Why Writers Collect Writing They Admire

 Writers 

Collect Writing

They Admire

 

Writers need to read extensively. They often read a wide variety of things and are frequently drawn to words and ideas written in particular genres, styles and forms according to their individual interests and writing projects. Writers frequently collect different kinds of writing. Why?

They harvest these extracts, quotes, words and works for amusement, inspiration curiosity and fascination. Writers often closely study such pieces in order to develop their own writing; their own technique and ideas.

The point I’m making here is that it is quite legitimate to collect such words in your own writer’s notebook. By doing this, you allow yourself and your words to be guided and inspired by writers you admire. Hopefully the words nestling beside your words encourage you to strive to emulate your writing mentors. For many young writers, the thought of collecting examples from writers they admire might never have crossed their minds. This knowledge is valuable. It’s a licence to explore; to learn from literary heroes.

Writers collect writing they find appealing. Once collected that piece of writing can be read and reread for enjoyment and inspiration. It also enables the writer to learn more about particular writing styles, topics and craft strategies.

Inexperienced writers should be encouraged to add such items to their writer’s notebooks. Asking them why a writer might choose a particular piece of writing and what that reveals about their interest becomes a critical question.  Every so often allow time for the mindful sharing of some of the writing that has been curated. In the discussion seek to discover why they chose to harvest particular entries. Encourage  young writers to name the title and author they are referencing and how that author may have influenced their writing.

It is important to allow students to brainstorm and discuss how they might explore ways of collecting writing samples that appeal to them. Samples they find inspirational. They can be alerted to the fact that such actions allow them to stimulate their own writing by tapping into the creative talent of more experienced writers. Further note how experienced writers often mention authors or books that have influenced their work as writers.

As teacher/writers you can look at examples you have collected in your own notebook- quotes, extracts, articles, poems, cartoons. Share them and elaborate on their significance. Why did you consider them worthy of retention in your notebook? Have you learned something from these entries? Have they influenced something you have written?

Possible Writer’s Notebook Actions:

  • Collect writing samples you like- books, articles, reviews, poems, quotes, extracts, short stories, song lyrics. Use them to reference ideas and craft strategies you might to try.
  • Collect strong leads, beginnings, introductions
  • Collect interesting endings
  • Collect interesting and unusual words
  • Collect strong character descriptions
  • Collection great descriptions of scenes and settings
  • Collection powerful dialogue
  • Collect examples of ‘show, don’t tell.
  • Collect examples of ‘mood’ and ‘tone.’
  • Collect examples of literary elements like simile, metaphor, alliteration, onomatopoeia
  • Collect examples of powerful use of verbs, nouns, adjectives
  • Collect poems
  • Collect quotes, extracts
  • Collect news and magazine articles
  • Collect cartoons
  • Collect song lyrics
  • Collect reviews
  • Collect jokes, riddle, short stories
  • Collect noteworthy letters
  • Collect interviews


 

Comments

  1. Cathy4 November 2021 at 11:51

    I love to collect writing that catches my eye, my ear, my heart. I'm better at doing this digitally in Pinterest boards and the highlighted lines of my Kindle. I'm a bit more inconsistent in my notebook so this is a great reminder. You have me thinking about how great this would be to do with students. Being more intentional about the collecting in their notebooks could really lift the writing in the classroom. I could also see collecting "lovely lines" or "wondrous words" or other writing that catches our eye on our classroom walls. I'm going to add this post to my writing Pinterest board as a reminder. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright4 November 2021 at 14:23

      Cathy, your comments further remind me of the ways writers can curate comments. I too collect across a range of platforms, but my preferred method has always been via my notebook. Accessibility and primacy being a big influence on my process. The notion of being mindful and intentional no doubt contributes to increased student awareness around writing. They move from reading a particular author, to then asking- what is this author doing that maybe I could do as well? It sounds like you have a few 'take-aways' from this post that will serve you and your developing writers well. Best wishes.

      Delete
  2. Susan T.7 November 2021 at 01:24

    Alan, I love the idea of collecting individual words in a notebook. That list by the Mad Logophile is so great; I'm going to check it out. Thank you!

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright8 November 2021 at 13:03

      Thank you, Susan. As you are aware, words are our life source, so embracing them is a non-negotiable. Celebrating words both old and new is a constant joy. Our notebooks provide a soft landing place for the many words that float by. For me the challenge is then to seek out a place to incorporate them into my writing. I agree with you regarding that list of old words. I couldn't wait to trap them in my notebook.

      Delete

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