Journal Guidelines

Make sure you record (at least) THREE dated entries in your journal each week. Write for at least twenty minutes; try to write as constantly as possible during that time, rather than pausing often to think or plan. Your journal entries can take a number of forms: you might, if inspired, compose a possible beginning for a poem or story. You might simply write a detailed description of a place, a person, a thing. A thought, a dream. You might reflect on poems or stories we've read in class, especially from the perspective of a writer--what do these poems teach you about writing? Or you might simply reflect upon the act of writing, particular obstacles you're facing, problems you've set yourself, progress you're making. Just make sure you do it, three times a week, twenty minutes at a time: try to make it become a habit. It should also, ideally, be a pleasurable activity--something you look forward to. Try to see it in that light.