The premise of this post isn't rocket science, it's been espoused by writers, comics, and thinkers ever since paper and pen weren't novelties for the insanely rich. The idea is this:
Get a notebook, carry it with you, and write in it.
Answers to common notebook-writing questions:
Why should I keep a notebook?
Because Hemingway did. Not good enough? So did Picasso and Einstein. Still not good enough? You say you want a rationale? Okay, here you go:
To help you remember.
Unless you've got a touch of autism there's no hope of you remembering everything that has ever happened to you, more likely than not you've probably already forgotten plenty of important stuff. Forgetting a thing doesn't make it unimportant, it just makes it forgotten.
That hot guy/girl's phone number that you forgot? Yep that really could have been the love of your life. That brilliant idea for a joke/sketch/character/screenplay you had at coffee with friends? It's only brilliant if you can remember it long enough to write it.
What kind of notebook?
Any kind you want. If you want to be fancy buy moleskine. If you want to eat this month: buy composition books. They're about $2 a pop and hold words just fine.
What should I write in my notebook?
Anything. Everything. But closer to everything than anything if you can manage. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- A diary of the events in your life and how you feel about them.
- Notes from your acting classes.
- Ideas for jokes, plays, scenes, characters, businesses, inventions.
- Reviews of works that inspire you.
- Drawings & doodles.
- Clippings of images that inspire you (not technically "writing" but just as valid).
- Audition summaries: What went well? What didn't? Stop after listing 3 things from each category.
- Your dreams.
How often should I write in my notebook?
As often as you have semi-profound/funny thoughts or experiences. In the moment is best. Daily is great. Bi-weekly is totally doable. Weekly is a good starting point, and sporadically is better than not at all.
What should my entries look like?
There's no particular form. I like to date mine and give them a title so they're easier to flip through later.
What do I do when I fill up my notebook?
Date it and file it next to your last notebook. There's something wonderful about seeing an entire shelf of a bookcase filled with the stories of your life. Get a new notebook and begin the process again (I buy in bulk so I don't find myself without).
I've tried in the past but stopped.
Join the club. There will be times where you feel more inspired to write than others, often during a major life upheaval, take advantage of these times to get back in the habit.
Many people also stop because its impractical to always carry a notebook. Idea: buy a smaller notebook, or use your cell phone's "notes" feature to jot down ideas for you to explore at length in your paper journal at home.
What is the most important thing to do with my notebooks?
Reread your notebooks on a semi-regular basis. You'll notice patterns of behavior, moments of triumph, points of change, and you might find that certain passages or ideas really speak to you and demand further exploration. It can be a tremendous ego boost as an actor to see how much you struggled with something a few months ago that you now have a good handle on.
Donovan, why are you giving such stupid and obvious advice?
Because you've heard it a thousand times and you still don't keep a notebook.
