Journals aren’t just for teenagers. As the new options for self-publishing allow more first-time authors to try their hand at selling their material, more authors than ever are traversing uncharted territory. This can be both exciting, and frustrating, for those not used to the process. But one practice that has proven fruitful for writers over hundreds of years is the act of keeping a journal.
Journaling isn’t about just keeping a diary, though a diary can be included. More accurately, journaling serves to help a writer become informed by everything going on in the world around. He writes all this information down so as not to forget it. A journal can include your feelings and emotional responses to life. It also can include ideas that spring into your head, interesting people you witness, narratives that develop in your mind throughout the day, etc.
As sensory beings, we are overloaded with input almost every second of the day. Our minds are constantly working to decode what’s happening around us. We seek to place all this data into a larger picture of how we perceive the world. These thoughts can come and go throughout the day, without ever resurfacing again. You may be surprised at what gems you find when you look back through old journal entries and find patterns of thoughts, or sensory responses you have completely forgotten.
In consideration of this, one of the most prevalent journaling times is immediately upon waking up, as last night’s dreams barely linger around in mind-space. Many famous inventors, musicians, and authors (most notably Stephen King) credit dreams as the inspiration for their breakthroughs, and a journal kept bed-side can be the perfect tool for remembering, in detail, what they experienced. Chances are you can remember once having a powerful dream that minutes after waking up completely disappeared from your memory. Keeping a journal is your effort to end that.
Journaling can include many things. Words, phrases, quotes, drawings, pictures, images cut from magazines or news papers, clipped articles with your hand written notes, and more. Challenge yourself to move beyond a bulleted list of your observations. Be the creative individual you are and capture all that inspires you. Kepp the journal with you at all times, as you never know when something will catch your eye or imagination. And keep it by your bedside to capture dreams, as noted above.
As a creative person stuck in a restless world you never know when a game-changing inspiration will come to mind. Whether you’re driving to work, having lunch in a busy restaurant, or just waking up from a nice night’s sleep, the ability for you to remember your moment of brilliance could potentially mean the difference between fulfilling your dreams and plugging along hoping for a break. If having a journal nearby could offer you the chance of perfect remembrance, isn’t that a chance you’re willing to take?