How To Write A Journal Entry In Ten Easy Steps

This is an entry originally from my A Creative Journal blog:

When beginning to keep a journal the simplicity of what you are trying to achieve can feel confusing at times. For those who need it, follow this outline and you can’t go wrong. Keep in mind that there are no rules when it comes to writing a journal.

1. Find something to write on. Whatever you have on hand is fine. Or you might like to shop for something that makes you feel good about writing inside the pages.

2. Find something to write with. I love a pen to be smooth and flowing when I’m writing. Just make sure the implement feels comfortable in your hand. Of course, if you prefer, or need to, use a word processor, typewriter, or similar instead.

3. Find time to write. Choose a time of day when you won’t be interrupted by others. This can prove a difficult task. I tend to go out to find my moments of solace. Make a point of being alone to write in your journal.

4. Find a place to write. I enjoy sitting in a cafe with a long black coffee at my elbow. I enjoy the bustle of people around me. You may prefer the privacy of your own room. Sitting in the same place to write can help you get into the right frame of mind for journal writing.

5. Date your entry. This may seem a real drag, but I would suggest this is the only real rule when it comes to keeping a journal. You’ll be amazed just how useful having each entry dated can be. I’m constantly looking back through my journal to confirm some fact in our family or to help work out some vague point.

6. Start writing. Just write whatever comes to mind. You may need a journal prompt. There’s plenty online or find more here real soon. There will be heaps of prompts in this blog soon. Set a timer and write, if that helps.

7. Be creative. Try different techniques, such as lists, collage, drawing, other visual styles, or whatever takes your fancy. Your journal is a place to express your thoughts and emotions. Forget the rules and what others expect. Play with ideas and use your journal for your own benefit.

8. At some point stop writing, expressing or creating. Decide on a time or page limit, when your materials run out or just when you feel you’ve written all that is on your mind.

9. If you can, reread what you’ve written. Either read it directly after making the entry or set aside a time to read your past entries. There is much to gain from rereading your journal entries.

10. Make a commitment, to yourself, to write regularly. While daily entries are ideal, there’s no limit to how often you should write in your journal. I simply suggest you make it regular activity. You gain some benefit writing a single entry, but the greater benefits remains in making a habit of writing in your journal.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Artistic Shift

On Wednesday afternoon, while enjoying a quick coffee & a journal session, I flicked through the latest Art Jewelry magazine, the issue dedicated to education. One of the articles was from a teacher about bringing an element of surprise into the classroom. I had a little giggle, but did the suggested pointless exercise "before you read any further." The author, Robert Dancik, explained how this encouraged students to make an artistic shift, helping them learn & to think outside the box more readily.

There is quite a following for the right & left brain theory as far as artistic expression goes. I tend to think there is something in it. I recall an experience I had several years ago while sitting to paint a simple watercolour of a pot on a corner of a high wall. Somewhere during the experience I went off into some kind of zone. Nothing else existed but the brush, the paint and the paper. At some point I came to realise the painting was done. While it dried I tried to write in my journal, but it was like words wouldn't form, or something.

I was also surprised to see how much time had passed. To me it had only been fleeting moments, but more than an hour had gone without me being aware. Instead of fighting the shift my brain had made, I simply sat and doodled over my page and was eventually able to make a note type entry by the end about what I'd just experienced.

Surely, this is the kind of artistic shift we can pursue while creating whatever it is we create. I have also experienced this shift with writing, but have been well able to continue to form words. So, perhaps there are different parts of the brain to access for various art forms.

What do you think about right & left brain theories? Spend some time writing in your journal about artistic shifts. Have you experienced anything like the artistic shift I've mentioned? If not, why do you think you haven't? Write about any time you've experienced this shift. What did it teach you about your creativity?

I hope you enjoy this journal writing challenge. Please leave comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo is my own

A New Creative Journal

Well, there's a lot of work before me. My old blog has been cancelled, my contract terminated, but writing about keeping a journal is a passion for me. I intend to revive most of the old stuff from A Creative Journal, change whatever needs changing and publishing it all on this blog. Of course, this is going to take some time. I hope you will all hold on with me while I do the work. As soon as I have a good ten entries up I will start sharing and getting word out about the change. So, watch this space, please, all my loyal readers.