Notebook

That is very true. I had 10 years (4-5 books full) of stuff but shredded it all when something horrible happened in my life. It was good for me to do so though because now I get to start over with completely new feelings. Feelings that I thought I would never have had if I didn't start over.

 

I've got a small notebook that I carry around with me all the time for ideas, and a bunch of legal pads/notebooks lying around my room, as well.

 

This sounds like a common thing. I have two pocket-sized notebooks, one in my car and one at my desk, which I also carry with me when I'm hiking. Some days I can't go 10 strides without yanking it out of my pocket to scribble something.

 

I have a small notebook which fits in my pocket, a bigger hardback notebook which I take if I'm carrying a bag / briefcase / laptop case, and inumerable A4 notebooks, pads and loose bits of paper in folders scattered around at home, which I periodically try to sort out and organise, but somehow always seem to manage to disorganise themselves within a week or so anyway....

I'm sure everyone else has noticed this as well, but ideas and concepts always seem much more frequent and imaginative when I'm out and about walking or just sitting somewhere with a nice view (I find the sea particularly good for inspiration) than when I'm just sitting at home, regardless of what I'm doing. Any thoughts why this should be so anyone??

 

I don't know why it should be so, but there's a phrase for it ... "kinesthetic cognition".

 

I like that I've been trying to figure out if it's the process of walking, the fact of being outside, the view, other sensory stimuli, or a combination of all the above (I have a feeling it's probably a kind of synergistic effect arising from all these things).

Another weird thing - I don't know if this is just me, but does anyone else find that the ideas flow better from mind, through pen (or pencil) and onto paper, rather than mind, fingers, screen? I just seem to find it much easier (and more satisfying) actually writing on paper rather than typing. Anyone else noticed this?

 

I think it's just a matter of habit ... what you're most accustomed to.

Years ago, I felt as you do about pen and paper, but now I find I dislike the physical act of writing, much preferring the keyboard. The only time I use a pen is with my little notepad.

 

I think that's the best way to find inspiration... I think everyone should carry a notebook and a sketchbook and create anything and everything that pops into their heads.

 

I've found that writing in a paper notebook makes me think a bit more creatively. Perhaps it's because I'm also used to keeping a sketchbook and the act of using a pen and notebook sort of fools my brain into thinking from the right side rather than the left and fostering creativity.