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I gotta take notes when things occur to me.

I'm a compulsive note-taker, and I used to feel self-conscious about pulling out my little notebook and taking notes during a casual conversation. Then I noticed that people really seemed to enjoy it; the fact that I was taking notes made their remarks seem particularly insightful or valuable. Now I don't hold myself back.

I tend to stare at people and memorize what they're saying and how they say it.

Usually, I walk around and think about things. When I come across a thought that makes me laugh, I write it down.

Observe yourself as you go through a typical day. Stuff happens to you. As it does, you immediately judge it and label it. Dozens of times. Hundreds of times. So often that you no longer recognize that you're doing it. It is a deep-seated habit.

I myself never make any notes. Usually, if I write something down, I can't read it afterwards.

I never use notes, they interfere with me.

I'm always thinking of stuff; I just don't sit down and write it. I come up with material more as I go along; if something funny happens, I'll make a note of it on my phone.

I don't listen to music when I'm writing, but I often do when I'm reworking, editing or when I need to relax.