Journaling:
A First Step to Publication
by Desiree
Day
Once people find out I am a writer, invariably their first
question is, "How did you become a writer?"
I used to tell them the story of how I was sitting at my computer one day and
like a flash the story of Denise Daniels and Saadiq Sumners, my main characters,
in
Bourgeois Blues, just came to me. And for the life of me I couldn't stop
writing until I finished the novel, six months later. But the more I thought
about it, the more I felt as though I wasn't telling the whole story. I was
glossing over a major step.
For the past ten years, I've been journaling. Back in the day, it was called
keeping a diary. I would pen different things that were going on in my life.
Nothing was taboo. Everything from my job, family, boyfriends, my female friends
and sexual fantasies were written down in great detail. Everything was
uncensored, raw and pure. Journaling is the only time where I can write without
fear of judgment and repercussions.
When I journal, there isn't a concern about word count. Sometimes my entries are
as short as a paragraph or as long as seven pages. It all depends on how I'm
feeling.
Not only does journaling allow me to express my innermost feelings but it taught
me to feel comfortable writing. Unfortunately, the thought of putting pen to
paper scare some people to the point that they are filled with an irrational
fear that paralyzes them thus stymieing their creative juices.
It doesn't have to be like that. Journaling is an awesome way to express your
thoughts and chronicle life altering events. One of my favorite phrases is:
Write like no one is looking. I don't recall who said that, but it's true. While
journaling, give yourself the permission to not censor yourself and let the
words flow. Over time the comfortableness of journaling will flow into all your
writing, giving you a confidence that you didn't have before and will allow you
to soar to astronomical heights.
In my novel,
Crazy Love, Tameeka uses journaling as a tool to discover herself.
Another positive quality about journaling is that it allows you to develop your
voice. While I encourage you to write freely, it would be a good idea for you to
pay attention to your writing style. Some people infuse their prose with lively
adjectives, colorful nouns and powerful verbs and string together lengthy chunks
of information. While some others, write short snappy sentences, that flow by in
a blink of the eye. You might find yourself a combination of both styles.
My parting words: Journaling is an excellent way for beginning writers to
discover their voice and feel comfortable writing. It's also an awesome way for
veteran writers to express their creative side without fear of being critiqued
by their editors.
’’’’’’’’’’’
Desiree Day
Author of Crazy Love
www.desireeday.com
BLOG:
http://desireeday.blogspot.com/
Related Links
Marketing
Your Book - Eight Unique Ways to Promote Your Book
An Article by Desiree Day
http://www.aalbc.com/reviews/promote_your_book.htm
