There was a time when I had stacks upon stacks of paper that contained article ideas, the beginnings of an article, research and more. They were looseleaf in most cases, printed in pen, pencil, marker and computer print.
The stacks would continue to grow until, out of the necessity for space, my wife would throw them away or toss them in a box, whcih would go into storage and eventually get thrown away.
This was my freelance writer’s filing system for the longest time. Until, that is, I needed several of those sheets that contained research for a previous article I had written. I was writing on a similar subject, and wanted to use the previous research as the basis for the new article. Unfortunately, my pile of research had been thrown out.
That day, I sat down & came up with a filing system that not only worked, it worked so well I still use it now. In an effort to help others learn from my mistake, I am going to show you how to put that system to work in your own research & writing.
Supply List
You’re going to need a few things to start your file. Don’t worry, they’re fairly inexpensive, and you don’t have to replace them often. Here’s the list:
1 Packet of 3 x 5 index cards
1 3 x 5 index card holder
1 small notepad (pocket-sized)
1 box of manila folders
2 – 3 binders
A small, two-drawer filing cabinet would be nice, though cardboard filing boxes work just as well.
Got everything? Great! Now on to the actual filing.
Here’s what I do – First, I keep the 3 x 5 card file box on my desk. In it, I keep all of my writing ideas that pop up from time to time. When I’m in need of something to write about, I go through the idea box, and find something good.
Then, I begin a new binder to hold all of my research, clippings, etc. for that topic. When the article is finished, I will take all of the stuff out of the binder, along with the article (usually a clip of the published article) and place everything into a manila folder with the subject written on the folder tab.
That folder then goes into a cardboard box that sits in the corner. When the box is full, it goes into the closet or out into storage. Before it goes into the closet or storage, however, I will go through the box and log everything in it in a separate binder (my topics binder). That way, if I ever find myself writing on a subject I have covered in the past, I can easily locate the box that holds the right info, and use it again!
As for the pocket-sized notepad, keep it with you. A sincere writer ALWAYS has something to write with & on. When inspiration strikes, break out the notepad and jot down your notes. Then, when you get home you can transfer your notes to your ‘idea cards’. Now, your idea is preserved.
This is a good way to keep track of everything you accumulate during your freelance career. I find it also helps with ‘writer’s block’, and can help get you writing in no time at all. Finally (and if you’re anything like me), you probably have a major problem with throwing old research out, so this will keep it handy while not letting it get in the way!
Try it, and let me know how it works out for you.
David Ware is a Virtual Assistant, successful freelance writer, husband & father. He can be contacted at dave@24hourassistant.com, or at http://www.24hourassistant.com
