Journalling

[CharleyH]

Do you journal as a writer? What is your process? What do you recount? Does it help in your writing?

I began a diary at 11, I think, and stopped because my god damn mother was a nosy bitch. I restarted in 1986, and have not stopped. I journal in two ways:

1) after a significant event, (significant to me, whatever it may be) and describe it, trying to recount as best as possible, the details of facial expressions and conversations.

2) if alone, as it happens and plays out in conversations around me, and intermingled with my own thoughts.

I certainly think it has helped me do well with dialogue and perhaps description. I think it keeps your mind attuned to the nuances of people, interaction, description - though I could probably excercise certain brain muscles more ... but do you journal?

What are your thoughts on journals? Snippits of life, or full blown reflections, perhaps something else?

 

[AppleBiter]

I always say that if someone were to read my journals, they would think I was the most miserable person on the planet. I usually only write when I'm really upset or sad or introspective and there isn't anyone around to talk to about it, or I don't want to burden anyone with it. For me, it's an outlet, a release. No more, no less.

I can't keep an every-day journal, though I've tried. The events of my life seem very mundane when I attempt to put the hours of my average days into perspective and make something profound out of them. So, I only really write in my journal when I'm moved to do so.

 

[Guest]

 

[CharleyH]

I always say that if someone were to read my journals, they would think I was the most miserable person on the planet. I usually only write when I'm really upset or sad or introspective and there isn't anyone around to talk to about it, or I don't want to burden anyone with it. For me, it's an outlet, a release. No more, no less.

I can't keep an every-day journal, though I've tried. The events of my life seem very mundane when I attempt to put the hours of my average days into perspective and make something profound out of them. So, I only really write in my journal when I'm moved to do so.

I think we all fall there - it is a safe place, I think - though god forbid if anyone ever read it. My GOD! My life. Every day is almost impossible, I think. But, what do I know? I am lazy on certain days.

Do you ever think about journalling alone in a park? In a restaurant? Sitting on the balcony - if you have - or on a really foggy morning? My fave time. Ever thought of being a writer-nerd like me and going into a busy bar, and writing what you see? LOL - Oh yes - I have done it.

 

[CharleyH]

My journal is pretty much an accounting of what's happened to me recently, and I do strive for attractive phrasing and accurate recall. Unfortunately, sometimes it seems to detract from my fiction writing, as it's easier to scratch the itch to write by updating my journal, as opposed to tackling one of my stalled stories.

Do you ever take a journal entry and spin it in a new way? Perhaps the way you wished it would happen, other than the way it did? Maybe add the erotic element, for example?

 

[Guest]

 

[CharleyH]

I've done a series of journal entries in semi-third person, and while I enjoyed them and they were good venting, they aren't my best writing. And trust me, there's no way in hell I could add an erotic element to most of my life--that's why I'm still single!

Oh, and my journal entries are read--they're posted in the members-only section of the message board I consider my online home.

Have you tried first person in journal form? Why not add erotic or porn to life? Isn't life supposed to be at least erotic and passionate?

Just a question, not meant to be anything more.

 

[rgraham666]

Don't journal. I remember everything important. Except anniversaries, and birthdays, Dr's appointments, what day of the week it is…

Maybe I should start a journal.

 

[Guest]

 

[CharleyH]

Don't journal. I remember everything important. Except anniversaries, and birthdays, Dr's appointments, what day of the week it is…

Maybe I should start a journal.

Another dinner should do you.

 

[CharleyH]

My journal is first person, but ordinarily so mundane that adding porn to it would put it in the realm of science fiction or really really bad movies.

How the hell can a life be mundane? I don't get it. Seriously, I don't. Even if the smallest of things happens in day to day, even if it does not happen - a cat call, for you, by a girl construction worker for example? Not that it happens, but it does happen with guys ... so ... it could so happen that there is a girl catting you, no? A simple thing, but observe people, and people give stories ... or reality for such.

Let the imagination flow, LIL J!

 

[Op_Cit]

July 11, 2005 Day 262 : white : Not yet this AM.

Well, again the journaling question has come up and I'm not sure quite how to take it. Surely they must realize the seriousness of just such a question, yet amongst the assembled posters I can find no signs of others undertaking the penguin preparations necessary for proper journalling.

Who am I kidding? No one really understands just how many things can go wrong once they start writing to themselves each day. Not a one of them even seems to notice the interest they'll attract of the flightless water foul. Even now it makes me shudder.

I'm almost done with my espresso, and then I should get back to work on the gaps in the corner by the window. Maybe I should check that the bathroom is clear again. How they know when I'm writing is beyond me, and when I recall the look in their little eyes, the whisper of their shuffling gate, I wish I'd never begun this daily task... But I must persevere, to stop would be to let them win.

Still, I can take some comfort that since my last move I am not yet discovered. It is no help that I know they would not believe me if I told them. Thank god this record is still private.