Tips for Writers: 5 Reasons to Record Your Writing Journey

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I've always kept stacks of journals and notebooks for storing reams of memories and ideas.

Now that I’ve published my first book, I’m realizing the benefits of being a perpetual scribe.

My memory isn’t always reliable, and neither is yours.

Here are five reasons you should be recording your writing journey.

1. For Organization and Time Management

   
   

Recording your writing journey can help with managing your time and getting things done. You’ll have more clarity and focus when you jot down the tasks you need to complete whether on a daily, weekly or more long-term basis. 

You don’t have to be a stickler about it.

You can use a notebook, planner or even an app. Use whatever tools work best for you. I use all three, but for different purposes.

I use the to-do list on my laptop to remind me of tasks that I have to complete online, like drafting, editing or publishing blog posts. I also pin the to-do list to my taskbar for easy access.

Oh, how I love to hear that chime when I check a task off my list! It’s a small thing, but I find it motivating.

That’s something to factor when deciding on the best tools to use. Go with what’s most accessible and motivating.

Maybe you prefer notebooks so you can make jottings and doodle on the pages. Or maybe a planner with dates works better. Choose the tools that work best for you and use them consistently.

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In addition to listing tasks, I also like to review my task lists, sometimes daily or weekly, just to track what I’ve completed. This gives me a log of my achievements over a period and also provides a template that I can repeat as needed.

It’s also important to indicate the importance of each task. You can use numbers, letters, colours or even emojis when listing tasks in order of priority.

Each phase of the writing process is different, and it’s great to keep track of what you’ve accomplished at each stage. This also provides you with important reminders when you start a new writing project or move on to a new book.

It gets easier with each round of writing. But some things will slip your memory. So keep those lists and logs.

2. For Inspiration

If you’ve ever caught a snippet of inspiration but had no way of recording it, you know how frustrating that can be.

Moments of inspiration are powerful and often fleeting. That’s why I usually carry a notebook (as long as I can fit it in my handbag). I even keep a mini notebook by my bedside.

But if inspiration comes calling and you have no notebook or pen, you can always use your phone if that’s an option. You can snap a picture, use a note-taking app or the built-in voice recorder on your phone. Use whatever is accessible, practical and most comfortable for you.

The most important thing is to record those moments of inspiration before they flitter away. When you return to your next writing session, you’ll be glad you did.

3. For Reflection

Recording your writing journey also helps you to reflect on the process as it unfolds. Each stage is unique and will trigger distinct challenges, insights and lessons.

Did you have a major case of writer’s block yesterday? How did you work through it? Jot that down. It may help you make swifter progress the next time around.

Consider keeping a journal for your reflections. When you’re brimming with inspiration, write as much as you can and write while the experiences and ideas are still fresh.

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You can also use a journal to celebrate your achievements or milestone moments. This is especially helpful on days when you need a boost of motivation. Whether great or small, every win counts.

4. For Future Readers

I’m going to assume that at some point you’ll be publishing your writing. After all, your writing is meant to be shared and appreciated by others.  

When you get to the publication stage, you’ll eventually have a group of adoring fans (we’re thinking big here). And those readers will have lots of questions about their favourite author.

It helps to be prepared by chronicling your writing journey at every stage. This is where an inspiration or reflection journal comes in handy. You can even keep a scrapbook to include important dates, events, pictures and anything you consider noteworthy.

When your readers ask about the origin story of your book, you’ll have lots of snapshots and snippets to share.

5. For Marketing and Promotion

Documenting your writing journey will also help with marketing and promoting your book. And you don’t have to wait until your book has been published.

You can chronicle your writing adventures during the pre-publication stage: while you’re brainstorming, drafting, revising and editing your manuscript.  

You can also share your journey via various platforms depending on the medium that works best for you. You can start a blog, a vlog or share reels or snapshots of your journey. Readers will enjoy your behind-the-scenes stories.

Photo by Mariia Shalabaieva on Unsplash

Of course, it’s important to research the best medium for sharing. Consider the target audience for the type of book you’re writing. Then go where your potential readers are gathering and with a platform that feels like a good fit for you.

Not everyone wants to share their writing journey before being published. It’s a personal choice.

But having some kind of social media presence will help to build your readership organically. So, when you launch your book, you’ll already have adoring fans eager to purchase their copies.

Now and Later

Recording your writing journey will help you keep track of what’s important now. It also helps you to shore up ideas and inspiration for later.

You’ll be glad you did, and your future readers will appreciate it.

Have you been recording your writing journey? It’s never too late to start. What are you waiting for?

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© Christene Campbell at Cozy Caribbean Fiction