Comments on: Nine Ways to Build a Bridge Between Who You Were and Who You Are http://writetodone.com/2009/09/29/writer-using-journals/ Unmissable articles on writing Mon, 21 May 2012 03:14:05 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 By: hermes handbags http://writetodone.com/2009/09/29/writer-using-journals/#comment-13739 hermes handbags Thu, 08 Jul 2010 02:45:23 +0000 http://writetodone.com/?p=1688#comment-13739 I have a difficult time journaling in a notebook. I’ve got a blog which is basically a journal but I find myself editing my thoughts because of some of my followers. That’s not a good thing, I’m thinking I have a difficult time journaling in a notebook. I’ve got a blog which is basically a journal but I find myself editing my thoughts because of some of my followers. That’s not a good thing, I’m thinking

]]> By: ShelleyD http://writetodone.com/2009/09/29/writer-using-journals/#comment-12791 ShelleyD Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:07:09 +0000 http://writetodone.com/?p=1688#comment-12791 I used to do a freewriting activity with my students to get them warmed up. Sometimes I would tell them to fill up a page with anything they wanted, BUT they must NOT stop to think. Other times, before taking on a more formal piece of work, I would have them write all they know about their subject. I would always remind them that there is no such thing as a bad writer, only inexperienced ones. I used to do a freewriting activity with my students to get them warmed up. Sometimes I would tell them to fill up a page with anything they wanted, BUT they must NOT stop to think. Other times, before taking on a more formal piece of work, I would have them write all they know about their subject. I would always remind them that there is no such thing as a bad writer, only inexperienced ones.

]]> By: ShelleyD http://writetodone.com/2009/09/29/writer-using-journals/#comment-12790 ShelleyD Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:02:30 +0000 http://writetodone.com/?p=1688#comment-12790 ..."hand-written journals" seem to be coming a thing of the past. It bothers me to see this. In fact, I am saddened that cursive writing is being lost. So much can be revealed about the writer. ..."that act of actually writing with my hand," reminds me of something I read by Peter Elbow. Writing is like a journey that happens when a person places pencil to paper. Avoid trying to control your pen or pencil. Let the thoughts flow freely through it. You'll be surprised to find out where you will end up. …”hand-written journals” seem to be coming a thing of the past. It bothers me to see this. In fact, I am saddened that cursive writing is being lost. So much can be revealed about the writer.

…”that act of actually writing with my hand,” reminds me of something I read by Peter Elbow. Writing is like a journey that happens when a person places pencil to paper. Avoid trying to control your pen or pencil. Let the thoughts flow freely through it. You’ll be surprised to find out where you will end up.

]]> By: ami http://writetodone.com/2009/09/29/writer-using-journals/#comment-10893 ami Sun, 04 Oct 2009 19:57:43 +0000 http://writetodone.com/?p=1688#comment-10893 Sean - thank you for the post. I believe in the magic of journaling (I've read that journaling can help you lose weight, become a better runner, overcome depression - it's a virtual infomercial product for self-improvement), but I have not been able to sustain my journal writing over a long period of time. Your post motivated me to try again, to stress less about getting it "right" and just get going. Looking forward to seeing what happens. thanks. ami Sean – thank you for the post. I believe in the magic of journaling (I’ve read that journaling can help you lose weight, become a better runner, overcome depression – it’s a virtual infomercial product for self-improvement), but I have not been able to sustain my journal writing over a long period of time. Your post motivated me to try again, to stress less about getting it “right” and just get going. Looking forward to seeing what happens. thanks.

ami

]]> By: Mark Keating http://writetodone.com/2009/09/29/writer-using-journals/#comment-10875 Mark Keating Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:31:04 +0000 http://writetodone.com/?p=1688#comment-10875 Sean: Thanks for posting this. I would encourage journaling as a valuable exercise for anyone, and especially for writers. For those wondering how to find the time to do it, I suggest that you'll always find the time to do the things you find important. I also found that like most things, especially worthwhile things, the hardest part about journaling was getting started. A couple years ago, Scott Ginsberg wrote a blog post called <a href="http://hellomynameisscott.blogspot.com/2007/03/9-ways-to-journal-for-joy-and-money.html" rel="nofollow">'9 ways to journal for joy and money'</a> that other readers may find helpful. I know I did. Even if it is garbage, or just stuff that's bothering you - dump it out. Clear it out of the way so you can get to the good stuff. Trust me, it's there, waiting to get out. If you want to be a writer - or a better writer - or a better whatever, journaling will help. Mark Sean:

Thanks for posting this.

I would encourage journaling as a valuable exercise for anyone, and especially for writers. For those wondering how to find the time to do it, I suggest that you’ll always find the time to do the things you find important. I also found that like most things, especially worthwhile things, the hardest part about journaling was getting started.

A couple years ago, Scott Ginsberg wrote a blog post called ’9 ways to journal for joy and money’ that other readers may find helpful. I know I did.

Even if it is garbage, or just stuff that’s bothering you – dump it out. Clear it out of the way so you can get to the good stuff. Trust me, it’s there, waiting to get out.

If you want to be a writer – or a better writer – or a better whatever, journaling will help.

Mark

]]> By: Karolyne http://writetodone.com/2009/09/29/writer-using-journals/#comment-10873 Karolyne Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:30:27 +0000 http://writetodone.com/?p=1688#comment-10873 I have kept a journal pretty consistently since 2000, when it was required for a doctorate class. Time fades the sharp moments in life, so it is helpful to reread and feel again the raw emotions that mattered so much at the moment. Thank you to Kate Eden for suggesting, "start by writing about your goals, hopes and dreams". That's key and takes journalling way beyond simply recording events. Also, when I lose a few days, it helps to list the days and simply find one sentence to record; it may jump-start the process. Great article - thanks. I have kept a journal pretty consistently since 2000, when it was required for a doctorate class. Time fades the sharp moments in life, so it is helpful to reread and feel again the raw emotions that mattered so much at the moment. Thank you to Kate Eden for suggesting, “start by writing about your goals, hopes and dreams”. That’s key and takes journalling way beyond simply recording events. Also, when I lose a few days, it helps to list the days and simply find one sentence to record; it may jump-start the process. Great article – thanks.

]]> By: Beth L. Gainer http://writetodone.com/2009/09/29/writer-using-journals/#comment-10871 Beth L. Gainer Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:39:12 +0000 http://writetodone.com/?p=1688#comment-10871 I agree that journaling each day is necessary to help you reduce the clutter in one's brain, just as Julia Cameron says. However, that being said, I've realized that I have fallen off the wagon and need to start doing those morning pages. The challenge is that there is limited time each day to do all the writing I want to do. I agree that journaling each day is necessary to help you reduce the clutter in one’s brain, just as Julia Cameron says. However, that being said, I’ve realized that I have fallen off the wagon and need to start doing those morning pages. The challenge is that there is limited time each day to do all the writing I want to do.

]]> By: Jennifer Blanchard http://writetodone.com/2009/09/29/writer-using-journals/#comment-10870 Jennifer Blanchard Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:08:39 +0000 http://writetodone.com/?p=1688#comment-10870 Thanks for this awesome post, Sean! I used to journal all throughout high school, but I got out of practice once I graduated. I think that journaling is the one thing that kept me sane and helped me keep control of my mind/thoughts. I've wanted to get back into it sooo badly, but I'm afraid of someone (my sig other, for example), coming across what I've written and reading it. I view journals as private thoughts for no one, but me. I think using my comptuer to journal is probably the best way around this, since I can keep the file private. But I also think there's something to journaling by hand. Maybe I just need to find a good hiding place for it :-) Thanks for this awesome post, Sean! I used to journal all throughout high school, but I got out of practice once I graduated. I think that journaling is the one thing that kept me sane and helped me keep control of my mind/thoughts.

I’ve wanted to get back into it sooo badly, but I’m afraid of someone (my sig other, for example), coming across what I’ve written and reading it. I view journals as private thoughts for no one, but me.

I think using my comptuer to journal is probably the best way around this, since I can keep the file private. But I also think there’s something to journaling by hand.

Maybe I just need to find a good hiding place for it :-)

]]> By: Writer Dad http://writetodone.com/2009/09/29/writer-using-journals/#comment-10869 Writer Dad Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:06:39 +0000 http://writetodone.com/?p=1688#comment-10869 DweezelJazz: I know what you mean for sure. It can easily turn into blather, but that's okay - so long as you are eventually able to push bast the babble into something substantial. For me that happens after I'm in motion for ten minutes or so. Suzannah: Nail on the head - one of the biggest benefits of journaling for me is coming up with new things to write about. When running a dozen blogs, that can be an extraordinary gift. Dean: It's EXACTLY like physical exercise, just for our most important muscle! It's a terrific way to keep the writer juices flowing. Jenny: Well said. I couldn't agree more. Shang Lee: Journaling is a wonderful way to hold yourself accountable. I use MacJournal and it is awesome. Barbara: Thank you, Barbara! Yes, a lot of our journaling can be quite boring. And if it's boring to us, it HAS to be boring to others. Still, our journals can be mine shafts filled with good ideas. Sam: It sounds like you use journaling in a wonderful way. Experimenting with your writing and voice is a tremendous way to push yourself as a writer. I do many of the same things and couldn't agree with your recommendation more. Lost Wanderer: WOW! You take journaling to a whole new level. I'll have to check out Journal Addict. Thanks! Kat: I agree - and it is that motivation embedded within our ramblings that helps us to get to the next level of our writing. Cindy: I do a version of the same. For me it's 500 words or so, but I agree - it works like a charm. Omar: I've only truly embraced it recently, but now I would never question its value. Journaling keeps me in touch with myself and helps me to find my best writer. Mandy: Prompts help for sure, and journaling adds to the cycle. By journaling you will be able to more easily manufacture new things to write about and take in exciting directions. Janice: WOW, Janice! 1972 (can you hear me whistle?) That's impressive. I LOVE your line about the difference between bridges and anchors. AWESOME. CherylK: Self censorship is never as true to the artist. Of course I self censor when I write for a crowd, but that's the beauty of a private notebook (even if it's digital). : > ) DweezelJazz: I know what you mean for sure. It can easily turn into blather, but that’s okay – so long as you are eventually able to push bast the babble into something substantial. For me that happens after I’m in motion for ten minutes or so.

Suzannah: Nail on the head – one of the biggest benefits of journaling for me is coming up with new things to write about. When running a dozen blogs, that can be an extraordinary gift.

Dean: It’s EXACTLY like physical exercise, just for our most important muscle! It’s a terrific way to keep the writer juices flowing.

Jenny: Well said. I couldn’t agree more.

Shang Lee: Journaling is a wonderful way to hold yourself accountable. I use MacJournal and it is awesome.

Barbara: Thank you, Barbara! Yes, a lot of our journaling can be quite boring. And if it’s boring to us, it HAS to be boring to others. Still, our journals can be mine shafts filled with good ideas.

Sam: It sounds like you use journaling in a wonderful way. Experimenting with your writing and voice is a tremendous way to push yourself as a writer. I do many of the same things and couldn’t agree with your recommendation more.

Lost Wanderer: WOW! You take journaling to a whole new level. I’ll have to check out Journal Addict. Thanks!

Kat: I agree – and it is that motivation embedded within our ramblings that helps us to get to the next level of our writing.

Cindy: I do a version of the same. For me it’s 500 words or so, but I agree – it works like a charm.

Omar: I’ve only truly embraced it recently, but now I would never question its value. Journaling keeps me in touch with myself and helps me to find my best writer.

Mandy: Prompts help for sure, and journaling adds to the cycle. By journaling you will be able to more easily manufacture new things to write about and take in exciting directions.

Janice: WOW, Janice! 1972 (can you hear me whistle?) That’s impressive. I LOVE your line about the difference between bridges and anchors. AWESOME.

CherylK: Self censorship is never as true to the artist. Of course I self censor when I write for a crowd, but that’s the beauty of a private notebook (even if it’s digital). : > )

]]> By: CherylK http://writetodone.com/2009/09/29/writer-using-journals/#comment-10868 CherylK Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:15:16 +0000 http://writetodone.com/?p=1688#comment-10868 I have a difficult time journaling in a notebook. I've got a blog which is basically a journal but I find myself editing my thoughts because of some of my followers. That's not a good thing, I'm thinking. I have a difficult time journaling in a notebook. I’ve got a blog which is basically a journal but I find myself editing my thoughts because of some of my followers. That’s not a good thing, I’m thinking.

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