Not everything will work for everyone, but the notebook concept does work for me.
I carried notebooks all through grade school and into college. They were stuffed with hand-written stories and ideas. I still have notes all over the place, both electronic and hand-written. It's how I think. When I write it down, it's in my muscle memory for life. Nothing is more frustrating to me than being in the shower or driving, and not being able to write down an idea or a scene because it seems my best ones come at both those times. LOL!! A reader even sent me a waterproof notepad and pen one time for Christmas!
As for the driving, I adore the speak to text feature on my iPhone.