The Life of a Writer--Keeping Track of Your Ideas ~By Suzy Leopold

Another outstanding writing event took place during the month of January. I’m quite certain many of you participated in Storystorm with Tara Lazar. As always, there were excellent posts for writers to learn and grow from.

Storystorm 2018

Now, what are your plans for the ideas you generated and wrote down?

Ideas are what keep a writer moving forward. Whether you have too many ideas or not enough, keeping track of ideas in an organized fashion will support you and your writing goals. Putting them altogether in one place becomes a depository of ideas.

Perhaps you jotted down tidbits on scraps of paper, scribbled on a receipt, note cards, or even a paper napkin. Better yet, you may have typed your thoughts into a document on your computer. Did you write your inspiring *light bulb* ideas in a journal?  You’re ahead of the game if you kept your ideas in one place. Whatever tool you used, be affirmed in knowing you are moving in the right direction.

If you need some organization for your ideas, it’s time. It is time to gather all of your incredible ideas and keep them in one place. 

The human brain can’t possibly remember them all. Perhaps you are like me . . . I can’t remember most ideas since they seem to disappear into thin air as fast as they appear.

Created by Suzy

Any type or size of journal will work. Composition notebooks work best for me. Gather all of the odds and ends and pieces of paper you used to jot down your thoughts: Post-it® notes, index cards, your scribble scrabbles, receipts, and envelopes, etc. There is no need to rewrite your many ideas. Use a glue stick to adhere your collection of bits and pieces of paper inside a notebook.

Journals

Recording and tracking your ideas, are excellent organizational tools for a writer. Your ideas are ready and handy for when you need them. Over time you can refer to each one and expand on the idea as you develop it further. Are some of the shiny ideas standing out more than others? Perhaps some ideas are demanding, "Write me!"

As you weed through what you scribed during the Storystorm challenge, consider each idea thoughtfully. Carefully examine each idea and whittle down the list. Evaluate and determine which ideas have a strong picture book potential.

What makes a good idea? That's a challenging question. While no idea is ever wasted, a writer needs to consider the shiny ideas first. You need to weed through each one. Which ideas do you want to consider developing further? 

Here's my list of suggestions:

1. Choose an idea and write a pitch or a tweet.
2. Set a timer for 30 minutes and write a sloppy copy.
3. Brainstorm a few ideas with a critique partner.
4. Draft an outline to see where the idea takes you.
5. Select an idea and create a character map.
6. Ask yourself questions. Does the idea lend itself to a clear theme?
7. Do you feel you can expand on the catchy title idea? 
8. Search on Amazon. Do you see another writer who wrote about your idea? Don't be discouraged. Set out to write a story with a new spin, told in a way that only you can do. 
9. Write a draft, followed by several rewrites. From there take time to reconfigure and reconsider before sharing your manuscript with a critique partner or group. 
10. Finally, ask yourself, "Am I passionate about this idea?" Then you must write it.

After you have organized your Storystorm ideas in your Notebook of Ideas and prioritized which ideas have a strong potential to become manuscripts, keep on going. 

The journal can be used for future ideas throughout the year— an ongoing list to inspire you. 

Hang onto your inspiration. Create a depository of writing ideas.

Share in the comments below your suggestions for keeping track of your writing ideas.

Tips for Beginning Writers ~Suzy Leopold

Please note: 
While the title indicates beginning writers, I consider these Tips for All Writers. Even if you feel you are a writer who has moved beyond the beginning stages, I encourage you to continue to read. 

Perhaps you are a published author. Please proceed. Hopefully, you will feel affirmed in what you know as a writer and/or be reminded of what works for you, while reading this blog post. 

For the beginning writer, I do hope you will discover some new ideas to further your interest in writing.

1. Say it out loud: "I am a writer."

When can you start calling yourself a writer?
     Now.
          Right now.
Don't be shy. 
     Doing so makes it real.

A writer can be unpublished, prepublished or published.

Look in the mirror and say, "I am a writer."
Say it again until you believe it.

"When can you start calling 

yourself a writer?

Now."

~Chuck Sambuchino

2. Read, read, read.

• Read in the genre that you write.
• Read across genres, including books for children and adults.
• Read newspapers and magazines.
• Read poetry.
• Read recently published books at the library and bookstore.
• Linda Sue Park, a Newbery Medal winning author, encourages aspiring children's authors to read at least five hundred books in the genre and age group that you desire to write.

Reading numerous books helps define what a good story is to you and from there you will write the stories you like to read.

Each year a committee of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), creates a list of worthy and notable books. 

Click on the link ALSC Notable Children's Books for more information.

Every time you read a book that you like, study it further. Analyze it. Study the techniques the writer used. Ask questions:

• What do you like about this story or article?
• How did the author hook you as a reader?
• Figure out what works with the beginning and the ending of the story.
• Analyze the word count.
• How did the author use the right word in the right place?
• Think about character development---How are the characters authentic with their action and dialogue?

3. Write, write, write.

• Practice, Write, Revise and Repeat.
• Most writers feel that writing every day is best. However, you need to cultivate a process that works for you. Create a writing and revision process that helps you do your best work.
• Set a timer. Begin writing for 10 to 30 minutes. Over time, you will build your writing stamina to write for longer periods of time.
• Perseverance + Discipline + Time = A Story
• Do write in your voice with your individual strengths and uniqueness. 
• Get everything out of your head and onto paper or in a word document.

4. Keep a writing journal.

• Write down favorite quotes and words of wisdom.
• Doodle and draw characters, settings, and book cover ideas. You don't have to be artistic---stick figures work to give you a better layout that includes page turns.
• Jot down both positive and negative thoughts, along with your ups and downs during your writing journey.
• Brainstorm lists of words.
• Keep your ideas and inspiration inside your journal.
• Create a checklist of goals.
• Write an outline for a book idea.
• Record highlights of information you learned to a conference, workshop, and/or webinar.

Create a journal filled with information you can refer as a resource to refer to. In time, look back at your journal entries. I'm certain you will note how you have grown as a writer.

5. Reach out to writers.

• If you aren't already a member, become a member of SCBWI.
• Participate in writing challenges, Facebook groups and discussions, critique groups---in-person and online.
• Discuss the process of writing with trusted friends. Together through encouragement, critique partners should give you courage to be daring, to make mistakes and learn and grow.

I picked these flowers for YOU from my garden.

Every one has a story to tell. Know why you want to share this story. Why does it matter? Why is it important for it to be told? 

Be brave. Believe.

Create a Summertime Journal ~By Suzy Leopold

In a previous GROG post, about journals, I shared information on why one should consider keeping a journal or two, or three or even more.  Are you writing in a journal?  I do hope the answer is a resounding, "Yes!"  If not, here's an opportunity for you to make and create a journal for yourself and even consider making and creating journals to share with others. 

Throughout the years, my students have enjoyed making and creating journals.  The journals were used to display "published best copies," written during a Writer's Workshop lesson. Illustrations were added.  Creating student journals for the content areas of Math, Social Studies and Science are very effective. 

Consider making memories creating a personal journal, this summer, with your kids or the grandkids.

Being a crafty person is not required.  If you are a reader and a writer, you can construct your own personal journal to write thoughts, lists, ideas, poems, stories, doodles and much more. Making a journal just takes a little time and patience and does not require much money.  

Begin with the following materials:

1.  A composition notebook

2.  Four pieces of scrapbook paper 12 X 12 inches. Cut two pieces 12 X 8 inches for the outside front and back covers of the notebook. Cut two pieces of scrapbook paper 6 x 9 for the inside front and back covers of the notebook.

Note:  Be creative and consider using gift wrap paper, construction paper, cardstock, linen type paper or even brown craft paper.  All work great.

3.  Glue stick

4.  Hot glue gun

5.  Scissors

6.  Ribbon, rick rack and/or twine

7.  Embellishments

Note: Scrapbook letters and/or stickers, recycled greeting card cutouts, buttons, etc. make great additions.

8.  A Paper Folding Tool or Straight Edge Tool [optional]

Gather the supplies needed to create a personalized journal.

Many of these items you may have around the house. If you do not, consider purchasing what is needed from a local retail store or a indie craft store. 

Using a glue stick, generously apply glue to notebook.  Line up and place the cut scrapbook paper to the front of the composition notebook.  Repeat for the back of the notebook. The scrapbook paper should line up to the spine of the journal without gluing the paper onto the black binding of the note book.

Use a folding tool or straight edge tool, to smooth out any air bubbles, which helps to adhear the paper to the notebook and provide a finished look.

My favorite folding tool is a kitchen gadget. It is a plastic spatula.
A ruler or a sample piece of vinyl works well. You could even try a credit card!

Triangle corner folds are glued securely.

Continue using the folding tool to make some more paper folds. Pressing firmly with your fingers, works well, too. Create triangle shape corners as you fold the scrapbook paper inward. Do this for both the front cover of the notebook and for the back of the notebook.

Make four triangles folds for each corner of the notebook.

Once the four triangles are folded, use the glue stick to adhere the corners to the notebook.  

Now it is time to fold the paper along the three sides, of the front and back, of the notebook, as you can see in this photo:

Glue and secure these three folds, on the inside front cover and the inside back cover. Press firmly or use a folding tool.

 
This is what your journal should look like at this point.  I used a laminated piece of paper inbetween the cover of the notebook and the first page, as the glue was not quite dry and I did not want any of the glue to stick to the first page.  You could use a piece of parchment paper or wax paper, to prevent sticking until the glue is completely dry.

A piece of laminated paper sits temporarily
inside to prevent the drying glue from sticking.

Just a few more steps.  And here is another picture of the journal project:

Using a generous amount of glue, attach the 6 X 9 pieces of paper to the inside front and back covers as noted in this photo: 

Be creative and use paper that compliments the paper on the outside of the journal.  Mix and match.

Attach ribbon type bookmarks to the
center seem of the journal

Open up the notebook to the center seem.  Using a hot glue gun, attach some ribbon and/or rick rack or even some rope or twine for bookmarks.
Tie a knot at the end of each bookmark.   

This is the final step to complete your journal. 

Time to personalize it and make it your own. Select some scrapbook letter stickers [self adhesive work great], some baubles and other embelishments to make your journal special. Use the glue stick or hot glue gun, to adhere the decorations to the notebook.  Add some bling and baubles!

You did it!  Your journal is ready for some words. Time to write!

Here is a picture of one of my many journals: 

Suzy's Journal

Hope your new personalized journal provides you with many opportunities to write.  Share your journal creations.

Journals galore for family and friends!

Journal [jûr′ nǝl] n. A Personal Record ~By Suzy Leopold

Many people, young and old, keep journals-artists, students, teachers, librarians, gardeners, farmers, athletes, politicians, scientists, writers, chefs, and many, many more. 

Most writers use a journal to record everyday events and topics that interest them.  These journals may include daily entries that record news and events that are personal in nature.  They are private and not intended for others to read as one writes about personal experiences, thoughts and dreams, in a diary.  Others who write in a journal may want to share their thoughts, recordings and reflections. These individuals enjoy sharing, with a trusted reader, who is interested in the subject matter or information. Favorite quotes, jokes or delicious recipes can be passed on from a writer to a reader.  Some journals are considered working journals that record observations and facts, such as crop, plant and weather data. A double-entry journal, is a way to share, read and respond while rotating the journal between two writers. Most often a double-entry journal dialogue is between a teacher and a student.  These journals become a written conversation for learning and growing.  

The American Heritage dic•tion•ar•y defines the word journal: [jûr′ nǝl] n. A personal record of occurrences, experiences, and reflections kept on a regular basis; a diary.

Did you know that Leonardo 

da Vinci kept over forty notebooks?  He wrote about his activities, and recorded plans for his engineering projects.  If Meriwether Lewis had not kept a journal, while exploring across North America, we would not have a glimpse of his travels, during the time he lived, nor the geographical information that he recorded in his journal. The beloved, world class diary, The Diary of Anne Frank, was written while Anne and her family hid in an attic, from the Nazis during World War II.  Reading her remarkable child diary connects the reader to the horrors of the war. President, Abraham Lincoln, our sixteenth president kept a kind of diary.  On little scraps of paper, he jotted down thoughts and sometimes referred to these notes in his speeches. Our beloved president was a powerful orator.  His love for the written word was evident in his love for books. As a young man, Abraham always had a book stashed away. He read whenever he found a chance to do so, sometimes finding a moment in between chores on the farm. On a page from Abraham's schoolbook he wrote the following poem: 

Abraham Lincoln

his hand and pen

he will be good but

god knows when

There are many purposes for keeping a journal or two or more.  A journal has many functions and uses.  Writing in a journal is an excellent place to jot down personal experiences, thoughts and memories.  

For additional information, refer to a previous post by Janie, Tickling Your Muse or How to Spark Ideas Using Glitter and Crayons.

Many readers and writers use journals to enhance their writing from beginning to end. It is a great format to write about books.  Keep a reading log of books you are reading.  Scribe your thoughts about the book.  Summarize and evaluate the book.  Would you recommend the book to others?  Consider recording ideas, information, data and facts, or rhyming words about topics that you wish to write about.  

As a writer, brainstorm thoughts and make lists in a journal. Use a journal for pre writing that is spontaneous and written in a first draft form. Try a strategy referred to as quickwriting.  It is an informal ramble of words on paper to develop and generate ideas.  Jump start your writing with some writing prompts that may spark some creativity.  Make a list.  Doodle. Sketch. Create a graphic organizer. Think of bold beginnings, mighty middles, and exciting endings. Add mementos and ephemera.  Jot down words and more words. Keep on writing. Just focus on your thinking and ideas; not grammar and spelling.  The revisions and editing can follow later.  Use a variety of writing implements.  You can use more than a pencil. Try writing with colored pencils, markers, or even a collection of rainbow colored pens.

Keep a pocket size journal or notebook in your purse or backpack for moments when bright ideas pop into your head.  Writing in a composition notebook or even a spiral bound notebook, make great journals. 

Create and keep a variety of journals and begin writing for many purposes.  One can never have too many journals.  Just think of the many possibilities.  What type of journal do you write in?  What kind of journal will you create to write in on a daily basis?