Journalling the Jecks Way!

Following on from last week’s video on how to survive lock down, here are some ideas for how to keep a journal. It’s a case of noting what’s important, I think - not sticking to hard and fast rules, but structuring what you want to remember. These are just some ideas if you want to try! The main thing is, keep safe, keep healthy, and keep active - mentally and physically!
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Cheers for now!
Mike

[@Richard_Barnes]

I first started journaling just so I could buy a fountain pen! That started me off on my addiction on notebook, paper and pen’s. I also find writing reduces my mental stress. If it bothers me, it gets written down in my William Hannah A5 book and it’s out of my head. That and all the good stuff too. Every day you wake up is a good day! I make sure I’m writing every day now. Stay safe Mike and keep the video’s coming 👍🏻😀

[@writerlywitterings]

Cheers, Richard! This was very much a first pass at journalling - it isn't something I tend to do myself, but I wanted to explain a little about it for other people. Hopefully it'll give some folks a few ideas! Keep safe, my friend!

[@marylawson9496]

what a refreshing video, many thanks. Seen so many on printing, inking, rubber stamping and yes, washi tape. I don't really have the time to spend hours every day jazzing up pages. Don't mind the occasional doodle to liven things up and put some colour on the page. you can be both practical and mindful if you want which is the joy of journaling. Go with your mood. Cheers.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, Mary! Glad it was helpful. I'm like you - time is limited!

[@dedicatedfelineenthusiast2211]

I’m a over thinker, since…well…since I was born. Some days I feel scattered and so much is running through my brain, that I need to unload all, the quirky Picadillo‘s. Ok, yes that’s everyday. I sweep out everything, good, bad, silly, and dizzy. I do as many pages needed, and then I’m free for a few hours to create whatever my heart wants. Poems, short stories or just to unload ideas. I started the thought dumps when I read Julia Cameron’s book, “The Artists Way”, years ago. For me even if I don’t get to write that day it clears my head. ✏️📓

[@writerlywitterings]

I know the feeling. Just writing things down helps clear my mind and helps me to focus! Thanks for that!

[@darkyellow4148]

I have been journalling since I was 9 years old. ( Im now 14) it really helps me to get all my thoughts out on paper so i stop overthinking. Also i keep track of the books I read and make lil reviews of them in my journal:)

[@writerlywitterings]

That's brilliant, Dark. I keep trying to journal, but I have to admit I find it tough. First because I am very unreliable, second because I spend so much time writing my books that finding time to write more is ... well, it doesn't appeal after a long day! Still, it really helps to clear the brain, doesn't it? And it means you can get ideas and thoughts down more clearly, and make it easier to remember them, if you write them down. Well done for keeping your journal - I'm going to try to (again!) as well. All best of luck, and hope you have a great 2022.

[@Outandaboutwithpoggy]

Hi Mike, Well Today Amazon delivered another Leuchturm A5 ruled notebook, I thought starting January 1st I would have a go at Journalling, never done it before, but it will probably feature heavily on Ham Radio, Photo and Video notes, Family history etc, so as I often do with KZbin subscriptions I go back and look at early videos and it was then that I remembered that you had done a video which I have watched again this evening, very interesting, I thought it would be a good way to start using all my dried up fountain pens although the Kaweco and the Diamine Wild Strawberry has never done so, but I had to stop using the Diamine bottles as. Have now developed tremors in both hands and at times filling the pens up can be problematic so cartridges work best for me , anyway Hope you and the family are all keeping well and looking forward to the festive season, again many thanks for a nice video….Mike

[@writerlywitterings]

No problem, Michael. Best of luck with journalling. I personally have tried to ... and failed every time. There's just not enough hours in the day ( yet ) for me to start thinking about writing them all up. It's hard enough to keep up with the videos, walking the dog, writing books, talking to my wife ... !

[@sachakahn2052]

I often have no idea what I am going to write down when I open my journal. For me it's more like a way to clear my mind. Some pages are even dominated by some inkblot or drawing that I later decide to write around. Sometimes I make a list of something or just write a concise summary of the day and what occupies me. Other days abandoning the structure feels best.

[@writerlywitterings]

Same here - and I can go for days without the urge to write anything in a journal, but then, when I do, the words tend to splurge on the page!

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

Great video. I personally use jounrnals with squared paper, around the same size as a Leuchtturm 1917. Got a couple of fountain pens, too. I mostly use my journals for noting progress learning foreign languages, but I do enjoy personal reflections as well. Glad to have found this channel!

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks for sharing, and good to have you on board!

[@annies8075]

I've got a separate journal that I'm using specifically for the coronavirus. I started this back in March after the first cases were diagnosed in the UK. Thought the journal would be great for my grandchildren to read in years to come. My eldest grandson (aged 18) will probably sleep his way through the lockdown 😂, and the younger ones probably may not remember very much at all. Initially when the lockdown started, I was taking my dog out at the crack of dawn. However, that has now had to stop, because on Tuesday the NHS Coronavirus Service contacted me. They deem me as one of the 1.5 million who are in the high risk category, so now I cannot go out at all for 12 weeks. I live alone, so I do talk a lot to my dog........so far she hasn't answered me back 😂. Yours is a good idea to plan and write down what you intend to do each day 👍. As the days progress, I will probably find having a daily plan invaluable.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks so much for the comment, Annie. I really like your idea about a new book for the virus itself. I wish I had thought of that myself! It must be horrible to be stuck inside all the time. A very good friend of mine up the road is in the same boat. He was called Monday before last and told to stay inside - he's had cancer, but he's also asthmatic so he's in the same group as you. As to teenagers sleeping through the whole thing ... I have a sixteen year old son. Sometimes I see him. Rarely before dark.

[@AtCharlotteClark]

Looking at your day plans, it's no wonder you're so prolific! You appear to make good use of your time. I'm new to your videos so I'm not sure if you've done a day-in-the-life but that would be interesting, I like that you have supper rather than food at 'tea-time'. Or perhaps just a video of you working that we can stick on in the background (sounds odd but 'ambient' people help me focus better). I'm not great at journaling (all good intentions), but I do find I can manage morning pages fairly easily if I leave my notebook on my desk. I think it would be worth me editing them down to the interesting elements, and writing them up for the future. In The Artist's Way, Cameon writes how challenging it is to write when things are brilliant or terrible but yet how that's the most important time to do so.

[@writerlywitterings]

I'll have a think about those ideas - but an "ambient" video of me sitting at my desk and muttering, "Bugger" occasionally might not be the ideal background sound!

[@AtCharlotteClark]

@@writerlywitterings oh I can see the fan club now! 😁 weirder things on KZbin 😂 Looking forward to the next video.

[@joenperkins2138]

You are a hoot. Lol. Always make me laugh. I have kept a journal for years. My journal is NEVER interesting. But has kept me sane at more times than I can remember. Not sure where I am at right now. Lol. Enjoy your vids lots. Blessings.

[@writerlywitterings]

Many thanks, Joen, and I'm glad to have helped amuse! Keep safe!

[@kensden599]

I am fan of history and love to read. Michael has inspired me to combine the two and try writing a story myself for enjoyment. I just finished the Last Templar and awaiting the next book with baited breath. My favorite time period is the mid 19th century here in the U.S. and am enjoying the research and applying it to my characters and the story line. Thank you for this channel and opening my eyes to a new hobby.

[@writerlywitterings]

Hi, Ken, And thank you for buying a copy of The Last Templar. I'm really glad you enjoyed it. You'll be glad to see that The Merchant's Partner will be out next Friday, and then there will be a new release every couple of weeks for the next few months, so plenty to keep you occupied. On the writing side, bear in mind that there are some videos I put up on writing (some while ago, admittedly), and some may help you on researching and other topics. All very best wishes and thanks for the positive comments. Mike

[@kensden599]

I enjoy bulet journaling it allows me to look back at my day and reflect on what I accomplished and goals. I make notes of the pandemic in red for historical reference for my grandkids one day.

[@writerlywitterings]

Excellent idea. Another thought (someone else put it into a comment here) is putting up your predictions, too. When will the Pandemic end; when will the number of people in work start to rise again; when will you be able to go out for a long walk again? It may be interesting to put down a prediction once a week, and then evaluate later?

[@rds4629]

@@writerlywitterings just 2 weeks to flatten the curve. Not going to be that bad.

[@markbrailsford2849]

Love your matter of fact voice Michael and your videos are a joy to watch during this lockdown. Stay safe.

[@writerlywitterings]

Hi, Mark, and thanks - what a nice comment! I'm trying to do my bit to keeping folks' sanity during this very odd time! Keep well, my friend.

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

Mark Brailsford I agree! Sometimes I just have his videos on in a loop because I find his voice so soothing while I’m doing tasks around the house:)

[@markbrailsford2849]

Pleasure my friend.

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

Looooooved this video!! I’m a huge fan of journaling and I really liked your set up -especially the spot for running tasks like grocery lists, etc. I’ve been noting the daily number of Covid-19 cases and deaths in GA, USA, Australia and Victoria (I have friends there). I have also been kicking around ideas about a novel having to do with this being the new normal and how society was never truly open again and how that affects work, entertainment, relationships through the lens of a small group of people-so your next video will be super helpful for me as I figure out how to brainstorm my ideas and do my normal ‘what if’ vetting of all my story ideas. If I can’t answer all the questions then I know I don’t have a viable story idea;) thanks again for such a fun video. I’m going to watch it again!

[@writerlywitterings]

Tracie, you really know how to cheer up a guy! Thanks so much for your always positive attitude and cheery comments. You make the act of filming fun! I'll get ideas down about the plotting etc so I have a good video for you next week. Take care, and have a great Easter!

[@Oldnose63]

Mike, I just recently discovered jour channel and love it. You are so relaxed and that helps in these times. Actually I started journaling again (as usual) during our holidays in Spain when corona started. And I didn’t mind writing “the negative things “ down but more in a neutral way: this is how things are. Because let’s face it it’s not the question what did you do but how did you live is what you have to explain in/for the future. I also write my personal predictions in my journal. What will/could happen next, how why? Just to make me feel more secure and get a grip on things. Keep the videos coming

[@writerlywitterings]

Hello, Pieter, Many thanks for the positive comments. I felt a bit of a twerp when I saw my "Bad things", having just said how I thought it was better to focus on the positive! Still, my point was, trying to keep in a more cheerful frame of mind. I really like your ideas about noting down predictions. That appeals strongly - something to come back and look at, and remind myself I'm not as clever as I'd like to think! All very best wishes - keep safe! Mike

[@pamelaboxall7015]

I really enjoyed your ideas on keeping a journal and applaud your very sage advice. Your outline is actually very close to what I write in my diary/planner: brief notes of things to do, things done, important news. My 'journal' is separate and each entry is more like an essay - a chat about what I did or what I am pondering and how I'm feeling about things in general. At the moment I am writing it in a thick A5 notebook from Morrisons supermarket which has surprisingly nice paper for my fountain pens. My favourite journals are Rhodiarama A5 soft cover notebooks, specifically with the Sapphire cover. No matter which brand, I am very fussy on two points - the paper has to be lined, and it must have the minimum of ghosting when using my fountain pens.

[@writerlywitterings]

A good way to choose your paper, I'd say. Minimum of ghosting is great - but I have to go with either plain or dot-grid. So often I feel the need to work off-grid, and sketch thoughts, use mind-mapping, or some similar approach, that lines just get in my way! Impressed to see that Morrisons paper can be good. One of the very best papers I used to find was the cheapest notepads in A4 from Office Depot. That was truly glorious, and dirt cheap!

[@pamelaboxall7015]

@@writerlywitterings Yes, lines are no good for pictorial representation - a thing I'm completely incapable of. An example: I love a good art exhibition, but if there's a written notebook or a letter on display, that's where I'll be spending my time!

[@bimmyuncle6206]

A session which is interesting and imparts strategies.

[@writerlywitterings]

Many thanks, Bimmy! I hope it was helpful. You keep safe!

[@michellestephenson1680]

Ooh, next week’s topic sounds exciting! I have been writing letters. They’re all over the board, really; KZbin creators I like, my nephew, a company over in Italy... maybe the next will be to my favorite former President. I’m glad to hear you are still healthy. Thanks for the journaling tutorial!

[@writerlywitterings]

Hi, Michelle, Many thanks for the positive comments! Yes, there are so many letters to be written, and so little time! Take care and keep safe!

[@gerion1980]

Thank you for the video. Very inspiring input!

[@writerlywitterings]

Many thanks, my friend. I hope it is some help in these strange times!

[@charlesjacques750]

Very helpful! I am wanting to write, draw, and water color medical protocols in an A5 Chic Sparrow Traverlers Notebook. Just saw one too many videos about washi tape. 🙄

[@writerlywitterings]

Ugh - I promise I won't ever have Washi tape on here! I have to admit, I love watercolouring myself, and often use my Atoma A5 notebook with watercolour paper in it. How do you find A5 inserts generally for watercolouring?

[@angbane]

I agree, sometimes it is helpful to get thoughts down to keep things in perspective, as well as having a record for posterity. II saw you are shopping for the most important items- beer ingredients & dog food :) . Hope you are keeping safe & well. I know my partner will be interested in your watch video. You need to watch The Witcher-it's brilliant fun!

[@writerlywitterings]

Ah, I'm thinking that the current barrel of old ale may not last long enough. Just thinking about a fresh barrel of good summery ale... The Rolex should go live tomorrow morning, with luck. It'll be a short piece for the holiday! Thanks again for your regular comments, Angela. I hope you're keeping really safe - and I will try the witcher!

[@baconfabian]

Great video once again. I'm all for the watch video ! Loves watches just as much as I love pens. You can even make a video on your favorite tea and coffee it would be interesting. Hot beverages are such a wonderful subject as well. Take care !!

[@writerlywitterings]

Many thanks, Fabian! I hope you enjoyed the Rolex video too!

[@hannahmoyse1690]

Thank you for this Michael, I so need to find myself a journal, and start doing this, thinking it will help me a lot Hx

[@writerlywitterings]

If you haven't tried it before, I would recommend a bullet-journal type. There are tons of different models, with all kinds of paper, from cahiers up to A4 books. It's a case of seeing what appeals most. Best of luck and have a great Easter.

[@hannahmoyse1690]

@@writerlywitterings ooh thank you, I was thinking about bullet journaling too, it will be a start, thank you, and Happy Easter to you too Michael Hx

[@Outandaboutwithpoggy]

Hi Mike, Very interesting video, I have about a dozen various Leuchterm notebooks, a little expensive at around £16 each but I just love them, always a good combination with a fountain pen, another notebook i use is the Filofax A4 & A5 notebooks which are very similar to your atoma with the pages that can be removed and reordered and pushed back in, use these when I'm writing ideas for stories etc, it was one of your videos that introduced me to Leuchterm,I have a Midori but to be honest I rarely use it, tend to carry it around in the Billingham bag when out with the camera, your video for next week sounds interesting and I look forward to that, I must admit on the desk I have a Leuchterm Diary along with a Moleskin Diary, but I"ve never kept a journal, perhaps I ought to think about it, the most exciting thing I have written in my diary in recent days is the date the window cleaner last graced us with his presence, I was amazed how many hours you write each day, I usually manage around 4 hours max ( not every day ) and rarely more than 2500 - 3000 words a day ( If I'm lucky ) so thanks for such a good light hearted look at keeping a journal.......now where did I put that spare Leuchterm, the one with the dotted grid. Cheers Mike

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, Mike - yes, I daren't count up how many notebooks I have on the go currently - I know it's 8 which I am actively using at the moment, but I think there's another 14 or so that are in rotation around them! I know I should keep a journal, but it's not something I've ever felt much of a need for. Basically the life of a writer is pretty boring. "Woke up, had breakfast, wrote for a bit. Had lunch, wrote for a bit. Had supper, did some writing..." doesn't really make for thrilling reading, day after day! Keep safe, my friend.

[@pamelaboxall7015]

@@writerlywitterings It doesn't matter if the journals are boring, look at how interesting the most mundane items from Roman or Tudor times are. Also, I look on sorting through mine when I'm gone as a penance my daughter will have to pay for her teenage years! (Actually, she doesn't deserve that, she was lovely most of the time.)

[@JBFire97]

Thank you for the video. I have a a large soft spot for watches, so looking forward to the next upload!

[@writerlywitterings]

You and me both, Paul! Two of the saddest events in my life were losing my first "real" watch, a gorgeous Bucherer from Interlaken, with a blue face and gold trimmings - mislaid sometime late 80s; and the news that I cannot get my grandfather's fob watch mended - it needs a new fusee chain. One day, though, with luck! Take care!

[@JBFire97]

writerlywitterings I feel for you. I presume you would need chain made. Artisan watchmaking doesn’t come cheap. I hope one day you’re able to start it beating again!

[@JOSDAV88]

I have the same experience with Tomoe. Thought I was the only one! Love your channel. Am on it regularly.

[@writerlywitterings]

I love the paper, but it doesn't feel right for something that I want to hold onto for a long time. Whereas William Hannah, or even Leuchtturm, has such a solid feel, it makes my words look better (to my eye), whereas Tomoe is great and really useful - but looks sort of cheap! Glad I'm not the only one to speak such heresy!

[@pamelaboxall7015]

Hi, Jospeh. Just looking at photos showing the reverse of a page of Tomoe River paper makes me shudder. Thank goodness for reviews - I am tempted by many less things after I've read a few reviews, even if the reviews are really positive.

[@rachelsremedies2602]

Some free advice! If you prone to inflammation don’t drink tea !

[@writerlywitterings]

No, I'm fine on that, thanks!

[@tsherbs1309]

Michael, they just scrubbed the Two Guvnor's video off KZbin! I was enjoying it immensely!

[@writerlywitterings]

Oh, sorry to hear that. It was an absolutely brilliant production. I'm going to see if it's possible to buy a copy of the video - if I hear back. I'll let you know.

[@Robutube1]

I'm VERY late to your channel and so grateful you're still at it! I'm on a bit of a binge watch right now, but is that a displacement activity to avoid writing myself? Hmmm... :-)

[@writerlywitterings]

Ah, but if you're that good at displacement activities, it means you have to be an author! Thanks for the positive feedback! Really appreciate it!

[@revianwolfe]

Those William Hannah notebooks look really beautiful. I’d like to get one, but uff-da. They’re a bit spendy.

[@writerlywitterings]

They certainly are. They aren't for the faint-hearted - but when I have something that deserves thought and care, it's the one I go to. It's beautifully made, and so well thought out. The usual cost for a Leuchtturm is a lot less - only one fifth the price - but any kind of leather cover for any notebook will set you back. The lovely thing about these notebooks is the flexibility. All the papers you need to have with you are there - all those which are redundant now can be archived. And they make writing fun again. I love mine, and I know that other owners are similarly entranced by theirs!

[@revianwolfe]

writerlywitterings I’ll get to find out for myself soon enough!

[@writerlywitterings]

@@revianwolfe I'm sure you'll love it!

[@marka.200]

I only have one Leuchtturm and it doesn't have lines or dots, but I seem to have seen photos showing their lined paper aren't actually solid lines but dashed lines, is that correct? And how invasive are the dots on the dot grid paper? I find some brands where the dots are overbearing and even resist the ink.

[@writerlywitterings]

All my Leuchtturms with lined paper have perfectly ordinary lines, Mark. I haven't seen one with "dashed" lines? I don't find the dots at all invasive. I was a real late-comer to the whole dot grid idea, but now I'm sold. I won't be buying another lined Leuchtturm. My favourite Leuchtturm now is the "Bullet Journal" version, which I find superb. I have to say, I really prefer the William Hannah paper, because you can order the colour of dots or lines of your choice. With a pale blue notebook it just really appeals to have dots of the same colour! However, it's the difference between a bound notebook and one for loose-leaf work that makes me keep the Leuchtturms going!

[@lware1]

That is a nice desk light. Who is the maker?

[@writerlywitterings]

The only thing it says is "Daylight". It is a daylight lamp for artists, with different clamps to fit easels and desks. I'm afraid I know nothing more than that. I'd look at artist's shops and hunt for daylight bulbs and lamps. Hope that helps!

[@lware1]

@@writerlywitterings thanks for the quick reply. I will look for one. Nice set up you have. Thanks again!

[@jamesaritchie1]

I don't believe in negative and positive energy, but I do know I have more fun if I stay in a positive mood. As for what I'll say should my grandchildren ever ask me what I do during the Corona virus outbreak, I have no doubt my answer will be, "I ran through my entire bank account buying things from Amazon." To my horror, I've discovered that I seem to be a bored shopper. I don't think a single day has gone by without one more order placed with Amazon. I don't even like the color pink, but I have now ordered Waterman Audacious Pink ink, AND Private Reserve Rose Rage, which is the most obnoxious bubblegum shade of hot pink imaginable. Worse, I just ordered a fountain pen that is the same shade of pink. This is starting to get serious. When I grandchild do ask, I'll have to add, "Oh, by the way child, how would you like lovely pink fountain pen, and thirty-seven shades of pink ink to go with it?" I think it's time to start writing again, retirement or no retirement.

[@writerlywitterings]

James, it sounds like you are the idea recipient of all the awful, shocking pink colours I was sent by Diamine, and which I have never made a film of ... basically because I don't think I should be torturing viewers' eyes! I can easily understand the shopping fixation. Personally, with my lack of finance, it's not a passion I dare indulge. With all my cancelled workshops, lectures, teaching engagements, and festivals, my finances are completely screwed for the year. However, occasionally a new book appears and my hand twitches towards the credit card ... I'm getting into the habit of leaving my wallet in a different room now, so I have to rise to my feet in order to buy anything. Before I look at the William Hannah website, I think I'll have to stick the cards in the gun safe, and give the keys to my wife for safe keeping! Take care, my friend, and happy writing!

[@JoelTurrell]

We all appreciate your insights and humor. But those of us in the Kingdom Of Covid, ruled by King Donald J., worry about your health.

[@writerlywitterings]

Don't worry about me! The NHS is coping well, and still has spare capacity. We'll all be fine - I'm much more worried about New York and the terrible state of things there!

[@GrayWithMe]

But Joel, King Donald J said last night in the debate that we are turning the corner on covid! Why, we’re just days away from the military injecting us all with a vaccine!