Doing something creativeWhether you’re into writing, music, painting, calligraphy or any other art form, a notebook is valuable to any artistic person.

They say you’re supposed to write what you know, after all—so use your observational notebook to ensure you know what a windy day does to a flaky pastry, or what a hot cup of coffee does to ...

John Schu is a best-selling author, a children’s librarian and a tireless evangelist for the power of a blank page.