All the writing books say I should keep a Writing Journal. Exactly what they mean by that varies. A few sources seem to mean what I actually do, which is carry pen* and a notebook* pretty much everywhere, using them to jot down overheard conversations, ideas for fictional band names ("Chewy, Gummy Pearls" - from a menu description of bubble tea), character descriptions, and grand themes that I'm unlikely to interpret correctly if I ever actually try and generate fiction from the notebook's scraps (what did I mean by "Dystopia Utopia with Origami Cranes," anyway?).
Some authors, though, imply I should be writing for an hour or more in my journal every day, freewriting or else simply cataloging the day's activities, thoughts, and feelings much like, well, a diary. Really? Is anyone out there other than angsty freshmen psychology/literature dual majors doing this? Who has the time?
(And yes, I can make the obvious ironic connection between blogging and journaling myself, thank you.)
But maybe I should try. Sorry if I'm sounding snarky, Diary. I had a partial vitreous detachment in my left eye a couple of weeks ago, and I'm still not used to its residual effects. Blurry vision and floaters in that eye make it harder to read, write, and stare at computer screens large or small, with the bottom line watery eyes and a background headache after time served at the day job pretty much any given day. Things are supposed to settle in the eye, and I'm supposed to get accustomed to the floaters over time, but so far? Not so much.
Anyway, Diary (may I call you Di?) I decided, why not take my eyes, my headaches, and my journal to a land filled with flashing lights, cigarette smoke, loud music, and copious other distractions and irritants, and spend a few days staring at a series of rapidly moving pasteboard cards for hours at a time? And, of course Di, I'll "journal" about it all (nudge, nudge, wink - ow, maybe not the winking).
Yes, this time next week I will be Tweeting (@sdorneman), Facebooking, and/or Blogging from Sin City, after a hiatus of more than a year. I've written before about how I find inspiration where others see only decadence. Time to recharge. Oh, and play some poker. Poooker. Lots of poker.
Di, thanks for listening. The rest of you?
Thanks for Reading,
Stephen
*I recommend the Pentel EnerGel with the 0.7mm metal tip, and Moleskine's squared journals in all their various sizes - this has been an unsolicited, unpaid endorsement. Although I wouldn't refuse a box of either of them.
