Alan Wright, an experienced writer and educator, offers a comprehensive 60 minute video course on the importance of keeping a Writer's Notebook.
With over 40 years of personal experience using Writer's Notebooks, he passionately advocates for their value and discusses various aspects of maintaining one. As he shares insights, Alan conveys the idea that the Writer's Notebook is not just a tool but a companion, serving as a source of inspiration, creativity, and memory.
The course emphasises that Writer's Notebooks are highly personal, coming in various forms, from thick to thin, lined to unlined. Alan emphasises the need for strong covers as these notebooks accompany writers through their daily lives. He highlights the flexibility of these notebooks, adaptable to a writer's specific preferences.
Alan delves into the diverse content that can be included in a Writer's Notebook, such as observations, poetry, stories, opinions, and even drawings. He discusses how the notebook helps writers observe and record their inner and outer worlds, with the potential to spark new ideas, broaden perspectives, and improve memory. In his words, "Notebooks have the power to jumpstart the mind."
Throughout the course, Alan encourages writers to keep their notebooks healthy and active by regularly feeding them with diverse entries. He stresses that writing in a notebook is not to be feared; instead, it's an opportunity to explore and make the blank page come alive.
Alan also advises that Writer's Notebooks should be places of safety and freedom for all writers, regardless of age or experience. These notebooks offer a space for exploration, risk-taking, and the development of writing skills.
Alan discusses the significance of Writer's Notebooks as a tool for both students and writers. The talk covers the history of Writer's Notebooks and their use by famous authors like Mark Twain, Anne Frank, Frida Kahlo, and Ernest Hemingway. The importance of preserving the integrity and authenticity of these notebooks is emphasised, encouraging students to use them as a place to explore ideas, experiment, and take risks.
Alan highlights the role of choice in selecting a notebook that suits individual needs, as well as the need to increase reading alongside writing. Several student reflections on the value of their Writer's Notebooks are shared, underscoring their importance in nurturing creativity and self-expression. Ultimately, he advocates for the joy of writing, the power of memory preservation, and the personal growth that comes from using Writer's Notebooks.
By sharing insights, real-life examples, and influential books on writing, Alan aims to inspire writers to recognise the joy of writing and to use their notebooks to fuel their passion for the written word. His course serves as a valuable resource for both educators and aspiring writers seeking to nurture their creative process through the practice of maintaining a Writer's Notebook.
Included:
- 1 chapter
- 1 printable resource
