Writing From the Heart -contd.

In my last post, I wrote about my struggle in starting to write a journal. As I wrote earlier, even the first few pages I started writing, ended up inside the dustbin nearby. Then a new idea popped into my head. Instead of scribbling something for the sake of writing, why not I take a few minutes and think about it before I pen down something on my notebook .And that's what I did for the next few minutes--thinking.

Ever since my university days (three decades back, chemistry major and not creative writing) I had not done any writing other than letter writing. Our instructor had asked us to write

about something we love to do or passion about. I couldn't think of anything I was passion about to write down on my journal. Writer's block became my constant companion at this time . Though journal writing was a struggle at first, I kept on going grudgingly. By the time I finished my correspondence course, I had three completed journals inside my drawer. But none of them was interesting to read. It sounded dry and brittle like sand paper.

Instead of quitting , I came with a bright idea of naming my fourth journal " Letter to the Lord, " and started writing. To my amazement , words began to flow and pages began to fill up. Anything from the weather to social concerns were conveyed daily through these letters.

Today I've dozens of my journals in different color, thickness and designs are stacked inside my drawers. Each for a different purpose. Journal writing enhanced my flow of writing. It gave me a voice and style to grow and kept the writer's block out of sight. It also acted as a sponge to absorb my emotions, especially when rejection or acceptance knocked at my door. I do highly recommend journaling for any writer, especially a beginning writer.

Though I seldom refer to my journals for ideas, what I write in my journals somehow find its way into my writing projects without me even realizing it. It's interesting how a page from my journal even became the Special assignment Winner at the contest held by the writer's organization which I belonged to as a member. Below is the page of my journal that won the

contest. You could just guess what went on the pages of my journal I titled, "Letters to the

Lord."