Wednesday, March 5: Tune It or Die!
THE COLLECTED NOTEBOOK OF ROBERT LOPRESTI
by Robert Lopresti
A major milestone passed at my house this week. (And none of you sent flowers or a card… don’t think I didn’t notice.) Specifically, I finished a new pocket notebook and started a new one.
And by the way, I can’t believe how hard it was to find a simple spiral pocket notebook. I went into a FedEx/Kinko’s, a big greeting card store, and two grocery stores before I found one. Does everyone have a digital notepad these days, or do they just write on the backs of their hands?)
I have been keeping a memo pad in my back right pocket since college when I decided I wanted to be a writer. I write down anything that might become part of a story, a song, or – lately – a blog entry. When the notebook is finished the things that are worth saving get copied into a three-ring notebook which I dig into when I’m feeling a little short of inspiration. Someday my descendents will find it and donate it to some institution of recycling.
And today, for the first time, ever, for your reading pleasure I will open up my just-finished notebook and tell you what’s in it.
A blog idea, already used.
A citation I need for a library science article
The address of a music store in Los Angeles.
A quote I want to add to my Unfamiliar Quotations page: “Now their long war was over and they could get on with the proper concern of civilized nations, which was to prepare for the next one.” ‘ Terry Pratchett.
An allegedly witty line I might fit into a Shanks story some day.
An idea for a song, pretty poor.
A verse for a different song, better.
Another quotation from Pratchett.
A name of a guy I needed to talk to at the local supermarket.
Notes from a meeting with a salesman at work. Guess I didn’t have a legal pad handy..
Three more blog ideas, one already used.
The title of an album I want to buy. ( Mysterious Barricades by Paul Smith)
Another song idea, indifferent.
The web address of a company that makes really cool hats.
Four blog ideas, all started and none so far finished.
“Sandy – Agencies out of business.” I have no idea what that means.
Another bad song idea.
The titles of too many books I want to buy.
“Blog idea: Contents of notebook.”
Okay, maybe there are no Edgar winners in there. But today I am starting a new notebook. And where there are blank pages, there is hope.
Another thread from the web
If you find yourself a little short of story ideas try the Random Title Generator created by Maygra de Rhema. As an exercise force yourself to sketch out a story based on one of the titles. Have fun.
I, too, have strange scrawls in pocket notebooks. Perhaps we can collaborate someday.
Wow! I have a ton of paycheck stubs with ideas, ect. scrawled on them! (found in my wallet!) And I keep a full-sized spiral notebook in the cab of my delivery truck! Thanks for the encouragement! Sorry about your pocket notebook. I’ll send flowers.
*****
Hope you enjoyed the flowers!