How to Start a Writing Journal
A writing journal helps you hone your writing abilities while documenting your dreams, memories and thoughts as well as poetry and short stories. A writing journal doesn't have to be a physical journal, but it can be digital as well. Whether you want a digital journal or physical one, the key to starting a writing journal is the desire to write. The beauty of starting a personal writing journal is that you don't have to write it to the specs of others; It's all yours and for your ideas, dreams, thoughts and assorted notes pertaining to your writing craft.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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Physical
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1
Select a notebook with lined paper in wired, bound or loose-leaf form. You can write more on a page with college-ruled paper, but use wide-ruled paper if you if want to write large and clearly.
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2
Sign the inside cover of the notebook, labeling it as your writing journal. If you're serious about keeping journals, you will eventually have more than one. So label it with a #1 or whatever will help you categorize your journals.
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3
Write the first page of your writing journal; a useful beginning can be a list of resources for improving your writing. You can also write your own personal greeting to yourself to give yourself inspiration to write page after page in your new journal.
Digital
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1
Right-click your desktop and create a new folder. Name the folder "My Writing Journal."
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2
Open a new text document in whatever software you use to write. Begin your first journal entry as you would with a physical journal with a greeting page or introduction to help inspire you.
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3
Save the document as a text file, but name it with the date and something along the lines of "Writing Journal Page One." Save the document in your writing journal folder on your desktop.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Select a notebook and pen set that you only use for your writing journal. This helps you build a routine for using your personal writing diary. If you want, decorate your journals with embellishments that mirror your own personality.
Use your journal to jot down book, story, poem or other writing-related ideas to help you get your creative juices flowing.
Keep a list of commonly misspelled words in your journal. This helps you improve on your spelling while you use your journal.
Keep your journals to yourself or share them with friends or people in writing or book groups to which you belong. If you are part of a writing group, encourage other members to delve into creating their own personal writing journals and compare them as an activity to encourage and inspire one another.
Store your personal writing journals and pen sets in a chest or special carrying case for keeping your notes, doodles and inspirational thoughts separate from the rest of your daily items.
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