Why Writers Should Keep Journals

@2025 The Author’s Writer
Our memories are bathed in pure emotion. We remember how someone, something, or some place made us feel, even when those present with us experienced it so differently. And, as we develop, grow, and mature, those memories evolve along with us.
We try to dissect them, regret them, reposition them, understand them, even recreate them through our present-day lens.
Sometimes we even write about them.

But what about the events we’ve experienced or thoughts we’ve had that don’t spark so much emotional turbulence?
Those are important to our growth as writers, too.
Not based in emotion, we can easily forget these thoughts and ideas if we don’t keep a daily journal.
What is a journal? A journal is not just a diary with a lock that protects our most private thoughts from the world.
Keeping a journal is an informal way to record our daily observations and meanderings without being judged.
Every writer should keep a journal. Write in it often. Write as much as you want or as little, but make sure to make an entry each day.
When you go back and reread it, you will understand yourself better. Not just as a writer, but also in your personal and business life, too. It’s all interconnected.

How do you write in a journal and when should you write? You can wake up early and pen your thoughts a few minutes each morning before distractions and interruptions set in. Or, you can write each night for a few minutes before going to sleep, recording what’s fresh in your mind that may be forgotten if you don’t write about it.

How many times have writers had a great idea, only to forget it when not taking the time to write it down? There may be a story in those thoughts. There may be a scene or a conversation. There may be a tidbit of wisdom framed in a new light. Your daily writing helps you understand, ask questions, and make connections.

Start keeping a journal today. Write with pen and paper. It’s more meditative. Writing with a pen slows you down, which slows your thinking, too. We live in such a hurried world with so much information we don’t really need to know. So don’t be afraid to slow down while the world is spinning ’round you. That’s when genius springs. Get a journal that’s comfortable to you. Feel the paper. Do you like the feel of it? What about the pen? Is it comfortable to hold? What do you think of the color of the ink? When you are happy with your journal and pen, then find your space and write. In a month’s time, you’ll be surprised at all the wisdom you’ve amassed.

Hi. I’m Wendy, The Author’s Writer. I help aspiring authors write their books, from idea to publishable manuscript. Want to know more? Schedule a call or email me at  wendy@authorswriter.com for more information.