Nice advice on journal writing from Brian Darvell:
"I find journaling to be a great way of releasing thoughts without the repercussion of having to defend yourself to anyone and journals also serve as a great method of keeping track of past items and events. Unlike a diary however, a journal usually consists of more important events and dismisses the usual day-to-day that diaries often have. Many of history’s important events come first hand from the journals of notable people during those times. The best example I can give of this is of ancient Rome’s representation in the journals of Julius Caesar.
Personally, my journal serves as many things. On top of the actual diary/event capabilities I use it as a to-do list, a storage spot for quotes, reading suggestions, thoughts on movies and also as an area when the urge to write something creative comes along – such as poems and short stories. Many others find journals to be a place to store things important to them such as newspaper clippings and pictures. Whatever it is that you would like to use one for, it is essentially you who can know for sure in what ways a journal would best serve you. My suggestion is that one should take it slow at the beginning because one can easily get carried away and lose focus of their purpose if trying to implement a lot of various themes to their journal…"
Journal Writing Advice
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Hey, thanks for mentioning my article. I was shocked when I came across this on my Google Reader feed!!
Journaling is a great tool for reflective thinking.
Besides Julius Caesar, R.W. Emerson and H.D Thoreau were well known journalists, and most of their literary work comes from their daily notes.