In this article, I am going to show you how to organize notes for writing a book. There are different techniques you can use to organize your notes to help you keep focus on the task at hand. I am going to share three that I have tried and what I liked and disliked about them and then I will expand on my favorite one. Being organized is key to a successful writing venture.
Keeping things separated, in their proper place, will help you put the pieces together so that the final project is clear and concise. As in the words of Habakkuk 2:2 “The LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” (KJV)
Poster Board
After I wrote out the outline for my book A Case of Mistaken Identity, I used a poster board to organize my ideas and determine what to keep or remove. For a better viiew of each chapter I used cut out numbers and post-its. I then outlined sections of each of the chapters with color coded post-it notes. I listed on the post-its the pictures, verses, and experiences I wanted to include for each chapter. At first, I found this helpful for adding structure to my story. But it soon became too busy for my eyes. Not to mention the post-its wouldn’t stay in place and over time there were too many. However, this was very helpful at first when I was getting a feel for my story. For me, it became too busy and overwhelming.
Mind Mapping
Another technique I used was mind mapping with Free Form which was very helpful in splitting information up in separate blocks. It looks much like placing post-its on a bulletin board. You can create unlimited boards.
I had various boards which were helpful at the beginning of my writing. I had one titled Resources, where I had pictures I wanted to include, verses, and experiences. Another one was called Sticky Statements, in which I listed quotes that I wanted to include in my book. For the illustrations that I wanted for my chapter pages, I noted the technique I wanted to use for my illustrations- black ink and watercolor. I also had a board for my Author Biography, and book blurbs. I even had a board with the categories I wanted to list my book under on Amazon. Free Form will also let you import images and you can print off your boards. Applications like Free Form are a great way to organize notes for writing a book. Not to mention Free Form is free.
Binder & Folder Approach
Overall, I think the binder and folder approach is my favorite technique. Easiest on the eyes and I can set them up like you would a book. I am considered a bit of a binder queen in my house, being I have multiple binders. Binders for years of journaling, binders for different projects I am working on, and now ones for books I am working on.
First, I’m going to talk about my binders. I have learned over time that although binders take up a lot of space; they keep my writing organized. For example, I have one for my blog, one for Christian Book Academy, and one for the Procrastination to Publication class I took. I will frequently use this because my notes from that class will guide the layout of future books. One book I am working on is I Am Special, which is a children’s book. So far, I have half of my illustrations drawn out on watercolor paper. Later I will ink and watercolor them. They are now together in a folder. Keeping them safe and easy to locate. When I considered taking the Poetry Workshop, I gathered up all my poems into a binder, ready for the Poetry Workshop. This made typing them into Reedsy easier, being they were all in one place.
Another one that I am working on is Getting Unstuck, A Guide for Frustrated Writers which is nestled in my Procrastination to Publication binder. Ready to be worked on with the help of the class resources. As you can see, I think this approach is the best for me. For you, it might be the poster board approach, or a program like Free Form. Being organized will help you become an excellent writer and help you avoid the overwhelming feeling of frustration due to disorganization. Whatever technique, find one that works for you and get busy writing that book. People are waiting to read your words, your gift to the world.
About the Author
Lizzy, pen name EO Writes, was first called to write for the public in 2012 when God placed it on her heart to pen an article titled “Where Have the Children of Yesterday Gone?” For a season, articles on homeschooling were her forte until 2018, when God said to her, “Your voice will change.” In 2024, she began her self-publishing journey with A Case of Mistaken Identity, a book that was born through a three-month writing class Procrastination to Publication. The fuel she needed to complete her book. Her passion is sharing God’s love through her art and writing. She has many works in progress and is looking forward to sharing them with the world.
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