Writing on The Go
#lemon8diarychallenge For my fellow writers/aspiring authors, I thought I’d share a writing tip: Never be without some way to write/be able to note down ideas. You don’t want to be all. “That’s perfect! I’ll write it down/add it to my book when I get home.” Only to get home and forget.
These are some of my on-the-go writing methods:
✍🏻 Google docs! (It’s also a great place to back up your work) yeah, typing with your fingers can suck, but when the muse strikes, don’t deny her!
✍🏻 Notes app! I usually use the notes for working on specific scenes. Keeping my blurbs, elevator pitches, & links handy. It’s also great when you get an idea for a story or a character pops into your head, even if you can’t use them now, you may be able to later!
✍🏻 Good old pen & paper! Seriously, you can’t go wrong with a pocket/purse sized notebook and a pen. I’m working on a character origin story in the one my collie, Lussa, is guarding for spoilers. I mostly keep this one my car or shove it in a pocket at work (scrubs have all the pockets, lol!) It’s available for when I’m between tasks or on break.
As a writer, there’s nothing worse than that fleeting moment of brilliance – a perfect plot twist, a compelling character voice, a dazzling turn of phrase – only for it to vanish before you can jot it down. I used to beat myself up over lost ideas, but I've learned that the secret to consistent writing isn't just sitting down at a desk; it's about being prepared to capture inspiration wherever and whenever it strikes. That's why having reliable methods for writing on the go has been a game-changer for me! Beyond the awesome methods like Google Docs, the Notes App, and good old paper & pen that I already shared, I've got a few more insights and practical tips that have truly elevated my on the go creative process. Let's dive deeper into making these tools work even harder for you, especially for those quick tiny writing moments or when a flood of story ideas & characters hits. Maximizing Your Digital Tools: Google Docs Beyond Typing: Yes, typing on a phone can be a pain, but have you tried voice typing? It's a lifesaver! When I'm walking, driving (safely, of course, hands-free!), or just have an idea exploding in my head, I open a new doc and simply dictate. It's surprisingly accurate and perfect for getting raw thoughts out quickly. Plus, with offline access, you're never truly disconnected from your work. Notes App as a Mini-Database: My Notes App isn't just for blurbs anymore. I've started creating dedicated folders for different projects or types of ideas. For instance, I have a folder purely for story ideas & characters, another for blog post concepts, and even one for random lines of dialogue. Using tags (if your app supports them) can help you categorize further, making it easy to find that one brilliant thought months later. It’s perfect for tiny writing snippets that might grow into something bigger. Embracing the Analog: The Perfect Portable Notebook: For good old paper & pen, the key is finding your perfect combination. For me, it’s a tiny, sturdy notebook (like an A6 size) with acid-free paper, paired with a smooth-writing gel pen that doesn't bleed. This combo lives in my smallest purse or even my pocket. The tactile experience of writing by hand often sparks different connections in my brain, especially when I'm brainstorming story ideas & characters or just free-writing to clear my head. There's also something wonderfully private about a physical notebook – it keeps those nascent ideas safe, almost like little secrets waiting to be nurtured. Expanding Your On-the-Go Arsenal: Voice Memos for Hands-Free Capture: If voice typing isn't your jam, a simple voice recorder app is fantastic. Sometimes, I just need to ramble out an idea, a character's voice, or even a scene's atmosphere. Listening back later can be inspiring, and it captures nuance that text sometimes misses. This is especially great when I'm driving or exercising and can't physically write. Dedicated Mobile Writing Apps: While Google Docs is versatile, apps like Scrivener Mobile, Ulysses, or Notion offer more structured writing on the go. If you're working on a complex project, these can help you organize chapters, character sheets, and research, ensuring that even your on the go work contributes directly to your larger manuscript. They're excellent for developing story ideas & characters with more depth. Cultivating On-the-Go Habits: The Micro-Session: Don't wait for large blocks of time. Embrace tiny writing sessions – 5 minutes in line at the coffee shop, 10 minutes during your commute, or even just a quick paragraph before bed. These small bursts add up. Idea Inbox: Have a dedicated place (a specific digital note, a physical notebook, or even a voice memo folder) where all new ideas, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, go immediately. You can sort and expand later. Regular Review: Set aside a few minutes each week to review your on the go notes. This helps you reconnect with ideas, pull out what’s valuable, and discard what isn’t, preventing your digital or physical notebooks from becoming overwhelming. By layering these techniques, I've found that inspiration never truly gets lost. It’s all about creating a system that works for you, ensuring every brilliant thought has a place to land. Happy writing on the go!
