Using The Writer's Notebook To Reflect and Ponder

 

We can use our Writer's Notebook in an infinite number of ways to collect limitless entries. Once collected these entries can be used to inform writing projects we wish to pursue -now and in the future. 

Here are some random entries from some of my notebooks to highlight the range of entries I gather from my various worlds. Some have been gathered from the physical world. Some are observational,  while others are personal reflections. Inexperienced writers need to be shown all the places a more experienced writer goes in order to add notebook entries. Remember, a writer's process is important. 

The question might be pondered after reading such entries- Why did the writer choose to gather this particular entry in their notebook, and how might it be used later?


I’ve decided I would never make a good pirate, despite my illusions. For a start I possess the buoyancy of a boulder and the thought of climbing up to the crow’s nest gives me nose bleed and wobbly legs. My balance is questionable and, I have an aversion to weapons like cutlasses and muskets. The thought of being trapped on a boat bobbing on the ocean blue for an extended period with a high chance of contracting scurvy- or worse, possesses no appeal.

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Fear is a physically funny feeling. It begins as just a nervous gnawing deep inside you- a slight sense of disquiet welling up inside you.

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Finding yourself in a seafood restaurant when you don’t eat fish- now that’s scary. When the door snaps behind you before you have finished checking to see if you have the keys in your pockets, that’s scary too.

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There are 189 Starbucks outlets in New York City and in the immediate vicinity of where I reside on West 48th Street, there are six outlets within a two block radius, so it is a waste of time owning a coffee percolator.

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Even though I am now a grandparent, it does not stop me from taking part in adventurous activities. I can do- budgie jumping, iron boarding, cross-country sleeping, mound climbing and bait lifting.'

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 ‘Who created God?’ a child asked while illustrating a picture of his own back-yard. The reply came quickly from a classmate seated at the same table- ‘I know who created God, God’s mum.’

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There is such a fine line when it comes to cooking toast. It is brought into sharp focus when a decision is made to make toast in your hotel room. It becomes problematic when the toaster, and you, are comparative strangers. One moment, the toasting delivers an invitingly golden brown pop up. A moment too long and your log for slice of toast is transformed into a piece of scorched charcoal. Never leave the responsibility entirely to a toaster you don’t know. You must watch it all the way until the slices are delivered to safety. The toaster doesn’t care. If you set and forget, you do so at your own peril. Burn baby burn…

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‘Chloe’s brother owns a grey and white cat, and its name is Red. Can you believe it?  Pretty funny eh?’ A short, yet enlightening conversation with a student at Albion Primary School on Tuesday morning.

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When we hear the words world leader, it has become a diminished term. Too few of them seem inclined to lead for the common good, for mankind. Dazzled by power, they have an increasing tendency to exude strong self-survival skills and moral malnutrition. They become needers, rather than leaders.


Teachers, do you have a selection of entries in your notebook you could share with your keen to learn young writers?

Consider asking your class of writers to submit some of their entries after you have shared yours. Create a display of some of the collected entries. Hopefully, such action will richly influence the range and quality of entries seen in notebooks.



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