What ELSE do I do in a Writing Journal?

Last time, I had 20 awesome ideas of what to put in your writing journal. Everything from research notes to dossiers to inspiration and every variation in between. Essentially, everything you need to write your story.

However, I neglected those things pertinent to your #writerslife–the writing lifestyle you develop overall.

You don’t just write stories, you’re a writer.

So, for you, I have 10 more ideas of what to include in your writing journal. Enjoy!

Calendar – I mentioned writing events before–like write-ins, readings, writing workshops and such. Between contest deadlines, book releases, writing deadlines, and community events, there’s so much to include in your calendars.

Ideal Writing Day – For those days when you can dedicate time to your craft, write out how it would go ideally. If you’re lucky enough, you may be able to schedule one in. Writing retreat or staycation, maybe?

Stats on Writing Types – I love to keep statistic pages where I track the different genres I have/need to write. Seeing the gaps and fill-ins motivates me. Include things like the genres, lengths, quantity, written, published, finished, whatever you want on it.

Everything You’ve Written So Far – just like I mentioned with the statistics page, describe and summarize what you’ve written so far. Maybe you define the genre and add the stats next to it. Maybe you include their blurbs/summaries.

Genres You Want to Try – Again, your stats page will tally these, but do the same thing as the one above; include things like genre definitions, tallies, why you wrote them, what was hard about it, what was easy, etc.

Infographics on Favorite Authors – I love doing infographics because it’s research presented in an aesthetically appealing way. Drawings, fonting, writings, stats, everything. Who has been inspiring you?

Your Literary Bucket List – Most people have bucket lists. But, if you’re a nerd, you’ll love making your literary one, too. There are so many things you can include. Use this space as a way to check them off as you go.

Writers Goals – There are so many goals you can set for yourself as a writer. But, when you do so, make sure you do it SMART and include everything from by when you’ll accomplish it to what steps you’ll specifically take.

Getting Serious Plan – If you really want to be a writer in the long run, you have to be #onamissiontowrite. Write out how you plan to get serious. Don’t just list it, include the full SMART Goal walkthrough.

Writing contest Rules – Though contest rules vary, there are average rules that majority request. Things like 12 pt font, no name on the manuscript, a blurb about yourself in the email, etc. Have those things down so you’re prepared to enter your contests.

Aw yeah, more stuff, right?

I love it, too. There is always so much to track and include in our journals. It really can keep you motivated and focused. Adding more and more makes me feel more legit, I’ve noticed. Hopefully, it’ll make you feel the same!

• 

• 

• 

---

What else do you include in your writing journal?

Let us know in the comments below and on social media, of course. No to mention you can get ideas about how to focus on your #writerslife with my Writer’s Wisdom newsletter if you sign up to the right.

---