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?

Related posts:

1. On taking my own advice
2. The Secret to Good Writing
3. Featured Mom – Heather Cook the Writing Mother