Journal

I have been having trouble writing lately. Just general free writing, nothing specific, but this morning I seemed to have no trouble at all. Everything just flowed easily. I think it may have been going out for a few beers last night and totally relaxing freed things up. I was amazed at how easily I could write, even with the inevitable headache and sick feeling from the excesses of last night. I am not sure that indulging my vices is the way forward to keep writing but it appears to have been a solution on this occasion. I am even catching up on my reading today, which I have also been neglecting. Catching up on the Proust and Robert Ludlum books. Perhaps I will have a chance to look into the other books I have on the go at the moment. I like to have a variety of books available to read, depending on my mood, which changes frequently. I usually have about five or six books that I am reading concurrently, although I prioritise some more than others. I have been working on my journal too.

How many of you keep a writer’s journal?

What do you write in your journal?

I like to use my journal for all sorts – ideas for characters, plots, story ideas, words and phrases that I like from books, tv, songs or anywhere really. I find it really useful as a record of my thoughts on a daily basis and I can expand on the ideas at a later date. Often what starts just as a simple prompt can be expanded into a full blown story.

Unfortunately the lack of sleep from last night is catching up with me, so time to take a nap I think.

Today is my birthday. At my age I do not usually bother a great deal about getting yet another year older. Surprisingly this year I have had quite a good day, all the more surprising because I was at work. I usually take the day off. I had a couple of cards from friends and from some of the staff and a bottle of chocolates. My friend also gave me a book ‘102 Ways to Write a Novel’ by Alex Quick. I haven’t had chance to delve into it much but I was pleased to receive it.

Has anyone read this, is it any good?

I also got some money from both my mother and my father and also a nice floor standing light with a separate reading lamp that will be great for reading ion the lounge. The reading lamp just bends over my shoulder and provides fantastic light. In fact I have tried it and should now be able to read without straining my eyes as I have been doing for years.

Not much to report on my reading. Both that and my writing have taken a bit of a dip the last few days. When I get home from work at the moment I just do not seem to feel like doing very much anymore. I have tended to just sit watching the tv feeling guilty that I am not doing something more productive. At least I am still writing a little in my journal each day. I just need to start motivating myself again.

Anyone know any good web sites for writing prompts? I often find these help to kick start me motivationally speaking.