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Journals can strengthen your writing and refule your creative spark
Photo: Clara Lam
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Keeping a journal may seem like something you should have given up in high school. But writers both seasoned and fledgling will see how the simple act of scribbling about your writing can hone your craft.
Making It A Habit
One of the key principals in Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way is the concept of Morning Pages.
While dubbed "Morning Pages", anytime is a good time to jot down your thoughts and feelings. Adopting Cameron’s habit of writing everyday will help you to flex your creative muscles and get your talent into tip-top shape.
Refocus an off-kilter plot
Has your plot gone astray? Jot down the finer points of your story or refocus by writing the potential dust jacket copy of your future book. By zeroing in on how your story will play out, you’ll quickly get back on track.
Shape up your characters
Are your characters acting as though they have minds of their own? While you want your characters to jump off the page, they still need to act true to form.
Try writing in the voice of a particularly difficult character, or do a quick character sketch to delve below the surface of your cast. You may unearth the hidden gem that will ignite your imagination again.
See How You’ve Grown
A writing journal can be like a time machine. Just as each story is a window into your life at the time you wrote it, so, too, can your journal show you where you’ve been and how far you’ve come.
See Things More Clearly
Keeping a journal that strictly talks about your life as a writer can be like having your own personal therapist on staff.
If you aren’t comfortable sharing the trials and tribulations of your writing life, a journal allows you to spill your secrets, all the while taking comfort in knowing no one else will ever read your words.
Journal writing classes in Toronto
If you want to elevate your journal from passing interest to artform, The From Vapour to Paper: Journal Writing course at Ryerson University will help you expand your definition of journal.
Author Sarah Sheard offers sage advice on how to unlock your creativity and explore the various aspects of journaling. Sheard also offers mentoring at the Humber School for Writers program and workshops throughout the city with both the Toronto Writers' Centre as well as the Riverdale Area Workshops Network.
Continuing Education
Your local university, community college or neighborhood library is a great place to find a variety of classes to enhance your writing skills. Whether you write one page or ten, by keeping a journal dedicated solely to your writing life, you will be amazed at how you can build both the strength of your craft and refuel your creative spark.
Your opinion matters
Do you keep a journal? How does it benefit you as a writer? What tips or techniques would you suggest to someone who is new to writing? Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section.
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