Writing

5 Ways to Start Your Journaling Practice

Do you have a consistent journaling practice?

I have a confession. I’m obsessed with journaling. And I want you to be obsessed with journaling, too, because my journaling practice helps me in every single area of my life.   

In my journal, I flesh out ideas for articles, essays, blog posts, social media and the See Jane Write community. 

I use journaling to process my feelings and to better understand myself and the world around me. 

In my journal, I write my prayers, my fears, my hopes, and my dreams. 

I even run to my journal when my husband makes me angry. 

To be clear, I’m not talking about your run-of-the-mill “Dear Diary” kind of journaling. When I journal, I’m not just jotting down a recap of my day. I’m writing with intention. And this type of journaling can be transformative. 

If you’re interested in beginning your own journaling practice, here are some ways to get started. 

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7 Reasons You Need to Join a Writing Group & 7 Writing Groups to Consider

Joining a writing group can be a game-changer for your writing.

In her book Writing Down the Bones, Natalie Goldberg says that we writers need to write with the whole world in our arms. I’ve long understood the importance of community for writers. In fact, that’s why I started See Jane Write.

I had just moved back to my hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, and I was looking for a writing group for women, one that would welcome multi-passionate writers who love poetry, creative non-fiction, blogging, and more. But I couldn’t find one. I searched for TWO YEARS. Then finally in 2011, I decided to start my own.

See Jane Write was born. And what started as a group for Birmingham-based writers, now has members across the country and around the world.

There are different types of writing groups. Some meet in person. Some meet virtually. Others do both. But the goal is the same — a group of writers gathers to write, give feedback, and offer encouragement.

Joining a writing group should definitely be on your end-of-the-year to-do list.

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How to Finish Writing Your Book — Finally!

If you’re struggling to finish writing your book, you can be sure you’re not alone in this plight.

This summer I finally finished writing my book – a book I’d been working on since 2017.

During the early process of trying to write my book, there were times when I felt the project was literally, physically fighting me. My body was sore. I found bruises and scratches on my skin that I couldn’t explain, and I was always so tired. Jacob wrestled with an angel. I wrestled with words. 

Four years later, the book is complete, and I can’t wait to share it with the world next year.

In case you’re also struggling to finish your work in progress, I want to share with you the three things that I think helped finally complete my manuscript – clarity, commitment, and community.

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Submit your stories for Reckon South’s Honey

The Reckon Women newsletter by Reckon South got a makeover and is now HONEY. And of course, I got a graphic tee to celebrate the glow up. Abbey Crain, the creator and editor of the newsletter, describes Honey as “a sweet spot for girls, gays and theys in the South” who want to stay up to date with and discuss the tough stuff that has been kept quiet.

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