I'm not sure this is related. But when I write fiction and have a tangential idea or just a phrase or image, I will drop to the bottom of the manuscript (whether it be on page 10 of a story or page 300 of a novel) and type that idea, phrase, or image. Sometimes, I've sometimes (often) forgotten what they mean. I don't have a coding system with this but maybe I should.
I think the problem is that when one makes a coded/shorthand note the thing it refers to is uppermost in your mind, which is unlikely to be the case when you come back to it. If it's any consolation, I've spent two or three days trying to figure out what I meant by one of the items in a list of 'experiments in style' methods to try out. I finally figured it out today while stumbling through the door carrying a pair of really heavy curtains!.
I do the same, opening a header or footer in my manuscript to capture inspiration, and then spend hours in revision trying to figure out what I was hoping to achieve with "she should long blink more often, but find a better turn of words for it" or "what would it look like it I wrote this like a painting"…
Also used loads of code in my teaching days! I found a published code for student feedback (based on professional editing shorthand) was so useful. I use it on my own work, too. It’s not just easier but simplifies the feedback I find
Thanks Kathleen. Yes, good point about simplifying the feedback. Just out of interest, do you use a code system when interviewing people for your podcast?
Love your note-taking system 👌
Thanks, Michael.
I'm not sure this is related. But when I write fiction and have a tangential idea or just a phrase or image, I will drop to the bottom of the manuscript (whether it be on page 10 of a story or page 300 of a novel) and type that idea, phrase, or image. Sometimes, I've sometimes (often) forgotten what they mean. I don't have a coding system with this but maybe I should.
I think the problem is that when one makes a coded/shorthand note the thing it refers to is uppermost in your mind, which is unlikely to be the case when you come back to it. If it's any consolation, I've spent two or three days trying to figure out what I meant by one of the items in a list of 'experiments in style' methods to try out. I finally figured it out today while stumbling through the door carrying a pair of really heavy curtains!.
I do the same, opening a header or footer in my manuscript to capture inspiration, and then spend hours in revision trying to figure out what I was hoping to achieve with "she should long blink more often, but find a better turn of words for it" or "what would it look like it I wrote this like a painting"…
Coo, that sounds detailed. I specialise in one-word notes (mainly) and arrows going in various directions!
Annotating yourself!
😂
Such a brilliant post - thank you so much for sharing this really valuable system!
Thanks, Rebecca!
Also used loads of code in my teaching days! I found a published code for student feedback (based on professional editing shorthand) was so useful. I use it on my own work, too. It’s not just easier but simplifies the feedback I find
Thanks Kathleen. Yes, good point about simplifying the feedback. Just out of interest, do you use a code system when interviewing people for your podcast?
Yes! In general, there are certain symbols and letters I use for quick notes. Works so well
It works for me too! Thanks, Kathleen.