Capturing Ideas

After stumbling upon the question "what does your writing workflow look like?" on the 456bereastreet blog, I started to think about how I start my process with capturing information.

The techniques I use can be applied to just about any type of profession, so I thought I'd share them here.

I used to use a tiny notepad that could fit and stay in my pocket all day. I used to buy them at my local handmade paper store (two hands paper in Boulder, CO). They were unique in that they had a reed that was used to hold the notebook closed which prevented business cards, change and other pocket contents from being jammed into my notes. I no longer use that type of notebook, but I still use the same pen. The Cross Ion Pen is unique in that it's small enough to keep in your pocket without it jabbing into your leg. And it does not need a cap, instead you pull it (expand it really) to reveal the tip. Since you have to pull instead of push, the pen will never open while it's in your pocket. It uses a gel ink with makes it a very smooth writing pen. It even comes with a lanyard tip so that you can wear it around your neck. That comes in handy if you ever attend trade shows or have to sign a lot of books at random moments during a conference.

-On my Mac, I use Hog Bay Notepad to capture and organize my random article/book ideas. I have folders for books, magazine articles, web ideas, etc. I also maintain a folder called 'People' that contains notes for each person I talk to on a regular basis. When I think of something I should mention to a particular person, I'll put it on their page and I'll also take notes on the same page during any telephone conversations. Hog Bay Notepad has a very fast search feature which allows me to easily locate any notes no matter how sloppy my folder structure becomes.

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-I also have a Tablet PC (HP tc1100) and use Microsoft OneNote for the note taking which is far superior to any other note taking software I have ever seen. I used to use legal pads that were scattered all around my home/office, but I ended up with something like 40 pads full of ideas and I couldn't find anything. I've completely replaced those notepads with Microsoft OneNote. It's not possible to cover the concepts of OneNote in a simple blog entry, if you need to take a considerable amount of notes, be sure to look into it.

I also have a rubberized case with shoulder strap that encloses all but the screen side of the tablet. I keep the tablet on my shoulder whenever I travel and I can start jotting notes within 5 seconds of getting one and do it at anytime (on an esculator, etc.) It's an absolutely amazing way to work... no sitting required (unlike a laptop)... you'd have to see it, then you'd get the idea within less than a second. I also use Microsoft Streets & Trips with a tiny Bluetooth GPS receiver to get turn by turn directions when driving.

-I use my cell phone as my alarm clock so it's always next to my bed at night (I travel extensively and that way I have a consistent alarm all the time). My phone (Audiovox SMT5600) as a button on the side that I can hold to open the voice recording application. I record ideas as soon as they come to me. I also do this while I'm out and about doing errands or traveling. Those notes sync with Microsoft OneNote when I connect the phone to my Tablet.

In a future entry, I'll describe how I organize my notes and start my writing process.

Comments

[david cox]

Ben, I stumbled onto your site (I was looking up Portugese Water Dogs, no less!) and found that, as a young man, you were doing what I wanted to do as a semi-retired (read: NOT rich) older man.
My wife and I dropped out of the rat race last year and built a home on a remote island up the BC coast (Canada). We did the actual building ourselves. All of it from design to doorknobs. It is beautiful (for geezers who have never built anything) and is situated in a stunning location far from the madding crowd. So far - so good.
But I have to earn SOMETHING every month (about $2,000) to keep the wolves from the door and I have to start soon. To make the challenge harder, I don't really want to work very much anymore. So, I was going to 'do something' on the net. 'What' that will be.......I have no idea. Stumble: Ben's site. Hmmmmmmmmm.......
this guy is doing it. He is doing it with photography (one of the more difficult industries, I know) and he just bought a bus! So, it must be working to some extent.............hmmmmmmmm........
Sally and I travel every year (usually like back-packers except with a Ford Explorer and a small utility trailer to compensate for 58 year old legs). We seem to have a few things in common with you except that you are already doing it and are much better at it.
So I thought I'd write and ask a few questions about 'living on the road and earning off the web'. Care to share some thoughts?
D