Writing Journal

           Before I began writing, it seemed like a daunting task – something that could never be accomplished or fully realized. I had so many ideas swirling around in my head, like a tornado destroying a community that was once rich with organization and understanding. I would come up with one idea after another, excited at the prospect of getting down to business and creating something, but I was never able to complete my projects. Sometimes I wouldn’t even be able to start them! Not only did this lower my confidence in my ability to write, but it made me feel like my creativity was being wasted, like my ideas were being thrown away. It was an incredibly frustrating feeling, and I was about to give up on writing altogether.

            Then, in my final semester of community college, I took a creative writing class. One of the main assignments that my teacher had given us was the upkeep of a working writing journal. Little did I know, this would change my entire approach to the writing process and teach me to value the organization, skill, and craftsmanship of other writers’ stories as well. We were told to use the journal for anything related to writing: spontaneous story ideas, bits of interesting dialogue, imagery practice, etc. My writing journal became something that I could not leave the house without – keys, wallet, phone, journal. Before long, I was able to categorize my stories, allocate details, create character development, and jot down dialogue. Although I still have a lot to learn, keeping a writing journal was definitely a step in the right direction.

            So I insist, before you get frustrated with yourself, angry at your lack of decision or organization, or let your confidence plummet, try a working writing journal. Take it with you everywhere and write down everything. Describe the trees you sit under before class, write down interesting conversations that you hear, take note of names that you like or words that sound silly. Before long, you will transform into the organized, thoughtful, and adept writer that you always knew you were, no longer hindered by your own overwhelming onslaught of creative ideas. The best part will come after you publish your first book or collection of poems or stories, you will be able to look back on that writing journal as the beginning of it all, as your transformative journey into an incredible writer.

By Sydnee Appel, FCC Student, WRC Tutor