This is something I’ve experienced on just about a daily basis since November 27, 2009.

Book Brain: \ˈbu̇k\\ˈbrān\ – noun –

1.  The state of being all consumed by your WIP:  The house was on fire but I didn’t notice because of my book brain.

2.  Appeared lack of focus because a scene or dialogue is playing in your mind:  After a family dinner, my dad commented to my mom that I didn’t seem like myself.  In actuality, I was just distracted due to book brain.

3.  Continuous distraction due to thinking about what to do next with your MS or looking for ideas:  Because of my book brain, I didn’t notice Will making paper airplanes out of a piece of paper full of notes for my MS.  depleting the M&M dispenser in my office.

It’s gotten slightly better, now that I have things plotting done.  However, I still constantly run scenes through my head, trying to make them better or think of better ways to do it.  I always am looking for inspiration as to other story ideas or studying people for real life characterization.  I was at a Braves baseball game with a notebook in my lap taking TONS of notes.  Now that's a little crazy if you ask me - but if I don't write it down, I'll forget.  Luckily I just got this fancy new phone and have downloaded some cool apps for taking notes.  Maybe it will make me less obtrusive.

Anyone else out there have a pet name for your distraction due to thinking through your WIP?  Any cool ways you take notes, unobtrusively?