Pick up most How-to books about writing and somewhere within that book you will find this helpful tip: Keep a Journal. The author will recommend writing in it every day or writing for a specified number of minutes, but the underlying message is - writing in a journal will help your writing. Goodness knows, I can use all the help I can get with my writing, so this is a no-brainer, right?
Although I admit to 'mostly' agreeing with the advice, I cannot seem to force myself to do it with regularity. At least part of the reason is that every time I sit down to journal I have flashbacks to writing in my diary around the age of 10. You know the kind I'm talking about - it has a red cover with gold edged pages and - most important - a lock! I got the diary for my birthday and in the beginning I wrote in it every day. I cataloged the events of my (somewhat boring) days as well as my joys and tribulations, with satisfaction. Here, I thought, is where I can put down my most secret thoughts and desires and no one else will know.
Ha! It took about 6 months for me to realize that the so-called lock on my diary was definitely not pick-proof. In fact, it didn't even require a paper clip to jimmy open without a key. My older sister made this fact known to me by commenting on one of my entries - in writing. Seeing her words on the page - MY PAGE - felt like such a violation. Ok, so I HAD written about her - and NO, it wasn't very flattering. But still, the magic was gone. Knowing that anyone could read what I had written took away that secret place just for me. This is, I'm sure, where my journal-phobia began.
Over the years, I have tried journaling several times, with some success. My most recent attempt has involved using a Word document. I figure that at least on my computer I can password protect the file. I guess I'm still trying to find a place that's just for me.
If you, like me, struggle with keeping a journal, there are some ways to make journaling a habit, rather than a miracle. For example, pick a word and write about it. Choose a place you want to travel to and write about that. Or write about a hobby / dream / problem you have. In my case, I find myself journaling about some of the issues I have about my writing - which I guess is a subject also.
Do you keep a journal? What are some of the things you journal about?
Loved this entry, Michele : ) My diary was green, with gold around the edge. Now I keep a notebook type journal. Don't get to it as often as I'd like, but hopefully that'll change.
ReplyDeleteMichele, I really enjoyed this post! Yup, I had one, too, red with a brass lock :) I graduated from that to lined notebooks all through High School and then journaled somewhat sporadically through college. I still have them, too! What a trip it is to re-read them...good times! Even more importantly, I really do find myself going back to that well. There are memories, stories, poems, just a real mishmash of great ideas there - like a treasure trove! It's never too late to start journaling, and you'd be truly surprised by all the wonderful jewels you wil uncover!
ReplyDeleteI one of those people that wants to keep a journal, but can never seem to stick with it.
ReplyDeleteI also love buying journals (and stationary in general) so I have lots of mostly empty (but pretty) journals around.
This post has made me want to get into it.
I know what you mean, Nomes, I LOVE stationary. I have several journals I bought (with good intentions) but that sit neglected. They are beautiful, though.
ReplyDeleteStart simple, one day - one entry. Good Luck!!
My 11 year old daughter is a journaling junkie, which I think is great. My mom had a thing for buying shoes, I have a thing for books, and my daughter always buys journals...and she fills them up, too!
ReplyDelete