how to write journal entry in college

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Common Assignments: Journal Entries

Basics of journal entries, related webinar.

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Journal Writing

View in pdf format, common goals of a journal.

• To encourage regular writing
• To make connections between class material, lectures, and personal observations
• To raise questions and issues that can fuel classroom discussions
• To generate ideas for future paper topics
• To provide a forum for inquiry, analysis, and evaluation of ideas
• Write regularly
• Try to make concrete connections between journal entries
• Link personal reactions to the class material
• Approach the exercise with the intention of being challenged
• Present your ideas in a coherent and thought-provoking manner
• Ignore basic rules of grammar and punctuation
• Write to fill pages; the process is more important than the product
• Wait until the last minute to make your entries
• Confuse your journal with a personal diary. Although this is your journal, the main focus should be on class assignments and their connections. Try not to focus too much on your personal feelings, such as whether or not you liked the book or the film. Instead concentrate on why your professor assigned the material.
• Simply summarize — analyze. Avoid describing what you have read. Ask probing questions: are the points well-argued? Does the writer come to a logical conclusion? What other issues should be considered?

Take your journal seriously. Keeping a journal helps develop writing, reading, analytical and critical skills that are necessary in all disciplines.  

Faculty Comments on the Value of Journal Writing

“I’ll be looking for evidence of thought and clarity of expression. The journal needn’t be polished to gem-like lustre, but it should be coherent and, I hope, thought-provoking.” — Richard Decker, Professor of Computer Science “Journals are ultimately very useful for developing good work habits by providing a venue and location for thinking through ideas in an ongoing and consistent way.” — Ella Gant, Professor of Art

by Molly Soule ’97 & Andresse St. Rose ’97

Office / Department Name

Nesbitt-Johnston Writing Center

Contact Name

Jennifer Ambrose

Writing Center Director

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How to Write a Journal Entry in APA Format

The American Psychological Association (APA) style began as a way to simplify scientific writing. APA is also used by many college professors and students when submitting academic essays. APA style incorporates a set of rules that guide the writer in such tasks as formatting a reference list. Journal citations in particular must be entered in a certain fashion to conform to APA style. Knowing the APA guidelines for citing journal entries is important for the credibility of both your sources and your article, book or essay.

Format journals with continuous pagination using these items in this order: author last name, author first initial, author middle initial, year of publication, title of work in full, name of publication, volume number, and pages referenced. For example:

Loftus, E. F. (1993). The reality of repressed memories. American Psychologist, 48, 518-537.

• Note that in an actual citation, the name of the publication and the volume number would be in italics.

Cite non-paginated journals using these items in this order: author last name, author first initial, author middle initial, year of publication, title of work in full, name of publication, volume number, issue number, and pages referenced. For example:

Hubel, D. H. & Wiesel, T. N. (1979). Brain mechanisms of vision. Scientific American, 241(3), 150-164.

List a referenced journal article accessed online using these items in this order: author last name, author first initial, author middle initial, year of publication, title of work in full, name of publication, volume number, issue number, pages referenced, and DOI number. For example:

Ku, G. (2008). Learning to de-escalate: The effects of regret in escalation of commitment. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 105(2), 221-232. doi:10.1016/j.obhdp.2007.08.002

Enter journal articles from a subscription database using these items in this order: author last name, author first initial, author middle initial, year of publication, month of publication, day of publication, title of work in full, name of publication, volume number, issue number, pages referenced, name of website, and URL. For example:

Colvin, G. (2008, July 21). Information worth billions. Fortune, 158(2), 73-79. Retrieved from Business Source Complete, EBSCO. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com

• When there are more than seven authors, list the first six authors followed by an ellipsis and the last author. For example:
• Burger, J., Gochfeld, M., Jeitner, C., Burke, S., Stamm, T., Snigaroff, R., . . . Weston, J. (2007). Mercury levels and potential risk from subsistence foods of the Aleutians. Science of the Total Environment, 384, 93-105. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2007.05.004
• Cornell University Library; APA Citation Style

Johnny Kilhefner is a writer with a focus on technology, design and marketing. Writing for more than five years, he has contributed to Writer's Weekly, PopMatters, Bridged Design and APMP, among many other outlets.

How To Write A Journal Entry: Unleashing Your Thoughts with Power and Clarity

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on July 22, 2023

Categories Writing

Whether you’re looking to capture precious moments, explore your deepest thoughts, or simply jot down daily happenings, journaling can be a powerful tool.

It’s personal, it’s therapeutic, and most importantly, it’s yours. However, starting a journal may seem daunting if you’ve never done it before. You might ask yourself: ‘What should I write? How should I begin?’

Don’t worry! This guide will help you understand the basics of journal writing. From choosing your journal and setting it up to developing a regular routine and overcoming common challenges – we’ve got you covered.

So grab that pen and prepare to embark on an exciting journey of self-discovery through words!

Key Takeaways

• Journaling is a personal and therapeutic practice that helps with self-discovery, mindfulness, and reducing stress.
• Choosing the right journal medium and personalizing it with decorations and a cover that reflects one’s personality can enhance the journaling experience.
• Developing a regular journaling routine by allocating dedicated time each day and treating journaling as an important task in the daily schedule is crucial for consistency.
• Journal entries don’t need to be perfect or lengthy essays; instead, they should reflect thoughts and emotions genuinely and honestly.

Understanding the Basics of Journaling

You’ve probably heard about journaling, but do you really understand what it means to pour out your heart onto paper, sifting through the noise of your mind and finding clarity in those quiet moments?

Journaling is a key tool for self-discovery and mindfulness. It’s not just about recording events or ideas; it’s more personal, a way of connecting with your thoughts and feelings.

Diving into the benefits of journaling, you’ll find that it can be therapeutic. It allows you to declutter your mind, reducing stress and improving mental health. You get to understand yourself better by reflecting upon your experiences and expressing emotions freely. Additionally, journaling enhances creativity as you explore different thoughts without judgment or fear.

There are many journaling styles to choose from – traditional diary entries, bullet journals for task organization or gratitude journals focusing on positive aspects of life. Your style should resonate with you personally; after all, this is about understanding yourself deeply.

So go ahead, pick up that pen! Start writing without worrying about punctuation or grammar errors. Remember it’s more important to record your raw emotions than aim for perfection!

Choosing Your Journal

Don’t fret about the perfect notebook or digital app for documenting your thoughts and experiences; it’s more crucial that you find a medium that suits your style and comfort. Your journal aesthetics should reflect your personality, whether it’s a simple lined notebook, a sophisticated leather-bound diary, or an easy-to-use app on your smartphone. It doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy—what matters is how much you enjoy using it.

Consider these factors when choosing between traditional versus digital journals:

Material selection is also important in a physical journal. Are you drawn to thick paper that can hold fountain pen ink without bleeding? Or do you prefer thin pages that make the journal lighter?

You’ll realize there isn’t one ‘right’ answer when picking out your journal. The goal here is to create an environment where you feel free to express yourself honestly and openly – this will keep you inspired and motivated to maintain regular entries. So go ahead, pick what feels right for you!

Setting Up Your Journal

Starting your new diary isn’t as intimidating as it may seem, and there’s no ‘right’ way to do it. Let’s dive in with a few tips to get you started on setting up your journal.

Firstly, grab your chosen journal. It’s time for some fun! Journal decoration allows you to personalize it and make it truly yours. Use stickers, doodles, or whatever sparks joy for you. This personal touch can enhance the overall experience of writing in a journal, making each entry more enjoyable.

Next comes the cover selection. While some prefer minimalist designs for a clean look, others might opt for vibrant colors or patterns that reflect their personality—it’s entirely up to you! But remember, choosing a cover that resonates with you will make this journey more inviting.

Now let’s talk about format. You can choose whether to date every entry or not; write long form or bullet points; keep it strictly text-based or incorporate sketches and photos too. The freedom is all yours!

You see? Setting up your journal doesn’t have to be daunting at all! With these simple steps, you’re ready to start crafting those entries now! So go ahead—dive into the world of self-expression and exploration that is journaling.

Tips for Writing Your First Entry

Embrace the blank page before you—it’s your canvas to pour out thoughts, dreams, and everything in between. When writing your first journal entry, remember that it doesn’t need to be perfect. You’re not being graded or judged—this is your personal space for reflection.

Start by defining an Entry Structure. Whether it’s a recap of your day, a reflection on something specific, or thoughts about future plans—it’s up to you. But having some sort of structure can help guide you through the process and keep your thoughts organized.

Next, breathe life into your entry with Personal Voice. Your journal is an extension of yourself; it should reflect who you are and how you feel.

Don’t get too hung up on grammar or punctuation—concentrate more on getting your ideas down on paper. Make sure each entry feels complete in its own right—like a mini story within the larger context of your life.

Most importantly, let go of any expectations and just write what comes naturally to you. This is where honesty meets creativity—your journal entries should be genuine expressions of yourself without any filters or pretenses.

Over time, these pages will become invaluable snapshots of moments from your life—a testament to who you were at different stages along the way.

Developing a Regular Journaling Routine

Cultivating a habit of daily musings and reflections can seem like climbing a mountain at first, but remember, even the mightiest Everest was conquered one step at a time—a metaphor for how consistency in your routine will gradually build up to an enriching narrative of your life.

How do you go about developing this regular journaling routine? Here are some steps that may help:

First, identify the right tools for journaling. This could be as simple as pen and paper or more complex like digital apps and software. The key is to find what works best for you—remember, comfort is king.

Secondly, dedicate specific times each day to write in your journal. This helps create consistency and turns it into a habit over time.

Lastly, don’t fall into the perfectionist trap! Your entries don’t have to be lengthy essays—they just need to reflect your thoughts.

Time management plays an essential role here. Allocate dedicated slots in your daily schedule exclusively for journaling. Treat it with importance—it’s not just another task on your checklist but rather a rendezvous with yourself.

Remember, this journey isn’t about achieving literary brilliance—it’s about self-discovery through candid expression. Keep going at it every day—you’ll soon see how rewarding it can truly be!

Making Your Journal Personal

Breathe life into your daily musings by making them truly yours, as unique and intricate as the thoughts swirling inside your mind. You’re not just jotting down random notes, you’re infusing a piece of yourself into each journal entry. Personalizing Techniques are significant tools to make this happen.

Start by choosing a theme that resonates with you. Are you passionate about travel? Then make every page an exploration of places you’ve been or wish to visit someday! If cooking is your thing, use the pages to record recipes, describe tastes and aromas. For those who find tranquility in nature, paint vivid landscapes with words; let the chirping birds fly off your page!

Emotional Expression is another critical aspect of personalizing your journal entries. Don’t shy away from expressing feelings – joy, sorrow, confusion, or excitement – they all add depth to your narrative. Pour out your heart on paper and let it be a cathartic release.

Remember to be genuine and authentic in each entry. This journal is yours alone – it should reflect who you are and what matters most to you. Be creative, be expressive but above all else – be true to yourself when writing these personal narratives!

Dealing with Writer’s Block

As you continue to make your journal more personal, you might encounter a common issue: writer’s block. Don’t worry, it’s normal and happens to everyone at some point. But what do you do when the words just won’t flow?

There are several methods that can help get those creative juices flowing again. Engage in activities that provide creative stimulation such as painting, photography or even cooking. These endeavors can spark new ideas and perspectives for your writing.

Utilize unblocking techniques like freewriting where you write continuously without worrying about grammar or punctuation. This method helps clear mental blocks by letting ideas flow freely.

Change your environment. Sometimes, a change of scenery can inspire fresh thoughts and ideas.

Remember, it’s crucial not to pressure yourself too much – stress often contributes to writer’s block. Keep in mind why you’re writing this journal – for self-expression and reflection, not perfection. And sometimes, stepping away from your journal for a short while can also be beneficial. A little break revives your mind and when you come back to it later, you’ll have a whole new set of experiences to share!

Maintaining Privacy and Security

Just because you’re pouring your heart out on paper doesn’t mean it has to be an open book for everyone. As a journal writer, maintaining privacy and security should be top priorities. You wouldn’t want your deepest thoughts and feelings falling into the wrong hands.

Start by considering physical security. Keep your journal in a safe place where others can’t easily access it. For instance, consider using a lockbox or even a locked drawer to store your journal when not in use.

Digital safeguards are equally important if you’re keeping an electronic journal. Use strong, unique passwords that can’t be guessed easily. Consider encrypting your entries or using password-protected documents. Regularly update your software and devices to ensure they have the latest security updates.

Remember, the confidentiality of your journal is paramount. These steps will help protect it from prying eyes. The key is to take proactive measures towards ensuring both physical and digital security of your journal’s contents without compromising its accessibility for you. After all, this personal record serves as an emotional outlet. Let it remain private and secure just like the thoughts within it.

Review and Reflect on Your Entries

While keeping your journal entries secure and private is crucial, it’s equally important to take time to revisit what you’ve written. This brings us to our next key area: reviewing and reflecting on your entries.

Reflective techniques are a great tool for this. As you read through past entries, consider the feelings and thoughts that prompted those words. Do you notice any recurring themes or patterns? Has your perspective changed since writing them?

This process of entry analysis helps you understand yourself better over time. Take note of significant growth points or shifts in thinking; they can serve as guideposts in your personal journey. It’s like having a conversation with your past self, lending insights that might have been overlooked otherwise.

Don’t rush the review process. Let it be an opportunity for introspection, learning from past experiences, and acknowledging progress made. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to reflect on your journals; what matters most is that it resonates with you personally.

So as you flip through old pages filled with scribbled emotions, remember – each word tells a story about who you were at that moment in time. Embrace this chance to connect deeper with yourself through reflection.

Encouraging Growth and Change

In the garden of your self-awareness, each penned thought is a seed, sprouting over time into patterns and insights that encourage personal growth and transformation. Your journal entries are more than just words on a page; they’re glimpses into your soul, an exploration of who you truly are.

Embracing vulnerability in your journal can be one of the most empowering things you do. It’s about stripping yourself bare and confronting all aspects of your being – the good, the bad, and everything in between. This openness with oneself encourages inner growth.

Here are some tips to encourage this change:

• Approach each entry with honesty: don’t shy away from difficult topics.
• Write regularly: consistency helps build momentum for change.
• Reflect on past entries: see how far you’ve come.
• Make note of lessons learned: use these as stepping stones for future growth.
• Chart progress: keep track of your evolution over time.

With every word written down, every emotion expressed, every reflection made – you evolve bit by bit. Your journal becomes a testament to this evolution. So keep writing, charting progress along the way; not because it’s easy but because it’s worth it.

Tips for Long-Term Journaling

Maintaining a long-term record of your thoughts and experiences can be quite the challenge, but with some practical tips, it’s more than doable. Journaling rewards you in countless ways, including promoting self-expression, emotional release, and memory improvement. It’s like having a conversation with yourself that also sharpens your mind.

To start with, set aside dedicated time each day for your journaling routine. This doesn’t have to be an hour; just five or ten minutes will do. Find a quiet space where you can focus on your writing without distractions. Also, remember that there’s no right or wrong way to journal; write what feels natural and true for you.

Continuity is key in long-term journaling. Even if life gets busy or throws curveballs at you, keep up the habit. You may find shorter entries during tough times are manageable and still beneficial.

Embrace the evolving nature of your entries as they reflect changes over time in perspectives and personal growth. Make it fun by using colorful pens or stickers — make the process enjoyable so it never feels like a chore.

The essence of long-term journaling lies not only in recording facts but also capturing emotions and thought processes – moments that enhance memory improvement and create rich records of personal history over years to come.

Therapeutic Benefits of Journaling

You might not realize it, but your pen can be a powerful tool for managing stress and improving mental health. When you pour your thoughts onto paper in the form of journaling, you’re actually practicing an effective form of self-care.

You’ll find that this simple habit can serve as a free therapy session, helping you navigate through life’s ups and downs while keeping your mental well-being on track.

Stress Management

Feel the tension melt away as you scribble down your worries onto the blank canvas of your journal, transforming them into tangible words rather than overwhelming thoughts. Journaling can be a powerful stress management tool, helping you unmask stressors and their physical manifestations in your life.

To make this process more effective, consider these tips:

Identify what causes you stress: it could be work-related issues or personal matters.

Pay attention to physical signs of stress like headaches, digestive problems, or sleeplessness.

Write about your feelings openly and honestly without fear of judgment.

Explore possible solutions to manage or eliminate these sources of stress.

Reflect on what you’ve written over time to track any patterns or improvements.

The act of writing helps untangle complex emotions and brings clarity.

Improving Mental Health

Navigating life’s ups and downs is no easy feat, but penning your thoughts can be a beacon of hope in those stormy times. You’re not alone; many individuals struggle with their mental health, often due to societal stigmas.

By acknowledging these harmful stigmas and embracing the benefits of journaling, you’ll see vast improvements in your mental well-being over time. Keep writing; it’s one step closer to better mental health!

Inspiring Journal Entry Ideas

Ready to elevate your journaling routine? Let’s dive into some inspiring journal entry ideas.

From intriguing writing prompts that’ll ignite your creativity, to themed entries that let you explore different aspects of your life, these are sure to make every journaling session a fulfilling and rewarding journey.

Writing Prompts

You’re probably wondering where to start with your journal entry, so why not try some writing prompts to unleash your creativity and thoughts? These prompts can be categorized into different themes for easier selection.

Selecting a prompt based on your mood or interest can stimulate deep self-reflection and make your journaling experience more meaningful and engaging. Create an environment that inspires creativity, grab a pen, and let your thoughts flow freely!

Themed Entries

Moving on from writing prompts, let’s dive into another interesting and creative approach, known as ‘Themed Entries’.

This method revolves around the concept of thematic exploration where you pick a specific theme or subject matter to write about in your journal. It could be anything from love, travel, self-improvement, to even seasons of the year.

It’s not just about words though; consider incorporating visual elements too. Include drawings, photographs or any image related to your chosen theme for added depth and personal touch.

This way, your journal becomes more than just a diary; it transforms into an artistic chronicle that visually represents your thoughts and experiences pertaining to the chosen theme.

Remember, themed entries can make your journaling journey more engaging and insightful!

Overcoming Common Journaling Challenges

Facing common journaling challenges can be tough, but don’t worry, you’re not alone; many people struggle with finding the time to write, maintaining consistency, or even knowing what to say.

One of the most daunting hurdles is overcoming your journaling fears. It’s natural to feel anxious about expressing yourself freely on paper. Remember though, this space is just for you—there’s no judgement here.

Emotional vulnerability can also be a barrier in journaling. You might find it hard to confront and articulate your feelings. But consider this: allowing yourself to be honest and open in your entries helps you understand yourself better and promotes emotional growth.

If time is an issue, start by setting aside just five minutes a day for writing – you might surprise yourself with how much you can express in such a short span! To maintain consistency, try making journaling part of your daily routine – perhaps first thing in the morning or last thing at night.

Bear in mind that there’s no right or wrong way to keep a journal; it’s all about creating space for self-discovery and reflection. So shake off those challenges and let your thoughts flow onto the page!

Celebrating Your Journaling Journey

–v 5.2 –ar 16:9

Embarking on your personal voyage of self-expression and introspection is truly a cause for celebration. Journaling has the power to transform your life, one entry at a time. As you continue on this path, it’s important to stop now and then, acknowledging your progress and celebrating your journaling journey.

To make it even more fulfilling, consider these four steps:

Set Journaling Milestones : They can be as simple as successfully writing for a week or filling up an entire journal.

Celebrate Achievements: Whenever you hit a milestone, do something special for yourself—maybe buy a new journal or take time out to read through past entries.

Share Your Journey: If comfortable, share some aspects of your journey with trusted loved ones—it may encourage them to start their own.

Recognize the Rewards: Acknowledge how journaling rewards you—from stress release to improved clarity of thought.

Remember that every entry adds value to your life story. You’re not just penning down thoughts; you’re creating an intimate memoir filled with reflections, dreams, and experiences unique to you alone. So celebrate every word written—each one signifies growth in this enriching practice called journaling!

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3.38: Assignment- Writing in College Journal Entry

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https://youtu.be/RH95h36NChI

The video above discusses beliefs students hold about college and demonstrates how those beliefs relate to test performance. Consider how beliefs might also impact a student’s performance on writing assignments.

Develop a 200-400 word journal entry that identifies three beliefs, mentioned in the video or discovered through your own observations, that relate to a student’s ability to write academic essays. Explain how these beliefs might be adjusted through the practice of metacognition to improve writing results.

Worked Example

Journal entry assignments tend to be more flexible than other types of writing assignments in college, and as a result they can be tailored to your own experiences as long as they answer the primary questions asked in the assignment.

One model of a successful entry about this topic can be found below. Feel free to include your own experiences and examples from real life as they pertain to the issue at hand.

Writing in College Journal Entry

by Sandy Brown

Belief: Learning is fast

Related to writing essays, I could see how I could easily fall into this trap of thinking that fast is good. I have such limited time in the day to work on school assignments, that I think that whatever I can manage to get done must be the best possible work that I’m capable of doing. I should allow myself more time, though that’s easier said than done. Even with smaller writing assignments, like this one, if I give myself a day or two to sketch out ideas for what I want to say, and then reflect on it before writing it, I think I’ll do a much better job in the long run.

Belief: I’m really good at multi-tasking

This one is very related to the “learning is fast” idea. Watching the girl in the video do a million things while she’s studying is just like watching my own kids at night! And I’m pretty guilty of this, as well. If I can set aside a quiet part of my night, and just focus on only one assignment at a time, I think I’ll do a lot better with my writing overall. And I’ll be happier with the results.

Belief: Being good at a subject is a matter of inborn talent

This is actually not a belief I personally hold. I always loved to read growing up, and I still do read fiction as much as time allows. But working as a business administrator for the past 15 years has shown me that I’m pretty good with numbers and bookkeeping, too, which I wouldn’t have guessed before this job.

One of my daughters is very drawn towards English and writing, and another struggles with it. They both seem to feel this is a matter of fate. I’m going to share this video with them, because I think there are ways that my daughter who struggles can be empowered to think that she CAN get better at writing, if she just keeps practicing. (This is also something I’m going to do myself…I’m very out of practice with writing for school!)

• Revision and Adaptation. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution
• Writing Strategies. Provided by : Lumen Learning. Located at : https://courses.candelalearning.com/lumencollegesuccess/chapter/writing-strategies/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
• How to Get the Most Out of Studying: Part 1 of 5, Beliefs That Make You Fail... Or Succeed. Authored by : Samford Office of Marketing and Communication. Located at : https://youtu.be/RH95h36NChI . License : All Rights Reserved . License Terms : Standard YouTube License

How to Write a Journal: 6 Tips to Get Started

by Pamela Hodges | 61 comments

Writers are collectors of ideas, and where do we keep them? On scraps of paper, napkins, the notes app of our phones, and sometimes in journals. But as anyone who's started a journal can attest, sometimes it's hard to begin and even harder to keep one going. So how to write a journal? What to write in a journal? Let's look at some simple ways to start capturing ideas. 

There are a number of ways to capture ideas, from keeping a gratitude journal, to a reading journal, to a project journal. No matter what type of journal you keep, let me share with you some tips from my journaling experience for how to keep a journal and why a journaling habit pays off for writers.

4 Advantages of Keeping a Journal

Julia Cameron, acclaimed author of The Artist's Way and more recently a 6-week program outlined in a book called Write for Life, begins the writing and artistic life with a practice she calls morning pages. In essence, she suggests writing three pages each morning to explore ideas and life, and to clear the mind.

The benefits of journaling this way are numerous. Writers who establish regular journaling time may find it helps them clear their minds and explore new ideas.

There are many reasons why it is a good idea to keep a journal. I want to share four big reasons this daily habit may help you with your writing process and develop your writing skills.

1. Remember details

When I traveled to Europe in 1978, I kept a journal of my daily life. I have notes from the trip to Greece where I wiped out on a moped, weeded sugar beets on Kibbutz Reshafim in Israel, and hitchhiked through occupied territory in the south of Israel.

There were several details of my trip that I had completely forgotten until I re-read my personal journals.

Recording the details of your life can enrich your stories. One year when for The Spring Writing Contest at The Write Practice, I wrote a story about when the IRS called me to say I owed money.

In my first draft, I wrote that the amount they said I owed was, $638. After I had completed the first draft I went back to the notes I had written in my journal, and the correct amount was over six thousand dollars: $6,846.48 to be exact. Well, maybe there are some things we don't want to remember.

Thankfully, I didn't send the money. It wasn't the real IRS. But it was even better than a writing prompt for a story idea.

2. Find old friends

Keeping a journal can help you find old friends. One of the women I met on November 26th, 1978, wrote down her address. I found her on Facebook and just sent her a message. (Social media and Google can also help, but the journal did remind me of her name.)

We'll see if she responds to my Facebook message. It has been almost forty years since she lent me a pair of gloves when I scraped my hand on the pavement when I fell off my moped.

3. Help process feelings and ideas

When you keep thoughts in your head it can be hard to know how you think and feel. Writing down how you feel will help you process your emotions , as feelings become words, which can be then be edited.

Processing your feelings and ideas can lead to personal growth and peace, but that's not all. Expressive writing can be therapeutic, but it can also help you flesh out characters later. 

4. Preserve the writer's history

When you are dead and a famous writer, your journals will give your readers insight into your life, thoughts, and process.

You may never sell more than one hundred copies of your book, you may never publish your writing, or your journals may only be read by the mice that crawl through your basement. Or your journals will be read by zombies after the zombie apocalypse, sharing insight into your life and daily routines.

If you don't want anyone to read your journal, keep it in a locked box and swallow the key. (Please don't really swallow the key. It would be unpleasant to have to find it again, and you might choke.) Put the key in a safe spot, and then remember where you put it. 

6 Tips for How to Keep a Journal (and What to Write in a Journal!)

Now you know why journaling can be helpful. But how should you journal? It is very personal, and you should do what works best for you. But I will give you some tips to help you get started on a journaling practice.

1. Choose your kind of journal

You have several options for how to keep your journal.

A book, where you write with a pen or pencil onto paper:  Write in a book that is not so pretty you are afraid to write in it. Keep the size small enough you don't mind carrying it in your messenger bag, and big enough you can read your handwriting. Do not try journaling at night when the only paper you have on your bedside table is a bandaid. The next morning I couldn't read my writing on the band-aid, and the idea I wanted to journal was lost.

The advantage of pen to paper is you can write without having to be plugged into an electronic device. You don’t have to worry about a dead battery, and you can write even when the sun is bright or the airline makes you turn off your electronic devices.

The disadvantage to a paper journal is if you lose the journal and you didn’t make a copy of it, you have lost all of the writing. But either way, the journal writing helps you pay attention and record the moments of everyday life that will fade with time otherwise.

Software: There are several software applications and journaling apps on the market you can use to keep a digital journal. Be sure they sync to the cloud, as you don’t want to lose your entries because you fry your computer's hard-drive. 

Journey and Day One can add photographs and text, and export all of your entries into a PDF. You can also journal in Google Docs,  Microsoft Word, or Scrivener and save your files to a cloud-based program that will keep your files safe if you lose your computer or pour water on your keyboard.

2. Date your entry

You think you will remember when it happened, but without a written date, you might forget. Make it a part of your journal writing routine to date the entry.

3. Tell the truth

The journal is a record of how you felt and what you did. Telling the truth will make you a reliable storyteller.

If you haven’t cleaned the seven litter boxes for a week, don’t write that you clean them every day simply because you want your readers one hundred years from now to think you had good habits. The beauty of journal writing is that you can record things honestly for yourself that you might not otherwise record or share. 

4. Write down details

Record details like the time, location, who you were with, and what you were wearing. Details will help bring the memory alive when you record using your five senses .

To this day, if I smell a certain kind of Japanese soup, I can remember vividly the day I flew to Korea to renew my Japanese visa, only to discover the Japanese embassy was closed for a traditional Japanese holiday.

5. Write down what you felt

What you were thinking? Were you mad? Sad? Happy? Write down why.

6. Write a lot or a little

A journal entry doesn’t have to be three pages long. It can be a few words that describe what happened, a few sentences about the highlight of your day, or it can be a short description of an event from your day, where you describe details to help you remember what happened. What time of day was it? What sound do you remember?

Your journal entry might be a drawing, a poem, or a list of words or cities you drove through. It is your journal, and you have the freedom to be creative.

You can use journal writing prompts or simply tap into a memory that floats into your mind. 

Bonus tip: How to write a journal entry

Aside from the date, you can write your journal entry in a number of ways. You can write stream-of-consciousness, try bullet points written rapid fire, you can use various art materials, or any form that speaks to you.  Try a list or a mix of writing and doodling, or even dialogue exchanges. 

The most important thing is just to take the journaling time and make a regular habit of it, even if it isn't on a daily basis. The words will show up when you do. 

When to Journal

There is no right or wrong time to write in a journal. Write when you will remember to do it. Do you always brush your teeth before you go to bed? Have writing in your journal be part of your bedtime routine. Perhaps put it on your bedside table, or beside your hammock, or on the floor beside your futon.

If you are a morning person, consider keeping your journal on the table where you drink your morning coffee, tea, water, milk, or orange juice.

These are only suggestions. You don’t have to write down your feelings or why you felt a certain way. I hate being told what to do. Even if it is a good idea. But I hope you'll give it a try and see if you find it unlocks your own writing. 

Do you write in a journal? Why is keeping a journal a valuable practice? Please tell us in the   comment s.  

Do you write in a journal? Do you think writing in a journal is a good idea for a writer, or a bad idea? Please tell us why in the comments .

Write for fifteen minutes about some aspect of your day as though you were writing in a journal. Your journal entry might be a drawing, a poem, a list of words, or a list of cities you drove through.

Please share your writing in the Pro Practice Workshop here and leave feedback on someone else’s practice today. We learn by writing and by reading.

Pamela Hodges

Pamela writes stories about art and creativity to help you become the artist you were meant to be. She would love to meet you at pamelahodges.com .

61 Comments

I found writing a journal to be a learning experience in itself. When I started, I soon realised I didn’t really know what I was trying to achieve. It seems obvious now but I had to keep at it a while for that to become apparent. Everyone has to find their personal journalling style. A few pointers certainly help, so thanks for your post. I completely agree about the sensory aspect. It’s not the result of a to-do list we’re writing, it’s shades of what gave meaning to our day.

Hello Saul Marchant, I love your description, “shades of what gave meaning to our day.” So, not just a list, but what has meaning. Best, xo Pamela

I also like your “shades of what gave meaning to our day.” Sometimes I find myself lamenting that I want more meaning in my activities—as evidenced by my journal entry above. I need to remember that the purpose and the meaning come from my perspective of the experiences, in all the various colors and shades. Thank you.

I agree with Pamela I to love your description “shades of what gave meaning to our day. I think I fall more into a listing journalistic style but time has lead me to include more meaning as I progress.

Pamela, Thank you for a great article on journaling. I started out writing a diary when I was twelve years old, then moved into journaling as an adult, which I did for twenty years, and dropped off for about five years. I renewed my journaling practice in September 2002 and began daily journaling shortly after that. I record the date and time of the entry and number my pages. I am now on page 6515 (since 2002). Some days I journal just a paragraph—other days, I write up to ten pages. It depends on what is happening in my life, and how I am feeling. The time of day and my energy level also play a part—sometimes, I am too tired to write much, but I arrange my day so that I journal every day. I am in the process of reading previous entries and harvesting them for prompts for my fiction writing and blog posts. The depth and wisdom of some of my entries amaze me. Journaling enriches my life and allows me to process my feelings and emotions which contribute to my well-being.

Hello Billie L Wade, Thank you for sharing your journaling experience. I love the idea of numbering the pages. I regret not keeping a journal when I lived in Tokyo, I have some of my letters a friend saved, but there is so much I don’t remember. Would you like to share a short excerpt from when you were twelve, or something more recent, in the comment section on The Write Practice? xo Pamela

Hi Pamela. Unfortunately, I no longer have my journaling prior to 2002 (long stories). The following entry is indicative of a frequent experience with me in which I start out with with a challenge, problem, or issue and come to some resolution by the end of the session. This entry spans pages 6447-6449. This is not edited except to remove names of people. Thank You.

Monday, 3/20/17, 9:38 p.m. I’ve been afraid I’ll die before I’m ready, before I feel fulfilled, before I’ve done what I want to do, before I’m successful, before I’m “self-actualized,” before I’m joyous. At the same time, I hear of young people—22, 35, 38—with plans and futures and young children, dying of cancer and strokes. I’m 67. I’ve lived to see my son grow into adulthood. Really puts things into perspective. I’m not financially wealthy, but I have enough—my bills are paid; I have life, car, renters, health, and supplemental insurance; I have food; I enjoy dining out with friends; I can afford my medications; I have a car; I have books and magazines to read; I can think and feel and love; I can see and hear; I have my natural teeth; I have a new cell phone; I have leather-bound journals and hand-crafted pens; I drink bottled water that is delivered to me; I live in a beautiful apartment with a nice, green view; if I’m frugal, I can afford a few extras each month. I have people in my life who care about me; by many standards, I’ve had three successful careers, I’m educated and articulate; I can taste and smell and feel the sensuousness of touch; I can write; I have challenging projects to work on; I have a therapist who “gets” me and respects me; I have [my family]. The future is uncertain—always has been—and I sometimes feel frightened when I hear the prospects. I read an article within the past few days in which the author wrote something similar to “our acceptance and behavior in the present moment are predictors of our future.” When I am joyful and grateful and fully alive in the present moment, I have a better chance that I will do so in the future. The more I cultivate an attitude of gratitude, faith, and hope today, the more likely I will feel those attitudes in the future. And, how great it would be to die as [my partner] did—with joyful anticipation and expectancy; with gratitude; with hope; in peace. I can feel fulfilled every day by bringing acceptance and awareness and appreciation to everything I do.

…exquisite … and inspiring

thank you for your gift of words and reflection

Thank you Susan.

I started keeping a journal in the third grade, after reading “Harriet the Spy.” I have a drawer full of them, dated and numbered, and I get them out to browse whenever I’m working on a kids story or something YA. It’s a great resource for me to be able to see how a twelve year old mind worked. I’m so glad I kept them. My five year old keeps a drawing journal of the things he sees during the week, which I hope will eventually grow into something he does for a lifetime.

Hello Amanda Niehaus-Hard, Wow! How exciting to have writing from when you were twelve. I am happy you kept them too. What a treasure. A drawing journal is a great idea, a way to journal for children who might not be writing yet. If you would like to, please share a short excerpt from one of your third grade journals with the date, and/or one of your child’s drawing, if they don’t mind. All my best, xo Pamela

Hi Amanda, I am impressed that you have your journaling from age twelve, organized so you can easily use them. Everything I wrote before 2002 was destroyed, and I miss not having all of my writing. I am glad you can use your journaling to inform what you are writing now. Happy writing to you.

Hi, I did not want to do it this way, but this is regarding my guest post submission idea that I proposed on 31st March. I got the email of confirmation from the automatic mailing system, but did not recieve any manual response for the idea that I had submitted. What has brought me here today is that just six days later, a guest post was published on this very website titled “Show, Don’t Tell : How to Inject Drama Into Your Writing.” This did not seem to be a coincidence, since when I read the article, most of it seemed to be derived from the idea that I had proposed to you, and got no response to. I wrote another email, and that too has not recieved a reply regarding the state of my query. I know that this is not how this matter is appropriately resolved, but since I have got no response from your side, I am becoming both ancious and disappointed. The publication of the guest post resembling my idea might have been a coincidence, albeit a strange one. But the fact that I have recieved no response troubles me. All of us are writers here, and I think that beyond a moment of doubt, all of us would agree that it isn’t in the best interest of the art of writing and all the virtues which come with it. Again, I know this is not the way things are supposed to be dealt with, but right now, I seem to have no other option left to retrieve the creative right over what is beyond a doubt my own idea, credited to someone else right now. Thanking you, and hoping for a legitimate response, Abhijato. (I would have provided my email here, but I do not want any spam. I request you to kindly respond to my enquirery.)

Great article. I have tried in the past to journal but have never kept it up. Perhaps my life is not interesting enough or I’m not disciplined enough to form the habit. I’m going to start again and not put so much pressure on myself thanks to this article.

Hello Marieca Lashawn, I don’t journal every day either. I treasure the journals I have from my trip to Europe in 1978. It never occurred to me that every day life also had value. I am going to start again too. We don’t have to be perfect, and there are no rules to keeping a journal. I will floss all of my teeth, and write something every day. A new habit for me too. xo Pamela

Hello Marieca; I think one for the reasons I journal is that I feel I don’t have to be interesting. Sometimes years go by before I reread what I have written. Some is boring, so what? Now if I am writing a story, and article or a memoir,, I try to be literate and interesting. But journaling, hey the pressure is off and at least I am writing.

The great travel writer Tim Cahill just taught a writing class in Morocco, which I was part of .. and the biggest take away I got (he said if you only remember one thing..it’s this) : “take copious notes” (as life happens, whether traveling or whatnot). Great post and in the exact same vein as Mr. Cahill’ instructions!

Hello Jacqueline Gu, Morocco, how fun. A writing class with Tim Cahill. “Take copious notes.” I love this. It is worthy of a tattoo. Or at least writing it on my chalkboard. Thank you for sharing your adventure, and the lessons you learned. Now I will look up Tim Cahill, I am not familiar with his work. Do you have a favorite book written by him? What book do you recommend I read first? What do you like to write? xo Pamela p.s. Where in Morocco were you? I was Casablanca in 1989 talking photographs for a Japanese client.

Hi Pam – nice to meet you. always great to be acquainted with a fellow writer. I’m reading Tim’s “Pass the Butterworm” but I also heard good things about “Hold the Enlightenment”. I do creative nonfiction/travel/memoir writing but I haven’t shared my stuff with many ppl yet so i’m working on becoming published. I was in Fez/Moulay Idriss/Sahara/Chefchouwen for my 2 week trek in Morocco. So much material (so much copious notes) now to write from! And 1989? That’s awesome – sounds like a trip too! Did you ever write about Morocco?

Cheers to you Pam! I will look up your blog and url now. Jackie

Writing a journal is the only consistent form of writing I have done for the past few years. My journal consists of Writing down which of my 12 daily disciplines I have accomplished and which ones are left to do. I began this practice when I retired and found my days slipping by without accomplishing much and giving into a lifelong leaning towards depression. After some time I changed the disciplines around and found the exercise helped me in many ways. Life, however intervened and heart attacks, strokes, and major moves intervened in the practice since my life priorities changed. So to the twelve disciplines I added a daily description of the foods I eat in a day; the physical activity and exercise I have done; and a spiritual insight along with five things for which I am grateful on each specific day. Today’s post is timely, because I was thinking the practice was getting me nowhere; but I think I will continue since so many successful writers do journal. Thanks for the timely post.

I like the sound of daily disciplines. Life has begun to slide recently. A reformed depressive, a serial dropper outer, I love writing but have not allowed myself to recently, ditto dancing and yoga. I love lists and the daily disciplines sound list like, something with a big tick beside it to feel like achievements until they build up into something big and can count as such. I used to blog and make copious entries and notes and have let that slide too. So thanks for the timely post and for contributions, and here’s to getting back to good habits.

Hello Maryjhowell, Yes, here’s to getting back to good habits. There is a yoga class I keep meaning to get to, I am a serial do it tomorrower. Wishing you all the best, and hope you find time to dance, stretch and journal. Please share your url for the next blog post you write, as you find your way back to yourself. xo Pamela

Hello retrogeegee, I love the name you use here, very creative. I hope you are feeling well, I am sorry to hear you have experienced heart attacks and strokes. Thank you for sharing how you write in our journal with your daily disciplines. What did you eat today? Today I will also write down five things I am grateful for. Sometimes I lean towards depression too, exercise has helped me. Looking at what is good in my life will help too. Thank you for sharing your life. I appreciate your honesty. xo Pamela

I have kept a diary since childhood, although those are long gone. It was a good habit, and I have been journaling since I am an adult. Now I am writing Our Story – 45 years in Japan – and some details that I needed were in there. My son thought the dog under our house gave birth to eight puppies. I checked my journal – it was only six! I have separate loose page journals for the visits we made to our missionary kids in Zaire (now Congo), and the ones in Nepal volunteering for six years with MCC. Wonderful memories preserved.

Hello Mary Derksen, The journals sound really helpful in remembering details. “45 Years in Japan”, sounds like a great title for a memoir. I lived in Tokyo for seven years, and wish I had kept a journal when I was there. What happened to the puppies? That must have been a fun memory. Hope you are well. So nice to meet you and hear of your and your children’s adventures. xo Pamela

Hi Pam, great inspiring article. I have been journal writing and keeping diaries for years. For some reason I started this practice in the 5th grade. I went back to read the first entry in this diary hoping to find why I started this practice, but unfortunately I didn’t write the reason Why. You are right, journaling helps people keep personal records of their life. Mine have taken me from grade school to high school, to college. Through dating, marriage, kids, divorce, death and now back to a long term relationship, that I could probably turn into a never ending novel.. Some things that were too painful to write about, I put them in these journal writings as short stories to make it seem as if these were things that happened to someone else. To date I have 38 diaries/journals. Most recently I started a journal for my writing ideas and a personal one for my everyday happenings. So really I now have 40 journals.

Hi Cheryl, Yes, our journals get us through so much. Mine are a constant repository of self-nurturing as I wrestle with the gamut of feelings and emotions, challenges and resolutions. Rereading my entries validates my perseverance and resilience. I am up to 18 journals now, lots more to go. Best to you.

Thank you Billie, all the writing instructors always say write daily. So when I’m not writing on a story, I make it a habit to write something in my journals. So that’s my way of writing everyday.

Hello Cheryl Sams, Your approach of writing the hard parts of your story as short stories is a great idea. A record of what happened, but keeping the pain in the third person. I hope your story has more sunshine in it today, and in your tomorrows. I wonder what your 5th grade self thought. How special that you have all of your journals. Wishing you all my best. xo Pamela

Sorry to get back to you so late Pam, but you had me wondering about what did I write about in my first diary. Well I dug it out of my pile of journals, and my first entry was dated January 1, 1979. I introduced my immediate family, my grandmother, mom, aunt, uncle, stepdad, siblings and half siblings, and my 5year old cousin. It was the deep south and on that day it was windy, wet, cold, and there was a chance of snow. Christmas vacation was over and I was ready to go back to school. I didn’t want to be at home, school was more exciting(I stayed in a very rural area). Well I caught a cold and I was miserable, and I stated “I’m tired of writing now, I’m going to bed.” Well I guess I went to bed for a very long time, because my next entry was dated January 1984 and I was in college getting ready to go out on a date with an upperclassman. This was a one year diary, but I wrote in it throughout the years. My last entry Jan.2016. I updated my life. Three more pages left in this 38 year old diary. So I’m going to finally close it out on a very positive life update. Just needed to share. thanks.

Yes! Creativity doesn’t recognize boundaries or rules! I write, am an artist too, many mediums for both. I think it’s a pretty healthy, natural condition. Haven’t had the rich overseas experiences, but lived in a good many U.S. states and Canada, amassed 37 addresses so far, leaving fingerprints and/or words/artwork in my wake. Many journals created, some with people whose names I’ve forgotten but whose sketched faces I recognize. Hope to check in with you often. Cheers! 😀

wow … “whose sketched faces I recognize.” … I can just imagine the lovely nature of your journal with sketches intertwined with your written thoughts.

Definitely do come back to The Write Practice to visit … it’s a welcoming place, as is Pamela Hodges’ wonderful website!

Thx Susan. I’m a fan of The Write Practice, visited Pam’s site as well. My site’s a bit wonky at present–but c’mon over if you don’t mind stepping over the mess! { kdadams.com }

I thought I might have been making a wrong assumption based on your “check in” phrase. Nevertheless, I’m glad I commented and got your response so I could visit your website. LOVELY! Looks like you do remarkable, meaningful work. Loved, for instance, reading the glowing feedback from your memoir workshop participants. I’ll visit again.

Sorry for delay- my digital myopia caused lapse in finding your note. Have not yet launched newsletter but hope to find reliable tech soon! What’s your writing?

Hello Kristine Adams, Love your description of leaving fingerprints in your wake. Words and artwork. You have lived in a lot of places, so many memories. Where in Canada? I grew up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Hugs to you. xo Pamela

Sorry for delay- email folder used w/ Write Practice exchange was misplaced. I lived just into southern Ontario–first near Petrolia, and later near Sarnia. Shared communal houses with friends who now are in B.C. Wow, with our bogus potus, Canada’s appeal is skyrocketing!

I absolutely LOVE this article. I’ve been writing journals since i was a kid but quit writing for a very long. I’ve again started to write down my journals. It’s the best thing I’ve discovered. I’m more aware of my thoughts and myself now. It’s the best practice for a winter of any sort. Be it a beginner or a published author. I’m not sure if I want to share it with anyone but i just enjoy the whole process of writing my journal

Hello shiwangi agarwal, Thank you for confirming that journal writing has helped you be more aware of your thoughts. You don’t have to share your thoughts. I like having a private place to write and think. Now to find a safe spot to hide a key, where no one else will find it and I can remember where I put it. xo Pamela

This doesn’t relate to this post, but feedback is greatly appreciated.

Mara shivered, pulling her ratty, practically obsolete sweater closer around her torso. Tevrah was cold this time of year. And drizzly. A drop of rain landed on her nose, freezing and unexpected. She wished she had warm pants instead of her school dress and her mother’s cardigan.

Her younger brother, Deo, tugged on her hand and pulled her off-course toward a stand selling jewelry. A young woman was standing behind the tables, smiling benevolently at her customers. She eyed Mara and Deo. “We don’t have long,” Mara warned him in their language, trying to smile innocently at the shopkeeper. It wasn’t as if they were going to steal something, but they certainly had the stink of poverty around them, accentuated especially by their thin, dark features. Deo’s hair was sticking up all over the place, his face the only inch of cleanliness on his body. Their mother was quite persistent about the need for washing your face twice a day, even if nothing else was clean. “It is important to make a good impression,” she had warned. Mara could only imagine what the people of this town thought of her and Deo, as she surely looked just the same as her six-year-old brother. She wished she hadn’t disregarded the necessity of neatness that morning. Every sort of person on earth could be observed in this market. The rich, the seedy, the fine, the poor, the gaudy, the drab. And Mara and Deo looked like beggars.

She still had a few coins left in the pockets of her sweater. Her bag was filled with day-old bread, bruised apples, and several rolls of bandages. They still hadn’t found someplace selling sponges for cheap, which was unfortunate since the younger kids cried when you scrubbed them with the rougher brush. And that was Mara’s job. She would have taken a used oil cloth by now to avoid Skya Menyon’s sharp glance whenever she heard the wail of her toddler, who was the whiniest child Mara had ever met.

It had been her job back at the village, at least three hundred kilometers from Tevrah’s town of North Market. They were three hundred kilometers from the place Mara had never left in her life– until now. The people were different here, even not so far away. The area was drizzly and brown and green, filled with grays. The people here had lighter hair, while the skin on Mara’s arm was dark as a macadamia nut’s shell. Her village was all but disappeared, nothing but ashes on the gods’ gentle breeze.

The day after the fires, the women of the village had shorn their hair to shoulder length, Mara included since her fifteenth birthday had passed two weeks prior. She wasn’t used to it. She liked to twirl strands of her hair, mindlessly twist them together as a nervous habit, and with it so short it was hard to wrap her black locks around her index finger. She kept reaching up only for her hand to stop short and sink back down to her side.

Deo was gawking at a gold necklace. The shopkeeper’s hawk eyes stayed locked on him, drawn as a moth to a flame. She was clearly suspicious. “Deo,” Mara hissed. He barely looked up.

“What?” he muttered. “Stop it.”

Mara tugged him a few feet away from the necklace, the shopkeeper still watching them. “Stop looking at that like you’re going to grab it.”

“I wasn’t going–” “She doesn’t know that!” Mara protested. Deo frowned, looking at his grubby hands curiously.

“Is it time for lunch yet?”

“Deo!” she chastised. The woman had begun to emerge from behind the booth. Mara turned toward her, widening her eyes. “Yes?” she inquired politely, switching to Tevranian for the shopkeeper’s sake.

“You kids like my jewelry?” she demanded.

Mara smiled shakily. “I apologize, miss, but my brother, he is not so smart,” she said, patting Deo’s hair and shushing his protests with a hand over his mouth. She tried to adjust the bag on her hip so the woman could peer into it and see there was nothing out of the ordinary inside.

“Oh?” the woman said, raising an eyebrow.

“He does not know how much the necklace does cost, you see?”

She grunted again.

“The cost is too much for us, anyway, because you see–” Mara saw something out of the corner of her eye. A glint of silver. A flash of crimson red. She stopped short, aware of the shopkeeper’s eyes trained on her dubiously. A girl had slipped in behind the stand, wearing vibrant red pants and a gray shirt, hair that must have been white as ivory when it was clean hanging in strands down her back.

“Yes?” the woman prompted.

“Yes…” Mara forced herself to look away. “I, um, we were not taking the necklace.” The fair-haired girl’s hand danced out of her pocket and hooked the bracelet onto a finger. She stuffed it into her overcoat.

Mara stared for a second before coming to her senses. “Hey!”

The shopkeeper whirled around. “What–”

The girl’s green eyes darted up to meet her accuser’s, and then she nimbly slipped into the crowd, that white hair a blur behind her. Mara began to run after her, leaving Deo and the shopkeeper behind, but stumbled over a man’s shoe. He sneered at her. “S-sorry,” she stammered. “Sir.”

A warm, dry hand grasped Mara’s hand in its grip. She looked down to see Deo staring up at her, his hair wet from the rain. “Deo,” she said , trying to see over the crowd’s heads, “go… go find Thyme and Yuri.” She shoved the basket of goods into his hands.

He began to whine, but Mara was already gone. She darted around a fruit cart, a few berries falling to the ground as she bumped it. The boy selling the fruits cursed at her in a language she didn’t understand. Mara kept going. Where had that girl gone? And why hadn’t she yelled “Thief!” and left other people to take care of it?

She was an idiot, Mara reminded herself, that’s why.

She tripped over her own shoes, a size and a half too large, not once but twice. Her gray dress was small on her, barely modest as it ended a few inches above her knees. The only reason Mara could get away with it was because she didn’t look her age. She’d kept a bit of baby fat, and she hadn’t shot up like a bamboo stalk. At least, not yet.

Ah. Under that bridge over there, stretching across the rushing river below, its banks mossy and wet. Mara saw a flash of blonde hair and those strange red pants the girl was wearing before she took off again. By now, the rain was coming down hard, clumping Mara’s dark eyelashes together and blurring her vision. She stumbled over the muddy ground beyond the market, the sounds of the city disappearing from her ears, and ducked under the cover of the old bridge.

It was quiet but for the sound of rain pattering the stone above.

“Hello?” Mara called out softly. There were no footprints in the mud leading off into the forest on the other side of the tunnel, but she couldn’t see where else the girl could have gone. Perhaps she’d disappeared, like in the Yaba’s stories back home. “Hello?” Mara said again, louder this time. She took a tentative step forward, then froze in her tracks when a voice responded.

“It’s not worth that much.”

Mara startled, whirling around. No one. “What?”

“The bracelet,” the voice explained. “Didn’t cost as much as that lady was selling it for.”

“Ay.” Mara didn’t know what to say to an invisible person. The distant sounds of shouting salesman only just reached her ears.

“You can leave and pretend this never happened.”

Mara seethed. “No.”

“Why not?” the disembodied voice challenged.

“You took it!”

“I stole something deserving of a halved coin.”

“What in ny anaran’Andriamanitra is a half coin?” Mara retorted. She wrung the rainwater out of her hair, and it splattered on her already-soaked dress, hanging limp around her knees. She wasn’t sure where to look, as she couldn’t see the person she was talking to.

“Oh, you know.” Mara didn’t. “A copper. Not even a single silver. She was marking it three times its worth.” They didn’t have much of silver where Mara was from.

“And who are you,” Mara said, “to judge?”

“And who are you?” the voice echoed.

“I–” Mara started, then cut herself off. “You are a criminal.”

“Hm.” The girl’s body dropped from the top of the bridge, and she landed perfectly balanced, wearing that red sweater and brown, unfitted pants. Mara stumbled back, surprised at the girl’s entrance, and almost tripped over a rock behind her. “I disagree,” the girl said.

“Are quite good at climbing things,” the girl said. She stared at Mara unblinkingly, her green eyes startling against the gray of the day. A gust of wind picked up her wispy blonde hair on its wings. “I’ll tell you what. You let me go, I’ll give you this bracelet.”

“That is not a deal!” Mara said, indignant. “You took it! Here is the idea: give it back and I will not… tell. Tell the police.”

The girl chuckled, flashing a crooked smile, dimples appearing at the corners of her mouth. “Let me guess. You aren’t from around here?”

Hello, Pamela. Nearly every journal I’ve ever written starts with, “Well, I’m not good at journal writing, but I’ll try again” or some such lame thing, and invariably that entry is followed by a handful of dated entries, followed by some more six months or six years later. I try to let go of that feeling of “defeat before I’ve even started” because what’s the point? I tell myself, “Let go of thoughts of perfection because it ain’t coming to my doorstep any time soon.”

I’m going to include here an entry in my journal from the month after my mother passed away in 2014. I’m guessing that I was using your writing style as part of my inspiration because I included a level and type of detail that I may not have previously.

I was reflecting on why I am thankful. It reads, …

The piece I’m going to start with is the sweet gesture that Mehrzad [my husband] made yesterday, showing me his deep love and such a respectful honoring of Mom. We sold her car yesterday at Carmax [2003 Lexus ES 300 silver/light blue, “wood” steering wheel and other trim areas, 40,708 miles bought for about $30,000 new – mom’s decision with no consultation – sold for $7,000] Carmax gave us back the license plate [NWSTOY] and license plate frames [“I’d rather be stitching”]. I’m thinking, “OK, What do we do with these? Should we keep them? No, we’re trying to declutter not reclutter.” A bit later on, Mehrzad lovingly says, “Shall we hang these up in the garage? It’s part of your mom’s life and we want to keep that history. We’ll need to find a place to hang it.” WOW! … THANKFUL! —- [I just now took a picture of the license plate on our pegboard in the garage to include here, but I guess an upload option is not included; forgot that.] —– As always, I’m thankful for you, Pamela.

Hello Susan WA, Thank you for sharing the excerpt from your journal about your mom. The detail about the car, including the milage brought me emotionally into the story. Life is made up of concrete details. Little bits of reality that allow me the reader to feel the story. I am so sorry your mom died. And, so thankful to read of the kindness of your husband who hung the license in the garage. So nice to hear from you Susan. I am thankful for you also. xo Pamela

One of my biggest heartaches is that I accidentally threw out a notebook that I thought was empty … turns out it was my son’s reflections on quotes from when he was in 8th grade … it was a daily exercise by his history teacher, a man who inspired my son deeply, and is his favorite teacher of all time. Love those amazing connections when a teacher has such an impact on a student’s life.

Hi, Pamela! Here is a way to have both the handwritten and the electronic record: https://store.moleskine.com/usa/en-us/Moleskine-/Evernote/C26

I haven’t tried this system, but it looks pretty interesting. I also like the idea of using Scrivener. I prefer to journal with pen and paper, but am currently doing a hybrid: early morning brain dump online at http://750words.com , and then a notebook and my pretty new purple fountain pen throughout the day.

Hi GirlGriot, So nice to see you here! Thank you for the suggestion to combine the handwritten and the electronic. Maybe I need to get a pretty purple fountain pen too. Something to remind me to take notes on my life. I will check out the 750 words site, and dump out my brains too. Hope you are well. xo Pamela

(FYI, 750 words is a paid site now. Not sure what it costs. I joined when it was free and was grandfathered in when they switched over.)

Hello TerriblyTerrific, You could always swallow the key. (This is meant to be funny, and is not a real suggestion, in case you do swallow the key, and then want to hire a lawyer and say we told you to eat a key) How old is your daughter? Maybe she needs to find a safe spot to hide her journal. 🙂 xo Pamela

I started writing journals when my children grew up and went to college. I felt lost in myself and wanted to get the emotions out of my system. I then began to cycle long distances with some friends. We cycled from coast to coast in various countries including Australia, Vietnam; parts of Europe and the Himalayas. I have recently been expanding some of my journals and one thing I noticed is that, throughout all the scary parts of the journeys; when we thought we were in dire states, someone came out of the blue and saved the day. When the bike broke, when we ran out of food or water on the mountains, or when we had no shelter. I call them the Angels on my journeys all of which I am deeply thankful for.

The journal in 2014 helped me deal with a lot of sudden deaths of close family and friends, there was almost one a month that year. When I look at that year I realise we are all challenged and no matter how hard that challenge with a bit of help we can get through it. Journals can be lifesavers reminding us to be grateful and how lucky we are.

Hello Elizabeth McKenna, You have lived some amazing adventures. I love your perspective on how “journals can be lifesavers reminding us to be grateful and how lucky we are.” I am sorry about the sudden deaths of family and friends in 2014. That sounds like a hard year. Sending you hugs and sunshine, xo Pamela

In Julia Cameron’s book “The Artist’s Way,” she teaches her students to writing their “Morning Pages,” as a way to get back their creativity. Sometimes they are referred to as our “Mourning Pages,” because we mourn the ills of our life. I wrote faithfully for about a year then quit. It’s something that cleansed the soul and helped me dig down deep to the heart of my frustration with a certain family members and clear out some junk. Journalling is so important to our mental health and to bring us clarity. It can help us clear our mental blocks to our creativity as well. Thanks for the post.

April 20, 2008

We had breakfast with Uncle Jerry today after church. He made waffles, and we brought the side dishes: sausage, fried potatoes, cheese soufflé, and crunchy cantaloupe. It was nice to be together. He’s having more trouble with his breathing, but he isn’t taking any treatments for it. He’s refused what treatment the doctors have offered, although for his condition—interstitial lung disease—there really isn’t much they can do. He is allowing the disease to run its course. It’s strange seeing it happen to him because I know that I will follow soon.

In truth, I’m simply afraid. I have always had a horror of drowning, of suffocation, of being unable to breathe. Since I’ve got late-stage pulmonary hypertension, that’s exactly how I’ll die: one gasp at a time. I might get lucky, though. People with this disease often die of sudden cardiac death. The heart just stops, and they’re dead before they hit the ground. I like Door Number 2 much better than Door Number 1.

“Writing is the only way I have to explain my own life to myself.” Love that. Must try it, but I need to be ‘plugged in’. I thought I’d never write again after the shakes got me. Now I can even read my writing!

Hello Pamela, Many thanks for your article on keeping a journal. Very handy. I wrote a journal in the past, for a year, when I was grieving. There was no one to confide in, and writing my feelings and the events that filled my day, brought a little solace. Now I write daily, (in longhand, in a small blue booklet) to record my husband’s medication, (the names of his medicines and the hour in which he took them) his moods, and in brackets, a little about myself. The journal is a verification of what we did. My husband contests me on many things, declaring that ‘we did not’. Out comes my journal to satisfy his verification. I’m glad I recorded it on paper. In the blue booklet, I write the day, then the date, and below, the weather and mean temperature. I record where we went and why, like, shopping for shoes, meat, presents, etc:. I write of guests who came to lunch or to visit.

I write a line about Minnie and her friends. Yesterday I recored that she vomited… a bunch of grass.

Please give our love to Harper and the users of the other six litter boxes.

With love, Lilian

I love journaling and have even taught journal workshops. It is what helps untangle my thoughts and make sense of life. I make a practice of re-reading (currently once a week). That’s when I’m reminded of things I need to follow up on. It’s about the only time I use paper and pencil now, which really sets it apart from all other activities.

Great article. I took a trip to Europe a few years ago and I was so happy when I came across my travel journal. All the details that I had forgotten are in there! I’ve now converted to a digital journal since it’s accessible from anywhere and I usually have my phone on me to jot down entries when I have a few minutes. (Disclaimer: I blog for JRNL.)

I have an urgent need to journal, and I do so, but always with a feeling of trepidation because am afraid my kids will judge me poorly when I’m gone. Haven’t committed crimes or anything like that but am somehow ashamed of the strong feelings of insecurities that come up again and again. But I need very much to write them. Anyone else have this problem?

Yes. I sometimes feel like you as well. That is why, I write a lot and then get rid of it. This helps me with my self awareness. When you write everything down as true as it has happened and you read back to yourself, you somehow judge yourself and that would become very valuable to you for many reasons. 1) you might realise, it was not as important, good or bad or even important as you first thought. 2) You can realise what went wrong or right in that occasion and you might have the opportunity to make it better or try to accept it and draw a line under it. 3) you have become your own best imaginary friend whom you can talk to in confidence and get help without any worry of it going further or be judged. The list of benefits are endless and can go on and on and on, but I am sure, you got the gist of it. 🙂

I love this articular because it explain how writing journals makes you a better writes. it help you express your emotions also your daily lifestyle. I never really writing a journal before but I starting to write down my thought in my journal. it’s the best way to practice writing or express yourself for example I wake up seven in the mourning eat breakfast brush my tooth and wash my face.I get dress walk out the front door to wait at the bus stop.

Journaling leads to growth, which is especially important for a writer. Benjamin Franklin had the habit of keeping a journal, which helped him to become healthy and wealthy: https://constantrenewal.com/keeping-a-journal/

Great post. I have journaled ever since junior high and maybe even a bit earlier. As time goes on I think I’m writing down better things, descriptions and such and digging deep into my real feelings about things and life. It’s a good way to explore and figure out who I am and what I’m thinking. 🙂

I started journaling few months ago and I think it really improved my mental health a bit lol. Usually, I write at night and sometimes, I forget what just happened hours ago (which I have to reopen my gallery to find some specific photos that have to do with my “day”). Anyways, it’s a great and a helpful article btw!

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Ultimate Guide to Writing Your College Essay

Tips for writing an effective college essay.

College admissions essays are an important part of your college application and gives you the chance to show colleges and universities your character and experiences. This guide will give you tips to write an effective college essay.

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Learn some of the most common mistakes made on college essays

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Learn how formal your college essay should be and get tips on how to bring out your natural voice.

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Student Stories

Student Story: Admissions essay about a formative experience

Get the perspective of a current college student on how he approached the admissions essay.

Student Story: Admissions essay about personal identity

Get the perspective of a current college student on how she approached the admissions essay.

Student Story: Admissions essay about community impact

Student story: admissions essay about a past mistake, how to write a college application essay, tips for writing an effective application essay, sample college essay 1 with feedback, sample college essay 2 with feedback.

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10 Journal Writing Guidelines for Students to Learn and Use

Do you want to use journaling with your students? Check out our expert journal writing guidelines for students to find success in your classroom.

In the classroom, journaling can be a valuable way to get students writing, even if they are reluctant writers. On the elementary level, student journals often have fun writing prompts that encourage kids to write when they might be reluctant. As students move through middle school and into high school, journaling becomes more detailed and specific, often asking students to reflect on topics read in class.

Either way, journaling can help develop critical thinking skills that can be useful for essay writing. For help with essays, check out our round-up of the best essay checkers . Here is a closer look at student journals and some guidelines to help students write them well.

What is a Journal for Students?

How do you write a good journal entry, 1. choose the journal type, 2. ignore strict grammar rules, 3. use a journal writing prompt, 4. spend time reflecting, 5. state a topic sentence, 6. write without stopping, 7. be truthful, 8. draw a conclusion, 9. practice regularly, 10. try different techniques, what are the types of learning journals, what’s the difference between a journal and a diary.

A journal for students is a journal that students use to reflect on their thoughts and feelings, to get writing practice, or to record their ideas about the subject matter learned in the classroom. Student journals can become the jumping-off point for valuable discussions in many classrooms. With journals, learners are given time and space to collect their ideas before opening the floor for discussions.

Student journals provide valuable critical thinking opportunities. They also provide a chance to practice writing skills. Finally, they provide freedom to write without fear of a grading rubric hanging overhead. Students who journal become better thinkers and writers overall, which is why teachers often incorporate this learning technique into their lesson planning.

A good journal entry will contain an analysis of the material the student is writing about, some self-reflection on the topic, or some of the emotions the writer is feeling. To write a good journal entry, students must reflect on the question and write their thoughts and feelings. Many teachers find they need to teach students these journaling skills because they don’t come naturally. You might also be interested in these articles about assessment .

Before students can journal well, they need to know what type of journal they are writing. A journal may have different types of entries that change based on the assignment, or it may have one over-arching journaling type that extends through the whole journal. The type of journal pages a student writes will dictate the steps to writing a good journal page, so this is the first step in writing a good entry. Some common journal types include:

• Reflective journal: Reflective journals are personal records of a student’s learning experiences, according to Northern Illinois University .
• Writing prompt journal: This type of journal uses a writing prompt given by the teacher. Prompts can be fun, creative writing-style activities or directly related to a subject taught in the classroom.
• Self-discovery journal: The primary goal of this type of journal is to help the student discover something about themselves. A self-discovery journal might be used in a language arts classroom to encourage self-reflection and writing at the same time.
• Subject journal: This type of journal reflects on lessons taught in a particular subject area, such as social studies or science journal. It can be a way to incorporate language arts and writing skills across the curriculum.

While teachers should encourage good grammar whenever possible, student journals are not the place for strict grammar adherence. Instead, they are the place for students to write freely and get their thoughts on paper. Allowing students to write in journals without strict grammar will encourage more critical thinking, and it will also encourage less fear of the writing process for many students. 

That said, the writing should still make sense. Teachers can encourage students to write clearly enough that the reader can understand it, but they should not grade grammar, punctuation, spelling, and syntax for journals. Leave this critique for more formal papers, and allow journal writing to be a type of free writing.

When writing a journal entry, students of all grade levels, from elementary school through high school and even college, can benefit from journal prompts . Prompts give the writer a starting point, which can help students overcome writer’s block and allow them to get their thoughts down on paper. A journal writing prompt will depend on the goal of the journal, but some ideas include the following:

• What would you invent if you were an inventor?
• Create a new animal or an alien.
• Which animal most represents you, and why?
• Imagine you’re in the zombie apocalypse. How will you survive?
• Write a guidebook for your grandparents to understand your generation.
• What modern issues concern you most, and why?
• What do you remember most about (last year’s grade level)?
• Do you believe in love at first sight/karma/law of attraction/similar ideas?
• What are 10 things you know to be true?
• What are the 10 best words in the English language?

Many of these journal prompts encourage thinking skills and self-discovery. They can be adapted for elementary, middle, and high school, depending on the age of the writers. Teachers can also choose subject-specific writing prompts if they require a subject-area journal. The key to a good prompt is leaving it open-ended, so the student can reflect and draw their own opinion on the topic.

Before students can write a good journal entry, they must gather their thoughts. Students must spend time carefully reflecting and reading the prompt before writing. They can use pre-writing techniques and brainstorming tools to get some basic ideas down before they start directly working on the journal entry. For example, the teacher could give the students a couple of minutes to create a mind map of the topic area, then have them start their journal.

Even though journal writing is less formal than writing research papers and academic essays, students should learn to use topic sentences in their journals. For many writing prompts, the topic sentence is the writer’s opinion or conclusion about the question. Then, the rest of the journal will build reasons behind that topic sentence. Learning to write good topic sentences in a journal will help students in other areas of writing. With the exception of narratives, most types of writing need topic sentences. Journals can be an excellent place to practice this skill.

The use of journal writing in school is an attempt to get kids to write, even if they’re typically reluctant writers. The goal should be for them to write as long as possible without stopping in the allotted time frame. After reflecting and brainstorming, they should write with minimal pauses. Set a timer, and then instruct the students to write continuously until the timer goes off. Three to five minutes is often enough time for a daily journal entry. 

If students wish to edit or “clean up” their journal entry, they should do so at the end of the writing process. During the designated writing time, all they should do is write. If you plan to collect the assignment, consider giving students time to erase stray marks or add punctuation, but don’t let them get bogged down on editing and proofreading. Too much time spent proofing or editing the piece will destroy the benefits of writing in a journal because they will become more focused on grammar than getting their thoughts on paper.

Students should be truthful when writing journal entries, even for school assignments. This is no different than if they are writing in their journals. Journal writing is primarily used to reflect on one’s thoughts, feelings and beliefs, even in regard to less personal writing prompts. To encourage students to be truthful, teachers should not judge their opinions when reading journal entries throughout the school year. The journal should be a safe space to explore feelings and ideas without fear of rejection or judgment of those ideas.

Whenever possible, students should be encouraged to draw some sort of conclusion through their learning journal writing activities. The journal gives them a place to work through their ideas, but at the end of the day, they should have a final thought or decision. 

If the journal is a self-reflection style, the conclusion may be more of a personal action plan. The student could discuss steps they will take if they face a similar situation in the future or to achieve a goal. If it’s a subject-specific type of journal, the conclusion could re-state their position or give one final reason why they made the choice they made for their answer to the prompt.

Few students are good at journal writing the first time they try it, but practice makes perfect. It takes thinking and writing skills to reflect on a topic and then write knowledgeably about it. Learning how to write a journal entry requires regular practice. Some teachers will have their students journal daily, particularly in language arts classrooms.

However, learning  to journal daily is challenging, and there may not be enough classroom time to dedicate to daily journaling. For this reason, other teachers will offer weekly journal assignments. Regardless of the frequency, the key to good journaling is including this writing activity in lesson plans so students get used to the process.

Try different journaling techniques in a student journal that has a set focus. For example, one day, students could do a bullet journal, which isn’t written in paragraph form but rather as a series of short bullet points to get ideas out. Students can also do art journaling which incorporates drawing with their written words.

Stream-of-consciousness writing lends itself well to journaling as well. By incorporating different journaling techniques, students can keep their writing fresh and also explore writing styles that are appealing to them. This will also allow the teacher to see what their students can truly do with creative writing.

Journal Writing Guidelines for Students FAQs

Student learning journals ask students to reflect on what they have learned in a class or to write their opinion on a subject-related discussion question. Some common learning journals include language arts journals, social studies journals, and science journals.

Understanding the difference between a diary vs. journal is important to use these tools well. According to the Oxford Dictionary, a diary records daily experiences. A journal incorporates analysis, emotion, or self-reflection. It can include a record of the daily experience, but only if it includes emotions and reflection. Journals are often used in the classroom.

If you liked this article and want to put these ideas into practice, check out our round-up of storytelling exercises .

Nicole Harms has been writing professionally since 2006. She specializes in education content and real estate writing but enjoys a wide gamut of topics. Her goal is to connect with the reader in an engaging, but informative way. Her work has been featured on USA Today, and she ghostwrites for many high-profile companies. As a former teacher, she is passionate about both research and grammar, giving her clients the quality they demand in today's online marketing world.

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Success Skills

Assignment: computer-based writing journal entry.

Develop a 200-400 word journal entry describing your proficiency with using word processors, and what you might still need to practice further. To help you write this entry, consider some of the following questions:

• Would you consider yourself a beginner, intermediate, or advanced user of word processors? Why?
• What do you find yourself frustrated by, when you use a word processor?
• What comes easily to you, when you use a word processor?
• What do you feel you need more practice with?
• What do you feel you could explain how to do to others?

Worked Example

Journal entry assignments tend to be more flexible than other types of writing assignments in college, and as a result they can be tailored to your own experiences as long as they answer the primary questions asked in the assignment.

One model of a successful entry about this topic can be found below. Feel free to include your own experiences and examples from real life as they pertain to the issue at hand.

Computer-Based Writing Journal Entry by Sandy Brown I would categorize myself as an intermediate word processor user. I’ve used Word a lot, both for work and for personal use. I write letters, and have no trouble with the basics like saving or attaching to emails. I have definitely had the experience of losing documents in Word, which is very frustrating. I would like to know more about how I can prevent that from happening again. One of the classes I withdrew from was going to use Google Drive for submitting essays. I’ve never used that before, and I’m a bit nervous about other classes that may require the same thing. I set up an account but didn’t get very far with it. I consider myself much better at programs like Excel, because I use those all the time for work. Some of the things I recognized in the Word tutorial videos were things I do regularly in Excel, like changing formatting. Changing the default settings seems like a good idea, because it sounds like many instructors will require the same kinds of document formatting for the written assignments I turn in. I don’t know why the default settings are different from what we use in school, but that’s okay. It helps knowing that I can change them once and then not have to worry about it anymore. I’ve never had to do bibliography pages before, though my oldest daughter has for school projects. I hope that she can help me figure out the harder parts when it comes time for that. And having these videos to refer back to will be very helpful, as well.

• Try It: Computer-Based Writing. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution

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How to write a journal entry for college

Do you want to write down a perfect journal entry for college? You might have been thinking about what you actually need to know to write a perfect essay for your educational institution! We will show you all top 10 factors you need to remember.

9 useful tips on how to write a good journal entry for college

1. understand what you need to write.

The first task you need to acquire before writing something is your goal! You need to understand what exactly you need to write. Have you been assigned to write a certain book or something else? Maybe you need to write something about your personal experience or your country experience.

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No matter what you need to write – you need to understand the task first. Reread your task if it’s necessary before you fully understand it!

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2. Stick to the schedule

You will probably need a number of entries to get your essay to pass the assignment. Therefore, it’s better if you try to set up a certain schedule for writing them. Do not try to write everything in one night! It’s better to divide your task into several days. Therefore, you will not get tired, and you will not get lazy when it’s time. It’s what you really need to know how to write a journal entry for college.

3. Write in the first person

You may think that it’s a good idea to write from the third person your journal but the actual truth is slightly different. It’s better to start writing something from the first person. It makes the text more believable. Therefore, your entry may actually get your personal touch. There, do not forget to use I, Me, Mine or My in your sentences.

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At the same time, do not forget about the task that you are given. If the requirements of your task clearly show that you need to write from the third person, then you have no other choice then to write from the third person.

4. Make sure that your entry is long enough

Do not forget that you need to provide at least 200-300 words of the content. This content should be unique, but it should satisfy the information hanger in many ways. You may need to specify how long your entry is provided to be.

5. Plan the details

When you write something, you need to have a certain plan in your mind to provide in on the paper. There are no good results if there are not results at all! When you write down a plan. Actually, your plan might be the first step in the task of how to write a journal. Therefore, you may need to concentrate on your plan first, before the actual writing.

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6. Use maximum amount of resources

You need to use the maximum amount of resources to provide the latest information on your journal entry. You may need to spend a lot of time researching the task instead of getting cut to the chase. Still, this time is necessary for you, as it can help you in the future. Whatever you read to write your task – it will help you to work in the future.

Therefore, you need to collect as much information about your subject as possible. If you are afraid that this information might actually be useless, then you may lose the opportunity to use it. Every book that you read and every article that you grasp is actually beneficial for you. That’s the reason why you should use every opportunity to read more for your journal writing.

7. Use journal examples

There are a lot of people who wrote journal essays, and some of them might be fit for your topic. It might be a good idea to get some inspiration from people who have already written a journal essay. They can also share some knowledge about how they managed to write an essay.

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8. Ask for help

It’s never too late to ask for help. You can search different forums to find out information on your topic. It’s also possible to ask your friend to help you with this task. You can also write down what you want to say in your essay and then give your friend to ask his/her opinion. You can also ask your teachers to help you with this task if it’s necessary.

9. Write by your own

You may simply try to buy your essay for the college, but it’s not recommended. A lot of people try online services to get their essays, but not all of them get exactly what they need for these essays. Moreover, once you get into the essay service, you can be pretty sure that your essay may appear on the internet one day.

A lot of online writing services use the essays from their clients in the future to fill up their portfolio. That’s the reason why the essay that you bought may backfire you in the future. Therefore, if you buy journal entries for your task, you need to discuss this situation with the online service.

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Legit.ng highly recommend writing your journal entry with your own hands. It helps to understand the subject that you are writing and it also helps you to stay clear and not to be suspect in cheating.

Let’s sum up what should be going on in your mind when you want to know how to write a journal. First thing is your understanding of what you are actually writing. You will need to get your task clear before you even launch your writing process.

If you need to simplify your task, you need to plan a schedule for your writing. It’s almost impossible to create a good task without a schedule.

Use maximum amount of help that you may get. It includes different forums, journals and resources. Everything you write – should be written correctly. There is no other way about that. Use maximum amount of resources.

Do not forget that you need to write everything by yourself. It’s not advisable to use paid services to provide you with a journal entry for college.

100+ sweet birthday prayers, wishes and messages to a friend

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Source: Legit.ng

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How to Write a Journal

Last Updated: March 21, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Catherine Boswell, PhD . Dr. Catherine Boswell is a Licensed Psychologist and a Co-Founder of Psynergy Psychological Associates, a private therapy practice based in Houston, Texas. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Boswell specializes in treating individuals, groups, couples, and families struggling with trauma, relationships, grief, and chronic pain. She holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Houston. Dr. Bowell has taught courses to Master’s level students at the University of Houston. She is also an author, speaker, and coach. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 240,499 times.

Journal writing is a creative form of recording your feelings free from the fear of judgement or criticism. Writing in a journal can allow you to work through complex issues in your life, exploring them thoroughly and candidly. It can also be a way of relieving stress, rather than inadvertently taking out your unexplored feelings on someone else. See Step 1 below to start writing your own journal.

Journal Entry Template

Starting Your Own Journal

• If you're looking at computer-based options for your journal, you might want to consider starting a blog - essentially an online journal that other people can read . A variety of free blog sites exist, some of which allow you to control who can and cannot read your blog.

• If you're writing a blog, you may want to begin by addressing your readers.

• As an exception to this rule, if you're writing a blog, while you'll want to be open with your emotions, consider your audience. You may want to consider censoring your most intense and/or personal thoughts.

• Many journal-writers like to add an entry every night before bed. This is a healthy routine because it allows the writer to relax and unwind at the end of the day by "letting out" any lingering emotions. Be sure to write honestly, don't overthink it, and stay focused.

• Use your past entries to reflect on your life. As you read, ask yourself questions like, "Am I the same person who wrote this entry?", "Is my life going the way I want it to?", and "How can I work to solve any problems that may have been troubling me when I wrote this entry?"

• The experiences you have while travelling can be some of the most influential ones in your life. Discovering the beauty of nature, making a friend in a far-off place, and even simply leaving your home can shape you, so document these things!

• If you're using a digital journal, like a blog, try adding photographs to your posts, including links, and choosing colorful templates.

Writing Great Journal Entries

• If you're having trouble turning off your filter, try writing "free form" as an exercise - scrawling your thoughts down in a stream-of-consciousness form the moment they come to you, whether they make sense or not.

• For instance, were you in a miserable mood when you wrote yesterday, but are now feeling better? Comment on this! By doing so, you may start to understand why you felt this way in the first place.

• You may find that, by pursuing a prompt, your writing ventures into interesting new areas you might otherwise never have explored. Be adventurous and pursue these new topics to your heart's content!

• The diary of Samuel Pepys
• The Diary of a Young Girl (Anne Frank's diary)
• The diary of Jemima Conduct
• The diary of Franz Kafka
• Bridget Jones's Diary
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid
• The Color Purple
• Flowers for Algernon
• Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Expert Q&A

Reader Videos

Share a quick video tip and help bring articles to life with your friendly advice. Your insights could make a real difference and help millions of people!

• Find a secluded and familiar place to write (for example, your bedroom with the door locked), but other secluded places are good too. (Your backyard.) Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 0
• It's best to write with a pen because pencil can fade. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 3
• It's best if it is a secret. It's better if no one reads about your feelings and your secrets. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 3

• Always keep it in a safe no-one-knows box of secrets after writing. It's best if it has a lock. Thanks Helpful 85 Not Helpful 7
• If this person does and reads it, confront them and tell them you absolutely do not want them to read it. Then take necessary precautions, such as getting a notebook with a lock. Thanks Helpful 77 Not Helpful 7
• Your secrets may be posted around the net if you don't lock it. (This is for blog authors only.) Thanks Helpful 60 Not Helpful 8
• Someone could find out about your journal. Thanks Helpful 67 Not Helpful 15

Things You'll Need

• A cheap but good composition notebook.
• A working pen or pencil.
• Colouring in pens or pencils.

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://docs.google.com/
• ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/ready-set-journal-64-journaling-prompts-for-self-discovery
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mindful-musings/201611/3-reasons-let-yourself-feel-your-emotions
• ↑ Catherine Boswell, PhD. Licensed Psychologist. Expert Interview. 29 December 2020.
• ↑ https://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/7-writing-routines-that-work
• ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/mar/22/how-to-start-journal-writing-drawing
• ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/tips/travel-photos-journal-memories-/
• ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentID=4552&ContentTypeID=1
• ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/ready-set-journal-64-journaling-prompts-for-self-discovery#the-journal-prompts

About This Article

To write a journal entry, start by writing down the date, time, and location where you're writing. Then, let your emotions flow and write about your feelings, like your family life, crush, or dreams. Try not to overthink it by writing things down as soon as they come into your head. You can also use writing prompts. To make your entries as useful as possible, get into a routine of writing regularly. Then, review your past entries to assess your feelings with the benefit of hindsight. To see a list of some famous journal writers and get tips on how to decorate your journal, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Submitting Journal Articles

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

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This resource provides recommendations for selecting a journal to submit your article, important details about the submission proccess, as well as helpful information on special issues of journals.

Selecting the journal

One of the most important things you can do to expedite acceptance and publication in academic journals is to select journals where your work fits best. You can do this by researching the journal on their website, reading the last several years of the journal, and asking mentors in your field.

Check the policy statements of the journals and their tables of contents from recent issues to find out the exact scope of the journal and its specialization within the field. Examine the journal's website for information on restrictions by the journal, such as who may submit articles, what topics are most appropriate for the journal, what word maximums there may be for various types of manuscripts, and what style the journal uses. The journal's website will also provide you with information on the particular methodological approach preferred by the journal and the general audience to which it caters.

You should also learn about the time from submission to decision. Usually, submissions are heaviest around the beginnings and ends of semesters, so submitting in the middle of a semester can be a better bet for a quicker decision. If you suspect the journal already has some issues backlogged, you might want to contact the editor for further information, especially if time is a factor for you and the journal publishes few issues each year.

Submitting the journal article

Once you complete your abstract and manuscript, you might decide to reconsider your choice of target journal due to a slight change in focus. In that case, you might want to ask for suggestions from peers and mentors or address the journal editor directly. Virtually all editors will look at your abstract to make an initial judgment about whether it will fit the scope of their journal and might even be willing to skim your manuscript.

You will want to make sure that your manuscript and abstract are as error-free as possible, particularly in formatting issues such as page numbers, font size, alignment, and typographical errors. Each journal has its own specific guidelines for formatting and style. Find this information on their website. Pay particular attention to requests for blind submission and mask all references that would reveal your identity - this includes school references, geographic locations, and recognizable or unique organization names.

For example, to make an abstract anonymous, a researcher conducting a study at the Subaru plant here in Lafayette, Indiana, would have to use the following terminology: “Researchers used a case study approach to collect data on the impact of “lean production” techniques on workers at a small automotive production plant in the Midwest.”

Once your manuscript and abstract are submitted, the editor for the journal will review your work and decide whether it is a good fit for the journal. If not, or if the manuscript is deemed to be of poor quality, the editor might send you a "desk rejection," or a rejection from the editor's desk rather than from other reviewers. If the manuscript is a good fit for the journal, the editor will send it out to one or a few reviewers (other scholars in the field), who will give their feedback on the piece. The editor's ultimate decision on the manuscript, informed by the reviewers' feedback and recommendations, might be one of the following:

• Accepting the manuscript in its current form
• Accepted pending (usually minor) revisions
• Revising and resubmitting

Immediate acceptance is very rare. Accepted pending revisions or revising and resubmitting are the most common responses to submissions. Changes requested by an "accept with minor revisions" are fewer and less substantial than changes for a "revise and resubmit," in which case the manuscript is often sent back to the same reviewers. Unless you have a particular reason for not implementing one of those suggested changes and are willing to explain these in the letter to the editor, you should make each and every one of the suggested revisions.

Special Issues

Many journals run special issues one or more times per year. These special issues are usually focused on a particular topic that is growing in the field. In the past, articles in special issues have been less favorably viewed than articles published in regular runs of the journal, but this is changing in many fields since the peer review process for special issues is now often exactly the same as for regular runs.

Special issues are an especially helpful type of journal issue for graduate students, because they are typically produced on a specified timeline and because they tend to garner far fewer submissions than the journal gets day to day for all kinds of work. In other words, the odds of acceptance in a special issue tend to be higher than in regular runs, and special issue articles are more likely to be published in a timely manner.

To publish in special issues, researchers typically need to send a proposal, which will be either rejected or conditionally accepted. If the proposal is conditionally accepted, the researcher will be invited to submit a full article for the special issue, which will usually then be peer reviewed like any other journal article. These articles can still be rejected at this stage, like any other article, but it is less likely given the smaller pool.