The Benefits Of A Diary

Hello,

Now, most of you don't really know me and have never spoken to me but one thing you should know is that I'm not at all the type of person who you would expect to keep a diary.

But, every since January 1st of this year, I have.

It started because I was struggling to work on any of my fiction stories. I had gotten out of the habit of writing anything other than poems and essays for school. So, I tried to think of some way to practice writing without the pressure that comes with world building or character development.

On December 31st I downloaded the penzu app (website is linked on the bottom of this post) and since then I've found that my general writing skills have improved. I've always had a hard time describing mundane details, but when I write about my day I'm forced to describe nothing but mundane details. So, later when I go to work on my stories I've had the practice and am able to make even the smallest things seem not so mundane.

Writing in a journal has also helped me get into that habit of writing daily and of making goals. I'll be completely honest, I still struggle with that stuff, sometimes I forget to write, but I have been a lot better this year. I remember to journal most days and often, after I'm done getting my thoughts out, I start having the inspiration to work on my WIPs too. The past few days I've actually used journaling as a warm up before I start my writing for the day.

So to summarize,

Benefits:

• Improves writing skills

• Works as a warm up

• Encourages you to write daily

• Helps get your thoughts out

• Teaches you to make goals and keep them

All in all, this experience has definitely been helpful. I would recommend anyone who writes or wants to get into writing tries it out.

- E.B.

Link to Penzu: https://penzu.com/