Where Journal Writing Meets Reading
Journal writing is something I’ve done on and off since I was just a kid.I’ve always wanted to keep a reading journal, but usually I inhale books, leaving little time between chapters to jot down my thoughts and reactions.
And by the time I finish reading, it’s often the wee hours of the night and time to fall asleep, which means I’m far too exhausted to post entries in a reading journal.
Next thing I know, I’m on to the next book without a minute to spare.
But lately, I’ve been trying to capture my reading experiences by writing down notes about what I’ve read, and I find it incredibly helpful.
Benefits of a Reading Journal
Keeping a reading journal:
- Increases retention
- Gives new insight to what you’ve read
- Helps broaden your understanding of the material
- Provides a space (in your writing journal) where you can note ideas that are sourced from what you’ve read
Most writers already practice regular journal writing. There’s no reason you can’t start including your reading entries there, or, if you like to keep things neatly separated, start a separate reading journal. Use a Word document, start a blog. The important thing is that you record your thoughts.
Creative Writing Ideas and Journal Writing
A reading journal can also help you grow as a writer, because you can note what works and what doesn’t. Which scenes in the novel were compelling? What character traits made you fall in love with the protagonist or loathe the villain?
You can keep notes about your all your reading, not just books and novels. Jot down your thoughts after reading a magazine article, news story, or blog post. If you really want to get all-inclusive, you can even include music lyrics, movies and TV shows. All of these are sources of inspiration.
Even if you don’t want to start a whole new reading journal, try writing down your reaction to whatever you read over the weekend. Look for articulate points, plot twists, brain teasers, and make notes on the writer’s style and voice. See if knowing that you’re going to make notes changes the way you read something, and see if those notes benefit your own writing.
Do you keep a reading journal? Is there another genre of journal writing that you prefer? Share your experiences by leaving a comment.
I have to admit that I almost never jot down thoughts about what I’m reading as I’m reading it–I consider it fortunate that I manage to jot down the title and author for future reference. I do add a short description of each book on my monthly reading list (posted on my knitting blog every month), but that’s about it. Because, as you say, it’s all about moving on to the next book, right?
@Deb, One of the reasons I want to start taking better notes is because I’d like to explore writing reviews – books, music, films, and more. Also, sometimes I forget where I read or heard something, probably because I take in too much information every day. I’m always saying “I read somewhere…” I think writing my thoughts and reactions down will help with that. And I know it will inspire me!
Love your blog, Melissa.
I used to keep an informal reading journal, but somehow I got out of the practice. I don’t read nearly the amount of novels I used to when I had a train commute, so maybe that’s why. Reading on a train is distracting.
@Amy, I used to keep reading journals back in school. Different English teachers would require journaling our readings, all the way back to grammar school’s book reports. Of course, I used to plow through the reading then stay up all night journaling like mad before the journal entries were due. I’m a rebel like that.
Ha! I made one from Cliff’s Notes once when I didn’t read the book.
@Amy, LOL! I once wrote a book report before I ever read the book. I was just a kid. And I know someone who read “The Indian in the Cupboard” once and wrote book reports on it for like five years in a row. That’s leverage!