How to Organize a Writer's Notebook

My writer's notebook.

There's a lot involved in the world of a freelance writer. Not only do freelance writers require excellent writing skills, but also they must meet multiple deadlines, research topics, brainstorm article and story ideas and juggle assignments. This isn't easy for some, which is where a writer's notebook can come in handy. The role of a writer's notebook is different for every writer, but the organization of the notebook is similar for most.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Spiral-bound notebook
• Binder
• Dividers
• Paper clips
• Page flags
• Pocket report folder

1. If you're writing for a regular column, website, gig or client, decide which one you'd like your notebook to be for. Write the name on the front cover of the notebook. If you prefer to keep all your notes for multiple types of writing together, use a three-ring binder and dividers.

2. Determine how many topics to cover in the notebook. For example, if you're a blogger, keep track of the categories you blog under in different sections of the notebook. Personalize the notebook with topics that apply to the type of writing you do. Topics could include research, contacts, deadlines, character descriptions, plot lines, ideas and grammar styles. Create a section for each topic in the notebook and use paper clips or dividers to separate them.

3. If the section needs to be broken down into subsections or if one page is consulted frequently, utilize the page flags. For example, you may need to keep a list of interview contacts, interview questions, website references or commonly misspelled words.

4. Trim a pocket folder to the size of a standard sheet of paper and then affix it to the inside back cover of the spiral notebook. Use it for printouts on research, brochures and any other loose papers pertaining to the topic you've assigned to the notebook. If you use a three-ring binder, buy one with a built in pocket.

5. Attach a calendar to the inside front cover. Record deadlines and commitments.

Tips & Warnings

• Use of a highligher to mark the headings of each section will allow for quicker reference.

• Larger (3-5 subject) notebooks are handy if you have multiple gigs, but would like to keep everything in one place.

• Be sure to save a section for ideas, stream of conscious writing and other notes.

• Don't be afraid to tear pages out.

• Don't feel like you need to keep this notebook pretty.

• Don't be tempted to buy a really expensive notebook for this project, the $.10 notebooks work just as well as the $5.99 notebooks.

References

• The Writer's Guide: Keeping a Writer's Notebook