2021W27

Creative writing: tips and prompts for journaling

SkillShare course by Ashley Keenan

Journaling has no rules. You can write about your aspirations, ideas for projects, to-do lists, etc. The only commonality is that journaling is for you; you are the only writer and reader.

Journaling can also be where you record your past, express yourself, reflect and meditate. Have fun! Capture everything; try not to filter before writing something. Cross things out instead of erasing them.

Brainstorming is a way to quickly record ideas. Use outlines or bullet points to record ideas around a central theme or prompt. Don’t edit; just write. Go for quantity over quality. Visual brainstorming like mind-mapping or storyboards can be another way to record and explore ideas.

Assignment #1: Brainstorming

Set a timer for five minutes. Write a list of life stories you want to tell. Now, edit by selecting the top three stories. Then, select one from the three. Engage the senses: see, smell, hear, and touch. Go right to the most interesting parts of the story.

What makes a good story? Honesty, clarity, vulnerability, curiosity, something at stake. Why readers should care. Capture specific details of a story. Be descriptive.

Prompt #1: When were you happiest in life?

Set a timer for 15 minutes. Try to write a page about the experience. It’s okay if the subject wanders; it’s not supposed to be a polished essay.

If you’re stuck, try writing the prompt and answering the prompt.

Engaging the senses makes stories more relatable, lively, and clear. They also enhance perspective. Exaggerate a scene. This doesn’t mean distort; it means bringing out certain details.

Prompt #2: What am I afraid of?

Set a timer for 15 minutes. Start with “I’m afraid of …”. Repeatedly, writing the prompt is okay. The fears can be literal or figurative; humorous or serious. Try to do this for a couple of days.

Prompt #3: It it better to be remembered as kind or honest?

Why do I feel kindness or honesty is better? Why should others agree with you? What are the good or bad about the other choice? Argue from both sides.

Writing letters to imaginary people can be a different way to start journaling. Letter writing is a powerful way to say things you may not have been able to say to someone in-person. They can also give closure or peace of mind.

You can start by answering, “Who am I writing to?”. Describe them or your thoughts about them. Why am I writing to them? Tell the truth! Write about memories, confessions, dreams, professions of love.

Prompt #3: Write a letter to someone you’ve lost

The person can be someone has passed away or someone you’ve grown out-of-touch with.

Finally, how can I create a habit of journal writing? Write everyday. Set a goal like write for 15 minutes or write half a page. Allow yourself to jump to different projects. Write honestly: how am I really feeling? Filter as little as possible. Remember, writing is a craft. It takes time to develop. Keep writing and reflecting. Make sure you are having fun and are engaged.

Here are some tips for writing ideas. Interview yourself. Ask yourself tough questions as if you’re being interviewed by a talk show or a magazine. Talk about your dreams, what you want to accomplish. Rant about things. Review books, art, movies. Be silly. Have fun!