Writers and Their Notebooks

First, as Saroyan mentions, a journal helps jog our memories of past events, the places and people we have known. Second, a journal encourages regular appointments with the desk and provides an orderly place to store the chaotic pieces of our lives. Third, journal keeping prompts us to notice the extraordinary detail in even the most ordinary day.

By journaling without constraint, writer’s block ceases to exist. Even if it turns out you can’t use much or anything you’ve written in your current work, it’s gotten you writing. It’s helped loosen you up.

The journal is a place where you can shed the mask you wear during the course of your day.

Write Letters in Your Journal Write to your characters, friends, loved ones—dead or alive.

A gratitude journal, which is a place to record what you are thankful for in life. This type of journal nurtures a positive outlook and is a good thing to have when you’re feeling down.

A writing journal is only a process by which one looks at life and a way with words and symbols, with the possibilities of image and story, or the unfolding of a sequence of rhythms and discoveries of feeling.

“Writing a journal means that facing your ocean, you are afraid to swim across it,” wrote George Sand, “so you attempt to drink it drop by drop.”

A personal journal can be many things. It can be a record of life events, a sounding board, or a tool for personal growth.

A journal can be a veritable treasure chest of thoughts and anecdotes. It is not only a place to collect ideas, though, but a place to practice writing and overcome writer’s block.

Lu Chi’s Wen Fu: The Art of Writing.