Of all the great advice I’ve received from different writers, learning to keep a writer’s notebook has proven the most effective. I have carried a notebook around with me since I was in grade school but very rarely wrote in it.  I was always worried about scribbling up the pages or wasting the paper, as silly as that sounds.

About a year ago I realized what an important tool my notebook could be, if utilized properly.  This was also about the same time that I began looking at the world through a writer’s perspective. I began seeing article and story ideas all over the place and I knew if I didn’t write them down they would vanish before I got home.

Now, I don’t leave home without it safely tucked into my bag.  I record random thoughts and ideas, agent and editor information, sketches for characters, plots and anything else helpful to my writing. I also like to have my kids draw in it every now and then–what’s more inspiring than an original piece of art by your child?

Here’s a few things you need to know about a writer’s notebook:

01. It can be as pretty or as plain as you want.  I currently carry one of these.  Another one of my favorites is this one; I just ordered this one for a project I’m working on that is set in London.  These are really cute too.

02. It is not a journal.  A journal is used to record daily events whereas a writer’s notebook is to record thoughts, ideas and useful information pertaining to your writing.  Click here for a list of things you can do with a writer’s notebook.

03.  It will soon become a well of inspiration for you.

04.  When you feel like writing something you won’t have to waste time wondering what to write.  You will already have a plethora of ideas just waiting for you to transform them into something fabulous (or not s0 fabulous, but either way you will be writing and that’s the point).

05.  If you want to be cool, you must have one, period.  Here‘s 10 more reasons why you should start one today.