Freelance Writing: Keeping Track of Ideas

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

28 Jul 2006 05:14 AM

One of the greatest challenges faced by the freelance writer, besides finding leads, is coming up with ideas and keeping tracking of them. The truth is you can find inspiration everywhere, but you may be working on something else when an idea hits. Write the idea down and tuck it away where you can find it again when you need it.

I had a terrible habit of grabbing any paper I could find from a napkin to a matchbook cover and writing ideas down with anything within reach from a crayon to once using an eye liner pencil. Now, I not only keep idea folders on my computer to file away those inspired thoughts, but I also keep an index card file handy, with not one but two pens inside, in case one doesn't work.

It's just a small plastic box, divided by tabs so ideas can be filed in alphabetical order. I have to admit, I'm not that organized, and I rarely file them. I just stick them in the box with new ideas closer to the front. I've found that when I file them, I can't find them again, because I'm usually looking for the wrong word.

You might think that a decorating article would go under D, but if I called it Summer Décor, I'd never think to look under S. I know, I should file them all under H for Home Decorating or something, but like I said, I'm just not that organized.

It still works great for me, and I'm often seen carrying my pink plastic box around with me. Late at night if I sit to watch TV, my file box is beside me. You'd be amazed what you'll see on TV in the wee hours that can inspire an article, or maybe even several. My family is amused each time I stop in my tracks, say, "Idea!" and reach for my file box.

It also helps to keep a notebook in your bag, your car, or your pocket for inspirations that come while you're out. I usually get inspired when I'm driving alone, so I sometimes bring along a miniature tape record and record my thoughts instead of having to pull over to write things down. When I get home, I play the tape, write the ideas on my trusty index cards, and file them away. Okay, so I don't really file them; I stick them in the box, but at least I don't lose ideas or have trouble making out something written in crayon!

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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Kay M. (300) 28 Jul 2006 08:17 AM

Great tips Sherry! I keep a filebox that holds the larger size index cards. I also purchased a tracking software which keeps track of everything in a very simple format. I keep a small notebook in my purse and a digital recorder. It is great for those times when I see a person I can turn into a character.

One day I saw the cutest little girl all in pink flowery clothes talking to her mother in spanish while her mother sat knitting. I was sitting across from them at the doctors office and had nothing t write on but a napkin. That was the day I decided to put supplies in my purse.

I would love to see any other tips you have, perhaps in a 10 tip format!!!

Sherry Holetzky (11404) 28 Jul 2006 02:12 PM

Thanks, Kay. I'll have to look into tracking software; that's a great idea.

Ten tips coming soon! ;o)