Okay, so inspiration can strike anywhere, right? I often find myself getting random scenes in my head that I need to add to a draft of my book. Sometimes I'm at work. Or the post office. Driving. Or in the shower.
In the past, I used to carry a notebook in my purse (and I do have one in there now), but I don't use it for notes about my book. I've found myself turning more and more to technology to jot down my ideas.
On my phone, I have an app called ColorNote. It's basically like a Post-It note on my phone. I can type pretty fast with my two thumbs, and I don't have to search for a freaking pen that works!
On my tablet, I have an app called Evernote. This is an amazing tool, because I can sync it to my computer. So I can check my notes at work, home, or on the go from any computer.
If I can get to a computer, I do. I can type super-fast, and I can't even tell you how many emails I've sent myself this week! Like, probably 15, all related to plot points, or scenes, or characterization ideas I need to add to my draft.
So while I still carry a notebook in my purse, it's not my go-to tool for recording my inspiration.
What do you use to jot down your ideas when you're on the go?
I m glad I'm not the only one who has to write this stuff down! I use the notes feature on my ipad, phone, and Mac because it all syncs automatically so the notes are there whenever I want to modify them or add to them. When I first got my iPhone, I had this silly idea that I could just use Siri to leave myself notes when I'm driving, for example. I did that for the whole duration of a ten hour drive, and came home to,discover that everything was so garbled I couldn't even decipher what the notes were about or what part of the manuscript they referenced. :(
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought of apps for my phone. I'm a big fan of post-it notes or a small pad of paper in my purse.
ReplyDeleteI've got Evernote, and it's pretty cool, but honestly, I use the built in notes app on my iPhone more often than I use Evernote.
ReplyDeleteI once wrote plot ideas on my leg while running. It took me two days to scrub off the ink. :P
ReplyDeleteI've used the app on my iPod Touch (if I have it with me), and have written on whatever scrap pieces of paper I can find. I now have a note book in my purse for such emergencies. :D
For me...when I download something to my computer, it tends to get forgotten no matter how efficient an app or software program is. When inspiration strikes, I have a method I use to remember. Usually though, when I have an idea, I stick with it until the idea waves a white flag of: enough already.
ReplyDeleteI want to figure out how to record my voice on my phone. I tried Evernote and it kept crashing. Plus being a writer and walking through the forest with a recorder on and spilling out words like poetry sounds so romantic. Ha!
ReplyDeleteWhatever I have handy at the time. Pen, paper, computer, tablet. Unfortunately I don't have a fancy phone, because I think that would be the easiest thing.
ReplyDeleteI try to keep a notebook handy - and a pen but if I'm somewhere without then I have to try to memorize and that seldom works out very well; I can manage a few sentences and then the gist but the rest usually gets loss.
ReplyDeleteI have a notebook but my kids always steal it and draw on every single page. I usually send myself an email.
ReplyDeleteI'm such a messcompared to you! I write on random papers, on notebooks, post-it and I'm usually text messaging my ideas to myself. i don't use e-mail because I have a crazy obsesion with writing my ideas on paper (and sometimes losing them) and then re-write them at my laptop.
ReplyDeleteThis year I must learn discipline.
I use Notes on my iphone too. It leaves an email for me so I have my notes in two different places.
ReplyDeleteI had to get used to hearing my own voice, but iPhones come with a voice recorder built-in. It has been invaluable on my long drives once a week for work. Straight highway for 90 minutes, no traffic. Lots of plotting and story line details have been captured during those miles...
ReplyDeleteI email myself!
ReplyDeleteI had to get used to hearing my own voice, but iPhones come with a voice recorder built-in. It has been invaluable on my long drives once a week for work. Straight highway for 90 minutes, no traffic. Lots of plotting and story line details have been captured during those miles...
ReplyDeleteI use my iPod - it has a Notes ap. I wish I could type quickly with my thumbs, but those old volleyball injuries make that impossible!
ReplyDeleteI dictate in a mini tape recorder while I'm driving. :) Otherwise, Post-its...lots of Post-its.
ReplyDeleteI love Evernote! I use it all the time--especially for research.
ReplyDeleteI actually tend not to. I just let the thought simmer. If it's good enough, it'll come out when I write. If not, it needs to stew a bit more. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI write on paper, napkins, paper plates if need be. I also have a little voice recorder that I sometimes use.
ReplyDeleteMust check these out. I'm often hit with a golden nugget when I'm out walking. Thank goodness for smartphone apps.
ReplyDelete