A few weeks ago, I shared some of my sources for writing inspiration. In a comment on that post, Mariano asked how I manage and organize my ideas. It was a great question, so I’m explaining my method in today’s post.
Before it’s demise, I used Google Notebook to keep track of ideas and manage my writing. When it went away, I undertook a massive search for a replacement; I must have tested over 30 note-taking apps. One of the strongest contenders for me was Evernote.
At the time, Evernote didn’t have a BlackBerry version and didn’t allow collaboration, so it failed in two of my most important criteria. Frustrated, I ditched all of the apps and moved to using a Word document to manage and organize ideas. We all know how clunky this can be, so I told myself this was just temporary until I could find the “perfect” solution.
Evernote, again, rose to the top of my list last year when they added a BlackBerry version and note-sharing with modifying capabilities (you have to purchase their upgrade version to allow others to modify your notes). Here’s how I use Evernote to track writing topics (and this method can easily be modified for managing almost any kind of info).
Notebook Setup
I create very broad and general notebooks. I use Evernote for idea collaboration as well, and I’ve found that the fewer notebooks I have the easier it is for me to manage. Here’s a look at my notebooks:
Tagging
Now, because I have one massive notebook labeled “Writing,” and each idea becomes it’s own note within that notebook, I need to make sure I am categorizing everything effectively so I can find what I need when I need it.
This is where tagging comes in. I created tags for each of the blogs I write for so I can sort by tag when I’m working on my writing plan for the week.
On-the-Fly Ideas
If I’m at my computer, adding an idea is easy — I just create a note in the desktop app which I keep running all the time. Evernote also has an online app and all of the versions automatically sync with each other; this is a huge plus.
When I’m away from my computer, I use the mobile app and email to send new ideas and inspirations to the list. Evernote’s BlackBerry version is somewhat limited, but it does allow you to create and upload different kinds of notes (see a screenshot from my BlackBerry below). One very important feature is that the mobile app let’s you tag your notes when you add them, so once I create the note, I’m done. It will be there next time I’m on my computer.
You can also email notes to your account, which can be quicker than using the mobile app. For example, if I’m scanning feeds in Google Reader on my BlackBerry and I get inspired by something, it’s quicker for me to use the Send Address function on my BlackBerry to get the idea into Evernote (the subject line becomes the title of the note). I also have my default notebook set to Writing so ideas and inspirations go where they need to go.
Keep in mind that the email functionality doesn’t allow you to tag your notes, though. So you have an extra step of tagging once you’re back on your computer. I put the tag name first in the subject line, so I can do a quick search later on and tag appropriately.
Ordering Ideas
Since I also use Evernote to outline my writing plans for each week, I needed to figure out a way to move the planned posts to the top of the list. I use a simple system with punctuation (to distinguish one blog from another) and numbers (to show the order in which they will be written), so at a glance, I can see what I need to focus on any day of the week.
And that’s it. Pretty simple, but so far this has been a highly effective way for me to manage my ideas. How do you manage and organize your ideas?
If Evernote isn’t for you, there are many other note-taking apps that might fit the bill. Go to this post, which covers some other options.
Alyssa GregoryAlyssa Gregory is a digital and content marketer, small business consultant, and the founder of the Small Business Bonfire — a social, educational and collaborative community for entrepreneurs.
