Writing Tools: White Boards

I love organization and productivity tools.  And, I really love hearing what tools work for other people and why they work.  So, in this (first) episode of Writing Tools, I’m revealing my deep and abiding love for white boards.

I have three large white boards on the wall in my office. I bought them from Amazon.  I’d have three more if I had more room!  Of all my organizational tools, these are my current favorite for two reasons.  One, they’re infinitely adaptable to whatever project I’m working on (revising and editing right now).  And two, they allow the two sides of my personality (organized/precise versus laid back/creative) to battle it out.

Sometimes, I’m free and loose with my notes:

This is my character sketch whiteboard, as of this morning.

This is my note (on the left) and timeline (on the right) whiteboard.

Other times, I’m measuring the actual size of my sticky notes to make sure each of the eight sequences have equal space and can fit the all correct chapter notes.  This photo below is a relaxed version of my outline.

As my work in progress evolves, so do my writing boards.  Before I erase and remove sticky notes, I always take a photo with my ipad, so I can go back and find any notes I may need.

So, fellow writers, what tools work for you? I’d love to hear about it!