Journaling to Write Better (free printable)

I’ve mentioned before that I started blogging as a way for me to practice writing. I know that sharing the things I’ve learned is part of my mission, and writing is one way for me to share. This blog is a place for me to share the things I write and it holds me accountable. (Thanks for reading as I learn).

I soon realized that I needed more writing practice. As a homeschool mom, I’m a firm believer that reading and writing make you a better writer. I am already a strong reader, so I decided to start writing in a journal every night. I’ve kept journals off and on for most of my life. My entries range from a re-cap of the day to my (then) current teenage crush to ranting about a person or situation that is bothering me to just one specific moment I want to remember.

I’ve been pretty sporadic over the years. I will be consistent for a week or two then fall off the wagon because I don’t see the benefit or because it takes too much effort to write a simple entry. Sometimes I will go months without writing only to pick it up to for one night in order to capture a memory or get something off my chest.

My current streak might be my longest. I think I have written every night (give or take 2) for the past 4 months. My present method is to reflect on my day and write 10 things I am grateful for. I don’t usually expand on those things—they are just a short sentence or phrase. Then I use a journal prompt and write a little bit about whatever it says.

In November my journal prompts were focused on gratitude. The previous months the prompts were based off a writing challenge. Most of the prompts were get to know you questions, but some were lists or goals or memories.

I usually find my journal prompts on Pinterest. But this month, I couldn’t find one that I liked. So I picked my favorites from a bunch of lists and compiled my own.

Suddenly Jamie over at Live to Write—Write to Live believes that journaling will  make you a better writer. She says journaling helps develop better writing habits, clears your mind, and helps you find your voice. Journaling also saves relationships by being a place to blow off steam, and it brings you closer to your 10,000 hours of perfection. She also says that writing in a journal takes away the pressure to be good and allows you to write with creativity.

Do you want to get better at writing and want to try the journaling route? I hope the tips will help you get started.

1. Write a lot. Try to write everyday. Carry around a notebook and write down ideas, conversation snippets, fragments of songs or poems, and visual details. Free write. Copy. Ask and answer questions. Just write!
2. Create a writing ritual. Write the same time every day. Before bed is the best for me, but for others morning or mid-day is better. I set an alarm to remind me until it became a habit. Decide where you will write and allow yourself enough time to get your words onto paper.
3. Decide what to write about. Will you write about the day or your plans for tomorrow? Will you use a journal prompt or whatever is on your mind? Will you free write or create a plan?
4. Date your entry. This is for reference only.
5. Try different writing styles. Write a letter or a poem. Try writing from a different perspective. Invent new words. Experiment. Make journal writing fun.

Do you journal? Has it impacted your writing? What is your favorite way to journal?