- At My Fingertips
One of the hardest parts of writing, at least for me, is keeping the facts at my fingertips. I long ago learned not to rely on my memory and, since I often write about historical events, getting the correct information about names and dates and circumstances is a crucial element. I try to keep my files up-to-date and easy to access whether they are on my computer or in my filing cabinets. But the pitfalls are many.
First, of course, is the whole organizing scheme. Where should I look when I want information about an early Oysterville mail carrier, for instance? Under ‘People of Oysterville’? or ‘Early Transportation/Stagecoach’? or maybe under ‘Oysterville Post Office”? Ideally, the information would be filed under all three, but cross-referencing takes up more time than I have and far more space than my small office affords. Fortunately, computer searches have become more and more helpful so IF I’ve had occasion to input the information, I can usually find it that way. But, as we all know, computers have their own problems.
Even the best of filing systems break down beginning with what was I thinking when I created the file? Was it created when I was working on subjects about Oysterville in general, or was I working on something concerning rural postal systems? And then there’s the question of why I accessed that file the last time and whether it was returned to its original place of residence. And so on.
Usually, with a little time and a lot of patience, I find what I’m looking for. Sometimes, though, I think I have all the pertinent information but months later I run across a gem-of-a-fact that I could have used – something that was filed elsewhere ( probably with good reason) and that I had forgotten about entirely. I don’t know if that is happening more regularly now that my own mental filing cabinet has become overcrowded and a bit less accessible. I hope not.
I know MY mental files take longer to access than they used to, but that’s because there’s more to thumb through. I love technology, but do not entirely trust it. Best to have some back-up of important information.