Journals and Papers

I’ve heard of a lot of authors who derive some of their best works from journal entries and ideas. I am a writer and I have a complete journal dedicated to ideas, comments, quotes, newspaper clippings, and articles that aid me when I am looking for material to write about.

Both my children’s books, Little Blue Penguin, and my recent release of McKenzie’s Frosty Surprise, started with ideas written into a simple notebook journal that I keep in my purse. With the story, Little Blue Penguin, we were out walking at a local park when my daughter, who was a toddler at the time, lost her new stuffed toy, a little blue penguin. I got to thinking that it could be a cute story, and didn’t want to loose the idea, so I wrote down a few ideas in the journal I had with me.

McKenzie’s Frosty Surprise came about when out for a daily walk. We live in the country and I was walking by one of our local wetland marshes. There was a nest of ducks and their ducklings. It was so cute to watch them playing and in and out of the marsh. I had my journal with me, so I found a rock to sit on some distance away and just started writing, keeping an eye on the feathered family as I did so. The ideas flowed from me as I felt I was in the groove. I am not sure if that I hadn’t been carrying a journal, whether the ideas might have disappeared before I was able to jot them down.

Handy journals come in so many sizes now; it’s easy to find one to store in a pocket, purse or back pack. You never know when a story idea or even the story itself might nudge you to do some writing.

Patricia L. Atchison is the author of 2 children’s books, Little Blue Penguin and McKenzie’s Frosty Surprise, available through Wood Lily Publishers and Wood Lily Books.

I was recently at a journaling seminar where a discussion ensued about the types of journals. One lady mentioned that between their families, they used letter writing as a form of communication between family members, and wondered if that could be classified as keeping a journal. I think it could be. It is a dated account of events and a journal is defined as an account, a record of daily experiences, and what better way to record these than in a letter to loved ones.

I don’t know how many of us have a drawer full of old letters from family members, friends or lovers. If you do, consider yourself fortunate. These are thoughts that your loved ones were willing to share - unlike a journal, where most likely hide it away.

In recent years, letter writing has taken a twist to the contemporary, with any type of paper being used. Prior to the nineteenth century, letter writing was an art, where special papers were used, with quill pen and sealed wax emblem. If you want to get creative with your letter/journal, try surprising them with some fancy Amalfi paper, handmade from Italy.  Its lush decaled edges demand serious attention.

If writing in a journal doesn’t appeal to you, but writing to friends and relatives about your thoughts, then what a treasure you are passing on! 

My dad loves to write anything under the sun.  He can go on the whole day just writing about anything that comes to mind, he finds a sense of fulfillment knowing that he didn’t miss any thoughts he had in mind and kept it in a journal.

That is why I was thrilled to find a nice assortment of fine leather journals at this online store. Since father’s day is just around the corner, I couldn’t think of a better gift than this to give to my dad who has a great passion for writing.

Does the type of journal you write in censor your inner voice? I’ve had journals that are bound so professionally, that I am afraid to crack the spine and really get into my writing mode. I try to write neat and tidy, thinking this might be the one journal I share with friends and relatives.

Then I find I can’t write at all. I sit there and stare at the elegant pages and try to figure out what to write. Sometimes, this is the case even when the journal is well worn, ragged and almost full. I’ve had times where I really want to write. I grab a pen, open up my journal and then end up sitting and chewing on the end of the pen for awhile before chucking the whole idea and tossing my journal back into the drawer.

I’ve discovered a few tips to free your inner voice and let your thoughts flow into your journal:

• determine the best time for you to write during the day or night when you are more receptive to your inner feelings
• know when you are full of energy or inspiration
• don’t be too quick to criticize your writing
• if you find interruptions are spoiling your time to journal, try to find a quiet space
• play some soft background music, or find a ‘back to nature’ space
• use tools like journal prompts
• pretend you are writing a letter to yourself or someone else
• let your hand do the writing, release your mind
• keep it fun, draw pictures

And finally, when thinking about writing in that intimidating journal - just go for it. Scribble a little. Even if there’s one mark on the page, it becomes a little less fearful to let go.

When I first started using Cavallini & Co.’s Moderno leather journals, I opened one up, after removing the cellophane and loved the smell of the new leather. I fondled it and thought, “Oh, this is way too nice to write in.” But then I thought that was quite silly, and went for it. Now I can’t wait to fill up my journal, just so I can get another one. It might make for quite a collection of thoughts a few years from now. My inner voice had full rights to the pages of this journal.

Most times in today’s fast paced world, I feel like I am standing against a wall, and objects are flying at me all the time. I have to duck and bend sideways and forwards to miss all the obstacles that approach me. With these objects come negativity and the challenge that there must be something better for me. I decided it was time to feel grateful for what I have and wanted to start a gratitude journal.

When I discovered the Every Day™ Journal by Compendium, I knew I had found the perfect journal for writing my grateful thoughts. They have 8 different kinds: ENJOY, COURAGE, ACHIEVE, CARE, DREAM, EXPLORE, PASSION and CREATE. So, depending on the one that best reflects an interest, would be a great one to keep as a gratitude journal. (I also use the PASSION one for a prayer journal).

Every other page (in each book) has a quote, which spurns me to find the right word to explain why I am grateful and what I am grateful for. Out of the ENJOY journal, an example of a quote is, “On some days, a shade tree and a few minutes can change your whole attitude. (Unknown)” How true.

Being grateful is about changing attitude, or perhaps it brings about the change in attitude. When we look at where we are and what we have, no matter how small or how large, there is always something to be grateful for.

I’ve found even in my darkest days, if I think for a moment or two, I can be grateful for something. I write,

I am grateful for the inches and inches of snow we have received this last week. (We’re getting hammered here in the Western Alberta Rockies.) It helps me realize that spring is just around the corner and I am grateful that I can feel Mother Nature and all her wondrous wildness. Maybe the snow is her way of having a ‘wild hair day’. I am grateful that I can touch the snow, its icy residue leaving my fingers red with cold. It melts against my warm face, leaving a freshness that no facial toner can promise. My senses are alive. I am grateful for I know in some parts of this world there are people who have never ever even seen a snowflake.”

Now how’s that for a change in attitude this snowy Friday morning?

I like keeping something to write with on me, but I usually lose those tiny notebooks from drug stores and all my thoughts or notes to myself are lost forever.  Someone recommended that I try keeping writing journals on my person, so as not to lose them so easily.  I found this great journal with the phrase, “She decided to start living the life she’d imagined” emblazoned on its cover.  It’s a really cool book that I can fit into my back pocket or in my bag.  It’s memorable enough that I don’t think I’ll leave it at a store while I’m trying to write down a scarf that I may want to buy later. 

These days, I’m finding that it’s extremely helpful to keep track of my thoughts and goals in a journal.  It harkens back to my days as a young adult and while it may come off as juvenile, keeping a personal journal allows me to maintain my day-to-day life with great ease.

Eventually I came across the Achieve Every Day Journal, a simple, yet beautifully bound notebook.  I seldom have found hardcover journals that I like, either due to poor stitching or ugly cover designs, but Achieve has such an understated look that I’m not ashamed of taking my book out in public with me. 

Many people keep multiple journals. If you’ve never considered this aspect of journaling, you might be in for a pleasant surprise. When would you want to write in multiple journals? Is it really necessary?

A daily journal is generally free form, a capture of thoughts as they occur every day. Random thoughts written in free form text style can be anything about your experiences today, to aspects that you wish to hone in on regarding your feelings.

Keeping another journal in addition to your daily journal might be to acknowledge a specific theme about a particular subject or hobby. It could reflect an extension of your personal interests and can be used as needed.

Examples of themed journals might be:

• travel journal,
• photography journal,
• sketching journal,
• hiking or physical activity journal,
• gardening journal,
• fishing journal,
• spiritual journal,
• gratitude journal,
• weight loss journal,
• … and the list is endless depending on your interests.

You can use your themed journal to compliment the practice of daily journaling, and to enhance the hobbies you enjoy. Keeping multiple journals can be likened to having many friends. Some friends you wouldn’t hesitate to ask to join you in certain activities, others, you wouldn’t dream of asking them. Selecting a specific journal is like talking to a friend who shares that particular interest with you.

Multiple journals each provide a specific focus. When you sit down to write, you already know the direction of your thoughts depending on the subject of the journal. You have narrowed down your topic, and may find it easier to write.

If you want a change of pace from continually writing in a daily journal, consider expanding your thoughts with multiple journals. It’s similar to visiting a different place, being in a different space and time.
This web log’s motto is… “One can never have too many journals!”

When would you want to write in a physical journal as opposed to an online computer journal? I guess that depends on the person. I have both.

When I first got my laptop, I was so excited. I wanted to write and spend time on the computer, so I went in search of online journal software and downloaded a package. The first few weeks, I would fire up the laptop and sit for a few hours rapidly typing away, storing my entries by calendar day, and using the software prompts. Then reality hit. Work took precedence on the computer, and then online journaling took a back seat. I soon went back to my pen and paper journal.

Unlike my laptop, which gives me huge muscles when I cart it around, I can shove a pen and a paper journal (any size) in my bag and I’m on my way. I am the type of journal writer who likes to sit on a park bench at lunch time, and watch the world go on around me. While I watch I take note and in my journal write whatever comes to mind. I do see people with their laptops balanced on their knee. I wonder if they are working or enjoying some journal writing time.

The other thing I like about a paper journal is it’s concealable. If I am having a grumpy time with someone, and letting all my thoughts out on paper, I will certainly want to make sure the journal remains hidden. Yes, it’s true you can set a password on a computer file, but then you have to remember it. Sometimes I just don’t want all those personal thoughts in a file where, when my computer is down and being fixed, Mr. Computer Techie decides to go snooping and has a good read of my entries.

It is true, if my bag gets stolen, the same thing could happen, where Mr. Bag Robber also has a good read, but I would hope in his case that he is not interested in a book, but more the wallet and saleable items.

It’s a comfort thing too. To me computers are for serious work. If I do have an entry I want to preserve (perhaps for a future article), I will certainly write online. But writing in a paper journal is fun, relaxing and can be done anywhere, anytime. Just flip it open, no power up required, other than flicking the top of my pen.

What are your thoughts on Paper vs. Online Journals for your writing needs?

When you go shopping for a pair of shoes, it takes time to find the right ones, with a comfortable fit, something that will last, and hold up considering wear and tear. Selecting a journal to write in can be the same depending on your needs.

You may wish to determine the type of journal you want, prior to purchasing one, or you might just fall in love with a journal the minute you pick it up. This is great if you are in a store and can touch the journal and look inside. Not all stores carry a vast selection of journals. You might prefer shopping online for that one special journal. If you do, then you may want to think about the type of journal you are looking for.

Here are a few questions to get you thinking about what the right journal might be for you:

• Are you looking for a simple notebook to jot ideas?
• Do you want a bound book that will travel with you for miles and miles, jostling in a backpack?
• Do you need something to write in when out in nasty weather (e.g. field notes)?
• What about a leather journal, small and compact, for your motorcycle tour?
• Perhaps you like your journal and want it to be refillable to add to it.
• Do you want to sketch in addition to writing your thoughts?
• Is your writing neater if contained on lined pages, or is scribbling on a blank page your style?
• Is the journal a gift? What type of journal would suit the recipient?
• Does size matter?

Another aspect of keeping a journal is to figure out if it will be archived - saved for years so that the grand children and great-grandchildren can enjoy your thoughts. A sturdy acid free journal would be beneficial in this case.

One consideration too is the cost. When purchasing a journal as a gift, you might be tempted to spend a little more money. If it’s for yourself, you might spend a little less. You might not care.

A journal doesn’t have to be anything more than a binder with some 3 hole punched sheets inside. Just as a pair of shoes need not be more that a pair of flip flops. But, there are those occasions where you want something a little nicer, a little sturdier, something which fits your style, thus enabling you to write with flare. If you are stepping out with style in a new pair of shoes, why not try stepping out with a new journal?