How to Keep a Journal

While I started keeping a journal when I was fourteen, I really learned the nuts and bolts of how to keep a journal when I was a freshman at Michigan State, in my first and last journalism class. (I switched my major to advertising which I thought was a lot more fun!) The way journalists are supposed to think about each of their stories is to answer the questions: who, what, where, when, and  why. I will answer these questions, albeit out of order

How to Keep a Journal:
WHAT is a Journal?

The first question is: what is a journal? Some think of it as a diary, and it can be that. But many, myself included, write regularly in a journal about thoughts, ideas, opinions, feelings, and sometimes about their day. It is also a great place to write about writing. In other words, it's a place to brainstorm and plan  creative projects, whether they will be written or produced some other way. For example, brainstorming for a business idea, a charity fundraiser, or problem-solving in general.

How to Keep a Journal:
WHY Keep a Journal?

Many professional writers keep a journal. Teachers assign journals to their students. Journals can also be used as a method of meditation. When writing in your journal, your pen should remain on the page (or your fingers on your keyboard) and  your mind strictly on the words coming out on the page. This focus can be a form of meditation.

Journaling can be a way to connect with a higher power. Whether you call this power God, Mother Nature, or the Universe (or anything else), when sitting quietly with your journal, ask questions and 'listen' for the answer. I've done this many times and I'm usually surprised by the amazing answers. Is this a connection to a higher power -- or to our subconscious? I can't answer that. But I do know that it works.

Another reason to keep a journal is that journals can be a relatively inexpensive way to have fun or to be  your own psychologist or best friend. When you're having problems with the people in  your life (as we all do!) your journal can act as the BFF (best friend forever) who always 'gets' you.

HOW to Keep a Journal:
Choose Your Equipment and Write!

So, how to keep a journal? It's really very simple. Choose your equipment and start writing. You need writing equipment (a pencil,  a pen, or if you prefer, a computer. I personally prefer journaling on paper, although I've tried the computer method. The cost of notebooks and all paper has gone up recently.  So check out your local dollar store or office supply to see if there is a notebook that strikes your fancy. Of course, you don't need a notebook if you are writing on your computer. But unless your computer is for your eyes only, this is not the best place to write in your journal. More about this later.

Then there is the matter of pens. I've gone through many favorites. I started with a lovely fountain pen, a gift from my mother when I was fourteen (along with a small, thick notebook). I've since moved on to gel pens, multi-color pens, mechanical pencils, and lately I've been partial to felt tip Flair pens. There is no right or wrong pen! Choose whatever 'feels' right when you're writing. And you can change your mind frequently, like I have.

Once you've line up your equipment, think like the NIKE slogan, and just do it! Sit down and start writing. You'll be surprised what you will read when your writing is done. 

How to Keep a Journal:
WHERE to Write...

If this is a classroom assignment, the answer is obvious. If you're journaling on your own, any place that is quiet and private will do. This could be at home, outside (when weather permits), under a tree, at a coffee shop (if you are an adult), and even on a plane (this is how I amuse myself on long flights). Once again, the place for your journal should be private. If you like music or human noise while you write, that's fine, too. So long as no one will be able to look over your shoulder or disturb your concentration. Keep in mind that this is a solitary pursuit. You might write a story or even a poem with a friend. But your journal is exclusively for you!

WHEN to Write in Your Journal

This brings us to the important question of when to write in  your journal. Some of us feel freshest in the morning before the day starts, when everyone else is asleep. Some of us are night owls who take pen to paper when no one else is awake. This choice is up to you. Some write during the day with zero awareness of any distractions.

While a journal should be written in regularly, it should be a pleasure, not a chore. (This, of course, does not include classroom journals. Write during assigned times! This will hopefully be a pleasure nonetheless.) I personally shoot for every day, although in the past I've written once a week or less. The advantage of writing every day -- preferably early in the morning before any cell phone or computer contact -- is that it gets you started when you are fresh and the least distracted. Regular contact with your journal feeds your muse (creativity), and delightful things pop out of of your pen. In my case, these are poems. However, when I wrote my three mystery books, my journal was where I discovered, and sometimes worked out, plot twists and turns. So I would advise writing regularly, preferably daily and first thing in the morning.

WHO Should Keep a Journal

If you are a teacher or home schooler, you can assign journal writing for your students. Teachers, please do not grade your students' journals. you might have journals handed in and checked -- just to make certain that something was written in the assigned  time. But the content should be private to the student. Journals are for the writer's eyes only -- and should be shared by invitation only!

But journal writing is not just for students; it's for everyone, and not just for writers or aspiring writers. My husband is a business man and has worked out problems and developed plans, while writing in his journal.

So is journal-writing for everyone? It could be, even though there are many people who would rather not. Personally, I think they are missing out. When your friends and other humans disappoint you, you can always count on (your dog and) your journal.

I hope this page explains well enough "How to keep a Journal." I've covered the Who, What, Where, and When, and even a How. Personally speaking, I've kept one going since I was fourteen. That's a whole lot of years ago, and a whole lot of notebooks. I keep them in a cabinet and read a bit from random notebooks now and then. It's like visiting with an old friend. I also hope you're motivated to choose your equipment and get started getting to know yourself. Happy journaling!