How to Start a Personal Journal

People start personal journals for many reasons, and they're very worthwhile in helping you focus your thoughts and goals in life. In this article, I'll share some ideas and tips in starting a personal journal.

1) Select Your Journal and Supplies

I still have spiral-bound notebooks that are over 15-years-old from when I was a kid that are in good condition. They work fine as long as you pick one without perforated pages and use a dark-colored pen as opposed to a pencil or light ink. As my writing has changed however, I've switched over to hardback journals.

2) Got writer's cramp?

If you need some inspiration, try searching "personal journal prompts." You'll find wide variety of resources that are free.

3) If this is your first journal, consider taking a few pages to do some autobiographical information.

Later on you may want to pass on family history to your children and grandchildren or use it to write stories or even books.

4) If you're looking for an on-line option, Writing.com is a good site that has the ability to set items you write to either public or private.

I like their site because you can access it from multiple locations (as long as there's an Internet connection) as opposed to accidentally leaving a journal at home. I basically do a combination of both.

5) What's very important in all of this is establishing a habit of writing as soon as possible.

When you get used to writing on a daily basis, it does become easier. It also helps you in venturing into writing for profit if that's a goal you'd like to have.

More Tips:

• When I first started out, I didn't worry as much about spelling and grammar as much as getting my thoughts on paper. If it's personal and only something only you're going to read, you're going to get better at these naturally over time. Just don't let them keep you from enjoying the process.
• Have fun with this. I used to think writing was a chore (mainly because of some teachers I had), but fortunately I also had teachers that showed how rewarding writing can be for your life.

How to Get Writing Ideas

I believe that writer's block comes from two things: Not being prepared or wanting your writing to be perfect on the first draft. In this article, I will address both of these issues and help you get a better flow of ideas going for you.

1) One of the first things you need to do is get in a habit of carrying a notebook and something to write with wherever you go.
We all have down time--waiting in line at the post office, doctor's office, etc. You can brainstorm during these times and come back to your ideas later when you're home. This has personally allowed me to come up with dozens of short stories I don't think I would've done otherwise.

If you want to do it, keep separate notebooks by your bed and in your car as well. Just remember to write down that great idea you get in your car when you get to a red light--not while the car is moving.

2) Read.
I've also found it helpful to keep some reference books in your home office about the area you like to write about. It's always good to read about a book a month to keep your mind sharp and help you to spark some ideas. This makes some writers uncomfortable--thinking it's going to limit their creativity--but for me it's had the opposite effect.

I sometimes even read a little of people I disagree with (don't buy their books--just read a few pages) and have an idea of how I'd put a topic in my perspective.

3) Don't worry about getting things right on the first draft.
While I was in school, I used to be so worried about getting a paper back with red ink on it. Now I actually like it when I run copy past other people and have them catch my mistakes. It makes your final draft better than if you keep it to yourself.

There are a lot of great web sites for writers that are very nice and helpful when it comes to reviews. I'll link you to a free one, Writing.com, that's one of my favorites. I'm not affiliated with them but have been a member of their site for over a year--we review each other's work for things called gift points, which you can exchange for better memberships and to reward people for reviewing you. What I like is you can store your work online (private or public) in a portfolio and pick back up where you left off on another computer with the Internet. They've been really good to me or I wouldn't suggest them.
Other Resources:

Web Writer Central (Has free information for on-line freelance writers)

More Tips:

• Keep yourself in a habit of writing, even if it's not the masterpiece of work you're wanting. It makes things easier when you take on a larger project.

• When you fill up a notebook, put it in a filing cabinet. The next time writer's block hits you, you have a whole set of ideas you can start on.