The Truth is in the Details
November 3, 2005 by Heather Goldsmith
Filed under Home & Living
One technique you can use when writing in your journal is to make sure you note down the details. What do I mean by this?
Be specific about your day, your thoughts and feelings. Name the people you’re with, even if you have a code for them in your journal. Name the place you’re sitting to eat your meal or sip your coffee. Explain what you buy and how much it cost. It’s a handy reference for you or your family to read later. How much did a cup of coffee cost ten years ago? If you’ve been specific in your journal writing you’ll know. Do this with anything you regularly purchase; groceries, movie tickets, CDs, magazines, bus/train tickets, etc.
If you like paste the receipt into your journal, or use one of the methods described in the articles from yesterday’s entry. All this detail lends an authentic voice to your journal entries.
When it comes to thoughts and emotion try your best to describe how you’re feeling. If you recognise the emotion then name it. If you can’t find the correct name for what you’re going through then do your best to describe it. You might need to lean towards metaphor to help you out, but try not to use clichés and tired sayings. Lend a fresh voice to your entries by trying to use descriptions from what you know and understand. If you’re a hairdresser use the familiar terms from your job to express whatever it is you’re going through, and so on.
You’ll find the missing details are the most frustrating part about rereading your journal entries. Make an effort to write specific details in your journal from today onwards.
I am currently doing a journal about my weekly experiences in school, and am currently doing a Diploma In Nautical Studies(Maritime Academy), i would like to receive examples and help to improve my journal.
Many Thanks.
Hi Jude,
I’m so glad you’ve found my blog then. All you really need to do is keep writing. Read some of the entries in this blog for ideas when you get stuck, but there are no real rules to writing a journal. Use this entry as a good starting place, but remember that there really is no right or wrong way to keep a journal. Thanks for asking for some help. Don’t hesitate to ask for more help if you need it.