Part 2 begins with Paul Fleischman’s thoughts about notebooks. Throughout this book, several well known authors share their experiences with notebooks. Some golden lines from his writing:
“Often I’ve forgotten that I’ve written an idea in the notebook, and will later find that it appears 2 or 3 times; those are the ideas that usually become books, ideas that tug at your sleeve for years.”
“I like being able to tell students that everything they need to be a writer will fit in their shirt pocket: a small notebook and a pen and pencil.”
Chapter 5: “Mind Pictures”
This chapter encourages writers to pay attention to the world around them. Writing down even the smallest detail or piece of dialogue will help writers remember them for later. These “mind pictures” or the way you first saw the image can become a breeding ground for new books and writing experiences. Having the writer’s noteboook not only allows you to record these responses, but will also help you become more aware of the world around you.
Golden lines:
“Pay attention to your world. Wherever you are, at all hours of the day, try to drink in the world through your five sense, all of which are incredibly important tools for a writer.” (45)
“Write down just enough so that, later, rereading the words will reawaken the image in your imagination.” (47)
Chapter 6: “Snatches of Talk”
One of the key parts to narrative writing is the dialogue. Fletcher encourages writers to become better listeners and to record funny, sad or profound “blips” they hear as they can be added to writing. He describes writers who have used a dialogue exchange between siblings in a novel or the crazy, but often true things children will say like, “Maybe if you thought you were pretty, you would be.” By developing this ear for dialogue, writers can pick up on the natural cadence of a certain character, especially if that character is reminiscent of someone in real life.
Golden lines:
“The way we talk says a ton about who we are.” (59)
“Learn to listen wherever you go. Your notebook is the perfect place to record funny or disturbing things you overhear on the playground, the words spoken by a tired mother at the mall, or the complaints of a first grader who doesn’t want to go to school.” (65)
“Human talk has the ability to capture a whole world in a few words.” (66)
A final thought from Naomi Shihab Nye:
“Can you imagine a star athlete never exercising or warming up! Notebooks are a stretch, a jog around the block.”
Always,
mnc
Always, m.n.c. 
I do love this book and the exercises it has student engage in. They are also great reminders for us as teachers of writing. Great quote from Naomi Shihab Naib
I took a essay class last semester and my professor encouraged us to take a notepad and pen with us everywhere we go. He said that the inspiration to write can come when you least expect it, so always be prepared. Also, there is a lot of things to write about in the world. I agree with the quote that says pay attention to the world around you because there is so much to see and write about.
I think that’s such a great idea. Students are encouraged to take an agenda to keep track of their lives and a notebook would just be a more enjoyable twist on this notion.