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When I first started writing my first novel, Haven River, a little voice inside my head suggested it might be a good idea to keep a journal at the same time.
I knew writing my novel would begin a journey that no doubt would have ups and downs and it made sense to keep some kind of record but the reason why wasn’t particularly clear to me.
While I had visions of my journal looking all romantic and pretty like the one above, it ended up being much more practical – an A4 spiral-bound notebook with a cool almost-Kermit green cover! And it was lined. I don’t know why, but I need to write on something that has lines on it.
My first journal entry was:
12 January 2013 – Today is the day where up until now I’ve spent researching genres, how to get published, creative writing classes (shall or I or shan’t I?) and the repetitive theme of must having to write for at least ten minutes once a day.
Part of the reluctance to start writing is – what if I fail? But my biggest regret would be leaving this life and not have made the best attempt possible to write a book.
Looking back I find it interesting that I was doubting myself before I even started, but this is a big fear for all writers.
I tried to write in my journal every day and after a while it became a great sounding board to get down my doubts, fears, thoughts, wins, frustrations and decisions I made (and why I decided to head down a particular path).
Soon I was covering lots of topics as the journey began and I was on my way. I also started to stick articles, quotes, pictures into my journal and it evolved into both a writing and pictorial record.
My journal became my friend and three years on I do go back and look (and laugh!) at things I wrote.
When I decided to start blogging this year, it became a great resource and inspiration to glean ideas for posts. And since I’ve started blogging I’ve realised I don’t write in my journal any more. My journal has moved into cyberspace and is out there for all to see. I kind of miss picking up an actual pen and sharing with my friend.
Do you keep a journal and, if so, why? Is it one you write in or is it on-line? Which do you prefer?
Casey Fae Hewson 
It is interesting how you say you now don’t keep a journal. I started a hour la at the start of the year and like you came to use it a lot and found it a wonderful resource. Since blogging Intoonhave let it fall by the wayside. Only yesterday I thought I must take it up again even if the process feels a little forced at present. Because I believe it enriches my writing and my thought process. In one of my earlier posts Inmention the book Brainhack and why handwriting uses more of the brain and makes it work differently to typing. I have found it to be true. I’m getting back to journaling will be interested to see if you do to. 🍁🍂
Thanks for your comment. Yes, I agree with what you say about handwriting and the brain. I think it has something to do with the act of writing and the connection to the brain. Although I’m not journalling any more I realised after I wrote this that I actually write most of my blogs first by hand before typing even though I might do a draft of a blog and post it a month later. I just need to keep track of all the bits of paper. In our tiny part of the world we had a 7.8 magnitude earthquake just after midnight Sunday and I’ve been writing about the experience by hand to post at a later date. I find in times when I’m stressed I always go back to pen and paper!