[AN: All notes are taken verbatim from the book. I claim no rights to them.]
Writers and their Notebooks edited by Diana M. Raab
Pg. 189-190: Different types of journals and their descriptions:
- Personal-growth journal: where the writer works out difficult situations
- Crisis journal: in which a crisis is used as a catalyst for writing. Use it during tumultuous times, or when life takes an unexpected turn or in flux, and it can help anchor you
- Therapeutic journal: which is similar to Crisis Journal except that it tends to be in diary format, chronicling day-to-day events
- Gratitude journal: a place to record what you are thankful for in life. This type of journal nurtures a positive outlook and is a good thing to have when you’re feeling down
- Smile journal: consists of things and events that make you smile and laugh. (Keep in mind that humor heals)
- Travel journal: a place to chronicle journeys and trips, and include impressions and reflections
- Dream journal: typically kept at the bedside and written in first thing in the morning, even before a writer goes to bed, as a way to tap into the subconscious mind
- Transition/Transformation journal: used during transitional periods such as divorce or relocation
Pg. 193-194: Writing prompts:
- Write a letter to someone, dead or alive
- Write about a transforming moment in your life
- Write about a trip you took that left a huge impact on you
- Write about a loved one, colleague, or mentor who has been influential on your writing life
- Write about what worries you
- Write about an accomplishment
- List memorable moments in your life. Choose one to write about.
- Write about a special occasion where everything didn’t go as planned
- Write about your happiest and saddest moments
- Recount a personal experience that lead to personal growth
- Write about something you collected
- Write a sentence beginning with “I remember…”
- Describe a smell that brings back fond or unpleasant memories
- Describe a moment of utter desperation where you felt so low you didn’t know what to do
- Describe a significant quarrel between you and a family member
- Describe losing someone you really loved
- Write about a strange family member
- Write about what you remember about the sixth grade
- Write about a memory with a bicycle
- Write ten ways you felt different as a child
- Write about what you are grateful for
- Write about a song that has had a great impact on you
- Write about your favorite book
- Write about one of your grandparents
- Write about something you want but cannot have
- Freewrite or write for at least fifteen minutes, never lifting your pen; ignoring your inner critic; write about anything that pops into your head