writing wednesdays: on proect notebooks

Whenever a story idea nestles in my brain, I start a project notebook for it. These notebooks become my keep-all from initial brainstorming through final revisions. 

What's in them? 
1) Notes.
I include everything that comes to mind here - all of my "what if" or "this could happen" thoughts as well as research on various topics related to the story. This is where I also keep a copy of the back cover blurb, the synopsis, and whatever Mindmaps I've created.

2) Timeline
I always print a calendar for the year the book will take place and track chapters. I learned the hard way that it's far too easy to clip along with a story, not paying attention to what day things are happening until your characters are going to work on Saturday morning when they work a traditional Monday - Friday job (yeah, I know, those don't really exist anymore), or I lose track of how much time has gone by. 

3) Storyboards
Every morning before I start to write, I brainstorm what the current chapter is about. I don't re-read what I've written (too easy to get sucked into triple guessing and revising), but having the notes in the storyboard, helps propel me forward. 

4) A miscellaneous tab
Here's where I keep track of my beta readers and folks who've helped with the book. Another lesson I learned the hard way ... by the time I'm writing the acknowledgements page for one project, I'm usually armpit deep in another and can barely remember who I am much less who helped me with this particular project.

I'll also write down any creative marketing ideas I've come across that would be relevant for that project.

And, of course ... 
5) A photo that takes me immediately into the story.