The Writer's Idea File: People, Places & Things

Most writers can only handle working on one or two projects at a time; if you try doing too many things at once, you'll get confused and you won't be able to write as well. The problem is that ideas don't strike in a neat little pattern -- between projects, for example -- and you can be struck with a great idea while you're knee-deep in another project that requires your full attention. This is where the writer's idea file comes in handy.

The writer's idea file is your one-stop resource for people, places and things that might have a place in a future project of yours. Every so often, the well is bound to run dry, and when you can't think of anything else to write about, you can go back to your idea file and pluck an idea from there. Your writer's idea file should continually grow as time goes by, and when you use an idea, you should destroy the idea from the file to avoid redundancy.

Setting Up Your Writer's Idea File

How you set up your idea file is a matter of personal preference. The most important thing is that it be accessible so that you can use it whenever you need an idea. For mine, I used a small card file box that takes 3.5 X 5 in. fillers. I keep index cards in there for new ideas, and I've separated it into three categories: people, places and things. You could also use a spiral-bound notebook, a small binder, a shoebox or even a folder on your computer, if you like to keep everything digital. The writer's idea file is just for you -- no one else ever needs to see it -- so keeping it super-organized isn't necessary unless you require organization.

People in Your Writer's Idea File