Idea Journals

The life of a writer can be a tricky one, so we arm ourselves with things that will aid us in our venture to "success."  My weapon of choice is usually an idea journal.  I try to never leave my house without it.  (Along with a pen and pencil of course.)  I've done this since 2005.  It all started when I was a sophomore in high school.  I was taking my first creative writing class, and it was great.  My teacher really inspired me and he had us thinking about journal writing one day.  He said it was good to always get your ideas down.  It sounds like a simple idea, but how many times have you found yourself thinking of something clever and saying "I'll remember it."  No need to write it down?  Think again.  Life gets hectic and sometimes our brains block out the good stuff to let in the bad.  So, I'm a firm believer in writing down ideas! It's simple, and easy.  Just don't do it while you're driving or anything.  

The picture above was taken by the great Kelly McGovern.  It's a picture of my first idea journal from way back in 2005.  You can kind of tell how beat up it is in the picture, but trust me, when I hold it in my hand I'm so happy that it's still binded together.  It looks like it has been through a war and it certainly feels like it.  It has to be one of my most prized writing possessions. 

So you're probably wondering what inspired me to write a second blog post for today...(I know it never happens.)  The answer is, as I was looking through one of my more recent idea journals I found this thought that I wrote down back in March of 2010.  

"Heroes and villains of my own creation fly around in my head all day long

 writing their stories."

At the time of reading it I couldn't help but let a big smile spread across my face.  I thought for a moment, "There is no way I would have remembered writing something like this if it wasn't for this idea journal."  It might not mean a lot to you as you read it, but today was a rough editing day and it was the breath of fresh air that I needed.  (I talk about air a lot don't I?)  I'm so proud of myself for writing a line like that.  It pretty much sums up who I am as a writer in one sentence. (I am now recalling a statement from writer's group on Sunday...I guess I'm "falling in love with my words." ^.^ Guilty!) Anyway, I think in my future office (when I escape from this place I call a house) I'm going to paint those words on my wall! If they make me feel the same way I felt today, it will be awesome! 

Okay, I'm going to stop rambling now and end my second blog post.  (Still can't believe I accomplished  two blog posts in one day.) 

Thanks for reading,

-Christine