Every writer has those times when they hit a wall. Whether it is due to outside stress or a mental block, they come across that day when they are unable to work on a project or start a new project simply because the creative juices just won't flow. Journaling might be the answer.
I have worked journaling sessions into my daily routine as part of my mental health and also as part of my writing process. This, as well as a free-write session, helps provide both a template for creative ideas and an outlet for whatever might be blocking my writing process. I have found that these journalling sessions are a great pressure valve. Often, I can work through the proverbial “writer's block” through journaling.
In today’s political climate, there has been a lot of stress on writers. With book bans, book burnings, the introduction of AI, and legal threats to both the industry and the identities of many authors, the climate for authors has never been more stressful than today. These conditions can make it extremely difficult to stay focused on the business of writing. It can make it difficult to concentrate on a specific project or character development, especially if that character may have controversy surrounding them.
These are the exact conditions that lend themselves to journalling. Not only does it offer a safe environment for working through controversial conflicts that might be in a larger project, but it also provides a safe environment for you to address and look at your emotions around the political climate and the issues surrounding the events of today.
So, I would encourage journalling as an approach to working in the writing process.
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