Eavesdrop and Write!

Writers have kept journals for a variety of reasons.  Henry David Thoreau's 25-year journal ran more than 7000 pages and 2-million words.  Marcel Proust's journals collected half that amount.  Most writers use journals to practice writing along with the need to fine tune observation skills and delve into life's challenges with introspection. The consistency of writing in a journal improves composition, rhythm and style.  

Regardless of format, daily writing establishes the habit of writing.

Writers need to throw words on the page but certainly don't want everyone to read their trials and articulations, anxieties and heartbreaks.  In 1966 Gail Godwin found her husband reading her private thoughts and dreams.  The reading ended his tenure as husband. She kept writing in her journal. Her second volume, The Making of a Writer, Volume 2, is now available from her journals dated 1963-69.  

Virginia Woolf, Anais Nin and Natalie Goldberg attracted me to journal keeping. After taking Ira Progoff seminars, I discovered a creative approach to truths I wished to uncover.  For years, I have developed characters, situations and scenes as ways to interact and act out concerns I've observed in myself and others.  I eavesdrop and write.  

Whoever reads my journals will discover multiple personalities, a variety of intentions and lots of humor.  I take my writing seriously but have discovered ways to keep myself at bay!

If you feel concerned about writing your true self, create a persona! Try writing letters to others in this voice. Begin a character study with daily events and use your stresses and strains as ways to write beyond yourself.  You will discover possibilities and additional insights. It's a great way to protect yourself from prying eyes concerning motivations and intentions!



Creative Write:  Choose a name and develop a few characteristics for a character that has a personality similar to or just the opposite of your own.  How will this persona manage a frustrating day?