Index Cards as a Creative Writing Tool
Many great authors in history have written their novels with the use of index cards. Vladimir Nabokov, the writer of Lolita, even shares that he wrote all his novels entirely on 3 x 5 inch cards. They can aid in non-linear thinking and allow more freedom for a writer to rearrange and re-order his work as he progresses with his novel. Cards can also be written for each of the characters in the story – to keep track of all the physical and personality traits, and background information of these imaginary people. Many writing programs are basically just digital index cards that can be saved on a hard drive. Different writers have different methods of incorporating these little cards into their creative process but there is no doubt that they are a valuable resource to keep a constant supply of in a writer’s tool box.
There are no rules set in stone for how to write a novel, but most writer’s begin their writing process with an idea of their plot and a basic outline. This is when index cards can first come in handy. Each chapter can be quickly described on the face of each card. The interesting thing about keeping it strictly one chapter per card is so that as the novel progresses and inevitable re-writes have to happen, it will be a cinch to locate specific chapters and even re-order them in the story as needed.
Cards may also be used to keep track of character profiles. With so many plots, characters, locales, twists, and items a writer must keep track of, it’s easy to accidentally introduce a new character as Mr. Brown, for example, in chapter three but then eight chapters later begin referring to him as Mr. Mustard. A quick glance at the characters profile written on an index card can minimize the chances of this occurring.
In this age of computers, writing software are becoming popular tools for writers who are more tech-savvy. But a glance at many of these dedicated novel writing programs will reveal that many are based on the same concept as pinning index cards onto a cork board. But even digital cards serve the same purpose as physical ones – to jump start the creative process so that a writer spends less time filing, organizing, and procrastinating, and more time writing.
Another good tip for using index cards in the creative writing process is to use a pencil when jotting down thoughts and ideas. Just as index cards are a non-structural, non-linear way to get a plot line going, so too are the individual words on each card. Nothing is set in stone during the writing process and pencils are easy to erase when edits are needed and assure writers that they need not commit to anything until after their final draft when all the details have been smoothened and ironed out.
Budding writers and professional novelists alike can employ the use of simple 3 x 5 ruled cards when in the business of creative writing. Every writer should keep a bunch on hand whenever inspiration hits. Whether it’s the next great novel or a funny short story, index cards are a great tool for all writer’s to have.
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