Writers think we don’t have time to write. But throughout the day we find moments to scribble short notes to ourselves and others.

If we can pick up a pen and jot down a grocery list, type a message on Facebook, reply to an email or compose a daily to-do list, why can’t we take a few minutes to write several sentences in a journal?

The words don’t have to be profound or make sense to be useful later.

An interesting observation, the description of an emotion, or an idea for a story can provide a strong start to a written piece.

Gathering information is part of the writing process. Making tiny discoveries during the day is like doing lab work. We can apply the science when we get back to the office.

--cawk