CCC/Renchen
WRITER’S NOTEBOOK
“A writer’s notebook gives you a place to live like a writer,” says Ralph Fletcher. It is a place to “exercise
writing, ‘a place to stretch or jog around the block’ ” (Jim Mahoney, Power and Portfolios). You should
carry these around to other places and record things for a few minutes as you observe people and
events around you. This will help you develop a writer’s eye for detail. We will use these in class to
practice new techniques and writing styles – to take risks in order to grow as writers. These are a tool
for collecting information the ways most “real” writers do. Ultimately, the best way to improve your
writing is to write more.
You have your own notebook now. Feel free to decorate your notebook any way you choose (but do
keep it school appropriate). If you pick a notebook that is not a standard size (i.e. smaller composition
notebook or wide ruled), make sure to see me so we can adjust your page requirement appropriately.
Assessment: 30 points per collection (most likely three collections throughout the semester)
The Writer’s Notebook will be assessed on the following criteria:







Minimum of 6 full pages—must be at least 3 separate entries
o The entire page must be full—create multiple columns or other spacing as necessary.
You do NOT have to follow the standard paragraph format.
o Do not write HUGE LETTERS and expect to get full credit. You should average around 10
words per line (dependent on the length or your words). Just write normally and you’ll
be fine—any attempt to play the system and I’ll likely take off points.
All entries should be dated and briefly labeled/titled
A variety of writing should be evident, both in each collection and from collection to collection
(this includes both type of entry AND content—EX: you will not get full credit for a set lists)
Risk-taking should be evident
Thoughtfulness/Thoroughness/Creativity shown
Reflection Sheet completed with thought and thoroughness
All entries compiled in an appropriate notebook
Most of your Writer’s Notebook assignments will be completed outside of class. I will give you warnings
about due dates well ahead of time. However, I would suggest that you bring it with you to class (as
well as other classes) so that you can work on it if you finish something early. I will occasionally give you
time in class and will remind you to bring your notebooks on those days. This is a chance for you to work
on time management skills before college. While it is possible to complete a full set the night before it is
due, students from previous semesters will tell you it is MUCH less enjoyable!
On due dates, you must turn in your notebook along with a completed reflection sheet (which will be
filled out in class on the due date). The reflection sheet will be part of your grade—I will not accept your
notebook unless the reflection is completed. You do not need complete sentences on the reflection as
long as you answer each question thoroughly. Once I return your notebooks, you will set goals for
what you want to improve on for the next collection (types of writing, topics, skills, etc.).
Yes, I do actually read everything you write in the notebooks and will occasionally comment. Feel free to
write notes/questions for me or comment back in future collections.
CCC/Renchen
What could go into your Writer’s Notebook? The following is a list of ideas that I gathered
from writing texts and previous students.



































Class Quick Writes (Short, in-class response writings and exercises) –this is why you want to bring your notebook to class!
Brainstorming for formal writing assignments
Unforgettable Stories: Stories that you read in the newspapers or see on TV. Stories that inspire or tug and the heart strings.
How do they affect you?
Fierce Wonderings: What questions haunt or nag at you, make you wonder, keep you up at night? List a bunch or questions, or
attempt to answer some—either seriously or humorously
Write Small: Notice the small details that say so much about a person or place. Pick a person or object and describe it in as
much detail as possible
Seed Ideas: Ideas that could grow into a piece such as a journal or essay
Snatches of Talk AKA Creeping on Others (Conversations around you and/or how you feel)
Stories about Strangers: Sit somewhere and observe someone/a group of people (make sure it’s people you don’t already
know!) and create their stories. Who are they? What’s currently going on in their lives?
Lists of Things: Things that Irritate Me, Family Stories, Top 5’s, Bottom 5’s, Alphabet, Either/Or, “I Wish”, Bucket Lists, Pro/Con
lists for upcoming decisions, Would You Rather?
Vivid Memories: What’s your first memory? Your most memorable moment? A time when you were most excited, scared,
disappointed, sad, nervous, happy, traumatized, etc.? Describe it in as much detail as possible.
Venting: What is on your mind? Write about a decision you have to make, frustrations at your job, road rage, etc.
Picture Writes: Include a picture from anywhere—online, magazine, your photos, etc. and build a story around the picture
Writing Strikes!: Collect your favorite lines/sentences/words from other authors/musicians
“If I were _________ (opposite gender, general profession, someone you know, celebrity, etc.) I Would…”
“A Day in the Life of ______________ (opposite gender, general profession, someone you know, celebrity, etc.)”—could be
serious or humorous
“I Can’t Imagine Living Without _______” What are the little things in life we often take for granted? What would you do if you
didn’t have these things?
Conversation I’ll Never Have/Letter I’ll Never Send: What do you wish you could say to someone but can’t/didn’t for whatever
reason?
Imagine people as superheroes/villains. What powers would they have?
Mock Awards: create awards for people you know, or what awards would well-known people have received in high school?
6 word stories—write a complete story in 6 words
o
Hemingway once wrote a story in just six words ("For sale: baby shoes, never worn.") and is said to have
called it his best work. Create some of your own, or Google six word stories—create full stories from others’ or write your
thoughts about them.
Facebook statuses/Tweets—make up this info for celebrities/fictional characters, copy (anonymously) ones you see and
comment
Parodies of popular stories—rewrite pieces of well-known books, movies, etc.
Mad libs—Create one and have someone fill in the blanks
Acrostic Poems
Graphic Writes—create pictures using words
Original Creative Writing (picture story, poems, song lyrics, etc.)
Interviews—real or made up
Reviews—movies, new TV shows, school events, sports, current events, etc.
Coded Stories—write a message in code and have someone solve it
Partner Writes—write a story/entry together—could alternate lines/sentences/etc.
Comic Strip
Connected Word (animal farm/farmhand/handball)
Crossword Puzzle—use vocab words with original clues
Cut out Word Collage—paste pictures or words from magazines or newspapers, then write about what they mean to you/why
you chose them
Notable quotes: what are some of your favorite quotes from songs, books, movies, people, etc.? What do they mean to you?
Topics to consider:
College
Relationships
Drama
Family
Stress
Dreams
Goals
Memories
Traumatic situations
Music
Controversial issues
Embarrassing moments
Media/pop culture
Reactions to things that
happen in school