Journal Writing
Way back, before little H was born, I was writing quite a bit. Sometimes I would sit down and blast out a couple thousand words. I’d finish my session and leave my desk believing that I was on a roll and my next session would be just as productive. Not so. I’d go back the next day and re-read what I’d written the day before trying to pick up that momentum again. Inevitably, I’d get caught up tweaking this thing or that and I’d never get back on my original train of thought. I’d leave that session feeling frustrated, confused and wondering if I’d ever make any progress.
Here’s how I fixed it. I began using a writing journal.
What is a writing journal?
Basically, it was a standard notebook that would sit beside my computer as I worked. I used it to jot down notes about thoughts I had for the story that weren’t necessarily in the scene I was currently writing. Most importantly, I would write in it immediately after I finished a writing session.
The key to increasing productivity
For me, the key to being able to pick up where I left off was in those end of session notes. At the moment I hit ‘save’ on my computer, I’d also pick up a pen and write about what was to come next. It would allow me to capture my thoughts right as they were occurring and as they were in the moment. I would write something like :
Next: Main character realizes he has to confront sub character but he’s hesitant to do so. The feeling is anxious and flighty. The sub character is smart and knows what he’s up to and is working to manipulate what he says to fit her agenda.
I would also include any details that I might have other forgotten like – time of day, weather, setting details, maybe there was a dog doing something in the background. The point of these notes was to refresh me, to bring be right back to the frame of mind I had in my last session and to provide me with information I might not want to forget.
Picking up the ball
The next day, I’d brew my pot of tea and sit down at my desk. As my computer started up I’d grab my notebook and go over my notes from the last session. Reading the notes would eliminate the need to re-read my last days work. Which eliminated the desire to re-write and edit. Which eliminated the likelihood that I would get lost or frustrated or waste my session in not moving forward.
The notes put me in a position to easily move forward instead of focusing on what I’d already done.
Not just for writers
This technique works well for many creative processes. Knitting? Jot down which stitch to do next in the pattern so you don’t lose your place. Scrapbooking? Note which photo you want to tackle next. You get the idea!
Have you ever used a journal? Did it help you?
Thank you for this post! I use journaling all the time in my sewing. After I finish a garment I journal about it and write what worked, how I can make it better, etc. I also make long lists of people I would like to make screens for, for my business. Writing about the sewing process also helps me to continue to find meaning in what I do. When I get discouraged I think and write about my mom and her mother and my greatgrandmother and their sewing and how I am an important part of this heritage. Now if only I could get my boys to sew!
Thanks for sharing this encouraging post. Journaling has been an important part of my life since I was a teenager. At first, I would write about school, boys, parents, etc and then as I grew in life and my faith I would start to explore bigger questions, dreams and even write prayers in my journals. I hope that my children will read these journals and it will help them through a tough time when “talking to my grown-up parent who doesn’t understand” hits our family. Right now my kids are 1, 3, 5. Along with motherhood I am a playwright and screenwriter. I am DEFINATELY going to integrate this method of journaling into my life! Thanks again
I used to keep a journal from the time I was about 7 till after my first child was born – I’m a HUGE believer in notebooks and jotting down ideas, to-do’s, etc. Haven’t thought of keeping notes on projects, though – that’s brilliant. I use Levenger’s Circa notebooks for my design ideas, order lists, who I need to contact (home/work)…I will definitely need to start writing down info regarding my works in progress. Love it. Thank you.
This is a very timely post for me as I am struggling still with sitting down to write a larger work, and I’m currently blocking myself about it because I feel like I don’;t have these long chunks of time to just sit and work on it so why bother? This technique is a great idea for me to get me started and get over that mental block. Now I just need to actually plan to sit down and DO IT.
Thanks so much for posting this I am so grateful for the advice!
Excellent advice!
I’ve found this to be a must with my art. Before becoming a mom, I could focus on a canvas long enough to make some headway. So many times I just get the groove on & either my son or DH needs something. Without the notes, I loose track & interest in the interrupted pieces.