Writing Tip of the Week: Journal Writing

Posted by Kari Lomanno Nov 19, 2008

Many people think of writing a journal as a "sappy" activity best left to poets and artists. But if you are serious about becoming a better writer, journal writing can be an excellent tool.

What Journal Writing Is

Journal writing can be as simple as putting your thoughts on paper whenever you have ideas you don't want to forget. It can also be a structured activity you do at a specific time every day. Either way, writing in a journal can help you organize your thoughts and even discover thoughts you didn't know you had.

How Journal Writing Helps

The more you write, the better your writing will become. It's like exercising a muscle. By putting your thoughts on paper, you are slowing down your thought process and allowing your mind to explore ideas as you go along.

How to Start a Journal

Just start writing. Give yourself permission to write badly. Forget about grammar, punctuation and spelling. And just start writing. Get something on paper, and don't stop until you can't write anymore. Feel free to look back on your journal after some time has passed. The ideas you thought you'd never use may become fodder for a brilliant piece of writing later. Give it a try!