| Journaling: The 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.