Arrange your writing notes through the Zettelkasten Method.

Do we share the experience of having your writing notes spread across multiple notebooks and sticky notes while your thoughts remain unorganized?

Creative people generate ideas continually but face challenges when it comes to organizing these thoughts. That’s the hard part.

The Zettelkasten method provides a straightforward yet effective approach to manage ideas which enhances your writing quality and creativity while ensuring consistency.

What is Zettelkasten?

The German term "Zettelkasten" describes a “slip box” system which sociologist Niklas Luhmann created to write over 70 books. Imagine it as a supplementary brain that stores individual ideas as notes which link together to create an expanding network of thoughts.

It’s perfect for writers, especially if:

• You work on multiple projects

  
  

• You get random ideas at odd times

  
  

• Your goal is to keep track of your valuable ideas and avoid losing them in stacks of notebooks.

What You Need to Get Started

Legacy:

• A physical notebook

  
  

• Index cards (my preferred method)

Digital:

• You can use digital platforms such as Obsidian, Notion or Apple Notes to store your notes.

  
  

• Plain text files

  
  

Every note should focus solely on a single idea while also being able to link with additional ideas.

Step 1: Create an Inbox for New Ideas

Establish a system in both notebooks and digital apps that allows you to quickly jot down ideas when inspiration strikes. This is your Inbox.

Don’t worry about sorting or formatting. Capture each idea immediately to prevent it from vanishing.

Example:

The character who never lies even if it causes pain.

“Plot twist: the mentor betrays the hero.”

Step 2: Write One Idea Per Note

Review your Inbox daily or weekly and move your chosen ideas into separate notes. Your Zettelkasten functions as a slip-box containing your clear and concise thoughts.

Each note should:

• Contain one idea only

• Be written in your own words

• Connect each note with references to others when there are relevant connections.

• Your notes can receive either numbers or titles as per your preference. A variety of identifiers like dates and keywords or brief summaries help people organize their notes.

Step 3: Link Your Notes Together

This is where the magic happens. Zettelkasten thrives on connections. When today's concept makes you think of a note you created last week create a link between them.

In a notebook, you might write:

• “See note #47 about character flaws.”

  
  

• Digital apps enable you to link notes together with hyperlinks or tags.

  
  

• As you continue to organize your thoughts systematically they will create a network that interacts with each other. The approach allows you to identify patterns and develop ideas while utilizing your own notes for writing blog posts and books or crafting stories.

Step 4: Use Tags or Categories (Optional)

Certain authors prefer to employ symbols or tags as a method for rapid organization.

For example:

• #character

  
  

• #theme

  
  

• #writingadvice

  
  

• #sceneidea

Tags offer quick access to needed information whether you use index cards or a digital system to search.

Step 5: Make It a Habit

You’ll get the most benefit from Zettelkasten by incorporating it into your daily life. You do not need to work with your Zettelkasten every day but regularity is beneficial.

A simple rhythm might look like:

• Capture ideas in your Inbox

  
  

• Set aside time each week to review your ideas and preserve them as permanent notes.

  
  

• Link related notes as you go

Dedicating only 5 to 10 minutes daily will accumulate an extensive collection of valuable material as time passes.

Why Writers Love This System

Stop wasting time searching through countless notebooks to locate the perfect idea

You can effortlessly return to your ideas and use them again. The ideas you need to write consistently are already available for you. The system maintains your creative energy while removing any pressure to achieve perfection in your work.

Personally at the end of each month I go through my notes, store the ideas or notes that are worth keeping in my Zettlekasten and leave the rest in the notebook.

Final Tip: Keep It Simple

Zettelkasten doesn’t need to be fancy. You don’t need special tools or templates. A system to record your thoughts and connect them for later review is all you require.

Want to try it out? I developed a free printable guide to help you begin using Zettelkasten with easy layouts and examples included. Click here to download.

I'd also encourage you to watch/follow the Anti-Novelist on Youtube, she does a fantastic job giving an in-depth look at the process.