#IWSG: What about journaling?
My Insecure Writer’s Support Group monthly post for November is about journaling.
I’m a fits and starts-type of journaler. I aspire to be a daily journaler for several reasons. I think it keeps my creative part of my brain exercised so when I need to write for either business or pleasure, it comes easier. The ideas and concepts flow much easier. I also think it’s a good practice that can fuel my other writing projects. Recently I bought a fountain pen and enjoy writing with it. Writing is a lot like using the fountain pen – if I continue using it, the ink flows freely and beautifully. If I stop for a few days, the ink dries and clogs the pen. It’s probably a lot like my brain.
Julia Cameron in her book The Artist’s Way, talks about “morning pages” and how that practice has positively affected her life and writing. She says, “The pages clear my head and prioritize my day. I think of them as a form of meditation.” Her goal is to write three pages by hand first thing every morning. She admits that sometimes it’s not easy, but it has always been worth it to her. Another blog I follow also recommends this practice and Cameron’s book. Shelby, the author of The Little Coffee Fox, says, “This book [The Artist’s Way] teaches broken and frightened artists to get back onto the path of creativity and away from the fear that holds them back.” Isn’t that what we try to do for each other here at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group?
Making time for journaling is hard for me but I think it’s a lack of discipline more than anything else. I’ve heard that if a person wants to be committed to a personal goal, that it works best to schedule the activity like any other meeting or appointment.
Do you journal? If so, why? Does it keep your creative juices flowing? Is it relaxing? Do you ever use any of your journal notes in your works in progress?
dmweiden@gmail.com
I'm Diane, a marketing executive in the non-profit sector living in Terre Haute, Indiana. My husband and I moved from Denver, Colorado, 15-plus years ago and this blog highlights our joys and challenges in adjusting to our new home and town. I also share things I love: photography, wildlife and domestic pets, writing, knitting, making jewelry, food, travel, my faith in God and music. I'm also writing a mystery novel so stay tuned!
16 Comments
joylene
I do journal and have since I was 8. Back then we called it a diary. I have noticed I’ve slipped a bit lately. I should fix that. Thanks, Diane, for reminding me how important journaling is. Happy IWSG day
dmweiden@gmail.com
I used to have a diary when I was younger. That brings back memories. Thanks for visiting my blog!
Erika Beebe
I do agree. For me I need to schedule blocks of time so I can keep one foot in front of the other 🙂
dmweiden@gmail.com
Erika, thanks for visiting my blog. Blocks of time are good. I’ve gotten so far as to schedule them but then something interferes and I have to reschedule. I am now in a weekly writing group so that helps keep me motivated. I’ve actually checked out a few places to submit my shorter fiction. Baby steps, I guess.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
I journaled when I lived in England, but that was a long time ago.
dmweiden@gmail.com
Thanks for visiting my blog, Alex. If you still had your journals, it might be neat to go back and read a few entries?!
Lee Lowery
I have journaled since I was young, at least since reading Harriet the Spy. I tried the Julia Cameron morning pages at one time, but that wasn’t a good fit for me. I like reflecting on the events of the day before retiring. It’s a good way to finish the day without my face in a screen. And yes, there is nothing like a good fountain pen. I love mine!
dmweiden@gmail.com
Thanks for visiting my blog, and for your ideas on end-of-day reflections. That can be a good way to get things off of your mind so you can rest/sleep easier. What brand of fountain pen do you have? I have a Lamy and a Cross.
Julia Quay
I love journaling, but it usually ends up being a cross between a daily to-do list and a place to jot down stories, ideas, or surprising details that come up throughout the day. Your missing pig story from last month is about to make my journal page for today. Thanks for the creative jump start!
dmweiden@gmail.com
Happy to inspire! Sometimes the best story ideas come from reality. Kind of a frightening thought, yes? Good luck with your writing.
Victoria M. Lees
I used to journal back as a teen, and yes, it was called a diary. Now I just journal when we are on vacation and visiting national or state parks. I try to write more about my feelings rather than just what we did. Before, I just documented what we did camping with five kids. All best to you, Diane!
dmweiden@gmail.com
How did you ever find time to write with five kids? You must be very disciplined. Thanks for visiting my blog. I appreciate the encouragement. I love to visit national or state parks too. I tried journaling while traveling in Europe but I was so tired at the end of each day that I couldn’t keep up. I had a blast though!
susanrouchard
Agree with you there DM. Journaling and morning writing essential for me too to fire off creative juices.
dmweiden@gmail.com
Thank you for your comment on my blog. We “fall back” this weekend so I’m going to try and get up at the same time but use that time for writing before work. We’ll see how it pans out!
Shannon Lawrence
I’ve journaled off and on since I was a teenager, but never been able to stick to it. The times I’ve started it I’ve needed it, though, so it did its job. Luckily, I’m better about sticking to writing fiction, but even that isn’t a daily thing.
The Warrior Muse
dmweiden@gmail.com
Glad you enjoy journaling. It can be sporadic for me as well. Sounds like you’re disciplined with your fiction writing. How do you carve out time for it?