly. Ideas will flow once you start to honour them. Your notebook becomes a container for these ideas to find you.
Keeping a writer’s notebook makes you better.
You, the writer, become better at honouring your ideas.
Habit forming
This one’s a good one- what does a notebook have to do with habit formation? When you start to write things down, it does something magical in your brain.
Writing tells your brain and acclimates it to the simple act of writing without any expectations. It’s a great way to build your day-to-day writing practice.
A simple word, sentence… maybe some atomic notes. The perfect way to cultivate a writing habit if you’re starting out or have been inconsistent in your writing life.
If you keep doing this for a while without the need to produce full-length pieces, you’ll realise that, after some time you’ll naturally crave some writing.
From random notes will grow an idea, to a paragraph, to a full-length article or a book. There are unlimited possibilities!
Keeping a writer’s notebook makes you better.
You, the writer, become a habitual notetaker.
Until next time,
Sana, Quill in hand, signing off from Avid Quill Studio🪶
Your Turn
Tell me, do you keep a notebook on you or are you planning to give it a try?
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keeping notebooks is a lifelong aspiration of mine haha