Creative Journal Writing: The Art and Heart of Reflection

by Stephanie Dowrick

From the #1 creativity publisher in the country comes our latest creativity bestseller?Creative Journal Writing? the ultimate book for those who are looking to use this powerful tool to heal, expand, and transform their lives.

In this exceptionally positive and encouraging book, Stephanie Dowrick frees the journal writer she believes is in virtually everyone, showing through stories and examples that a genuine sense of possibility can be revived on every page.

Creative journal writing goes way beyond just recording events on paper. It can be the companion that supports but doesn?t judge, a place of unparalleled discovery, and a creative playground where the everyday rules no longer count. Proven benefits of journal writing include reduced stress and anxiety, increased self-awareness, sharpened mental skills, genuine psychological insight, creative inspiration and motivation, strengthened ability to cope during difficult times, and overall physical and emotional well-being.

Combining a rich choice of ideas with wonderful stories, quotes, and her refreshingly intimate thoughts gained through a lifetime of writing, Dowrick?s insights and confidence make journal writing irresistible?and your own life more enchanting. Included in Creative Journal Writing are:

u stories of how people have used journal writing to transform their lives;

· inspirational instructions, guidelines, and quotes;
· key principles, practical suggestions, and helpful hints;
· 125 starter topics, designed to help even the most reluctant journal writer;
· more than forty powerful exercises;
· and much more!

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Journaling, Self Help, Personal Development, Psychology, Spirituality

259 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[geneva warbucks · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're a long-time journaler (like me), this book won't necessarily revolutionize the way you think about the process of journaling. What it did do for me was give me some new ideas about how to both journal and think about journaling differently. Some of the exercises were really useful.

If you're new to the game, this book will provide a nice introduction to a lot of things that journaling can bring to your life.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title sums it up well. :) This is a book that I'll have close by when I'm feeling stuck and need some inspiration - there are thoughtful, thought-provoking exercises throughout and a list of 125 helpful prompts at the end.

[Elaine D · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a roller coaster of literary engagement. When I started, I loved it. I felt inspired, informed, & ravenous for prompts to get me thinking deeper. There was a lot of excellent information and points to ponder in here for sure! Particularly, the bits that prompted you to probe your past and "retire your inner critic." I think those are both crucial to having a successful experience as a journalist. It is absolutely essential not to judge yourself & edit, because then you're not being your authentic self.

However, about mid way through the book, I felt that certain aspects were starting to get slightly repetitive. There were a million mentions of "free association" and "don't stop to edit" and a few other things. I'm sure that it was purposeful to give gentle reminders to new writers, but for me it got a bit annoying and I found myself skimming some of the writing exercises. I've been keeping my own personal journal consistently for over 13 years now and was filling composition notebooks with poems and ideas long before that, so some of this info wasn't new to me. But still, it was a great way to refresh my writing and incorporate different things like letters to loved ones, prayers, and more.

I'm glad I read it because there was a huge list of prompts in the back that really inspired me! :)

[Wendelle]

basic stuff mostly

[Margret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative with lots of inspiration to continue any writing. I loved all the prompts at the end.

[Cherise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I liked this book. Flip to any page, and you'll find yourself inspired to pick up a pen and open to a new page. Stephanie Dowrick encourages you to write with freedom (I think 'instinctively' is her most frequently-used word), ignoring any of the voices in your head that say you 'have' to do something.

The one main problem in this book is that, for those of use who picked it off the shelf expecting a treasure-trove of unique techniques and intriguing exercises, it is a bit of a disappointment. I will quote what the author says about her exercises (which appears toward the end, unfortunately, but would have been lovely to know up-front):

"Many of the exercises in this book are are therapeutic, in the best and most natural meaning of that word. They bring insight, release, relief, wisdom, clarity, and with these, greater choice. They let you step into the middle of your life rather than have you wait around at the edges. They make it clearer to you how you treat other people and want to be treated. They light up your desires and let you meet situations freshly."

Now, if that sounds like what you want from this book, then by all means, go ahead. I think it is a wonderful book for introducing people to journal writing. However, if, like me, you have been journaling for some time already, feel creativity bubbling up inside you, and are looking for new ways to express it in your journal, then this book is not the right fit.

[Devon · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't everything I had hoped it would be, but Creative Journal Writing is not terrible, and a pretty handy reference. I have been an on-and-off-again journal writer for some time, and was looking for some inspiration to keep with the habit, and to get out of my own way, as I think it would a) keep me in the habit of writing in general and b) make it easier to track life changes and such (especially regarding mental health issues).

Creative Journal Writing started out all right, but Dowrick's instruction is very broad and easy-going, rather than focused and instructive, which was more what I was looking for in a book about journal writing. For some this might be the better way, but I found myself less interested in reading cover-to-cover as I went along. There are a number of exercises and prompts throughout which I think will be useful, however.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are a few good pointers for journal writing in this book; but on the whole, the author is very vague on just what journal writing is and how best to go about it. The book is filled with exercises that are mostly just expanded or pretty much the same as the ones that are in previous chapters.

There are some interesting journal excerpts from other writers, but the ones by the author are boring and poorly written. Much like the rest of her writing in the book.

Save your time and/or money, get a better book to learn about journal writing.

[Radhika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was bored in a lot of the book and my first impulse was to give it a two star. But if this is the first book ever i had read on journaling i would have probably liked it a bit more so i left it at three. As it was i thought it was nothing different - both from other books that talk about journaling and also for anyone who has been journalling for a while. I think journalling regularly itself would lead you to experiment with writing and you might discover for yourself many of the exercises suggested.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first chapter of this book talks about how to use the book. It encourages you to read the whole book all the way through and then to go back and to follow the instructions in the book. That is what I have done with the book. So, far I have read it through and feel motivated, so I plan to now start going back and doing some of the writing prompts. For someone who has fallen out of journal writing and is trying to find the motivation in or back in I would suggest this book.

[Stephen Tuck · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book in its own way, but not really my cup of tea. It's very much a guide to journalling as a means of therapy and self discovery, where my interests as a writer are rather more down to earth. The style is warm, however, and a person who wanted to expand their inner life would certainly get quite a lot out of it.

[Lisa Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. There are some good ideas in this book. it is easy to read. you can become an active reader in this book if you want. There are ideas along the way to pull through and it does not pull you down.

[Yvensong · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

This is a great book for beginning journal writers. There are several exercises that may inspire someone new to writing. Many of the exercises build upon previous exercises which could help improve the process of journal writing.

[Bonnie B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a most stimulating book for people ready to extend their CREATIVITY, and their perceptions of what that is. It's also very welcoming and solid for people willing to look inwardly through writing and discover what's hovering at the edges of their consciousness. Many of the exercises work as immediate prompts while readers are also building a bigger picture of awareness across the whole of life. So many wander around oblivious; therapy helps. So can guided journal writing. This is available also in the US where it won a major competitive prize. PS: suitable for all ages and stages.

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whether you are new to journal writing or have been a longtime journaler, this book can give you some new ideas on writing. I found this book to be helpful in generating new ideas to write about by doing the writing exercises. There are many reasons why people enjoy writing, but reflection seems to be the main theme for this book. It can be help to just take a few minutes to write and reflect on your day because everyone has some story to tell.

[Matthew Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extended rumination on the concept of journal writing from many angles, really very good, I read it very slowly over two years. Nothing about what to do if your brother finds your journal and runs around the room with it reading bits out loud in a funny voice though. In this situation, as was always the case, you are on your own.

[Allen Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 4th book I’ve read in a row about journal writing and although I thought this was the best of the lot at combining examples with exercises it’s time for me to move on to a different type of book.

It does get a little repetitive at times.

But highly recommended if you are just getting started.

[Chris Waterford · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping for some impetus for my own journal/diary writing and I got a bit. The main message I got was to write more honestly. I would have liked more "live" entries rather than writers writing about their experience of journal writing.

[Veena Hari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and light read to reinforce my incessant notebook keeping habit. Some of the practical suggestions are useful and it gave me a lot of ideas to expand the scope of my journals and notebooks.

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been journalling for about 15 years and I really enjoyed this book. While some of the ideas were familiar, there was still plenty in this book to spark my imagination and make me consider making different choices in my writing. We see the world through stories, so what a wonderful thing to be able to notice and wonder about some new narratives. I would recommend for experienced and new journallers alike.

[Caleb · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was far too long considering the amount of information it actually contained. Perhaps I’m just not the audience for it.

[Brie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mmm, no. Journal writing for the uninitiated, perhaps. Creative? No. 3 stars for some prompts. But most not.

[Barbori Garnet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is filled with inspiration from cover to cover. I found that the quotes and examples from other journal writers, and prompts given, were helpful in reigniting my passion for journaling.

[Neens West · Rating 4 out of 5]

I dip in and out of this, but marking as finished as I've read it before.

Great prompts and ideas if you're into journalling :)

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenges: Borrowathon Round 6 - Explore item from bucket list (1). Of the three things on my bucket list, the second is to develop myself more creatively. An ordained interfaith minister, and writer of commentary on poet Rainer Maria Rilke, Stephanie Dowrick has inspired me to begin writing again in journals (that I recently purchased) with fresh approaches of looking beyond success and seeking acceptance of things when resolution cannot be realized. My goal is now to savor a life lived and the days that may still be gifted to me.

[K Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dowrick has a beautiful way with words. She is very inspiring and encouraging, and for someone who is either new to the journaling experience or someone who has not journaled in a while, I recommend this book. I actually recommend this book for writers, as well, because her writing style will motivate you and give you many ideas.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Creative Journal Writing by Stephanie Dowrick

I’m not the sort of person who usually reads any book that might be labeled “Self Help”. I consider most of what is found in those books a lot of nonsense. Some I’ve seen act like worrying about things is a conscious choice – as if I like being anxious about things or don’t have enough faith in God to let Him take care of my problems. I’m afraid those books have turned me off the entire “genre”.

This book, however, is really helpful in how it sets out to teach you about writing in a journal in a creative fashion – rather than a simple recording the events of each day. I found that a lot of the exercises could lead to insights I wouldn’t have had otherwise. There were some that I know won’t work for me (like the “Follow your nose” one – my nose just doesn’t work that well. Someone could walk right by me with a cart full of coffee and I wouldn’t smell it. They could take a bath in perfume and I’d sneeze, but I wouldn’t smell it.) Some of them are things that I might try – but not now. Now, I’d feel strange trying to write about myself in the third person, for example. I’ll use those exercises someday, though – when I feel a little more comfortable with the process of journaling.

I’ve tried to keep a journal before and I always got out of the habit. Either I became bored with the process or I’d stop and say to myself, “God, my life is dull! Why am I writing about it?” This book has taught me that… yeah, my life might be dull – but there’s so much more to journal writing than simply recording your daily life.

One more thing about this book: I’m going to copy all the exercises and the list of prompts and save them. Then, I’m going to share this book with my sister. Once she’s done with it (of if she says, “No, I don’t want to read it.”) I’m bringing the book to my church, so that other members of the congregation can benefit from it. It’s the sort of book that, I think, needs to be set free – rather than sitting on my bookshelf collecting dust. I’m glad I bought it, but I’m not going to read it again. I’ve gotten what I need out of it.

I enjoyed the book and I think it provided valuable insights for me – it would for anyone who’s looking to begin keeping a journal. If you already keep a journal regularly… it might not help you very much. Then again, if you already keep a journal regularly, you probably don’t need anyone telling you how to do that. ^_^

[Erik Akre · Rating 4 out of 5]

The room fills with a haze of myrrh, a thick Saturday morning smoky scent that I dedicate to Hel, my great Goddess of Death. With pen in hand and journal beneath it, I feel the freedom to begin my writing with purpose. I know not what purpose, yet, but I do feel freedom: The possibilities for journal writing are infinite, and setting the table with Hel's power will lend something to whatever ends up written or unwritten.

Dowrick did not directly inspire this experience, but her book challenges its reader to try new things and experiment with new habits or promptings. If your journal writing practice has reached a new point, and you're ready to move forward with experimentation, or if you need new ideas to spice things up, this book may serve you. At the time I read it, I went so far as to write, "I've been confirmed in the soul-redeeming path of creative journaling." Whether perusing the book for ideas or reading it cover to cover, you may be similarly encouraged.

Stephanie Dowrick is "on the level." She speaks to the journal-writer in all of us. Go ahead, she says, Make a mess! Be ridiculous and Be stupid. Experiment and let in some Good Chaos. Get down with your Bad Self. Loosen up!

I recommend this book confidently. No need even to summon the Goddess of Death; you will find your own way to open up.

[Dawn Herring · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I began to read Stephanie Dowrick's Creative Journal Writing, I was quite pleased with her overall voice and tone which is soft and gentle in quality, drawing you in to the pleasures of a discovery-based journal writing practice; the furthest thing from the mind is a sense of obligation or doing it wrong.

She provides a series of wonderfully enlightening journal exercises, or really questions, focused on a specific topic, with encouragement to write down associations and noting your feelings and your body's responses as you are writing.

Sprinkled throughout are example quotations from other journal writers on the topics she chooses, each with a larger sized quotation mark, which, to me, remind me of collage with an artistic flair, instead of using the customary sized mark. I found this visually pleasing throughout the book.

Overall, Stephanie provides a restful quality to her approach with creative journal writing, one that is gentle, kind and insightful.

She also includes a fabulous journal writing list of 125 prompts you can choose intuitively by number rather than topic. I love this approach since it's a surprise each time you use it.

I highly recommend this book for all journal writers, and especially those who may feel intimidated by the process.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

IF YOU HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO KEEP A JOURNAL, BUT WERE AFRAID TO BEGIN, BUY THIS BOOK.

this book is geared to someone who has never journaled.

i started using this book a couple of weeks ago to get begin a new journal and get myself writing *something* every day - even if it's just 15 minutes. i love it.

i have been writing/journaling since i was 9 so i am no beginner. however, this book reminds even a lifetime journaler like myself why i journal. there are so many prompts and exercises that are valuable; and the shared journal entries by other more experienced journalers are inspiring.

for me, this book is a great reminder that my journal is like a confidante - the space where i can write *anything* i am thinking or feeling. it's me uncensored. whether i'm writing about the mundane or the sublime, my journal is a means to document the human condition from my perspective.

and it's my greatest hope that my dedication to journaling will be a legacy i'll leave behind to our children; and will be passed along to future generations so that michael and i are more than just two names on a branch of the family tree.