1. What
is a writer’s notebook? A writer’s notebook is the writer’s place to write down
thoughts, ideas, plans, memories, images, questions, answers, stories, and
anything else he can think of; to experiment, try different things, “play” with
writing, without worrying about things like form, grammar, spelling, etc. You
can get any kind of notebook you want, any size, as long as it’s bound and
self-contained; no loose-leaf folders or binders, or multi-subject notebooks.
And PUT YOUR NAME ON IT!!
2. Oh,
you mean a journal, right? No!!! A writer’s notebook is not a journal! This is very important to remember. A journal is
just for recording events, the things that happen to you day by day. That’s
only one of many, many different things you can do with a writer’s notebook.
Try to do as many different things as you can (click here for suggestions).
3. So
what am I supposed to write about? Well, you’re not necessarily
supposed to write about anything.
Again, that’s only one way of writing, there are many more. Just write! Click here for examples of
things you can do; when in doubt, just pick one.
4. How
long does it have to be? Whenever you write in your notebook, the idea is to
write as much as you can and keep writing
as more and more thoughts and ideas come to you. You can’t be “finished.” There’s always
more to write. Give yourself 20-30 minutes or so, and write as much as you can.
5. Do
I have to do this every day? Yes. Make sure you label your entries; just write the
date, and the letter “C” if you’re writing in class, or the letter “H” if
you’re writing outside of class; for example, at home. You’re expected to write
one “C” entry and one “H” entry every day.
6. What?
I have to bring my notebook to class? Yes, every day. When you walk
into class, the first thing you should do is take out your writer’s notebook.
You’ll see a quotation on the board; sometimes it’ll be a question. You need to
respond to the quote in your writer’s notebook.
7. What
do you mean, “respond to
the quote?” Just write whatever it makes you think. What do you think
the person is trying to say? What does it remind you of? Is it relevant to you
and your life? How? Do you agree with it? Why? Remember, “I don’t understand
the quote” is not an option. The only wrong response is no response at
all. You must find meaning! Click here for a
demonstration.
Don’t waste too much time
copying the quote; I’m more interested in your response. Also don’t waste time writing your name, the school’s
name, course name, etc. in a heading; just the date and “C,” but make sure your
name is on the cover of your notebook.
8. How
are you going to grade it? The grade is based on three factors: VOLUME (how
much and how often you write), VARIETY (how many different things you do), and
THOUGHT (how much thinking is reflected in your entries). Each of these factors
is rated excellent, good, fair, or poor, and you get a letter grade. (A, A-,
B+, B, etc.; click here
for details.) Obviously, the more you write, the better your grade will be. If
there’s very little writing in your notebook, you’ll get an F, or even a zero. Click here
to view the full assessment rubric for writer’s notebooks.
9. When
am I supposed to hand it in? I will collect your notebook periodically, fairly
often, although you should be prepared to hand it in at any time,
on request. You’ll have no trouble with that if you simply write your “C” and
“H” entries every day, as assigned.
On the day your notebook is due,
drop it off on the desk at the end of
the period. Generally, we’ll switch to reader’s notebooks when I
collect your writer’s notebook, and then vice-versa.
10.
Anything else? Let’s see…Make sure your name is on your notebook, on the
cover or inside, or you won’t get credit for it…No one will read your notebook
but me. If there are pages you don’t want me to read, please indicate those
pages…Don’t neglect your notebook while we’re working on writing projects; you’re still
expected to write every day…The book Brain
Droppings by George Carlin
is an excellent example of what a writer’s notebook should be. And it’s
hysterically funny too…