Time saving tricks?

[JoeGKushner]

Just looking for some ideas on how best to save some time when school and work steal away the hours I prefer to set up long and short term goals for my campaign. I'm a bit luckier than some in that I have great freestyle playing and am always writing materials down as I go but I prefer to have more stuff in the queue so I don't suffer.

 

[Kilmore]

Get a "fat little notebook" to stuff in your pocket and jot things down at work or school when inspiration hits.

 

[Crothian]

Notebooks are good, personally I write a short line or a few sentances knowing that I can expand upon the idea if I have the time, or can just wing it at the gaming table. Some times I'll write stuff during lunch and other meals, one just has to be careful for spills.

 

[s/LaSH]

Yup, always carry pen and paper. I've got a battered booklet in my pocket beside my keys, and it's got the weirdest stuff in there... I've had ideas while walking to the train station, sitting in lectures, at the dinner table, and it's very handy.

So long as you can write while walking, of course.

 

[Hand of Evil]

Use to use a notebook and jot information down, now it is my IPAQ (I can record notes also).

 

[Drawmack]

I use the Stephen King method.

I get an idea I file it in a mental drawer. If I open that drawer a week later and the idea is still there then it's a good idea if it's gone then it wasn't worth the time of development.

As far as saving time developing. I do this. Plan the final battle first, then get the PCs there. This cuts my development time by about half.

 

[Rel]

Buy a cheap dictaphone and keep it in your glove compartment in the car. That way, when you have a good campaign idea while driving, you can record it and write it down later.

That reminds me that I need batteries for my dictaphone.

 

[Imhotepthewise]

I have several "ideas" doc files on the zip disk that stays in my work bag. I can write ideas at home or at work. Also, a file of useful websites is handy. Saves the weird bookmarks at work. Many websites are blocked by work firewall.