How to Keep a Writing Inspiration Book

Overcome Writer's Block and Get Story Ideas

© Samantha Garner

Dec 18, 2008
Finding creative inspiration and overcoming writer's block can be easy. A notebook of creative prompts and ideas will help you find writing inspiration anywhere.

Many writers often find inspiration while out for a walk, stuck in traffic or on holiday. This can mean that they are away from their desks or laptops and are unable to write their ideas down. However, there is a way for writers to overcome this common setback. Carrying a notebook dedicated to writing will help to channel this inspiration into something useful and overcome writer's block, even if your writing desk is miles away.

Choose the Right Notebook for You

If the book is too large, too small, has the wrong kind of paper or the wrong kind of binding, you will never use it. Take the time to select the kind of notebook that suits your preferences and personality. Most importantly, choose a notebook that can be transported with you easily in your daily life.

Write in your Notebook Anywhere

Don’t let shyness overpower your ideas. If you have an idea for your story or article while riding the bus, it will only take a moment for you to jot it down. Waiting until a convenient time can result in the idea being lost. Many writers have written some of their best material while sitting in a public place, such as a coffee shop, writing about the people around them.

Use it to Plan Writing Projects

If you find yourself with some spare moments during your day, use that time to write in your notebook. Brainstorm a character’s background or create an outline for a new article. Spend a few minutes free writing. Just write whatever comes into your head - create a new character, retell a significant story from your past or simply write about your day. You never know what material you can harvest later.

Personalize your Notebook

Your notebook should be an extension of your creative side. As such, take the time to personalize it. Decorate its covers or fill its pages with newspaper clippings, photographs and quotes. Use these materials to jog your inspiration and stimulate your creativity.

Read it Often for Writing Ideas

Your writer's inspiration book isn't only handy to write ideas in - it's also useful to read. Flip through your inspiration book regularly, whether you are sitting down to writing or not. Ideas can come to you anywhere, but you can still encourage them. Use your notebook to find creative writing prompts, interesting dialogue and ideas that could become your next project.

Using a notebook for ideas and thoughts is a great way to beat writer’s block and fuel future projects. Let it become an extension of your writing space and you will find yourself drawing from it frequently, to the benefit of your work.


The copyright of the article How to Keep a Writing Inspiration Book in Resources for Writers is owned by Samantha Garner. Permission to republish How to Keep a Writing Inspiration Book in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


A notebook for ideas and inspiration, morguefile
       


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Comments
Dec 19, 2008 6:00 PM
Guest :
You might find some interesting additional thoughts about keeping a writer's notebook at this creativity blog post: http://blogs.psychologytoday.com/blog/creating-in-flow/200810/never-be-bloc ked-keep-a-writers-notebook.
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