b r e a t h e .

Show don’t tell? Ignore.

Basic grammar and punctuation? Unnecessary. 

Physical descriptions of characters? Don’t need to bother. 

Solid plot? That’s for later. 

The words don’t come as fast when you’re thinking of the best way to put them together. It doesn’t have to be pretty, or much more than inconsistent nonsense.  The point is to have it exist.

this usually means character arcs and deep ethical and political debates for me, but for some people it’s gonna be physical description or in-depth plotting or Whatever

Got a scene in mind? Don’t try to fit it into your draft, just write it in a separate file and save it.

Got some witty dialogue on deck? Jot it down and keep it in your pocket!

Settings? Character development? Plot point ideas? Dramatic scenes? Write it all down! Keep a prewriting file, or two, or three, or however many you need. It doesn’t matter if what you put in them makes sense, or is totally disjointed, or whether it gets used at all.

Get those ideas in writing. Do NOT trust yourself to remember a great idea six weeks, two days, or fifteen minutes from now when you’ve got time to work it into the larger story. If you get ideas while you’re out and about or at work, keep a notepad in your pocket or text them to yourself.

you have value even when you can’t get out bed.

you will always have inherent worth, unaffected by your level of functioning or productivity.

you are deserving of love, kindness and time.

Talented. Brilliant. Incredible. Amazing. Show stopping. Spectacular. Never the same. Totally unique. Completely not ever been done before.

Hi everyone! With back to school approaching, I’m sharing ways of how I personally study. These strategies work for me and might not work for everyone! You might pick up some tips and some might be completely useless for you and that’s fine too! Happy Studying!

BEFORE CLASS

If the professor posts lecture slides beforehand:

With iPad: I download and import them to a note taking app (Notability or GoodNotes 5).

Without an iPad: Print them out with multiple slides per page of paper. Make sure there is room in the margins to annotate.

If the professor doesn’t post lecture slides (& uses a textbook for class):

I use the learning objectives at the beginning of the chapter to organize my notes. I read each section in the chapter and highlight important information. Then type them into my own words in a word document.

Note taking strategies depending on the type of class:

For textbook and theory based classes, I use the same strategy above. However, there is a lot of extra information in textbooks. I would suggest asking your professor which parts can be omitted (such as case studies, certain examples, etc.).

For calculation and math based classes, I don’t take notes because the most effective strategy for me has been practice problems (from lectures, assignments, textbooks) and understanding why each step works the way it does.

DURING CLASS 

With & Without iPad:

I annotate on the lecture slides for additional information the professor mentions. I include/highlight specific information to focus on if they really emphasize that it will be on the exam. I find annotating slides the most effective for me to pay attention during class.

For textbook and theory based:

I have my word doc open to add supplemental information in a different colour. Again, I highlight important information the professor emphasizes that will be on the exam.

For calculation based: 

I do in-class examples on an extra page within the slides (the magic of digital note taking) as the professor is going through it. Again, highlight any critical steps in solving problems.

AFTER CLASS

Annotated lecture slides/notes: I go over every single slide to recall the material again and work through the examples with and without referring to the notes.

Work on any assignment required for the course while referring to my notes, additional textbook information, or searching up concepts that I am really struggling with.

FOR EXAMS

For textbook and theory based:

With iPad: I convert my word doc into a PDF to import in my note taking app to highlight and make additional notes. The purpose of this is to recall information and really sharpen my understanding of the material.

Without an iPad: simply just go through the notes again to recall information.

For calculations and math based:

I make a formula sheet to easily refer to formulas.

PRACTICE PROBLEMS!!

An Overview of Note-Taking Styles

Ex.:

As they made their way back to the car, Farad felt the prickle of eyes upon him. He looked around and spotted the culprits—perched on the roof of a van, a gaggle of dour-faced teenagers was watching them judgmentally.

“Fuck yourself dead, you half-blazed, fully-degenerate asshole!”