Writers Notebook Overview Writers Notebook Overview The Writers

Writer’s Notebook Overview

Writer’s Notebook Overview �The Writer’s Notebook is a SAFE place to write. If you cannot write freely, you will not write truthfully. If you do not write truthfully, you do not write well. �There is an exception. �You may request that an entry not be read. �The Writer’s Notebook is a place to develop ideas, not to finish them. Do not censor your writing.

�When taking notes, everything in RED is to be copied into your notebook. �Start a new page for each entry. �Date each entry. �Label each entry on the top line. I will always tell you what to label. This will ensure I am able to check each entry.

First Page �Put the DATE on the top right hand line. �Label the page “Introduction”

The Philosophy: “A writer’s notebook works just like an incubator: a protective place to keep your infant idea safe and warm, a place for it to grow while it is too young, too new, to survive on its own. ” -Ralph Fletcher

First Quick Write: Practice the quick write idea and getting ideas to “flow. ” �Compose a letter to John Green in which you respond to his letter. �Compose a letter to yourself about your education, specifically your goals and dreams for the year. �Compose a letter to your community in which you address your responsibility as learners and future leaders (or lack thereof). �Compose a letter to your teacher(s) in which you tell us what you want and expect from school this year. This is a quick write and as such, what's important is simply writing. Paradoxically, the mere act of writing will help you think of ideas. Looking at the paper and 'thinking about it' won't. So just write; don’t worry about spelling, grammar, or formatting. You are just planting seeds which can be revised later. You will have 10 minutes for your response. I'll write, too, and set the timer so we