My Various Writing Journals by Nina Faye Morey

This month’s blog addresses the value of keeping a writer’s journal or notebook. Since childhood, I’ve made several attempts to keep a Daily Diary. However, most of these entries turned out to be tedious recordings of trivial everyday experiences, so I soon became bored and abandoned them. But over the years, I’ve managed to amass a number of writing notebooks or journals. They vary in size and purpose: small ones I keep in my purse to record random thoughts and observances that may make their way into my writing; medium-sized ones I use to jot down ideas, goals, and notes pertaining to my writing, and large ones for writing rough drafts.

My Journals Vary in Size & Purpose

My Common Place Book started as an assignment for a university English class I took in the 90’s. It’s a place where I collect some of my writing, other people’s writing that’s moved me, quotes and sayings I especially like, and my observations and thoughts about events that occur in the world around me.

I also keep a Spiritual Journal filled with scripture verses and spiritual sayings that have been especially meaningful for me. It contains my personal reflections on them, along with other enlightening revelations that occur to me from time to time. I also fill them with spiritual symbols and imagery that often show up in my articles, stories and poems. For instance, the iconic imagery in a Ukrainian Orthodox church that I visited during one of my seminary classes made a lasting impression on me. I’ve also long been fascinated by Ukrainian Easter Eggs, or Pysanky, and I’ve learned the meaning of their various colours and designs. I’ve used this knowledge to “colour” some of my Christian writing.

In addition, I keep several Writing Notebooks/Journals. These are filled with all kinds of notes related to my writing. I’ve jotted down ideas for novels, stories, articles, and poems. Some of these notes have already been converted into pieces that have been published in various periodicals over the years. Others still await their turn in the limelight. Another notebook is filled with notes I’ve collected from a number of writing conferences I’ve attended. Still others are notes I’ve taken while reading other authors’ works or resource books for writers. Several are filled with rough outlines or first drafts of short stories, articles, and poems. The first draft of my romance novel was written in longhand and fills three of the larger journals. I’m now in the middle of typing and revising the second draft on my laptop.

Journals are Great Writing Resources

Lastly, I have a Writing Portfolio where I keep copies of all of my work that’s been published in various periodicals and anthologies, along with some contest award-winners.

The practice of writing in these various writing notebooks and journals helps me to develop and clarify my thoughts and feelings on a variety of topics and gives me inspiration and fodder for my writing projects. Keeping my Spiritual Journal has helped me process Scripture verses that I’ve read and delve deeper into their meaning so that I can grow spiritually and apply what I’ve discovered to my Christian writing. The verses, sayings, and quotes that I jot down in this journal also serve to build up my faith and devotion to God.

Whether I’m noting the good or the bad as I write in my various journals and notebooks, it usually works its way into my writing. If I’m working through some personal struggles, I know others out there are in similar situations. Because of my journalling, I’m able to write about these situations so my readers know they’re not the only ones experiencing them.

Photo Credits: © 2016, Nina Faye Morey

Diaries, Notebooks, Journals - Oh My! Tracy Krauss

I must admit that I have been thoroughly enjoying this month's contributions since I am a die-hard journaler from way back. Writing things down is such an integral part of my life that I'm not sure I could make sense of it otherwise.

I always take notes during sermons, workshops, or other teaching sessions. I don't always go back and read what I've written, but somehow taking notes helps me to listen and hopefully internalize what is being presented.

I keep a little notebook in my purse so that I can jot down random thoughts, snips of conversations, impressions, make lists, or even just doodle. Don't leave home without it!

I've found a daily log book or diary a wonderful way to keep track of what I do during a holiday. It's very useful when settling disputes that arise after the fact, and helps to make sense of all the pictures my husband takes. (He's the photographer. I'm too busy taking it in to bother with taking photographs.)

Pouring my heart out onto a page helps me process the difficult times, and brings my hopes and dreams into focus. This is my primary journalling activity and I've filled countless books of all shapes and sizes. I decided to gather them all up into a banker's box, but I had to start box number two earlier this year since I couldn't squeeze even one more in. I enjoy flipping through these journals. I can see how I've grown and changed, as well as see the patterns that have emerged over time.

Finally, one of my favourite journalling activities is to write out my prayers. I'm currently using a little monthly prayer journal that I developed last summer called 'Thirty Days of Targeted Prayer'. In it I pray about something specific each day. But even without that little tool, my journals tend to be a mixture of prayers, musings, and a record of events. I don't try to keep everything separate (except for the one prayer journal) but just let it all flow together.

I realized how much I rely on my journalling habits recently when I underwent open heart surgery. Obviously, I didn't write anything for a couple of days and even after that I found I didn't have the strength to write more than a few sentences for several days afterwards. However, the desire to record my thoughts was strong and I tried using the 'record' option on my phone. It wasn't quite the same, but I can see where this would be a useful tool for chronic journalers who can't physically write for whatever reason.

I've wondered if anyone will ever read what I've written. I've caught myself censoring my thoughts a time or two with that in mind, but most of the time I just pour out my soul, come what may. For me it is less about leaving a legacy and more about processing life.


Tracy Krauss journals (among other things) from her home in northern BC. Visit her website: http://tracykrauss.com   -fiction on the edge without crossing the line- 

To Journal, or Not to Journal, that is the Question - Ruth L. Snyder

Writing in a journal is something I enjoy. However, my busy schedule does not give me the leisure of sitting down every day with a journal. I also have several different journals on the go - each for a different reason. Here are nine different reasons I journal:

1. To record inspiring ideas - I used to carry a journal with me and record short descriptions of settings, characters, plot ideas, and anything else I ran across. I found this very helpful when I was writing short stories and fiction. I have never had the problem of writer's block; my problem is that I have more ideas than time.
2. To capture my dreams - Sometimes I use a pen and paper, and sometimes I use digital tools like Pinterest or Notes (on my phone). When I get an idea, I try to write it down. When I don't write it down, I've discovered that I don't remember when I want to use an idea.
3. To clarify my thoughts - Often my thoughts ramble. Anyone who has written a first draft understands that it takes a few sentences or paragraphs to dig down to the good ideas. Writing in a journal helps by getting all the fluff out of the way. It also helps because when I see something in writing, I'm able to understand what needs to be reworked.
4. To think through issues - When I need to work through an issue, I find writing helps. I often make a list of pros and cons. Sometimes I just doodle. I can't explain how it works, but I know it does.
5. To track progress - I find it helpful to write goals and review them on a regular basis. Sometimes when I go back to my goals I realize the goals were unrealistic, so I adjust them. Other times I am delighted and encouraged to see the progress I've made.
6. To plan for the future - Sometimes I journal to capture items for a bucket list. I may not be able to tackle those items now, but it frees my mind if I can write them down. Sometimes I am also able to start taking steps towards goals that are several years down the road.
7. To record personal thoughts and reflections - I currently have a devotional journal I write in every day. I write down verses that are meaningful to me each day, and also some prayer requests or thoughts about how the verses relate to me. In the past I also recorded events from the day and responses to those events.
8. To remind to me be grateful - Most of us are aware of Ann Voskamp's 1,000 Gifts. It seems that us humans focus more on the negative than the positive. Writing down a few things every day that I am thankful for has been very helpful to me.
9. To hone my writing skills - One way to get better at something is to practice. Writing in a journal allows me to see how words go together and think about how I can communicate ideas more effectively.

 

Writing in a journal is beneficial to all people, not just writers. According to Lori White's post,

writing can:

• Reduce the symptoms of illnesses like asthma and rheumatoid arthritis
• Help people work through trauma
• Aid students in attaining higher grades
• Reduce stress levels
• Increase the odds of being hired for a job
• Improve creativity

Obviously, I would say to journal is the right choice. What about you?

 Ruth L. Snyder is passionate about creativity. She is on a mission to help other creative people achieve their goals. Find out more at RLS Creativity.

Harnessing My Wandering Mind - Guest Post by Bobbi Junior

Aarrgghhh!    

I can read a whole chapter in the Bible, word for word, and spend the entire time thinking about some totally random, unrelated situation.  How does the brain do that? You’d think reading would take concentration, but my brain seems to split, words skimming the surface of my grey matter while my thoughts muck around, filling those places I want scripture to occupy.

It doesn’t happen when I’m writing, though. When I’m typing a sentence, following a thought on its trail to who knows where, my mind is fully engaged.

I have another weak spot in my prayer life, and that’s finding words of praise. I stumble and mumble, using archaic terms that feel phony coming out of my mouth. Quite frankly, it’s embarrassing, considering I call myself a writer. 

But then it occurred to me; I am a writer. Not a speaker. Hmmm…

Online I found a list of the attributes of God. What better focus for prayers of praise?

I copied the list to a word doc and put my plan into practice. It may not be focused praise, but it’s definitely drawing me deeper into my exploration of the character of God.

What does it look like? Here’s today’s effort.

The description I found online:

Omnipresent: This theological term means “always present.” Since God is infinite, His being knows no boundaries. So, clearly He is everywhere. This truth is taught throughout the Bible as the phrase “I am with you always” is repeated 22 times in both the Old and New Testaments. These were even Jesus’ words of assurance just after giving the challenge to His disciples to take His message to the entire world. This is certainly a comforting truth for all who follow Jesus.

My rambling, semi-edited exploration:

If I say to you, “Cleanse my heart, oh Lord,” you will take that prayer, and in your position as omnipresent ruler of all creation, you will address my small, infinitesimal self; me - just one of the billions of souls who have lived, are living and will live. You will invest yourself into my situation. That you would care that much, that you would take the time…  But no. You are not bound by time. You are infinite. After a boring meeting my friend often says, “That’s an hour of my life I’ll never get back.” But you, Lord, are not losing anything when you listen to my prayer, hear my petition, and intervene in my situation to teach me, grow me, refine me. It’s not a loss for you. We humans have to prioritize our choices according to time, energy, resources, and demands of others. But you, Lord, have no need to prioritize my prayer according to the prayers of others. You are omnipresent.  Always available for each of us, any time we call on you. Because you are infinite, because you are sovereign, you watch us and watch over us, fully present. No wonder Paul said we should pray all the time!

Yup. Journalling my thoughts about God takes me to unexpected understanding, something I can’t do when my fingers aren’t engaged. Works for me! What about you?

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