Journal-Keeping: Tips and Ideas for Writers

Do you keep a journal? If you write, or are serious about your writing, journal-keeping is a must.  Why? Your journal is just like your right-brain; it can provide you with the impetus and ideas that will turn into finished writing projects. 

You may not have even thought about keeping a journal. Perhaps you think you do not have the time. Perhaps you think you do not have the discipline to enter regular writing...I have found my journal to be an invaluable source of never-ending inspiration! Think of it as a sand-box in which your writing can play!

First of all, I like sketch-books the best- all those blank pages! I also buy acid-free sketch books because they won't age or yellow over time. Get one that has lots of pages!  Think big! Don't limit yourself, for you will find it filling up quickly...

What do you put in your journal? Everything!

Start out by committing yourself to a daily entry. Just think of it as a warm-up for the real writing you might do.  Write anything...stream of consciousness is wonderful!  Let your mind just flow- even if all you write is, "I do not know what to write today" over and over, you will soon find yourself getting into descriptions of events- your trip to the store, your dreams-whatever comes to mind.

Now, here's the fun part! Not only writing goes into that sketch book.  If you see an ad in a magazine that you like, cut it out, and glue it in. Write below it what appeals to you. Glue in letters, to-do lists, photos, even newspaper clippings. Draw in the book, too.  Doodle away! As I said, make this journal a playground for your mind.  If something triggers an idea for a story, write about it, clip it, glue it, draw it! The idea is that you are creating a resource book that will capture any and all things that could turn into writing projects.

You might like to know that artists always keep sketch books, and do very much the same things as I am describing here.  The importance of your journal is that it will capture those fleeting thoughts that otherwise might be lost forever.  The more creative you get with your journal, the more your creative juices will flow- I promise.

If you write the start of a story on your computer, and then get stuck, why not print out what you have, and glue the pages into your journal?  You may find yourself weeks or months later, paging through this "sandbox", and finding that unfinished article- but now, you can see its completion!  I know, I know, it is saved on your laptop, but putting it the journal seems to make it more likely to result in a finished project. Besides, you will see all the entries in one visible place, and perhaps develop a feeling for what you secretly want to write!

Notice what you put into this journal.  Pay attention to those odd doodles and pictures.  Remember, you must let your creativity flow when entering into your journal. Later, your left brain will thank you for the time you invest into your sketch book.

It is vital to all people in the creative arts to journal! It is a habit that will pay great dividends in the long run.  Make it fun, make it interesting, and in no time, you will see your writing flourish.

I hope this little article helps you on your way to becoming a more creative writer. The journal is truly a great tool for you to use.

Blessings,

Jaianniah