Michael -- just a new lurker -- I try to follow up with people I encounter on Substack and this was the first of your posts I read. This was simply amazing. I think the times off and on that I journaled (extensively in childhood) set the stage for a later time in life of note taking from a work perspective and letter writing which I always enjoyed. The letters I wrote and received are like time capsules. Our minds are not very good record keepers and bring lots of distortion. Those among us that spent a lot of time in chemistry labs and engineering ruled paper tablets wish paper had never changed. I kept such a journal of our home, it's repairs and cost basis. Once a habit takes hold, the easy dividends are wonderful. Thank you for sharing. It may even inspire me to rekindle the habit. I look forward to some more exploration of your Substack.
Thanks for checking in, Mark. No need to lurk—I hope you consider subscribing to StoryShed. I was somewhat wary about rolling out this subject because of, well, juvenilia and its associated cringe factor, but another part of me said fuck it, it's where I began, so be it. I'd really value your input as this series moves forward. Cheers MM
When I headed to Europe for the first time, my dad gave me a journal. He recommended that I write at least a little bit every day as he had done 30 years earlier when he first went to Germany. I did and it led to me documenting most of my 20’s. After that, very little.
I now have my dad’s journal. Haven’t read it, and I may never. His writing, his business.
I also have mine. I also may never read them. But I treasure my journals and my father’s like few other possessions.
Hoping to address more about "reading" diaries and journals in the final part of this series, whether the books are your own or by another person. Thanks for the comment! :-)
My compliments to your devoting to journaling over the years - tres cool! Great post and I'm looking forward to the rest of your series about journaling!
Shoutout to subscribers and readers wishing to comment. Apparently there's a problem with comments here and I've alerted the Substack help desk with a ticket. Thanks for your patience! Cheers, Mike
Not entirely sure what you mean by "ruined journaling." I'd say blogging needs to be conscious of its audience (what they know, don't know, expect, don't expect) which is what I tried to do with CITD on WordPress: you won't know my history or family, so I need to BUILD context. Journals and diaries are just daybooks—they can take any form the writer wants, from sketchbooks, to one-line entries, to full-form essays. I probably read less blogs these days and more online essays (probably through a publication whether mainstream or indie). I think journaling and writing in diaries is a great way to keep up one's "writing muscles." Thanks for your comment, Charu! :-)
Agree, on all accounts. I guess I was hinting at the 'v. personal reflections' in journaling that are not meant to be shared but are very telling of a time in our life, and sometimes 'magically' provide solutions to the present issues....
The forthcoming Part 2 of this series will focus more on journalist-to-audience reactions and vice versa. It isn't always positive and a reason why many people may be afraid to try journaling for fear of alienating others. If you're honest (and you should be) it's a risk worth taking. :-)
I guess. I think it is easier for creative writers or DIY or those are trying to share a specific knowledge. Those who write about controversial issues (whether or there is a contention) would have much to consider. Looking forward to your next post. thanks,
At first glance, I thought you were me!
Michael -- just a new lurker -- I try to follow up with people I encounter on Substack and this was the first of your posts I read. This was simply amazing. I think the times off and on that I journaled (extensively in childhood) set the stage for a later time in life of note taking from a work perspective and letter writing which I always enjoyed. The letters I wrote and received are like time capsules. Our minds are not very good record keepers and bring lots of distortion. Those among us that spent a lot of time in chemistry labs and engineering ruled paper tablets wish paper had never changed. I kept such a journal of our home, it's repairs and cost basis. Once a habit takes hold, the easy dividends are wonderful. Thank you for sharing. It may even inspire me to rekindle the habit. I look forward to some more exploration of your Substack.
Thanks for checking in, Mark. No need to lurk—I hope you consider subscribing to StoryShed. I was somewhat wary about rolling out this subject because of, well, juvenilia and its associated cringe factor, but another part of me said fuck it, it's where I began, so be it. I'd really value your input as this series moves forward. Cheers MM
When I headed to Europe for the first time, my dad gave me a journal. He recommended that I write at least a little bit every day as he had done 30 years earlier when he first went to Germany. I did and it led to me documenting most of my 20’s. After that, very little.
I now have my dad’s journal. Haven’t read it, and I may never. His writing, his business.
I also have mine. I also may never read them. But I treasure my journals and my father’s like few other possessions.
Hoping to address more about "reading" diaries and journals in the final part of this series, whether the books are your own or by another person. Thanks for the comment! :-)
My compliments to your devoting to journaling over the years - tres cool! Great post and I'm looking forward to the rest of your series about journaling!
Shoutout to subscribers and readers wishing to comment. Apparently there's a problem with comments here and I've alerted the Substack help desk with a ticket. Thanks for your patience! Cheers, Mike
a common thread among writers....journaling...Wonder if blogging has ruined journaling, which is a different kind of writing ---
Not entirely sure what you mean by "ruined journaling." I'd say blogging needs to be conscious of its audience (what they know, don't know, expect, don't expect) which is what I tried to do with CITD on WordPress: you won't know my history or family, so I need to BUILD context. Journals and diaries are just daybooks—they can take any form the writer wants, from sketchbooks, to one-line entries, to full-form essays. I probably read less blogs these days and more online essays (probably through a publication whether mainstream or indie). I think journaling and writing in diaries is a great way to keep up one's "writing muscles." Thanks for your comment, Charu! :-)
Agree, on all accounts. I guess I was hinting at the 'v. personal reflections' in journaling that are not meant to be shared but are very telling of a time in our life, and sometimes 'magically' provide solutions to the present issues....
The forthcoming Part 2 of this series will focus more on journalist-to-audience reactions and vice versa. It isn't always positive and a reason why many people may be afraid to try journaling for fear of alienating others. If you're honest (and you should be) it's a risk worth taking. :-)
I guess. I think it is easier for creative writers or DIY or those are trying to share a specific knowledge. Those who write about controversial issues (whether or there is a contention) would have much to consider. Looking forward to your next post. thanks,