Post #33 – Memoir Writing, Journaling – Amber Starfire
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DO you need ways to support and enhance your journal writing experience? In a previous Journal Writing Basics article, I listed 5 Ways to Get Started and Keep Going, ending with finding support for your writing habit. Today, I’m expanding that idea by listing some specific ways to reinforce your commitment, improve your journal writing skills, expand your concepts about what journaling can and will do for you, and build a supportive writing community.
1. Read blogs about journaling.
You are already reading this journaling blog — why not branch out to the many other blogs devoted to journaling? You can discover journal writing prompts, ways to deepen your practice, and other new methods for journaling, including using art and video.
2. Join a journaling/memoir writing organization, such as the International Association for Journal Writing or the National Association of Memoir Writers.
Member-based organizations offer teleseminars (seminars via telephone), discounts on classes and workshops, articles, and member forums that can be quite valuable in building a personal writing community.
3. Take a journal writing class.
Journal writing classes usually focus on specific aspects of journaling that can help you write on a deeper level — healing, writing through life changes, reflective journaling, weight management, journaling for life success, journaling as a spiritual journey, and so on. And they’re a great place to meet like-minded people.
4. Join or start a journaling support group, in person or online.
Because journal writing is usually a solitary activity, it may seem counterintuitive to journal as part of a group. But group members support one another in maintaining a commitment to journaling, writing on the same topic and then sharing, when appropriate, can help deepen your journaling experience, and group writing offers the opportunity to build ongoing, helpful relationships with other writers.
If you have used any or all of these methods to support your journaling and/or memoir writing habit, leave a comment and let us know what has worked best for you.
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For more journal writing tips and prompts, be sure to connect with Amber on Writing Through Life.
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Image Credit: Phil Hilfiker
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