If you’re a writer, there’s a good chance you’re laughing at the title of this post. If you’re an organized type, it might be because you’re thinking, “Only three things? I have ten color-coded story world binders on my desk right now!” If you’re more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants type, you’re likely grousing, “Organize? I’m led by the muse, woman!”
Regardless of what camp you fall in, consider…
#1: Your Scrap Ideas
You never know when inspiration will strike, and if you’re smart, you’ll be prepared so all those idea gems don’t slip though your fingers. Make sure that you carry a small notebook with you at all times, preferably something small enough to fit in a pocket or bag. Or if you prefer taking a paperless route, pull up a note-taking app on your phone or tablet. Bonus: anytime you’re in a writing rut, pull out your idea list, and viola! Fresh inspiration!
Sidenote: If you’re dealing with writer’s block, you might also find my post on How to Become an Idea Factory helpful.
#2: Your Writing Desk
Have you ever seen a picture of Einstein’s desk? Total mess. We’re talking papers, books, writing utensils scattered pell-mell and spilling onto the floor. Maybe you claim you work best in a lived-in environment. And if you do, that’s fine, but I know that, for me, nothing drives me crazier than not having elbow room when I’m trying to get down to work. So, just for an experiment, set a timer for five minutes and tidy your table space. See if the Kondo-approved environment makes your brain feel a little clearer, too.
#3: Your Writing Manuals
Many (many) moons ago, I wrote a piece for The Missouri Review that detailed my obsession with writing manuals. At the time I wrote the article in 2004, I had about twenty; now, I probably have forty or more (that doesn’t include Kindle titles taking up virtual shelf space). The next time you’re walking past your bookshelf, think about which books really provide stellar instruction. If you feel like you’ve absorbed the lessons and have moved past basic instruction books, pass the literary love along to someone else who might need it. Also, it can be helpful to lump like types of manuals together: style guides in one spot, editing titles in another, character or world-building in a different stack, etc.
Lots more posts coming over the next few months as I streamline things in my corner of the writerverse!
Keep reading!
Shaen
