These writer’s notebook ideas will help you craft a powerful tool to help you create, track, and achieve your writing goals. It’s important to keep a writer’s notebook. Learn more about why you need one here.
Scenario: You are a writer. You want to finish your work in progress (WIP), or you want to accomplish other writing goals. You start them. But never finish. Or it takes you forever to finish them. Stop doing that. This post will provide you with some great ideas for your notebook. You’ll learn how to set yourself up for real success in the year ahead.
Do Your Research
Writing is an art. So there is a certain amount of creative freedom built into this craft. However, it is important to understand the basic mechanics of writing, the subtly of plot outlining, the substance of creation. Even though your writing is mostly about creativity, it’s the same as any other goals you might have. You need to prepare yourself for success.
One of the best ways to set yourself up for success as a writer is to learn more about the craft of writing. These are some suggested reads to help improve your writing. I have personally read them all. They changed my life and helped me become the writer I am today. Maybe they can for you, too.
Choosing the Perfect Notebook
It’s important to choose the right notebook. To do that, you must first decide how you will use your notebook. If you want a notebook just to write your stories in, then feel free to use any old notebook.
But if you’re looking to create a writer’s notebook for project planning and execution, I have some suggestions. Why does it matter?
- These notebooks have certain features that help with organization and goal planning and execution.
- They’re also very high quality and will last you at least a full year or more.
These are the same notebooks I always suggest because they’re the best on the market. I highly recommend them even though they might cost a bit more than a $1.00 composition notebook.
The Best Writer’s Notebooks:
Learn more about why I love these notebooks here & here.
1. Leuchtturm1917 – A5 Hardcover, Dot Grid
2. The Moleskine Professional Series:
3. Scribbles That Matter Notebooks
Simple Cover Design
Creative Cover Design
Check out the full review of all Scribbles That Matter notebooks here.
How to Set Up Your Writer’s Notebook for Success
One of the main reasons you should create a writer’s notebook is to keep yourself organized. Setting goals and writing them down makes you way more likely to actually achieve them. It will also help you stay motivated. Finally, keeping a writer’s notebook means always having a safe space for your creative ideas and plans.
- Make sure you have a monthly log. Or if one is included in your notebook already, use it.
- The Monthly Log is for long term goals, important deadlines, and major project steps. You can also include appointments, birthdays, holidays, etc…
- You should use weekly logs as well. They’re easy to create. But you can also choose a notebook that has them included.
- Weekly Log functions: List shorter term goals, deadlines, a weekly project or two. And try to include weekly habit trackers, self care goals, specific project steps or task, etc…
- Set reasonable daily tasks. Make sure you write at least one task each day that your know you can accomplish. This will boost your morale and keep you motivated. It could be something as simple as making your bed.
- Create “collections.” Collections are designated areas of your notebook used for specific aspects of your writing goals. Scroll down to see some writer’s notebook ideas on collections you might want to include.
Ideas to Include in Your Writer’s Notebook
Ok, I’m just going to do a little pitch here. The list below is why I highly recommend using a Bullet Journal style for your writer’s notebook. Planners are great, ordinary blank notebooks are fine, too. But nothing beats the level of customization, functionality, organization, and motivation using a bullet journal provides. Visit “The Writer’s Notebook” page to learn more.
Goal Setting and Organizational Ideas
- A Vision Board
- A Drive Design
- Goal Setting Pages
- Projects
- Phases & Steps
- Status Tracker
- Collection of Project Ideas
- Monthly, Weekly, and/or Daily Planning Pages
- Monthly Reviews
- Quarterly Reviews
General Writing Ideas
- Writing Habits
- Creative Writing Prompts
- Story Ideas
- Books to Read & Review
- Research Notes
- Quotes from Books You Like
Writer’s Notebook Ideas for Novel Planning
- Novel Series Lists and Information
- Premise Ideas
- Plot Outlines
- Novel Theme Ideas
- Story Structure Outline
- Character Profiles
- World Building Catalogue
- Editing Notes
- Publishing Notes
- Book Marketing Strategies
Financial Information
- Books to Purchase
- Budgeting Plans
- Expense Reports
- Income Reports
More Writer’s Notebook Ideas
- Journal Entries
- Accomplishments List
- Self Care / Self Love Habits
- Gratitude Log
- Motivation Section
- Inspiration Pages
- Sketches & Drawings
*Bonus – 12 Questions to Help You Develop Your Story’s Setting, written by Kylie Day of The Writing Kylie:
“Story Setting
These questions are meant to give you a big-picture view of your story’s setting.
- What planet, country, region, and town is your story set in?
- What year is it?
- In what season or time of year does your story take place?
- What is the culture like in your story?
- What is the political climate like in your story?”
“Scene Setting
These questions are meant to help you dig deeper into the setting of each scene in your story.
- What type of mood are you trying to depict in this particular scene?
- In what country, region, town, and/or part of the town does this scene take place?
- What time of day is it?
- What is the weather like?
- If the scene is set indoors, in which room in which building does this scene take place?
- What items of particular value are in the surroundings? Please do remember Chekhov’s Rifle: you shouldn’t place a loaded rifle on the stage if it won’t be used. So, if an item doesn’t have value to the story, don’t pay particularly much attention to it.
- Does the setting of this scene help create the mood you want to depict in this particular scene? If not, how can you change the setting to fit your wants and needs?”
Liked these thought-provoking questions? I highly recommend checking out The Writing Kylie for even more great writing advice.
Take a Look at this Pinterest Collection for More Ideas:
Do you use a writer’s notebook?
- How do you set yours up?
- What are your goals for this year and how do you plan to achieve them?
- Do you think using a writer’s notebook will help you achieve your goals?
Tell about it in the comments. I know these writer’s notebook ideas have helped me. I hope they give you inspiration and motivation to create your own path to success.
Note: This page may contain affiliate links for which, if an item is purchased, I will receive a small commission at absolutely no extra cost to you. I only ever post links for products that I have used, found helpful, and loved. Thank you for supporting my writing journey so I can continue to help you on yours!
