I have been a "journal" keeper since about 1960. I write with real fountain pens in Boorum & Pease record

by ratterrell

Question by Bluebeard: I have been a "journal" keeper since about 1960. I write with real fountain pens in Boorum & Pease record
books, 300 pages. I have filled about 28 of these books. I do not write about extremely personal things. I know that, in the future when people read them, they will be disappointed that I did not. My question is --- What are your journals like? What do you write about? What kind of paper? Pens? I am sure that most modern journal keepers use the computer. It is tempting for me to change over to this form, but, to me, a journal should be in the person's own handwriting. However, I believe that with in three more generations, very few people will know how to read cursive handwriting, and then, who would care anything about what I wrote. Is there a "national" group of journal keepers, that share ideas about the "habit?" And that is exactly what it is, a habit. Even I do not seem to have much interest in reading my journals from many years ago. It seems to be something that I MUST do right now, and it seems to fade away after the thoughts are written. Anyone else feel that way?


Best answer:

Answer by Xamanator
I have a journal in cartoon form that I've kept since 1996.

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Why do people ask " How to write a novel?"?

Question by Nicolette: Why do people ask " How to write a novel?"?
Everyone wants to write a novel...but should somebody who truly has the gift of being able to write, JUST able to write a novel? Isn't it just instinct for a writer? I know, I am a writer, and I have never sat down and asked " How do I write a novel?", I just do it. I don't bother with all of this planning and character mapping.

I mean there are always techniques to learn, and classes to take to improve your writing, but shouldn't a writer just know how to write and not have to ask how to?


Best answer:

Answer by Veronica
You are right. A person who is truly a writer does not " how to write a novel". They just do it. That question is the mark of a amateur. There are so many people out there who think they can write a novel, just like all these people who think they can write a screenplay. It is instinct for a writer, just like painting is the instict of the artist, they may get instruction on technique, but the natrual talent is the bulk of it.

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