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How long have you been keeping a journal?
For as long as I can remember - in some shape, form or fashion.
How did you get started?
I just began writing as a way to 'brush-away-the-cobwebs' of things that kept coming back to me over and over again - in the beginning, mostly poems and sketches but, over time, some of the writings evolved into stories, outlines for stories/books, unsent-letter formats, etc.
Do you prefer the term "diary" or "journal" or something else? Why?
For me, I have no preference of terms - in conversation, I guess I refer to it sometimes as "journal" but, more often than not, just as "my writings" - it is a personal thing and, except for the recent discussion groups I've joined, I haven't 'shared' that part of my life, i.e., having to have a 'term' for it, with too many people.
How often do you write/draw?
I write, usually, on a daily basis as I am into "Morning Pages" from The Artist's Way, a book by Julia Cameron. As for drawing, or some other outlet of creativity, that occurs whenever the inspiration strikes.
What does your journal mean to you?
An extension of my heart and soul - an outlet for hopes, dreams, fears, aspirations, a way to vent without causing family strife...my best friend.
Do you envision a future audience for your writing/art?
Yes, but only for the books I plan to write and have published. As for the majority of my writings (journals), I don't envision an audience - in fact, I intend to make definite plans to see that they are not made public.
What are your favorite ways to add visual interest to your journal?
Using different coloured inks, adding sketches, drawings, collages, glued objects, mementos from trips/vacations - whatever strikes my fancy at that point in time.
What inspires you to create?
Happiness, sadness, longing, the need to express an emotion.
Do you use music when you write or create? What types?
Yes - usually light classical or light jazz - sometimes 70's, if it fits the theme of the writing.
What is your favorite pen to write with?
My collection of gel pens from Staples.
What is your favorite type of notebook/paper to write in/on?
If it is going to be mainly writing - with artwork interspersed - I go with lined paper in a large-spiral journal - the larger the spiral, the better - to allow the book to be folded all the way back to the current page.
Has anyone ever read your journal without your permission? What, if anything, did you change about your approach to journal-keeping?
So far, no one has broken my trust and read my writings without permission. At least, not any of the ones I've left out -- there are some writings that are always kept under lock-and-key in a small safe in my nightstand and the key is hidden in a most secure place.
If a future archaelogist were to unearth your notebook, what do you hope she or he would learn about you from it?
That I was kind-hearted, loving, talented, poetic, spiritual, and believed that there are things beyond our reasoning, conscious thoughts and understanding - a free-thinker...a dreamer...
How many finished journals do you have? Do you ever look through them?
Finished? I don't consider them ever truly finished - perhaps they sit for years on a shelf but, somewhere along the way, a thought ignites the need to retrieve just that journal to add to. Yes, mainly the ones from the late 70's/early 80's as that was a very special time in my life.
How many different types of journals do you keep?
My Artist's Way Morning Pages journal, a new 2002 journal, a retrospective journal, a love journal, a nature journal, a design journal (for interior/exterior home projects), and several that are a hodge-podge of musings.
What is the primary focus of your journal? What do you get out of keeping one?
Depending upon the journal, the primary focus is to translate what is in my head to paper - to capture the thoughts that will, at a later date, elude me when I need it most. I also keep a tiny digital recorder with me in places I am unable to quickly jot something down (in the car, etc.) and then I can remember the thoughts to transfer to paper at a later time. So, the primary focus and what I get out of keeping a journal, I guess, is to capture those very special thoughts as they travel through my mind - elusive as they are - before they are forever lost.
How do you respond to people who scoff at the idea of diary-keeping - those who think the practice is silly or frivolous?
I haven't yet encountered too many with these attitudes that directly relate to me - I have heard, overall, some who think it is a self-centered, frivolous practice -- my advice to them..."don't knock it 'til you've tried it!"
How often do you write? Under what conditions?
Daily - under any conditions - if I start making excuses based on...how I feel...the weather...my schedule for the day...etc.,...I would never write - it is getting into the 'habit' of writing intially, that makes writing an important part of your day later on...
What are your favorite creative tools or products? How do you use them?
Gel Pens, for the colours, the fluidity, and they way they feel in my hand. But, I will use any artistic tool (oils, pastels, caulks, markers, watercolours, etc.) if it fits my mood that day. Archival glue sticks are also great for adding 'whatever' to my pages.
What is your favorite creativity book, or who is your favorite creativity author?
I don't have a particular favorite book - but, as for an author...I am very drawn to Alexandra Stoddard - not necessarily for her advice on writing, or her advice on creativity, but simply in her own special way of painting pictures with words, telling you to create for your very soul's sake...she encourages you to surround yourself with beauty -- whatever beauty means to you.
Do you have any websites or other resources that you would like to recommend?
I like http://www.art-e-zine.co.uk/ as it showcases artists in mixed-media art forms -- showing that art is a very subjective -- personal -- creation...and, what it means to one, it may mean something totally different to the next.
Do you ever share your journals with others?
Not necessarily my entire journal -- perhaps snippets, individual writings -- but, journals, per se, are a very individual, personal thing.
What is your favorite way to dissolve writer's block?
Music -- walking the dogs -- petting the cats -- eating chocolate...
What advice would you give to those who are just starting to keep a journal?
Don't beat-yourself-up with deadlines, rules, must-do restrictions...it is a creative and artistic journey -- one that is truly your own...follow your own heart and soul, not what works for someone else...you're unique - an individual - let your spirit guide you in when/where/how/what to write...
Do you have a journal prompt or writing exercise that you would like to share with us?
I use childhood prompts/exercises...something silly...to free up the mind and shift the mindset to be open and receptive to writing from the heart and soul...things like..."if you were an animal..." - or- "if you were a colour..." - or - something along those lines...getting in touch with the inner child opens up a whole world of imagination and creativity.
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