Writing compulsively can seem strange to those who don’t share the feeling, often driven by a need that goes beyond utility. For many, the act of jotting down thoughts is a way of processing and making sense of their experiences, even if it appears to serve little purpose. This process can provide a sense of connection to one’s inner world, despite its often accidental usefulness.

Those who keep private notebooks are portrayed as unique individuals who grapple with their emotions and thoughts. They are characterized as solitary figures who rearrange their ideas in an attempt to confront their anxieties and fears of losing their memories or insights. Joan Didion suggests that these notebook keepers possess an innate awareness of loss, a perspective that influences their compulsion to document their lives.