Journaling tips to get you started

A lovely journaling prompt, space to write and reflection questions so you can get some support and encouragement to journal at a time that suits you.

Do let me know how you got on at [email protected]. If you'd like more information on regular journaling workshops, courses and one:one, go to my website at clairepearce.uk.

In this episode of Write Enjoy Repeat, Anna remembers how her writing emerged from her love of reading. As a teenager, she wrote a diary and then began to write more in her 20s and 30s, attending workshops and courses. She’s written memor, short stories and is half way through writing a novel.

 

Anna loves to free write (unedited, stream of consciousness type writing) and does it regularly with a group. She also really enjoys the process of editing her writing. Writing helps Anna to feel anchored and connected and like she really exists. Anna recommends giving writing a go because you might be surprised by what comes out, and it can help you to feel centred.

 

Amongst Anna’s favourite authors is George Elliott, her favourite book being Middlemarch.

The prompt for this episode is ‘[Writing] makes me feel like I really exist…’ Just write down those words and keep writing for five minutes or more and see what comes out.

 

Do get in touch if we've inspired you to pick up a pen either again, or for the first time. For more about my work to help people to discover, look after and  express themselves through writing, go to cpsdayoff.com.

In this edition of Write Enjoy Repeat, Bob remembers enjoying being read to as a child. He enjoys, and feels privileged, to review other people’s writing as an editor, he says it makes him feel part of a community. He likes to use writing to work out what he’s thinking and feeling - making things clearer to himself.

Bob likes to write letters and essays and enjoys writing about ideas, trying his best to write elegantly. Writing gives him confidence, even though he sometimes feels a bit nervous about how his writing will be received.

Bob recommends trying writing because it slows you down. It makes you pause and take stock and you can be surprised by what comes out. Bob has just finished reading ‘Max Perkins: Editor of Genius’ by A Scott Berg and recommends it as he says it’s a model biography and a great life. Do get in touch if we've inspired you to pick up a pen either again, or for the first time. For more about my work to help people to discover, look after and  express themselves through writing, go to cpsdayoff.com.

In this episode of Write Enjoy Repeat Philly

remembers writing about Hammy the Hedgehog who she brought to life from her wallpaper.

Philly enjoys the catharsis it brings, “it’s you and the page, and no-one else.” This last phrase is this episode’s prompt. Just write those words and keep writing, see what comes. She says it can also be quite fun, to just get it out and not have to worry. It’s also a way to look back and grow.

It gives her a way to have a direct conversation, even if it’s fiction. Philly recommends you give writing a go because there’s a reason you’re thinking about writing now. There’s nothing to lose and it’s interesting to think like a child again. There will be someone who loves your writing but you won’t know if you don’t do it.

Philly’s favourite author - and hero - is Kurt Vonnegut and God bless you Mr Rosewater is her favourite of his books.

 

For more information about Philly’s writing, go to: https://philippabaines.com/

 

Do get in touch if we've inspired you to pick up a pen either again, or for the first time. For more about my work to help people to discover, look after and  express themselves through writing, go to cpsdayoff.com.

#writingprompt #freewriting #writing #loveofwriting #trysomethingnew #writingforlife #journalling #kurtvonnegut

In this edition of Write Enjoy Repeat, Ruth talks about how writing was a significant part of growing up for her.

Ruth enjoys the physicality of writing and enjoys writing with a pen in the first instance. She finds it a great tool to use as a means of self-expression in a very crowded world. It also gives her a sense of self and of satisfaction.

Ruth recommends writing because you don’t need any special equipment and it’s not hard to do. You can carry a notebook around and observe what’s going on around you. 

 

Ruth really enjoys Dickens - her favourite being A Tale of Two Cities. She also likes contemporary crime fiction and thrillers.

‘Writing is an embodied experience’ is the prompt from this episode if you fancy trying a piece of writing. Just write those words and keep writing, see what comes.

Do get in touch if we've inspired you to pick up a pen either again, or for the first time. For more about my work to help people to discover, look after and  express themselves through writing, go to cpsdayoff.com.

#writingprompt #freewriting #writing #loveofwriting #trysomethingnew #writingforlife #journalling #dickens #taleoftwocities

In this edition of Write Enjoy Repeat, Sanderson talks about how he struggled with writing at an early age. He was (much) later diagnosed with ADHD which explained the difficulties he had. Writing continues to be complicated for him, but whilst it stops him sometimes, other times, if all the stars are aligned, he can enjoy it - especially the ability it gives him to bother people he’s not in the room with. He’s once again trying to journal and thinks, “Maybe this time.” He finds it hard to keep habits, but is ready to give it another go.

 

Sanderson invites you to try writing because it can be a helpful part of the thinking process. Thoughts can be “soupy” and writing can help to clarify things in your own head.

 

The prompt from this episode if you fancy trying a piece of writing is “Maybe this time.” Just write those words and keep writing, see what comes. 

 

Sanderson’s favourite author is P.G.Wodehouse. He recommends any of his books, but ‘Pride of the Woosters’ is a good one to try.

Sanderson is the Founder of The Lifefulness Project Subscribe to The LIfefulness Podcast

He also co-founded Sunday Assembly.

Do get in touch if we've inspired you to pick up a pen either again, or for the first time. For more about my work to help people to discover, look after and  express themselves through writing, go to cpsdayoff.com.

#writingprompt #freewriting #writing #loveofwriting #creativewriting #trysomethingnew #writingforlife #journalling #pgwodehouse

Photo by Ignat Kushanrev on Unsplash

In this edition of Write Enjoy Repeat, Emma remembers thinking “I could do this!” when reading poems when she was 8, and still has all she’s written since that day.

Emma appreciates being able to create her own world. She can bring people back to life, make magic real, and whilst she’s doing all that, it can help her realise what she wants and get a deeper understanding of herself. Emma enjoys writing contemporary fantasy, set in the modern world. Writing gives her power to be self-assured, aware of who she is and direction.

Emma invites you to try writing because "you don’t know what you’re going to come up with until you try.” She says “It’s almost a kind of magic” because you don’t know what’s coming next. She says you don’t have to be good enough or skilled, it’s just you and your journal.

The prompt from this episode if you fancy trying a piece of writing is “It’s almost a kind of magic.” Just write those words and keep writing, see what comes.

Emma recommends reading Terry Pratchett. Either The Truth or The Wee Free Men from the Tiffany Aching series.

To find out more about Emma and her books go to: 

www.emmagauthor.com

Instagram @life_imperative

Podcast is Indie Book Talk

Facebook as @lifeimperative

 

Emma’s (Emma G Rose) novels, published by  Imperative Press Books are: 

Nothing's Ever Lost and Near Life Experience. Do get in touch if we've inspired you to pick up a pen either again, or for the first time. For more about my work to help people to discover, look after and  express themselves through writing, go to cpsdayoff.com.

#writingprompt #freewriting #writing #loveofwriting #trysomethingnew #writingforlife #journalling #terrypratchett

Photo by Eriks Irmejs on Unsplash