Spring Journaling Prompts
Twenty Starters That Can Bring New Life to a Journal
When writers find themselves running out of ideas for journal entries, exploring spring related themes can be a creative way to get refocused. Prompts that allow writers to explore the subjects of birth, beginnings, nature and season specific memories can be inspiring and can often lead to personal epiphanies as well as new ideas for stories.
Personal Reflections and Memories
One good way to begin sprucing up a journal is to write about memories and reflections about personal experiences. These types of entries can be as detailed or simple as the writer feels comfortable documenting. Here are a few spring prompts to help jog the memory.
- A spring memory.
- The effects of spring on one's health.
- A favorite spring activity or vacation.
- The birth of a child.
- A memorable picnic.
General Journaling Topics
Using very general topics as a journal entry prompt can inspire a large amount of writing. One can simply name a theme and then free-write for a specific amount of time, or spend some time contemplating the theme and then journal about a specific event or thought that comes to mind. Some general topics that work well for spring themed entries include;
- The colour green.
- Growth and life.
- Something new.
- Beginnings and endings.
- Spring holidays.
Making Lists
Writers who use journaling as a tool for discovering story ideas or deciding on projects may find that the simple act of brainstorming ideas in list form can unlock the door to ideas they never knew existed. Fred White, author of The Daily Writer (Writers Digest Books, 2008) states that "lists are a delightful way to conduct a mental inventory of things you know but don't know you know."
The following are some topics that can be used to jump start the brainstorming process.
- Spring project ideas.
- New habits to try.
- Spring cleaning projects to be done.
- Traditions to start.
- Favorite things about spring.
Observational Journaling
The key to writing a journal entry based on observation is to involve as many senses as possible, both when studying the subject and when actually writing. Using all of the senses in the journal entry can be a powerful way to practice creative writing skills and can also help writers learn to pay closer attention to detail. Here are some exercises for observational writing;
- Spend some time studying a photo and then journal about it using vivid descriptions.
- Borrow or buy a spring fashion catalog and pay close attention to the photos. Journal anything that stands out, whether it be colours, themes, styles or even the design of the magazine layout.
- Listen to the spring birds singing outside the window and contemplate the meaning of spring and new life. Journal anything that comes to mind.
- In keeping with the theme of spring cleaning, write about things that need to change around the house. This could include de-cluttering, rearranging furniture, changing rules or routines or even making personal changes.
- Go to a coffee shop, library or mall and people watch for a while. Afterwards, write about anything significant that stood out about the people and any feelings that resulted from the experience.
The most important thing to remember when journaling is that it doesn't matter how it is written. Since a journal is a personal record rather than a manuscript being primed for publishing, details such as spelling, grammar, form and legibility of writing do not have to meet any standard. Prompts can be used in any manner the writer desires. There is no wrong way to journal.
Spring Themes Can Rejuvenate Journals
|
List Making Helps Memory
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Writing & Publishing
Latest Articles