Creative Writing Journal - 5 Biggest Mistakes That Make Using A Creative Writing Journal Ineffective

Using a creative writing journal is the most effective way in reaching your creative writing potential.

It can help you have a greater number of ideas, have more vivid and powerful ideas, reduce the blank screen syndrome of writers block, and allow you to write more deeply, more fluidly and more often.

But only if you use it in the right way!

Here are the 5 biggest mistakes we make that mean using a creative writing journal is frustratingly ineffective, and how to turn these mistakes around:

1. Always looking for the perfect writing journal. Much like some of us may be on a lifelong quest for the perfect handbag, car, or partner, going through versions that don’t quite live up to our perfect expectations like a starving fox goes through a coop of chickens, you may be waiting for the perfect writing journal.

It’s the same affliction – perfectionism. It doesn’t matter if your journal is a children’s exercise book that cost a few pence, what matters is that you use it. The more you use it, the easier it becomes and the better your creative writing.

2. Having a creative writing journal you’re scared to use. Maybe you decided to invest in a beautiful leather bound journal encrusted with rare jewels that you had to re-mortgage your house to purchase.

Ok maybe that’s a slight exaggeration. The point is if you have a creative writing journal that is so beautiful or expensive you’re afraid to write in it, it’s not serving its purpose. Get another journal that won’t intimidate you and start using it right away.

3. Not taking your creative writing journal with you wherever you go. So you bought a creative writing journal and can’t wait to use. The trouble is it’s sitting there on your shelf unused because you keep forgetting to take it out with you.

Put your creative writing journal somewhere you can’t forget to take it with you. By your house keys is a great place. Whenever you leave the house, grab your keys, and grab your writing journal, so you’re always ready to capture those creative ideas!

4. Not developing any of the ideas you capture. Maybe you have been using a creative writing journal and it’s full of great ideas for creative writing. This part of the process you have down to a fine art, congratulations.

But you’re not ever doing anything with these ideas, they’re just lying unloved in your journal. Show them the respect they deserve! Every week, or even every day, open your creative writing journal, pick the first idea that excites and inspires you, and start writing...

5. Not capturing ideas in enough detail. You’ve been taking your creative writing journal out wherever you go, and noting down ideas when they’ve come to you. Now your journal is packed with ideas waiting to be developed.

Except when you go to expand on them, the ideas are too vague, there’s no passion in them, they don’t inspire you. Ensure that when you first capture your ideas, you write enough detail so that when you return to them they’ll hit you with the same force and excitement as when they first came to you. The more you do this, the easier it becomes.

These are the 5 biggest mistakes that make using a creative writing journal ineffective. Which do you relate to?

Take these tips on board today, start using you’re a creative writing journal in the way that works best for you, and see the positive change in your creative writing.

Take the next step in getting your creative writing kick started right now with the FREE 5 part creative writing ecourse at http://www.YouAreACreativeWriter.Com.

Creativity Coach and keen creative writer Dan Goodwin helps people who are struggling to be as creative as they know they can be. See more at his website: http://www.CoachCreative.com