Journals & Writers’ Notebooks
Words; Jeni Smith
On Journals and writers’ notebooks
BASSOT, B. (2013) THE REFLECTIVE JOURNAL. LONDON: PALGRAVE MACMILLAN.
Many people like using this well-focused book which provides a reassuringly practical introduction to reflective practice. Bassot offers a variety of ways that a practitioner might choose to write reflectively.
BOLTON, G. (2014) REFLECTIVE PRACTICE: WRITING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. LONDON: SAGE.
This is an immensely practical and well-researched book grounded in the author’s long experience of working on reflective practice with many different practitioners. It includes thought-provoking chapters on why we might write and about different ways of using writing as a tool for thinking. Many ideas to support reflective writing.
DIEHN, G (2006) THE DECORATED JOURNAL. NEW YORK NY: LARK BOOKS.
This book is about creating beautiful journals. It is included in the book-making list as well because it gives clear instructions on how to make simple bound books. There is a lot of inspiration here for different kinds of journal keeping, especially the travel journal. It is visually attractive and considers journals that are created to be shared rather than the messier more private collections that appear in writing notebooks.
FULWILER, T. ED. (1987) THE JOURNAL BOOK. PORTSMOUTH NH: BOYNTON COOK/ HEINEMANN.
This remains a very thoughtful collection of essays about journal writing in practice, from early years to doctoral student. It is still in print, though expensive. It contains essays from inspirational individuals including Nancie Atwell, Toby Fulwiler, Peter Stillman and Judith Summerfield.
GRAHAM, L., JOHNSON, A. (2003) CHILDREN’S WRITING JOURNALS. ROYSTON: UKLA.
This mini-book about using journals with children in primary schools remains the most comprehensive publication of its kind. Its combination of practical ideas and examples of children’s writing make it essential reading for anyone wanting children in their classroom to use writing journals.
HOLLY, M. L. (1989) WRITING TO GROW KEEPING A PROFESSIONAL JOURNAL. PORTSMOUTH NH: HEINEMANN
This remains an excellent guide to journal keeping for both personal and professional purposes. It provides much food for thought for teachers, offering prompts and ways of working that are designed to help us think about our practice and find ways of articulating what we do. There is much in this book that can inspire the individual and groups of teachers writing together.
PATTERSON, L. (2019) MOON LISTS QUESTIONS AND RITUALS FOR SELF-REFLECTION. NEW YORK: CLARKSON POTTER.
This journal for self-reflection incorporates space for writing within it and provides prompts and thoughts for each week of the year, notionally following the phases of the moon. It has a very light touch and encourages a meditative state of mind.
RAAB, D.M.(ED) (2010) WRITERS AND THEIR NOTEBOOKS) COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA PRESS.
This is a fine collection of essays by writers on their use of journals, day books, notebooks … call them what you will. It is full of insights and inspiration.
RAINER, J. (1978) THE NEW DIARY. LONDON: ANGUS & ROBERTSON PUBLISHERS.
I am glad to see that this book remains in print. It is a book that explores many different ways of using a journal (rather than the daily entry implied by the word ‘diary’). The ‘seven special techniques’ may well be familiar to writers now though they remain useful and are often used in writing workshops –we often use lists, for example, and the ‘unsent letter’ can tap into important ideas and feelings. Lots in here for both the individual and the group.
SARTON, M (1968) PLANT DREAMING DEEP. NEW YORK: W. W. NORTON
SARTON, M. (1973 JOURNAL OF A SOLITUDE. LONDON: THE WOMEN’S PRESS.
These two journals by the American writer, May Sarton offer two ways of approaching the same life experience. The first presents a portrait of her life that does not touch on its difficulties and unhappiness. In Journal of a Solitude, Sarton faces these difficulties: writer’s block, loneliness, her sexuality, her womanhood.
LEONARD WOOLF, ED. (1953) A WRITER’S DIARY: BEING EXTRACTS FROM THE DIARY OF VIRGINIA WOOLF. LONDON: HARCOURT BRACE.
These diary extracts are full of inspiration and insights into the writing process and the purposes of a journal, diary or notebook for the writer. Virginia Woolf had a marvellous eye for detail and a particular way of looking at the world.