10 Reasons Every Writer Should Keep an Idea Box | Shari Lopatin: Rogue Writer

Now that I have been blogging for a number of months I have been thinking about my participation in the daily post. I began to wonder whether it was becoming a co-dependency for me. Then I realized that there are other topics I have posted on. In addition, when i do have an idea for a post, I create a draft of a post and save it. That keeps me from forgeting what I was going to write about. It is essential to me to have my creative juices flowing. Somedays I am abrim with ideas. Other days—not so much. I seem to repeat myself a bit….Maybe people that read my blog have notices that. Nevertheless, i plan to soldier on. I am certain that i will end up creating interesting posts! Or at least I will create posts that keep my own spirits up; that was my initial mission—and to hopefully help uplift others. That works far better than when I meander into political discussions! I seem to get kind of tangled up when I attempt those discussions. The perennial optimist in me was very interested in this ‘idea box blog posting by Shari Lopatin’—I am going to try it! I think it will work for me, the perennial optimist

10 Reasons Every Writer Should Keep an Idea Box | Shari Lopatin: Rogue Writer.

How many times have I heard a (professional) writer tell me, “I really need an idea box?” Let me count the ways …

What is an idea box? Simply put: it’s a box you keep close to your favorite writing spot (for me, on my desk) where you stash all those great ideas scribbled on random pieces of paper. Personally, I carry a small notebook in my purse and jot down all kinds of phrases throughout the day.

Why do this?

Well, here are 10 reasons EVERY writer should keep an idea box:

This is MY idea box, from Barnes and Noble.

1. It forces you to observe (hey, otherwise you can’t fill the box with ideas).

2. It solidifies the title of “writer” in your blood.

3. It keeps you looking at the world from different perspectives.

4. It kills Writer’s Block upon an attack (stuck? Just shuffle through your idea box).

5. It prevents the, “Oh crud, what was that great idea I thought of last night? It was classic, and now it’s gone!”

6. It helps you become more creative.

7. It prevents boredom.

8. It makes you feel important when your friends “oooo” and “ahhhh” over it.

9. It diversifies your stories and makes them better.

10. IT’S FUN! (well, at least for us writers)

So tell me …

Do YOU keep an idea box? Why or why not? And if so, how has the idea box helped you grow as a writer?

via 10 Reasons Every Writer Should Keep an Idea Box | Shari Lopatin: Rogue Writer.