Last week I shared how we need to open our eyes to stories that are all around us. This week, I have invited my friend and teacher writer, Amy Pine, to talk about how we keep track of notes. I find it fascinating that writers find ideas all over the place and find equally as unique ways to jot down those ideas. Writer's notebooks don't have to be conventional paper and pen any more!
JEN: Hi Amy! Thanks for joining me today! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you have been participating in Teachers Write?
AMY: Hi Jen! First of all, thank you so much for having me as a guest on your blog this week. I’m fangirling a bit that I get to do this!
As for Teachers Write, I jumped in on that first Friday Feedback with Gae, and let me say, it was exciting and terrifying all at once. I’ve got three complete manuscripts right now (one YA and two NA), and I had the privilege of sharing some of my YA on Gae’s blog. That’s the exciting part. I received feedback from Gae and got to give feedback to her. THAT is the terrifying part. I crave feedback and couldn’t grow as a writer without it. At the same time, it never gets easy to put your writing out there. Additionally, I still haven’t gotten over the idea of, “Who am I to critique other writers, especially a wonderful published writer like Gae?” But I found on Friday Feedback the same thing I’ve been finding in the online writing community in general--helpful critique and wonderful support! Since then I’ve been drafting, trying to apply some of the Teachers Write warm-ups and exercises to my current manuscript, and now it’s time to edit and get this one ready to query!
JEN: When we started talking about writing, you told me that you get great ideas in the shower....and then you write them down in the shower! Can you tell me about your shower notes?
AMY: Haha! I really think Aqua Notes owes me some advertising money at this point. I found out about this little gem at a writing conference. Tanya Chernov (her memoir is A Real Emotional Girl) mentioned Aqua Notes during a panel discussion, and I hopped on Amazon right from my phone and ordered on the spot. Here’s the thing. I have two kids, a job, and until two weeks ago, grad school as well. My alone time, when my brain isn’t going 100 mph, happens to be in the shower. It’s where I get my best ideas, and on more than one occasion I have hopped out of the shower to jot down a note on my phone so I wouldn’t forget it. Not anymore! I don’t understand the science behind Aqua Notes, and I don’t need to. All I know is the paper and pencil are waterproof, and my notes never run or smear. If I get published (I know, I should think in terms of when, right?) and readers see this post, they can ponder whether or not the idea for that book originated during my “alone time.”
Here is the picture I tweeted and posted on Facebook the day I got my Aqua Notes in the mail. I actually wrote the hashtag while fully clothed after just installing the note pad in the shower and then took the pic after the shower to show that water had no effect. And of course, a friend on FB made the obvious comment about me writing while naked. Yep, that’s when the rest of the notes occur, but this first one I swear I was fully clothed!
JEN: I definitely get ideas in the shower and sometimes in the car. I started using the Voice Memo app on my phone this week. I'm so glad I finally tried it! On the way home from work, I started thinking out loud and I found that it really helps me to let my thinking wander. I've been struggling and feeling like I need to connect with my characters more. I think I finally have more of a grasp on my character's now. Here is a little clip from one of my voice memo notes where I had a huge epiphany.
My Teachers Write Weekly Recap:
Well, the pit of my week was that I didn't get my 30 minutes of writing in every day. Being back at work and working long hours because the office is closed on Fridays made for really long days. I did write on Friday, Saturday, and this morning before my family woke up. Three out of seven isn't tooooo bad. I started my Voice Memos on the way home from work and that really helped me work through ideas for my writing. I also found a couple of character exercises that prompted some ideas, too. One was to think about five gifts my character got for her last birthday. And of those five gifts, which one did she love the most. This really helped me think about my main character and what would mean a lot to her. I shared at Gae's Friday Feedback and that always makes me feel good. It's the peak of my week as usual. Another peak was talking with Amy about writing. I love to hear how everyone is doing and to be able to cheer you on. I'm so proud of everyone! And if you feel off track, no worries! Just do what you can. One day at a time!
A reminder of my rules for Teachers Write Sunday Check-Ins:
1. We respect each other and the type of writing we do.
2. We only offer constructive criticism.
3. We are positive and encourage each other at all times.
4. We recognize and maintain this as a safe environment.
**I reserve every right to put the smackdown
on anyone who messes with our positive energy.**
on anyone who messes with our positive energy.**
Today, in the comments section:
Where do you keep your notes?
What was the pit of your week? (The hardest part, the non-fun part?)
What was the peak of your week? (The best part, the most-fun part?)
What are you looking forward to and planning for the week ahead?
Do you use a physical notebook or some other type of notetaking method?
How did you do this week? Did you meet your weekly goal(s)?What was the pit of your week? (The hardest part, the non-fun part?)
What was the peak of your week? (The best part, the most-fun part?)
What are you looking forward to and planning for the week ahead?