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Answers to Readers' Questions on Writing:
Journal
The following 8 comments and questions have been sent in. They are listed according to date.
List of first 10 items
- I was in love with journals since 1st grade
- Wants to write a journal of trip to France for new
- What are some factors in writing a journal?
- Wants to become a professional writer
- Introduction to journal
- Afraid to put thoughts in journal
- Lawyer or writer
- Social work journal
I was in love with journals since 1st grade
Question
January 9, 2006
Oh let me tell you I was in love with journals since I was in first grade. I'm in fifth grade right now, so I 'm still writing in juornals right now.
Victoria - USA
9617
Answer
That's great! Keep doing it and save them all. It will be great to look back on how your ideas have grown.
Wants to write a journal of trip to France for new
Question
August 1, 2005
Hello, I'm twenty yrs. old and currently studying French and English Literature at Lancaster University, and am bored at work and just searching some sites. I'm interested in journalism, but I'm afraid I have very limited experience in getting material published. However, next year I am spending a year abroad as a teaching assistant in France (it's part of my course), and we are instructed to keep a diary. Further to this, I wanted to embellish the diary (similar to what you've suggested) to create a more acute, humorous sense of being a foreigner. I am aware that this has been done before (Bill Bryson, etc.), but cannot recall ever having read a sort of travelog from a young female students point of view. Do you think that there is a potential market for this? I was thinking of getting at least an excerpt from the actual diary published in a couple of the course books, and then trying further afield to get the fictional version published. What do you think my chances are without having any previous 'real' experience? Sorry for being so long-winded, I'm English...Thanks in advance!
Gaelle
Gaelle - UK
7684
Answer
If you are interested in journalism, perhaps you should shift your major over to that subject. Although French and English literature may be interesting, most jobs with that major consist of teaching French and English literature.
Your year abroad is an excellent opportunity to break into journalism. You can approach some local newspapers and ask if they would be interested in occasional articles on your experiences and observations. The best place to start is a small newspaper or weekly magazine in your home town. They often are looking for stories--especially if they are free. Also, they like to have material about a local person, as a human interest story. You may get a number of rejections, but don't give up. It also can be a door-opener to future assignments.
You can also put your material in a blog. You can set up a free account with www.blogger.com. It is the rage, but unfortunately, many people now thing they are writers.
The big thing is to write, write, write. You can then put your material in many different formats.
Best wishes in your adventure, and let me know how things turn out.
What are some factors in writing a journal?
Question
November 13, 2004
hi there,
i am really interested in writing the journal dont want to express my feeling to any one to but want to express to myself.I dont know the way to write a journal like how long it should be how to use the words so that the feelings are expressed crisply and shortly and i feel relaxed.what time is the right time to write a journal.what should i use a diary or a long notebook.what should i do if i have very much personal feling and i dont wnt to any one know that but want to express in someway via writing.
i will be very much greatfull if you help me out in this.THANKS A LOT.
MAHESH - INDIA
5004
Answer
A diary is usually shorter, telling what you did on each day. Sometimes feelings are also expressed. But in a journal, you don't need to write in it each day. Instead you write to express your thoughts and feelings. An effective method that I find is to create a dialog, where I am having a conversation with myself.
I think a long notebook is better for a journal. It is good to put down the date when you made an entry. Sometimes you can add a title to what you were thinking about. This way, when you go back later to read, you can find things easier.
Write as much or as little as you want. Often just write in free association, putting down what comes to your mind. Write whenever you have the time and the urge. That is especially true when you have feelings to express.
Of course, keep your journal in a safe place where no one else can read it.
Wants to become a professional writer
Question
October 28, 2004
Hi, i just read the article "Getting started by writing a Journal" and took the mini quiz at the end of it. The article has already motivated me to start writing a journal. My question to you is,....if i start now and continue to write journal everyday, will i develop skills to become a professional content writer? Please advise, keeping in mind that i have no previous experience in writing and also considering my writing skills based on this e-mail.
Thanking you in anticipation of your helpful reply,
Lakshmi
Lakshmi - India
4822
Answer
Writing a journal helps to practice expressing yourself in print. It is especially useful for fiction writers. Then you can try some very short stories, even using material from your journal.
If you want to write nonfiction, such as articles or technical writing, it is good to write short essays on subjects of interest, making sure the spelling and grammar are correct. It is good to re-write them to improve the style.
You can try to get your short stories or articles published in local newspapers or magazines. Also, you can use them as samples of your work, if you try for a writing job. Obviously, you don;t show fiction work when applying for a nonfiction job.
Best wishes in your writing career. I hope you will become a champion.
Introduction to journal
Question
February 6, 2003
I would like to know how to start the introduction of a journal when I am giving my reaction on an article that I have read.
Patrick - USA
3203
Answer
Typically, a journal is your own personal record, so you probably wouldn't have to worry about an introduction, except to explain what you were writing about.
If this is for a class assignment, you could probably start with something like: "Upon reading an article titled XXX in the YYY magazine on Tuesday, Feb. 4th, I felt upset about their point of view. My feeling on this matter is... etc."
I hope that helps or is what you are looking for.
Afraid to put thoughts in journal
Question
March 18, 2003
I am reading your material on Keeping a Journal, and the ominous yet familiar rhythm of the Jaws theme song is getting louder and louder and faster and faster in the back of my head.
I've been a victim of one of those cruel, vicious people who take what you've written in a private journal and expose it to those better left in the dark. Their reaction to my thoughts and perceptions made me feel like an inhuman being, and the impact has been devastating.
It has been 13 years since I was basically ostracized for what was in my journal, and despite all efforts, I haven't been able to keep one since. Even having a password-coded word program that no one could possibly invade has helped to alleviate this lack. What I want from you is some advice on how to overcome this fear.
I feel that with a little bit of grooming and a lifetime of education I could very well be one of the best writers of my class, so I'm not having any kind of an esteem issue. I'm simply terrified that somebody, anybody, nobody in particular will take what I've written and harm me.
If there is any advice you could give me I'd sure appreciate it.
Thank You,
Jen - USA
3202
Answer
You brought up a good point, and I will have to clarify the material on writing a journal.
The type of journal I was talking about was a writer's journal of thoughts and observations. It should not contain material about the writer or other people that could prove harmful or embarrassing. Sometimes false names and places can be used to sound like it was just a fictional exercise. In fact that is what the journal is for--to provide material for fiction.
I guess we can call the personal or private journal a diary or such. Writing out your deeply personal feelings is a great catharsis, but it also can be very embarrassing if it gets in the wrong hands. It may be better for that material to be written, reviewed and then thoroughly destroyed. You wonder if it serves a purpose to keep very personal or painful thoughts for review years later.
An older brother or sister or even a parent can read a child's diary and personal thoughts and then ridicule the child. They may think it is funny, but it can really injure the person's esteem for years.
My advice is to write out personal feelings and observations as fiction, using false names. Keep it for any writing you plan to do. If you have deep personal feelings you want to write about, do it on paper and not the word processor. Look it over and decide if you want to save it, knowing that someone may read it. Otherwise rip it up and throw it away. It may also help to throw away the bad experience.
As far as the person who exposed your private journal years ago goes, I have mixed feelings about that. My personal fantasy is to approach the person and say, "Remember when you read my journal and told everyone about it? You know that really hurt me and has bothered me for years. I just want to say one thing to you about it: Nuts to you!" (You can probably think of more colorful words that that.)
On the other hand, you've got to move on with your life. Little people have little minds. Those that ostracized you should be left in your past.
But remember that no matter how good of a writer you are, there will always be people who criticize what you have written. Some may be really cruel about it. Take it for what it's worth and move on.
Best wishes in your writing and your life.
Lawyer or writer
Question
October 1, 2003
Hi! I have a huge dilemma. I am a college student, majoring in pre-law. For the past few years, I was convinced that I wanted to be a lawyer. I have attended some seminars on career exploration and they suggested some methods on how to determine what is the right career for me. Strangely, I did not fit with a law career but I ignored the results. At school, every time I write an essay for a class, I am being praised tremendously. I always thought professors and everyone else was exagerrating my talent. My honors english class professor asked me once what I am planning to do with my writing talent. I said:" what writing talent?":)..I was never aware of having one. Now for whatever reason I'm beginning to picture being a writer and I kind of like the idea but I'm not sure I'm good enough. I used to keep a journal and I enjoyed it a lot. Now due to a tight schedule I have no time for it anymore. I guess my question is: How do I know if I should be a writer? From what I've told you so far, do you think I even have a shot at it? I guess I'm insecure or selling myself short. Anything you can suggest to find out if this is for me? I would appreciate your help so much. Thank you,
Julie
JUlie -
707
Answer
I met a fellow who received a degree in Chemistry, got a job and realized he didn't really care for the work. He went back to school and is now an accountant. In other words, it is tough to know what you really like to do as a profession.
You probably went into law because there were some things about it that appealed to you, and you have some skills in the area.
When you talk about being a writer, what type are you picturing? If you are thinking of becoming a fiction writer, remember that it is very, very tough to break into that field. That isn't to say that it is not worth taking a shot at it, if you have a good idea for a book.
There are numerous types of non-fiction writers, including marketing, technical, educational, medical and legal. Most people in those fields like to write and are good at it, but are not the creative type.
With skills in writing, you could also use your legal background for either doing legal writing or writing fiction based on the legal profession, a la Earle Stanley Gardner who wrote the Perry Mason series.
Probably the best thing to do is to take a look at the jobs available, both as a lawyer and as a writer. This can give you a good perspective on what you want to do in the future. Hopefully, you can use all of your talents, instead of picking one at the expense of the other.
Best wishes in your career, and let me know how things turn out.
Social work journal
Question
September 28, 2003
I am a graduate student in the field of Social Work. My class assignment is to write a journal on one of my cases frro my intern. I need some special tips to make my jouranl stand out.
Thank-you
-
693
Answer
It sort of depends on what type of journal is expected. Typically, it would be a daily summary of what happened and your thoughts and analyses on the case. If you do this methodically, with the same structure and including a dialog with yourself each day, it could be a good tool and also impress your teacher.
Most people would write it out in long-hand and then type it up, including spell- and grammar-checking. Others can think better while typing. An interesting look at the types of journals people are doing are blogs, where people post their daily random thoughts on their website or on a blogsite.
Another type of journal for a social worker could be a taping interviews with the people in a case and trasncribing the interview, along with personal comments and thoughts. That probably isn't your assignment, though.
I hope this gives you some ideas. Best wishes in your project.
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