Learn2Write

So much has happened in the last year. So many incidents, experiences, feelings and emotions remain untold. There are so many stories that you haven't really shared with anyone. But why?  As children, you go through a plethora of incidents every day and that’s what moulds you to be who you are. That’s what changes your attitude to life, your way of handling situations and sometimes even avoiding them altogether. But when at a certain point in life, you wish to know how was it that you became the person you are today, you feel at a loss for a starting point. All that made you who you are will simply be wiped out from your memory. Now, how do we save ourselves from such a situation?

With so many stories to share, why not allow yourself to bring your pen to meet paper and express yourself freely using a diary? With the help of a diary, your life will feel sorted, will be put into the right perspective and you will be able to find yourself amidst the tangle of everyday activities. With this article, let’s check how to make your diary your best friend.

To begin with, pick a peaceful area that allows you to write: this is necessary, although you won't be speaking out loud.

You need to start by addressing the diary: consider it as someone that you are really close to. Would you like to call it by a name? Would you like to think of it as something magical that can talk back to you? Would it have the personality of someone that you are familiar/comfortable with? It’s always best to build a relationship with the diary first so that you feel a tendency to come back to it daily.

Next, establish a bond with the diary consistently: you could mention the date on which you share incidents of a particular day with the diary. This will help you know exactly when a life-changing experience occurred. You could share all your joys, pains and thoughts as the first step to establishing a relationship with the diary. Remember, unlike actual friends, this is a true secret keeper and you can be yourself 100%.

Talk casually as you would with a physical person: you can talk to the diary out loud or inside your mind, whichever feels most effective to you.

Ever been amazed by a crazy, beautiful day? You could initially talk to the diary about what kind of a day it was. Did you expect it to go one way and it turned totally opposite? Or did it go as planned? For example:

Oh diary, you really should have felt the wonderful weather. You could have felt the breeze swishing across your pages if you had been with me when I opened you in the park. We ought to try that at some point. Note how a connection is established with the diary initially before talking about your day.

Let’s say you were having an ongoing argument with a friend. You could say, “Hey, I’m not sure what else to say to Steve. We’ve been arguing for almost two weeks now and we still can’t come to an agreement. I don’t want to think we can’t get through this, but I don’t know what more to do or say.” Note the conversational tone and the pain felt while you express your feelings.

Maybe you have a difficult relationship with a family member: “I hate that my mum and I don’t get along. She just doesn’t understand me, and she refuses to listen when I try to tell her how I really feel. I pray that she would try to see things from my point of view sometimes. Until then, I hope to be more patient and understanding to her.” Note how you state your hopes and analyse a situation.

Remember a few grammar rules to follow: the content needs to be organised structurally. You could use linking words and proper paragraphs to help you with that. Since most of the details are a retelling of what happened, you need to ensure that the simple past tense is used consistently. Finally, you could ensure that the first-person narrative is used throughout.

Wind up with a proper sense of closure: depending on the mood, you could close with your hopes/plans for the next day, or maybe someone interrupted your writing in between and in that case, you could excuse yourself and simply say good night. A basic ending could be ‘I think I should head to bed. Good night.’

From an examination point of view, we need to follow these tips to understand the skill of organised diary writing. Keeping a diary will not only help you find tackling this exam question easily, but will also have a positive impact on your well-being. From reflecting on emotions to having a safe space to vent, possessing a diary can serve as a powerful life tool and a practical test-taking practise to ace your exams. By spending a little time to contemplate the activities of the day, you can make keeping a diary an enjoyable and productive experience in 2023.

Do you know what makes a great piece of writing? Good planning. Plan how you want to begin, how you want to end and what you want to write in between. When you do that, you will find that the words come to you naturally and without difficulty. Just like when you plan your speech to your parents when you want something! After all, P (planning) does come before W (writing) in the alphabet, doesn’t it?

Good organisation of points is as important as the points themselves. A plan helps you see the whole picture. It keeps you focussed so that you don’t digress. It keeps the end game in mind.  

Now, what if you have only five minutes to plan your piece? You need to either make a compelling plot, create a vivid picture or persuade people to change their views. How would you make the most of these precious moments so that you can give the best of your abilities and score the best marks of your life? 

Precise and purposeful planning:

Read the given prompt (or question). Then read it again. Then once again, read the prompt. The secret lies there. The more you read it, the more details of the piece emerge. Now, let’s plan.

1. Identify the genre: 

The foremost thing is to obviously identify the genre the question demands. Each genre is different from the other, and it is key that we identify it (otherwise, there is a danger of losing focus). One cannot be confused with the other. Don’t confuse a story with a recount or a diary entry. A story must include a conflict, a climax and a resolution. A story is built up and then brought down to a resolution, whereas a diary concentrates on the noteworthy incidents of the day which you want to remember for later. On the other hand, a recount will take you back to the past where you experienced something memorable. Don’t forget, at the end of a recount, to come back to the present. 

So, the first step when you plan is to list down all the essential parameters of a given genre which you must include in your writing. As you write (or at the end, when you proofread), you can check these parameters against your writing. This way you can also check if you have written enough for each parameter.

2. Keep it realistic and feasible: 

Do you sometimes feel that you are unable to execute a brilliant idea for your writing? You have all the right tools and ingredients; however, somewhere in the middle of writing, you find yourself lost. And then, precious minutes trickle by as you struggle to bring closure to your writing. The end result: a scattered piece of writing with gaping loopholes. 

Could this ‘brilliant idea’ be perhaps over-ambitious to begin with? Does your writing traverse different realms and dimensions? Are there too many characters for the poor reader to remember? Is there one subplot after another? 

It is advisable to set realistic goals. A story must have an interesting conflict, but a grandiose plot can be too convoluted to smoothly execute within the given time limit. So, keep it simple, exciting and doable. Don’t have too many characters or subplots. Close all loopholes and provide a believable resolution. Keep an eye on the time or word limit. Get to the conflict quickly. Have about three strong points to make an argument. Keep it precise as well a coherent whole.

3. Work on the structure:

Organisation is very important. Ideas should flow seamlessly and logically. Plan what points of an argument or stages of a story go in each paragraph. How do you begin? How do you end? Introduction and conclusion are often considered the most crucial parts of any writing—the former leaves a first memorable impression on the reader, and the latter stamps an enduring mark on the reader’s mind. These two must be decided right at the start, during the planning phase, so that you don’t waste any time later grappling with them. 

Decide if you want to begin or end your essay with your strongest point. For a story, every new scene or development must be written separately. All events relayed in a story must lead to the end. Cut out all superfluous parts. Similarly, in a descriptive essay, focus on one aspect of the subject in one paragraph. The concluding paragraph of a description or essay must not feel like you have another point to make. 

While you outline the skeleton of your writing, throw in some appropriate connecting phrases or transitioning words to make it into one whole unit. Again, this will save you loads of time when you actually write your final piece. 

4. List a few handy tools: 

A writing without fancy techniques is bland and unimpressive. From an examination point of view, we need to flaunt all our (most of them, at least) writing skills.  So, when you plan, remember to write down lots of striking vocabulary and literary techniques that are relevant to the context. Why not remind yourself to use advanced punctuation like semicolons, colons and parenthesis for dramatic effect? Have you got an advanced starter for every other sentence? If yes, write it down under ‘plan.’ 

Now, let’s see an example of how one can achieve the targeted purpose listed above.

Story with a given opening: The train stopped suddenly stopped in the tunnel.

Read the words in the prompt above. 

What is the genre? A story. Now look closer at the given prompt. What kind of story do you think will come out of this? Comedy? Horror? Mystery? Adventure? More likely, the last three, isn’t it? What elements should a story genre have?

-      SETTING: Where? When? Main characters?

-      CONFLICT: Most important. Why did it stop? Obstacle? Engine problem? Hijack? 

-      CLIMAX or the high point: Will the main character succeed in making the train run again? Is the suspense going to be solved?

-      RESOLUTION: All’s well at the end. Or is it? Choose. But the ending must relate to the conflict. 

Keeping the plot realistic and compact: This part is very important. Let’s not have an over-ambitious plan where we lose track of the time and the plot. Use one main plot running through the story, without any digressions. Incorporate only one conflict. We’re on the clock. 

Do trains usually stop in tunnels? No! Something is amiss. What is it? Get to the problem immediately. What is the main emotion running through all? Fear, confusion, perplexity. Keep these in mind for every dialogue and every description using figurative language. 

Have a realistic and believable conclusion. Avoid cliff hangers. Why? Because there is no Chapter 2!

Structure of the story: Here, the beginning is given. Think of a memorable ending. Are the good guys victorious? Does the train begin moving again? Or does the story end on a tragic or any other negative note?

Build the tension in the beginning of the story. This is called the rising action. Add a couple of events here. Maybe the main character is discovering clues or putting together a plan to defeat the villains or tackle the problem. Does he/she need help from the fellow passengers? Are there any makeshift weapons? These actions must lead to the climax where the success of their endeavour hangs in the balance. 

Once you have tackled the climax, add some falling actions. These tie together the open ends and answer all the questions. What had happened? Who was responsible? Everything must lead to the resolution for a closing.

Handy tools: What are the extra bits and pieces that you add to keep the narrative alive? Mix long and short sentences to build suspense or describe action. Use sensory descriptions: shrill or loud engine sounds, screams, chills, sweating, blood, pain, etc.

And remember, as mentioned before, figurative language should reflect the mood of the story. Stay away from the temptation of adding something just because it sounds nice. (We have all tried that! Doesn’t work.)

Conclude on a high. The best symphonies end on the highest note. The inconsequential ones peter away when no one is listening.

Now, do you feel like you can plan your writing better? Write that essay or story and score great marks!

Getting a child to practise creative writing can be a parent’s worst nightmare. After endless dodging by the child, many to and fro arguments between the parent and the child, often culminating with promises of reward to the child on completing his writing, the child finally sits for the dreary yet necessary exercise. 

The whole experience can be exhausting for the poor parent and uninspiring for the child. On top of that, the idea of practising writing, with the sole aim of scoring high in exam, under a ticking timer and the constant, watchful eye of the parent does not really get the creative juices flowing in the child. Shouldn't creativity be a ‘spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings,’ as Wordsworth once said?

That’s right. Writing should not feel like a task. The trick is to make it fun and educational at the same time. Here, we offer you five different and effective ways of making your child practise writing. Let’s get on with the first tip then.

1. Start a scrapbook: 

Imitation can be a stepping stone to awakening imagination in one. Scrapbooking a stock of handy quotes is a technique vouched for by budding writers. Encourage the child to copy out favourite quotes and fascinating descriptions from literary works. Writing out interesting text stimulates learning as well as creativity in the mind. Remember to ask the child to go through his collection (as a form of reading exercise) at the end of a week or fortnight.

2. Keep a diary or journal: 

Why not gift your child a beautiful diary and help him start on a new literary journey? Inspire the hidden writer in him to record special moments and events of the day. Diary writing can help the child develop unique and personal style of expression. Give your child space and freedom to write as and when he wishes. Starting first as some sporadic entries, diary writing should over a period become a daily exercise.

3. Scribbles and doodles: 

Sometimes writing from scratch can be daunting. To make writing exercise more exciting, take an already existing text and encourage the child to edit, improve or rewrite it. This text could be anything: a short story (many free stories are available on the web), a few paragraphs of a news article, or a work previously written by the child. If you want to create memorable moments with your child, you could write a short piece (story or description) and offer the child to evaluate and enhance it. A reversal of roles will draw the child’s interest and eagerness to re-write.

4. Letter and note writing:

Encourage the child to write letters (or mails) to grandparents, distant cousins and friends. Suggest that the child make cards for occasions like birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day etc. and enclose special messages for the recipient. With these activities, kids can learn how to communicate, socialise and, at the same time, practise writing skills.

5. Storytelling

Spinning a yarn is in the DNA of human beings. The first seeds of creative writing were implanted there. Nurture this inherent gift by making storytelling part of the day-to-day family discourse. From ‘What happened at school today?’ to ‘Why do you like your teacher?’, narration requires creativity, skill and precise vocabulary. When communicating with your child, ask him to describe the people he met, the places he visited and the feelings evoked in him by his experiences.  This exercise encourages children to be creative when describing the setting, characters, and the story as it unfolds. Ultimately, your child will become confident and less hesitant when he actually sits to write. 

So there you have it: some new ideas to help your child to get writing. Which one do you think will work for your child? 

No discrimination. The genre of diary entry treats its animate (living) and inanimate subjects (non-living) equally. So should the author. A hand bag, a typewriter or a ladle are as much exemplary narrators as are an astronaut, a teacher or a wimpy kid.

When penning down a day’s experience from their perspective, the inanimate subjects take on a life of their own. They are not mere passive objects of human gaze, but active agents of action. They sense and feel as much as a creature of flesh and blood.

Here we share a few techniques which will help you compose diary entries of objects.

1. Self/implied personification: It’s a no-brainer that an object writing a diary entry must do so like a real human being. The melodious ‘voice’ of a piano is as much worthy of a note as is the ‘trunk’ of a walking stick. Bodily references as well as mortal actions can figure into the picture.

Exploit the literary technique of personification to its full extent:

“I’m the sole DVR in this family, swallowing one music series after the other, depending on the whims of three generations.” (Diary entry of a DVR)

“My frozen cranium contrasts absolutely with my chilly torso.” (Diary entry of a refrigerator)

2. Sentimentalizing: Not just the corporal. Infuse your subject with pressing human emotions.

It could be the injustice meted out to a sulky roll of crushed paper:

“After being brutally tossed into the room’s corner, I was eventually pulverized, when I breathed my last in a paper shredder.”

Or, the daily grousing of a broom:

“Knocks, joggles and sweeps!!! How my life passes in these rude movements.”

3. Transferred epithet: This figure of speech involves a modifier (mostly, an adjective) qualifying not only its primary noun but also another object alongside. It entails a dual allusion. In the case of inanimate objects, the narrator could concoct expressions like:

“I’m a soulful piano.” (Soulful referring to both music and piano; diary entry of a piano)

“Mom calls me ‘a screechy thingamabob.’” (Screechy used for both the device’s ringing and its high volume; diary entry of a mobile phone)

4. Startling beginnings: Introduce your subject by astonishing the readers out of their senses. Humour may play a critical role here. Procrastinate revealing the protagonist’s identity. Relate it to some of its dramatic actions. Thereafter, leave the rest for the readers to wonder.

“I gulp down the litter of the world. Each and every day.” (Diary entry of a dustbin)

“Faces may come and go. Yet, I see the insides out of everyone.” (Diary entry of a mirror)

5. Keen observations: Every narrator must be an acute observer of his world. He takes a note of all the acts and happenings around him with senses wide alert.

“Holy moly, a get-together again! Life is lived to the lees in this house. So, I see the mom now scurrying here and there, arranging delicious dishes. The dad is gone out to fetch wines and champagnes. The kids are merrymaking, way too exhilarated about what’s coming on.”

A diary entry is a highly personalized account of an experience. Hope the above strategies will help you add shades to your central character.