Summary

The web content emphasizes the importance of carrying and using a classic pocket journal for writers to enhance their observational skills and productivity.

Abstract

The article underscores the value of pocket journals for writers, drawing inspiration from David Sedaris's practice of recording his daily life since the 1970s. It suggests that a simple, handmade notebook can serve as a tool for capturing ideas, human behavior, and conversations, which can later be transformed into rich content for both fiction and non-fiction writing. The act of writing on paper is highlighted for its creative benefits, allowing writers to focus on the fine details of human eccentricity without the distractions of digital devices. The article also advises writers to give their notebook one specific purpose, such as observation, to keep their notes organized and focused, and encourages the frequent transcription of notes to computer to preserve the captured moments.

Opinions

Carrying a pocket journal is seen as essential for writers to capture spontaneous ideas and observations, which can be a source of material for their writing.
The type of notebook used is considered irrelevant; the emphasis is on the act of writing and the ideas recorded, not the notebook's aesthetic or cost.
Writing on paper is preferred over digital capture for its tactile benefits and the depth of observation it facilitates.
The author advocates for the frequent transcription of notes to a digital format to prevent loss and to make the content more accessible for future use.
The article suggests that the practice of note-taking should be purposeful and separate notebooks should be used for different types of notes, such as observations versus to-do lists.
The author believes that capturing real-life moments and conversations can significantly enhance the authenticity and quality of written dialogue.
There is a dismissal of concerns about privacy or "creepiness" when observing and recording public behavior, as long as no names are used and no illegal activities are involved.
The author encourages writers to view their surroundings as a rich source of material, advocating for the active collection of observations that can be repurposed in multiple writing projects.

Writers: The Importance of Carrying (and Using) a Classic Pocket Journal

Capture the environment around you and become a more productive writer.

The importance of using a pocket journal

I’ve been reading almost all of David Sedaris’s books lately — one after the other. What gets me about his writing style is not just his brilliant use of language and humor, but his ability to capture his life like a journalist.

You can do this too. Not only will a pocket notebook help your writing productivity, but it will make you a better writer in the process.

Sedaris carries a pocket journal with him everywhere he goes.

He’s recorded his daily life since the 1970s, providing a steady stream of food for a library of books. And it’s not just memoir he’s writing — not even close. Sedaris looks at all the dark corners of humanity and talks about them — like admitting you pick your nose when you drive.

I’ve carried a pocket notebook for years, but only recently I devoted a separate notebook to human observation.

You can buy a fancy, special notebook, or you can make your own. I use beer boxes for a cover and stuff copy paper inside. Staple the binding with three staples and I’m good to go. Once it’s full I can throw it away or keep it (after I’ve transcribed the important bits elsewhere).

There’s no magic in the type of notebook we use. We put our notebooks on a pedestal too much.

This is What Happened When I Stopped Putting My Writing on a Pedestal

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When we study human behavior we become better writers of human behavior

Whether you write fiction or non, most writing eventually involves people doing things. The way we describe such behavior can make or break the quality of our writing.

When we record the strange (or fantastic) behavior of others, not only do we build a great collection of anecdotes for later use, but we learn to focus on the fine details of human eccentricity.

My pocket notebook isn’t so much a memoir, but a collection of random conversations and odd behavior of the people around me. I’ve got my radar going all the time. If I overhear something, or see something interesting I’ll date the entry and jot it as fast as I can.

I forget everything.

If I don’t capture an idea, quote, or moment as it happens, it’s gone in ten minutes. I don’t want to miss anything so I take copious notes. Not everything I collect will make a good story, but I don’t use the collection moment to decide.

I capture now and edit later.

Why paper?

Sure, you can do this capture exercise in your phone, but there’s something special with analog. I don’t keep the written information forever. I jot notes and re-write them later, with more detail, on the computer.

The Creative Benefits of Writing on Paper

Why going analog will help you bring the best from your writing

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I don’t put magic into my disposable journals.

The ideas inside matter, not the cover. These little books get beat-up, shuffling in and out of my pocket. If I spend $10 on one of these I may edit myself if the notebooks starts getting full.

I’m not putting this stuff in a museum. I want to preserve the event and move on.

If I lose a notebook, I’ve got a stack of spares. I try to re-write my findings on a frequent basis, and make a little tic mark on the page — telling myself I’ve re-typed the event.

As I get a small collection of these, I may keep the notebooks. I’ll admit I have a slight obsession with hoarding information. You never know when you’ll need it.

The best part of these snippet collections is the ability to re-purpose the content.

I believe there’s nothing worse than writing something once, never to use it again. Sure, a text or a one-off email is one thing, but writing an entire story and using it once — blasphemy! This is one of the tenets I try to instill with The Book Mechanic philosophy.

We can use these ‘stolen’ moments for both fiction and non, simultaneously.

If I want to write a collection of short anecdotes like (but nowhere near as cool as) David Sedaris, I’ve got them cataloged. If I want to use this collection to help me develop fictional characters better — boo! Got that too. And if I need a quick go-to for a short story — wham! There it is.

Whether you use your notes twice or 100X, when you capture moments you’ve got them forever. Sure beats remembering.

How to use a pocket notebook

I’ve got all kinds of scrap paper and notebooks in my pockets. They’re my version of a little-old-lady with tissues stuffed in her cardigan.

Give your notebook one purpose.

If you’re going to create an observation notebook, keep it separate from you to-do lists and all the other wild ramblings. I have this hand-made, leather notebook cover I bought from Etsy. The cover holds 2–3 stapled pocket notebooks, so I can give each one a purpose.

Capture the moment either as it happens or immediately after.

I was in Walmart the other day and I literally pulled my cart over and took notes, verbatim, as one woman spoke to another about her daughter’s truancy problem. There were some great dialogue one-liners in there.

5 Instant Fixes for Your Fiction Dialogue

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Is it spying or creepy?

Nah. I’m not naming names. I guess ‘creepy’ is subjective. But if you’re going to have a public conversation or do some wild, inappropriate behavior in public, I say it’s all fair game. I’m not hiding in anyone cupboard or tapping their cell phones. All I do it write down what I overhear as people yell in public spaces.

We need your best work. It’s time to start capturing the world around us. Those moments are pure gold and there aren’t enough people doing the moment-capturing.

We’re waiting for you.