Do you keep a journal? Recently, I decided to take a class on fiction writing and the first thing that was insisted on was that we keep a journal. I almost dropped out of the class! I have attempted to keep journals in the past and have failed horribly to follow through. Why? I don't know, but part of me was jealous of the time that could be spent writing.
Something has happened, however, since I started keeping a journal again. I'm using it to really think about things. My thoughts and ideas are becoming more solidified and concrete. I am challenging myself to use it to complete ideas that flit around in my head but never really become clear otherwise.
Two days ago I wrote about making habits. This is what I'm doing with my journal. I'm working on making it a habit so it will become a natural everyday thing. Right now, it's still an uphill journey and some days I drag myself away from the computer, kicking and screaming. "I have to write in my journal!"
What are your thoughts on journaling? Do you keep a journal? For how long? Please share with me...
Courtesy of Loretta Stephenson (Art By Retta)
Keeping a journal is new to me. It's only been about 4 months. It's not very big, as you can see from the pic, and I resisted for the same reasons as you... why write and sketch in IT when I could be doing "real" stuff.
ReplyDeleteBut it's turned out to be fun, and where I can catch bits and pieces of ideas, and there's no need to make it look nice. I just scribble and scratch, and "catch butterflies" before they fly away never to be seen again. :-)
Loretta
The nice thing about my journal is that those ideas are there later for me to go back to and use as needed for stories. Yes?
DeleteSecond post I've come across in the span of ten blogs that mentioned journaling. :) I think it must be some kind of message that I should do it more regularly myself!
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
The Golden Eagle
The Eagle's Aerial Perspective
I'm not one to throw rocks at anyone. If I wasn't in a class, I wouldn't be as regular myself. But since I have to do it, I'm going to make the best of it.
DeleteOne of my New Year Resolutions was to start keeping a proper journal, which I much prefer to hand write. I would write until I'd filled two sides, putting down whatever was going on in my head, be it story ideas or everyday life.
ReplyDeleteI managed it almost every day for nearly 3 months, but unfortunately I have a severe case of RSI in my writing hand and haven't done any since. It's just not the same typing it.
After reading your post I may try and pick it up again, maybe only one page until my hand is better.
Thanks for the nudge!
Heather: I think even a paragraph or two of thoughts is good. Wow! A whole page! I'm impressed!
ReplyDeleteOh. I stink at keeping a journal. I want to ... sometimes ... but just don't seem to get it done.
ReplyDeleteMargo: Don't beat yourself up over it, we all have our priorities. If you ever see a necessity for it, you'll probably start doing it. I'm struggling right now for what to say. It's only because I'm expected to do the writing that I'm getting it done.
Delete