A writing journal seems like a logical tool for
a writer, but I’ve had a mixed relationship with them over the years.
Several blank ones sit in my office. Friends
and family gave them “to inspire” me. Instead, writers block arrived.
Anyone else feel intimidated by a pretty, bound
book? It’s the ultimate blank page. It feels permanent or so I thought.
I began my memoir manuscript in a leather bound
journal 12 years ago. I knew I needed something sturdy to write my thoughts
down after my late husband had a catastrophic stroke.
 |
| With a new journal, I've found a new writing place. I still like my cheap spiral notebooks, too. |
I found comfort in the journal as I wrote my
thoughts, the details, and the trivial aspects of my life during this period. It
stayed with me for 38 days in that recliner; traveled to multiple hospitals and
nursing homes; and spanned four years including near death, life, and death. When
I began writing the memoir — not straight from the journal, of course — I used
the journal entries to verify quotes and fact-check my memory.
I stayed away from journals for almost seven
years. I created stories and jotted down ideas on the computer, on an iPhone,
and in cheap notebooks. That changed last Christmas.
Now remarried and a mother of a toddler, my
husband gave me a beautiful, brown leather journal. With heavy, lined pages
inside, it’s ready for doodles and words written by the toddler or me.
Whether it’s due to my age, experience, or just
the presence of a little boy, I don’t feel pressure to make the journal
perfect. Toddlers have a way of helping one accept that life can be messy.
I’m putting that philosophy to work in my
journal this year. I’ve written notes and the beginning of a short story in the
journal. I’ve scratched through words and paragraphs I don’t want to use. My
son has scribbled on the pages, too. Revisions are unkempt, but I like the look
of them here. Both writing and life can be messy, but it’s always fun to see
where it goes.
Writing in this journal is both a fun and
serious venture for me. When I fill up the pages, I can add more. This journal
is a place for me to write and I like that.
Where do you write — a journal, a notebook or
the computer?
About the Author: Stacy S. Jensen worked as a newspaper reporter and editor for two decades. Today, she writes picture books and revises a memoir manuscript. She lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and toddler.
Blog: http://stacysjensen.blogspot.com Twitter: @StacySJensen
Blog: http://stacysjensen.blogspot.com Twitter: @StacySJensen
Hi Stacy -- I do most of my writing on the computer, but on trips I also tote a big fat notebook and a couple of pens. The energy is different though. Because I'm a fast typist, I think I access my subconscious more at the computer. When writing by hand, I suspect I'm using a different part of my brain. It's interesting to switch back and forth.
ReplyDeleteI write faster on the computer too Patricia. It's been fun to change it up a bit.
DeleteLove your 'journal journey', Stacy! I love them, too. Sometimes I misplace them before transferring the words to the computer, though.
ReplyDelete~Debbie
The "misplace" part can be a problem. :) I hope it doesn't happen too often.
DeleteI wish I could be more journal-oriented, but, for me, a journal only works for the very roughest of story outlines. I am a computer fellow; it's not a very romantic way to write, I know, but it works.
ReplyDeleteMike, I think writing is great period. No matter where it's done.
DeleteI write drafts on my laptop, but notes and ideas always go into paper notebooks. It's messy and never perfect but somehow that adds to the creativity. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm still using the laptop, but am making an effort to write more in the journal.
DeleteLovely post, Stacy! I suffer from little notepaper syndrome...constantly grabbing whatever piece of paper is handy to jot down an idea, character name, etc. There are envelopes stuffed with them...on shelves and in boxes.
ReplyDeleteSo, a lovely leather-bound journal sounds delightful. I appreciate your sharing how the blank journals made you feel sometimes...just like when you have a new piece of fabric and are afraid to start cutting it for the pattern..what if you make a mistake. :) But, perhaps we should keep the words of Bob Ross, beloved TV painter, in mind...'There are no mistakes...only happy little accidents." :)
I love that Vivian "little notepaper syndrome." I also love the words of Bob Ross too. Of course, when I try to paint, there are a ton of "happy little accidents" on the page or canvas.
DeleteI began writing long hand years ago in notebook/journals. Then moved to the computer to capture my thoughts more quickly. I have difficulty using my hands now, so the computer is best. I think that there is something to say about writing long hand. A friend who writes adult NYT bestselling novels, has written all 31 in long hand. She prefers to. Then she has an assistant enter her words on the the computer. Blows me away. But, it works for her.
ReplyDeleteWow. That's interesting how your friend writes. When our community suffered wildfires, destroyed homes and evacuations, it really made me think more about "typing" up some smaller stories and get them in the "cloud."
DeleteBeyond helping one find inspiration, journals are good as practice writing for writers. And even those without literary aspirations can find value in one day being able to read the thoughts and events they experienced years earlier; my own adolescent journals have tremendous worth to me.
ReplyDeleteVery true. I had some journals as a teen, but believe those were left behind when I began college. I'm sure my parents have "recycled" those things by now.
DeleteI write everything out by hand, use to be on the back you know that extra paper that prints out but is kinda useless. I make notes everywhere and then try to keep them together which almost never happens, but when i do, i rewrite them in composition books.
ReplyDeleteI even tried to get a little more organized and bought a bunch of books when they were really cheap and now i have many books with a little here and a little there written in each one, so much for trying to organize my thoughts.
But as far as that leather journal, I want to save it for something really special, not all my scattered thoughts. Oh well maybe i should just write some heart wrenching thoughts in it. It looks so pretty.
Late to the conversation and new to the blog, but I love the topic. I wish I was more journal inspired. I find most of my journals end up being a spittoon for my emotions, and I don't enjoy writing in them or rereading them. I need to go in a different place with them other than a throwback to my teenage angst.
ReplyDelete