At one of the writing meetings I attended back in California, a woman spoke about having a writing scrapbook. In her notebook she had ideas for stories, inspiring notes, and published works (that fit). So I bought a colorful notebook for my future published works. My notebook remained empty for a long time until I started getting published, in little places here and there. How to rack up writing credits will be in a future post.
Thankfully, my notebook is getting full đ I bought plastic sleeves to insert magazine articles. Or if the story was published online, I printed it and inserted it into my notebook. If my critique partners or mentor gave me words of inspiration, I added it.
This notebook serves two purposes. One, it’s a safe-keeping place for my published babies. Two, when the writing depression hits, I can go to my notebook and be inspired and encouraged that Yes, I am a writer, and I can do it, by the grace of God!
16 comments
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August 8, 2012 at 8:35 am
Tracy Campbell
Oh Tina! What a wonderful idea! You inspire me. I love the cover and what I can see of the inside pages. You should write a post about each of your successes. I’d love to read it. I’m definitely filing this post away under “Inspiration”.
August 8, 2012 at 2:24 pm
tinamcho
Glad it inspired you, Tracy! I’m sure you have lots of things to file!
August 8, 2012 at 6:30 pm
Tracy Campbell
Oh…I have a few things kicking around.
August 8, 2012 at 1:44 pm
hannahholt
I love this idea. I have my published pieces in a boring file folder. This is much better (more visual).
August 8, 2012 at 2:24 pm
tinamcho
I hope to see your notebook soon, Hannah!
August 8, 2012 at 3:29 pm
Kirsten Larson
As a former journalist, I have a “clip file,” which is pretty much a file folder stuffed with newspaper articles. This looks like a much better way of presenting the material and using it as motivation. Thanks for the idea!
August 8, 2012 at 3:52 pm
tinamcho
You’re welcome. Have fun organizing, Kirsten!
August 8, 2012 at 3:52 pm
tinamcho
You’re welcome. Have fun organizing, Kirsten!
August 8, 2012 at 3:40 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
I LOVE this idea! It sure beats a pile of magazines with sticky note markers in them! How did I never think of this?! I did make a traditional scrapbook about my one (so far) published book. It starts with my acceptance email, and includes reviews, mentions, photographs from books signings and author visits, newspaper articles, and thank you notes from classes I visited. I need to start a new scrapbook immediately and get this stuff organized!
August 8, 2012 at 3:53 pm
tinamcho
I like the idea of your first scrapbook regarding the journey for your 1st book. Happy scrapbooking this new one!
August 8, 2012 at 3:53 pm
Susanna Leonard Hill
What a great idea! I love this. Thanks for sharing đ
August 8, 2012 at 3:54 pm
tinamcho
Thanks, Susanna, for stopping by. I’m sure you’d have LOTS of things to include!
August 14, 2012 at 1:36 pm
Stacy S. Jensen
This is a great idea! Now to fill one up!
August 15, 2012 at 5:24 am
tinamcho
Thanks for visiting, Stacy! Yes, have fun making a notebook!
August 23, 2012 at 5:56 am
Laura Sassi
Dear Tina,
Very inspiring post! I have a binder of all my published magazine pieces that looks almost exactly like yours. Each piece is protected in an archival quality plastic sheath like yours. Not only is it a good pick-me-up for writer’s block blues, but my kids LOVE looking through it. It’s become part of our family heritage and sits near our family scrap books. I’ve also taken it to school visits and the students like looking through it as well.
August 23, 2012 at 11:41 pm
tinamcho
That’s neat, Laura, that you also have one. What a great idea to set it by the family scrapbooks. I should do that.