Ralph Fletcher, in his book “A WRITER’S NOTEBOOK” lists a number of ideas which can help you organise your writer’s notebook into a place “to live like a writer, not just in school during writing time, but wherever you are, at any time of day.” (p4) His list begins with:
1) What amazes/surprises/anger you – unforgettable stories
2) What you wonder about- fierce wonderings
3) What you notice – writing small
4) “Seed Ideas” or “Triggers” to generate stories or poems
5) Small details that intrigue you – mind pictures
6) Snatches of talk you overhear
7) Memories
8) Lists
9) Photos, articles, ticket stubs or other artifacts
10) Your own sketches, drawings or doodles
11) Quotes or inspiring passages from books or poems – writing that inspires
12) Writing that scrapes the heart – “writing you do because your heart will burst if you don’t write it.” (p. 98)
His writing seed ideas, can prompt and entice the most reticent of writers, to pick up their pencils and pens and write – authentically, creatively, imaginatively, wildly and “juicy” (a term used by another of my writing idols SARK)
On his site, Ralph lists tips for young (and not so young) writers. He is my Writer’s Notebook guru and his website is a favourite in my bookmarks.