Journaling

Atlanta Writers Group

Feature Article – November 2006

Journaling: A Hop, Skip, Jump Away From Publication

Once people find out I am a writer, invariably their first question is, “How did you become a writer?”

I used to tell them the story of how I was sitting at my computer one day and like a flash the story of Denise Daniels and Saadiq Sumners, my main characters, in Bourgeois Blues, just came to me. And for the life of me I couldn’t stop writing until I finished the novel, six months later. But the more I thought about it, the more I felt as though I wasn’t telling the whole story. I was glossing over a major step.

For the past ten years, I’ve been journaling. Back in the day, it was called keeping a diary. I would pen different things that were going on in my life. Nothing was taboo. Everything from my job, family, boyfriends, my female friends and sexual fantasies were written down in great detail. Everything was uncensored, raw and pure. Journaling is the only time where I can write without fear of judgment and repercussions.

When I journal, there isn’t a concern about word count. Sometimes my entries are as short as a paragraph or as long as seven pages. It all depends on how I’m feeling.

Not only does journaling allow me to express my innermost feelings but it taught me to feel comfortable writing. Unfortunately, the thought of putting pen to paper scare some people to the point that they are filled with an irrational fear that paralyzes them thus stymieing their creative juices.

It doesn’t have to be like that. Journaling is an awesome way to express your thoughts and chronicle life altering events. One of my favorite phrases is: Write like no one is looking. I don’t recall who said that, but it’s true. While journaling, give yourself the permission to not censor yourself and let the words flow. Over time the comfortableness of journaling will flow into all your writing, giving you a confidence that you didn’t have before and will allow you to soar to astronomical heights.

In my novel, Crazy Love, Tameeka uses journaling as a tool to discover herself.

Another positive quality about journaling is that it allows you to develop your voice. While I encourage you to write freely, it would be a good idea for you to pay attention to your writing style. Some people infuse their prose with lively adjectives, colorful nouns and powerful verbs and string together lengthy chunks of information. While some others, write short snappy sentences, that flow by you in a blink of the eye. You might find yourself a combination of both styles.

My parting words: Journaling is an excellent way for beginning writers to discover their voice and feel comfortable writing. It’s also an awesome way for veteran writers to express their creative side without fear of being critiqued by their editors.

Desiree Day, a romance writer, has worked in the banking, telecommunication, and information technologies industries, as well as in academia. She is a member of Georgia Romance Writers and is the author of Bourgeois Blues (Rapture Publishing, 1998) and Crazy Love (Pocket,2005). Her latest book, Cruising (Pocket, 2006), is now available in stores. You may learn more about the author, read excerpts from her latest book, and see her touring schedule by visiting her web site at DesireeDay.com.