8 Reasons to Keep a Journal

As a professional writer with a genuine passion for the craft, I will use just about any excuse I can find to write a few hundred extra words every day. But one does not actually need to justify keeping a journal (no, not even us guys). In fact, there are plenty of good reasons to keep a journal, especially for writers. Whether you are a published professional or a novice with big dreams, keeping a journal is certain to advance your ambitions. Here are 8 reasons to keep a journal.

One. Every entry in your journal is like a snapshot, only much better. A picture is worth a thousand words? I disagree. Snapshots record only an instant of emotion, and your facial expression could very well betray your true feelings for the day. When sitting down to write an entry in your journal, there is no one standing a few feet away demanding that you smile and say 'cheese.' Quite the contrary, a journal entry is yours and yours alone, and it can capture raw emotion, which most snapshots fail to ever accomplish.

Two. Okay, so 'practice makes perfect' is a cliche unbefitting a professional writer, but in this case, it aptly expresses Reason Number Two. Keeping a journal will inevitably improve your writing. That is not to say that you need to turn out two or three drafts of each entry. You don't. But you will, by writing in your journal every day, come up with new and better ways to express yourself, and that will improve your writing.

Three. Keeping a journal is an inexpensive hobby. If you are just starting out as a writer, it is quite possible that you are not exactly rolling in dough. A nice journal from Barnes & Noble runs about twelve bucks, and should last you about six months. Add a buck pack of Bic pens and your new hobby should cost you about twenty-five bucks a year.

Four. You have heard the saying, 'If you don't know history, you're doomed to repeat it.' The same goes for your personal history. I have avoided more than a few mistakes by reading my own journal over the past couple years. That is not to say that I read my own journal entries every day, or even every month. But writing things down does help you to remember.

Five. It's therapeutic. A hell of a lot cheaper than a shrink.

Six. You will probably begin to notice patterns in your life and in your personal behavior (and probably in the behavior of others). This will help you to adjust accordingly. It may even help you win some arguments with colleagues and loved ones. Instant recall at your fingertips.

Seven. Once you do become a famous writer - or musician, or movie star, or politician - it will be easier to write your memoirs.

Eight. Keeping a journal takes discipline. And that might be just what you need to finish writing your first novel. Or to balance your deadlines. Or to send out those queries. Whatever you do or want to do in life, chances are some amount discipline will be required.