How to Keep Track of Collected Ideas
When I used to write two monthly columns, I kept a separate clip board for each. If I found anything related to the column's theme or ideas that I'd captured, they were attached to the clip board.
Let's say you write a personal blog. Set up folders for main themes. Family, work, recreation, feelings, hobbies - are a few ideas. Once you've established main themes, you'll find it easier to collect ideas out in the real world.
Some folks use 3 X 5 index cards for capturing ideas. Follow this link to 43 Folders. Merlin references Anne Lamott, her use of index cards and her book, Bird by Bird.
The Tasks section of Outlook is another way to organize your ideas.
My Method Today - I transfer notes collected from the road, my reading area or computer onto 1/4 pieces of paper that I've cut up. I have one pile for Rothacker Reviews and one other pile. When I am in need of an idea I flip through these piles. When I use an idea, I throw the piece of paper away. That's it.
Three Books That Will Help You
The Sound of Paper by Julia Cameron (my favorite)
Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
All three authors talk about listening, capturing ideas and writing. I recommend these three for anyone that takes pen to paper but especially to those of you just starting out.
Next: The space between idea and essay.
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