Theresa

How long have you been keeping a journal? How did you get started?

Aside from a couple of teen diary years (breathless entries and broken hearts ), I've journalled for about five years, startingwith Breathnach's Five Daily Gratitudes lists.

Do you prefer the term "diary" or "journal" or something else? Why?

I prefer the term journal. It implies more than a daily sharing of events, and lets me dream, opine, put thoughts down in forms other than writing. It lets me include lists, how-to's and the chance to include other's thoughts, eg. quotes.

How often do you write/draw?

My entries average twice weekly.

What does your journal mean to you?

I have yet to get over the 'write anything and everything down' hurdle --although dh wouldn't touch it, I *am* afraid of others reading it at some future date. My journal is a 'fog' clearer. Whatever extreme emotion I'm experiencing, from anger to confusion to joy, Journal puts it in perspective.

Do you envision a future audience for your writing/art?

No. My daily life is ordinary. Entries are fragmented and not nearly as interesting as those of say, May Sarton.

What are your favorite ways to add visual interest to your journal?

I'll clip little quotes and tape them in. Occasionally I'll write in 'shapes'. Very few drawings or other color. I save that for my card making :)

What inspires you to create?

Color and texture....I wonder how a couple of elements might be combined. Another technique is 'alternate uses'...how else might this seed pod, tinsel, patterned envelope interior, be used?

Do you use music when you write or create? What types?

Rarely. Music is vital to my well being, but I rarely use it as a backdrop. Odd.

What is your favorite pen to write with?

Medium width soft blue or purple.

What is your favorite type of notebook/paper to write in/on?

I have a couple of beautifully bound journals that are lightly lined and which stay opened at whatever page (Lee Valley Woodworking catalogue). The cover is off-white/cream and spine is burgundy. Its weight is perfect, pages are soft to touch, and it has a ribbon, place-marker attached to its binding! :)

Karen

Do you prefer the term "diary" or "journal" or something else? Why?

I prefer the term journal, for some reason a 'diary' sounds like something for little girls.

What does your journal mean to you?

My journal is a place where I can have my say. It is the only place to voice an opinion and not be judged on it, to spare others my temper and mood swings, and to say what I have always wanted to say. My journal is an invaluable record of my life and I look forward to reading them later on in life. Journal writing that captures moments of transition or little slices of life are illuminating to me.

Do you envision a future audience for your writing/art?

I try not to envision any other future audience for my writing except for me. But it is hard to be completely honest in my journal because of the fear that it will fall into the wrong hands someday.

What are your favorite writing techniques?

I enjoy writing random thoughts or basic questions and attempting to find an answer to them myself through the act of writing. I like using prompts as well, and journalling dreams when I remember them.

What are your favorite ways to add visual interest to your journal?

I am always searching for more ways to add more visual interest and let go and be more creative, but I seldom have the patience or the time. The main need of mine is to write everything down.

What inspires you to create?

Being overwhelmed with thoughts all day, trying to make sense of it all, trying to be my own best friend and treating myself more kindly. Making myself proud by creating something meaningful to me and artistic.

Do you use music when you write or create? What types?

Sometimes music helps my thoughts flow easier. I sometimes listen to rock music while writing.

What is your favorite type of notebook/paper to write in/on?

I tend to use sprial notebooks/journals because they lie flat and I don't enjoy holding a notebook down to write. I use only lines journals, and intend to try an unlined one someday.

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 very insightful, observant, and profound in my thoughts and words. That I wrote things that could be related to universally. That I am a poet at heart.

How many finished journals do you have? Do you ever look through them?

I have probably close to a dozen. I look through the recent ones, but very rarely.

How many different types of journals do you keep?

One main journal for everything. One little notebook for collecting prompts/sites/book titles.

What is the primary focus of your journal? What do you get out of keeping one?

The primary focus of my journal is myself. Its the only place where I'm allowed to be totally selfish, melodramatic, and honest. I get a cathartic release out of keeping a journal.

How do you respond to people who scoff at the idea of diary-keeping - those who think the practice is silly or frivolous?

I think that journal writing helps people live more fully, appreciatively, and they have solid memories to go back and relive in tangible form. Capturing the immediacy of a moment, beautiful or painful, could never be a silly or frivolous act. Others may find other things that are to them more fun than writing, and that's fine.

How often do you write? Under what conditions?

I write every few days and sometimes every few weeks. It depends how much is happening in my life and if I feel rested enough to purge all my thoughts.

Do you have any websites or other resources that you would like to recommend?

I just finished an excellent book about writers who journal called, "Speaking of Journals" by Paula W. Graham

What is your favorite way to dissolve writer's block?

Listen to music, or reading a new book. Sometimes using prompts. Writing whatever comes to mind. Reading the journals of others, like Sylvia Plath's, always getting me writing more.

What advice would you give to those who are just starting to keep a journal?

Make sure it is absolutely private, and absolutely true to you. Don't feel guilty if you neglect the journal for a while. Write when you are ready, when you feel up to it and the rewards will be greater. Journal writing is fun if you don't take it too seriously. Try many different techniques and see which one you enjoy most.

Do you have a journal prompt or writing exercise that you would like to share with us?

I read some interesting prompts today in a book about children's authors who keep journals, they are: "What three things would I like to remember about today?" "What do I care about that I haven't shared with anyone today?" "What worries me right now?" And I also like the idea of documenting images that I have stayed with me throughout the day, and exploring why they have in a journal entry.

WireWoman

How long have you been keeping a journal? How did you get started?

I've been keeping one off and on for over 35 years (I'm 45 now). I seemed to go through phases when it was necessary. During one very long stretch, I was in an abusive situation where I was forbidden to keep a diary. I switched to fiction writing - which, now that I recollect it, was actually about me! hah, the human spirit doesn't take no for an answer, even when threatened with serious physical harm.

Do you prefer the term "diary" or "journal" or something else? Why?

I like a bunch of terms - diary, journal, record, mundane minutiae - it kinda depends on my mood at the time ;-) If I had to pick one word, I'd probably call my journal "the Book."

How often do you write/draw?

Right now, I'm in a situation where the Book is my prime (only!) confidante. I talk with it every day. I don't draw much - mostly weird cartoons - the people have very tall, elongated heads and tiny bodies. I vent other kinds of emotions with the cartoons. I've been drawing people that way for over 35 years. A psychology-type friend told me that schizophrenics tend to draw that way - people with huge heads, tiny bodies and BIIIIG staring eyes. Figures. Well, so did the people at Catal Huyuk, and I know THEY weren't all crazy. So there's hope for me.

What does your journal mean to you?

The Book is confidante, advisor, planner, secretary, therapist, vent-ee, admonitory presence. I couldn't function without the Book.

Do you envision a future audience for your writing/art?

heh heh, I don't, exactly - well, be honest!! YES!! But not the Book stuff - I do a ton of fiction and non-fiction and instructional and spiritual writing. The Book is a seedbed and greenhouse for other things. I hope I have enough warning to burn all of my Books before I die.

What are your favorite writing techniques?

I just jump in there and get with it!

What are your favorite ways to add visual interest to your journal?

I'm not much for illustrations, unless they are sketches of planned art or creative or wire projects, or diagrams of alternative paths, or idea trees or mind maps or things of that nature. I did enjoy doing an artist journal in response to a class requirement this past Winter quarter, though - it was terrific fun, but rather self-conscious. I think that "art journaling" can become precious and self-conscious in a heartbeat, so I make a distinction between things that I don't mind people seeing, and things that aren't anyone else's business. I guess I satisfy my visual lusts in other ways, with other media...

What inspires you to create?

Would you believe, trouble - sickness, uproar, psychological distress? And also purchasing a new thingy or gadget or even a different kind of index card (!) Sometimes I see an item that I MUST have but can't afford - and I go home and make something better, more to my taste and satisfaction. So, window-shopping and craft crawls are definite motivators. Also surfing the Internet ;-) I do a lot of planning in odd situations and places - when I finally get home, the process is mostly thought out and I can just dive in and get with the program.

Do you use music when you write or create? What types?

In spite of a past life as a dedicated classical musician (we're talking 40 years here!), I don't listen to music when I'm working at the art table. I prefer deep and thoughtful silence. When finishing papers, I like to listen to butt-kickin' music: Wagner, heavy Beethoven, Prokofieff, insanely rapid piano etudes (to turbocharge my keying speed).

What is your favorite pen to write with?

Hah! I am a pen freak. Right now, I have 6 different kinds of black gel pen in my journal pouch, which is an elegant construction made from duct tape sheet and decorated with gold paint. I love the Uniball Vision Exact Micro point and the Uniball Rollerball micro point. I love very thin lines for writing, with a smooth glide over the paper.

What is your favorite type of notebook/paper to write in/on?

I'm a paper freak too, but to a much lesser extent than the pen obsession. I love paper that has personality - speckled kraft paper, recycled stock, handmade paper (although it's so pricey that I am going to learn how to make it this summer in order to satisfy my obsession), black paper for gels, Mi Tientes pastel paper for really nice journaling experiences with the Sakura gel pens.

Has anyone ever read your journal without your permission? What if anything did you do to change your approach to journaling?

I live alone now, so no - I've been lucky, I guess. I do suspect that back in the awful days of adolescence, my mother broke into the little diary I was kinda keeping. The woman had no sense of boundaries regarding anyone except herself. I am still chapped about this cavalier assumption that as her child, I was her property, and my thoughts and feelings were hers to frolic in and establish her negative presence. Grrrrrr!!! When I was forbidden (by the abuser) to keep a diary, I had to burn all the diaries I'd written to that point (a very small fire, just parts of 2 books). Since I now journal in odd circumstances (most often sitting at a bus stop), I am very sensitive to noses and sliding eyes. I make myself very clear with piercing and unfriendly stares. I am also rather pointed about covering up what I'm writing (I use mini-books, so it's pretty easy). That usually takes care of any incipient nosiness. I wouldn't hesitate to verbally chew out anyone I caught looking over my shoulder, however. I'm 45 and I don't care what they think.

If a future archaelogist were to unearth your notebook, what do you hope she or he would learn about you from it?

Geez, I can't believe she lived to adulthood.
Geez, I can't believe she ever slept.
Geez, I can't believe she did all this by herself and appeared to enjoy doing it.

How many finished journals do you have? Do you ever look through them?

I have boxes of them! Mostly dating from the move to Seattle in 1994. I sometimes look through them during the last week of the year. I think that the cathartic nature of the journals precludes frequent examination. They served their purpose; life rolls on!

How many different types of journals do you keep?

Geez - let's see - it's really hard to say. I tend to start project notebooks for big undertakings. I remember one time when I had NINE books going simultaneously, each one dealing with a different and detailed aspect of life. Hmm. I should probably do more with this.

What is the most unusual type of information that you track or monitor in your journal?

Wow. I've charted weird physical stuff, weird mental stuff, weird altered-state stuff - and of course, the ever-present glucose level record, so necessary for health and well-being.

What is the primary focus of your journal? What do you get out of keeping one?

At present, there is no real focus - it's really Joycean. I should probably think about dividing into different Books - life is going to get more complicated soon, and it might be a help. What I get out of keeping one - a sense of my being in the world. When you are all alone, it's easy to go off the deep end. Keeping a Book helps you to stay connected to reality. Well, it can - sometimes it reinforces the split - I'm thinking about Unabomber and others of that ilk....

How do you respond to people who scoff at the idea of diary-keeping - those who think the practice is silly or frivolous?

The unexamined life is not worth living!

How often do you write? Under what conditions?

Daily if possible. In any condition I find myself - I have a journal pouch made of duct tape with all essentials for a nice little session. I carry this pouch with me at all times.

What are your favorite creative tools or products? How do you use them?

I'm a firm believer in the power of bricolage - using whatever is to hand. I love going through other people's trash and turning up intriguing objects that can be recycled into art. I don't do "art" for its own sake (whatever that is) - I do art as an expression of life. I use the stuff I make. It's not in a special place in my home. It's all over the place!! Heck, it IS the place...

What is your favorite creativity book?

I used to be a huge SARK fan. What a wild and crazy cool woman! I also like the books Marry Your Muse, Pencil Dancing, Wild Mind, Writing Down the Bones, and art therapy books. I like books that detail process and are full of nifty anecdotes and case histories (I'm a bit voyeuristic about reading case studies!). My most favorite creativity book and author are in the future. I am going to write a book myself. Hah!

Do you have any websites or other resources that you would like to recommend?

I recommend junk/trash picking excursions, long midnight walks, bus stop journaling, aimless Internet surfing, and a lot of dishwashing duty (something about that really can get me going). Talk with yourself aloud whenever possible. You contain multitudes. Give 'em all a chance to have their say.

Do you ever share your journals with others?

Only when required to, as part of a class. The journals I do for class are not really an expression of my uncensored thoughts. I find it impossible to do an honest journal for a teacher whom I don't connect with or don't trust. Outside of class - I don't share either, except secondarily, through conversation about something I've journaled. I don't let anyone see or read the Books.

What is your favorite way to dissolve writer's block?

Dive in!! Start by analyzing the block. Do a news story on it - a piece of investigative reporting. (a trick, eh??!!) Or simply find something else to do. Let yourself have time to process. No lust for result!

What advice would you give to those who are just starting to keep a journal?

Start small and cheap and dispensable. Spiral notebook, Bic pen, crayons, etc. - carry it around for a week to get used to it. Dirty up the first page - that will break the tyranny of the pristine surface ;-) Unalterable and firm rules: Write with something that has permanence. DATE EVERY ENTRY. PUT THE DATE ON EVERY PAGE. I always put week's day, date (day/month/year)and something about the weather or my mood.

Do you have a journal prompt or writing exercise that you would like to share with us?

Heh heh! Who's your favorite Star Trek character, and how do you reflect that person in your own psychology? I am definitely a Spock gal from the git-go. Always have been. Always will be.

Todd

Do you prefer the term "diary" or "journal" or something else? Why?

Commonly, I prefer the term "diary". A journal to me is a record of information pertaining to a study being taken. Technically a diary can be a journal because it's the record of information pertaining to the study of a person's life. But "diary" is so much more of a personal term, which most people think of when they keep a diary. It's a book that they write about their life, but they usually write about the personal moments of there life, or prefer to keep their diary personal, and not let anyone else read it.

How often do you write/draw?

I try to fill all of my diaries once a day.

Do you use music when you write or create? What types?

When I write poems, I like to use music. It's the only time it doesn't distract me when writing. I like listening to soft, flowing music. So instrumental, or slow songs. I mostly listen to japanese music.

What is your favorite type of notebook/paper to write in/on?

I prefer spiral notebooks with lined paper. The lines are useful guides and I can rip pages I don't like out of a spiral. I can work with other book and paper types though too.

How many different types of journals do you keep?

I currently have 3. A daily diary, a horoscope diary, and a boredom diary.

Do you ever share your journals with others?

It depends on the type of diary. I wouldn't share my daily because that's personal, but I would share my boredom or horoscope diaries.

What is your favorite way to dissolve writer's block?

Nothing. When I get block, I just stop writing and wait till inspiration hits me again. No matter how long it takes.

What advice would you give to those who are just starting to keep a journal?

If you can't write freely and just for the fun of it, don't keep a journal. If you're going to worry about how perfect the page looks when you're done, then it's not worth the hassle. Enjoy journaling...and try using a pencil lol.