Do you ever wish you could write something and never have to worry about getting it published? Chances are you’ve found yourself in a situation where you had an idea for a story but didn’t have the time to write it up. Maybe you even tried to write something but couldn’t even get a sentence out. Maybe you even tried to write a novel and gave up when you couldn’t make it realistic. Perhaps you’ve even found it hard to focus on writing while still adhering to a regular schedule. If this sounds like you, you need to know how to create a creative writing journal.
Often we get so absorbed in everyday life that we forget about the little creative sparks that lie inside us. These are the things that make us special and give us the raw material for our writing. If you want to create a writing journal to pursue your creative writing dreams, this guide will help you make the most of your time and ensure that you keep your daily writing habit.
Step 1: Set Up Your Home Office
The first and most crucial step in creating a creative writing journal is to set up your home office. When you finally get around to doing this, you will wonder why you waited all this time. Having a dedicated workspace will allow you to focus and be more productive. It also means you can stop wandering around the house from room to room, trying to find someplace to write. It might seem obvious, but this step could literally change your life for the better. Do not underestimate the power of a dedicated writing space.
Step 2: Obtain Proper Office Equipment
Once you have your workspace set up, it’s time to start investing in the proper equipment. Ideally you want a good working keyboard, high-quality screen, and a comfortable chair. If you’re on a tight budget, look for used equipment on eBay or other online marketsplaces. You can also get a great deal on a microphone and pop speakers if you plan to record your thoughts as you write them down. Having proper equipment is crucial for getting a good writing experience and feeling inspired to write. When you’re lacking in any of these areas, it can literally feel like you’re not meant to be a writer and the ideas that come to you won’t be good enough. Investing in these items will help you write the best prose possible and ensure you have a pleasant experience each and every time you sit down to write. If you’re looking for a used equipment bargain, keep an eye out for the spring and summer months as the seasons change and many companies take a haircut removing their equipment from their offices. This can leave you with a great opportunity to pick up some nicely priced office gear.
Step 3: Create A Writing Routine
Now that you have everything set up and awaiting your arrival, you need to create a routine for yourself. It is crucial that you establish a regular writing schedule so that you can feel like you always have something to write about. Some authors like Agatha Christie would personally visit each of their writers every day, giving them writing tasks and polishing their prose. It is highly unlikely that you will be able to create something that great if you don’t even follow a simple routine. Every writer’s schedule is different, but you should try to write every day, whether it’s for a few minutes or for an hour. If you have a specific writing time that you feel most comfortable with, try to stick to it as closely as possible and you will start to see improvements in your prose.
Step 4: Find A Place To Write
Now that you have a writing schedule in place and have been regularly producing content for a while, it’s time to find a place to write. There are many different places around the house that you could use for this purpose, but they all have one thing in common: they don’t have a writing desk. A writing desk is an absolute must if you want to create a creative writing journal. It anchors you to the desk, ensuring you won’t get distracted by nearby stimuli. It allows for proper back-lighting and prevents the room from being overly illuminated, which can potentially damage your eyesight. It provides a place for you to store your pen, paper, and laptop if you’re composing on the go. When selecting a writing desk, make sure that there’s room to spare for all your equipment. If this means sacrificing some area of your workspace, then so be it.
Step 5: Arrange Your Workspace
When you finally have a place to write, it’s time to arrange your workspace. This is where all your equipment and supplies will reside, so make sure there’s adequate room for everything. You may want to invest in some shelving units or even a piece of drop-stitch furniture to maximise your workspace surface area. An area rug on the floor will anchor everything in place and add a touch of luxury to the room. If you have a window, you can use it as a brilliant source of light, ensuring your room doesn’t feel confined by walls or blinds. It’s important to feel inspired by your surroundings, so ensure you arrange your workspace to create the perfect atmosphere to write in – whether it’s a calming fountain or an enchanting garden outside the window.
Having a writing desk in the corner or even in the room can be very helpful for writers. If possible, having a second desk nearby would be even more useful. It allows for proper collaboration, as you can share your work with another writer without having to show your work in progress to someone else. If you’re looking for an area where you and your collaborator can work together, there are many different options. You could use shared laptops or even separate desks. Even better, in the near future, you could use a collaborative desk or just split the work between you. It would be ideal to have a place where you can work alone as well as with someone else. This would truly be a luxury for any writer.
Now that you’re equipped with the basics of how to write a creative writing journal, it’s time to get started. Make sure to have everything prepared and waiting for you when you return from work. You can begin by jotting down some ideas for stories or even a novel. Do not worry about perfecting your prose at this stage as you will have plenty of time to polish everything later. For now, just write down your ideas and begin building a solid foundation for your writing career. When you write every day, even if it’s only for a couple of minutes, you will continue to improve. Do not get discouraged if your work does not feel perfect, as each draft will eventually become something unique and special.