March 15, 2025 • 17 mins
https://lestallion.com/collections/journal-notebook-for-new-writers
Every writer knows the intimidation of facing a blank page—that moment when possibilities feel more paralyzing than inspiring. In our exploration of journaling for new writers, we uncover how this simple practice becomes a powerful gateway to creativity, self-discovery, and confidence on the page.
Premium journals like Lestallion deserve special attention for transforming the physical experience of writing. With luxurious touches like thick, bleed-proof paper, built-in organization systems, and thoughtful design, these journals eliminate common frustrations that can derail creative momentum. As we discuss, this elevated writing experience isn't just about aesthetics—it's about creating an environment where your ideas feel valued.
The heart of our conversation explores practical journaling techniques that unlock creativity. Free writing liberates your mind from perfectionism, allowing unexpected insights to emerge. Thoughtful prompts push you beyond surface thinking to discover deeper themes and character motivations. Visual elements like sketching and mind-mapping provide alternative pathways to understanding your own ideas. Character interviews reveal surprising depths that can completely transform your storytelling.
Perhaps most powerful is journaling's ability to foster mindfulness and self-awareness. By documenting fears and anxieties about writing, we often diminish their power. Adding gratitude practices shifts perspective even further, creating a ripple effect that makes writing more authentic, joyful, and focused on process rather than outcome. For many writers, journaling becomes a safe space to process emotions and discover new dimensions of creativity.
Whether you're struggling with writer's block, looking to deepen your storytelling, or simply want to develop a more consistent writing practice, journaling offers a judgment-free zone to explore your unique voice. Remember, the blank page isn't something to fear—it's an invitation to discover the stories waiting inside you. Grab a notebook and see where your thoughts take you!
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LeStallion offers premium PU leather journal notebooks for writing, dedicated to all those who are pursuing their dreams and goals, or nurturing their personal development and mental health.
For More Info on LeStallion, check out:
https://lestallion.com/
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey everyone, Welcome back for another deep dive.
Today we're tackling somethingreally fun journaling for new
writers.
You know, so many writers haveall these amazing stories inside
them, oh yeah, but sometimesgetting them out onto the page
can be a little intimidating.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
For sure, that blank page can be a little scary
sometimes.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
Absolutely, and that's where journaling can
really come in handy.
It's a great way to overcomewriter's block, organize your
thoughts, and really it's just afun way to just explore your
ideas.
Speaker 2 (00:30):
Yeah, it really is like a judgment-free zone, you
know.
You can just write whatevercomes to mind, no pressure.
Speaker 1 (00:35):
And speaking of things that make writing
enjoyable, I have to bring upLestallion Journals.
I'm a huge fan.
Have you had a chance to checkthem out?
Speaker 2 (00:42):
I've heard great things.
Yeah, what is it about themthat makes them stand out for
new writers especially?
Speaker 1 (00:48):
Well, first of all, they're beautiful.
The faux leather covers come inall sorts of great colors, like
juniper green or rosé pink, andthen inside, the paper is so
thick and smooth.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
Ah, that's nice.
You can really tell he put alot of thought into the design.
Speaker 1 (01:03):
Yeah, it just feels so luxurious.
And it's not just about lookseither.
The thick paper means no bleedthrough, which is essential.
Speaker 2 (01:17):
Remember the time I was oh, tell me about it.
I used to have this flimsylittle notebook and I was always
so paranoid about the inkbleeding through.
Speaker 1 (01:20):
Exactly, it was the worst, but with Lestallion
journals you can use whateverpen you want and you never have
to worry about ruining the page.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
Yeah, that's a game changer.
And you know, I actually knewsomeone who completely gave up
on journaling because they hatedhow their pen would always
bleed through the pages.
Speaker 1 (01:35):
Really Wow.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
They just felt like well, if my thoughts aren't even
worth nice paper, why bother?
Yeah, it's amazing how much ofa difference a good journal can
make.
Speaker 1 (01:44):
Oh for sure.
And you know, lestallionjournals also have this built-in
table of contents and numberedpages, which I find so useful
for staying organized.
Speaker 2 (01:53):
Oh, that's smart, especially for new writers who
might be feeling kind ofoverwhelmed with all the ideas
they have swirling around.
It helps keep everything inorder.
Speaker 1 (02:01):
Totally.
It's like having a roadmap foryour creativity and then you
know how many times have you hada brilliant idea and you jot it
down on a scrap of paper andthen lose it all the time.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
Yeah, it's so frustrating.
That's why I love thatLestallion journals have a
little pocket in the back,perfect for stashing those
little bits of inspiration oranything you want to keep handy.
Speaker 1 (02:19):
It's like a little treasure chest for your ideas,
yeah it really is.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
And you know all of these features, they all kind of
work together to create thisenvironment that just makes you
want to write.
It just feels good to use them.
Speaker 1 (02:30):
Absolutely.
It's all about removing thoseobstacles and making the writing
process as enjoyable aspossible, which is, I think,
really important when you'restarting out 100%.
Speaker 2 (02:41):
And that leads us perfectly into our next topic,
the actual process of journaling.
What are some techniques thatnew writers can use to, you know
, really get the most out oftheir journaling experience?
Speaker 1 (02:54):
Well, one technique that I always recommend is free
writing.
Speaker 2 (02:57):
Oh yeah, free writing , that's a good one.
Have you ever tried that?
It's where you just set a timerfor, say, five or 10 minutes
and just write whatever comes tomind, without stopping or
censoring yourself.
Speaker 1 (03:08):
Yeah, it's amazing what can come out when you just
let go and let the words flow.
Speaker 2 (03:12):
It really is.
It's like a mental detox.
You're not worried aboutgrammar or punctuation or even
making sense, you're justgetting those thoughts out of
your head and onto the page.
Speaker 1 (03:21):
And sometimes those seemingly random thoughts can
lead to some really great ideas.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
Exactly, and I think that's the beauty of journaling.
It's not about creating aperfect, polished piece of
writing every time you sit down.
It's more about exploration anddiscovery.
Speaker 1 (03:34):
For sure, for sure.
It's about giving yourselfpermission to play, to
experiment, to be messy.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (03:41):
And in that messiness you often find those little
nuggets of gold.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
Absolutely.
It's like a treasure hunt foryour own creativity.
Speaker 1 (03:48):
That's a great way to put it.
So, have you ever used anyspecific journaling techniques
that have worked well for you?
Oh, definitely.
One that I find really helpful,especially when I'm feeling
stuck, is using writing prompts.
Have you ever tried those?
Speaker 2 (04:02):
Yeah, I love writing prompts.
They can be so inspiring.
It's like someone's giving youa little spark to get your
creative fire going.
Speaker 1 (04:08):
Exactly, and you can find them everywhere these days
online, in books, even on socialmedia.
But I have to say I've beenreally impressed with the
prompts on Listallion's blog.
They're really unique andthought-provoking.
Speaker 2 (04:21):
Oh, tell me more about that.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
Well, they're not your typical what's your
favorite color kind of prompts.
They're more like you know, ifyour protagonist could have
dinner with any historicalfigure, who would it be and why?
Speaker 2 (04:33):
Ooh that's a good one .
Speaker 1 (04:35):
Right.
They really get you thinkingabout your characters and your
story in a deeper way.
Speaker 2 (04:39):
That's so cool.
I can definitely see how thatwould be helpful for new writers
who are still trying to findtheir voice and figure out what
they want to write about.
Speaker 1 (04:48):
Yeah, it's all about digging a little deeper and
exploring those different layersof your story and you know, it
doesn't always have to be wordseither.
Sometimes I find it helpful tosketch out my ideas or create a
mind map.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
Oh, I love that Visualizing your story can be so
powerful.
I actually used to keep aseparate sketchbook alongside my
journal, specifically forbrainstorming and character
design.
Speaker 1 (05:09):
That's such a great idea.
I'm gonna have to try that.
Speaker 2 (05:12):
Yeah, it's a lot of fun and you know, it doesn't
have to be anything fancy.
Just some simple sketches ordoodles can really help to bring
your ideas to life.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
I totally agree.
It's all about finding whatworks for you and what helps you
tap into your creativity.
So you know we've been talkinga lot about journaling for new
writers, but I think it'simportant to remember that
journaling can be beneficial foranyone.
Speaker 2 (05:32):
Oh, absolutely.
Whether you're a seasonedwriter, a complete beginner or
just someone who enjoys puttingtheir thoughts down on paper,
journaling can be a reallypowerful tool.
Speaker 1 (05:42):
It's a way to connect with yourself, process your
emotions, work throughchallenges and just generally
make sense of the world aroundyou.
Speaker 2 (05:48):
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
And you know.
Speaking of making sense of theworld, I think one of the most
valuable aspects of journalingis its ability to help us
develop a sense of mindfulness.
Speaker 2 (05:58):
Oh, mindfulness.
Speaker 1 (05:59):
That's such a buzzword these days, but it's so
true it is, and it's so easy toget caught up in the hustle and
bustle of everyday life andforget to just slow down and be
present in the moment.
Journaling gives us a chance todo that to create a space for
quiet reflection andself-awareness.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
Absolutely.
It's like hitting the pausebutton on the world and just
taking a moment to breathe andbe with yourself.
Speaker 1 (06:20):
Yeah, it's a gift and you than be with yourself.
Yeah, it's a gift and you know,I remember a time when I was
really struggling withself-doubt.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
Oh, we've all been there.
That inner critic can be soloud sometimes.
Speaker 1 (06:30):
It can.
And I was working on this newproject and I just kept telling
myself that it wasn't goodenough, that I wasn't good
enough.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
Ugh, I hate that feeling.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
Yeah, it was awful, but I started journaling about
it.
Just awful, but I startedjournaling about it, just
writing down all my fears andanxieties, and something amazing
happened.
Speaker 2 (06:46):
What's that?
Speaker 1 (06:47):
Just the act of putting those thoughts on paper,
of acknowledging them, somehowmade them less overwhelming.
Speaker 2 (06:57):
It was like I was taking away their power by
bringing them into the light.
Wow, that's so powerful.
Speaker 1 (07:00):
It was.
And as I kept journaling, Istarted to notice a shift in my
mindset.
I started to focus more on thejoy of writing, on the process
of creation, rather than on theoutcome, and that's when the
magic really started to happen.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
That's incredible.
It just goes to show you howtransformative journaling can be
.
It's like therapy for the soul.
Speaker 1 (07:19):
It really is, and you know, speaking of things that
are good for the soul, I had togive a shout out to the
Lestallion journal I was usingat the time.
It had this beautiful deep bluecover that just felt so calming
and inviting.
Speaker 2 (07:31):
Oh, I love that.
There's something so specialabout having a journal that you
really connect with that feelslike an extension of yourself.
Absolutely, and you know, as Iwas journaling in that blue
Lestallion, I started toincorporate more gratitude into
my writing.
Gratitude, that's such apowerful practice.
It can really change your wholeperspective.
It can.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
I would start each writing session by listing a few
things I was grateful for, bigor small, and it had this ripple
effect my writing became morepositive, more hopeful, more
authentic.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
That's so inspiring.
It sounds like journalingreally helped you to tap into a
deeper sense of self-awarenessand cultivate a more mindful
approach to your writing.
Speaker 1 (08:10):
It really did and, you know, that's something that
I think can benefit any writer,no matter what stage they're at
in their journey.
Speaker 2 (08:17):
Totally agree.
Journaling is a gift that keepson giving.
It's a way to nurture yourcreativity, connect with your
inner self and just generallymake life a little bit more
meaningful.
Speaker 1 (08:26):
Absolutely, and at the end of the day, isn't that
what we're all striving for Tolive a life that is full of
meaning and purpose?
Speaker 2 (08:32):
Beautifully said.
So for anyone listening who'sfeeling inspired to start
journaling, what advice wouldyou give them?
Speaker 1 (08:39):
I would say just start, don't overthink it.
Grab a notebook, grab a pen or,you know, treat yourself to a
fancy listallion journal, ifyou're feeling fancy, and just
start writing.
It doesn't have to be perfect,it doesn't have to be profound,
it just has to be you.
Let your thoughts flow, exploreyour ideas and see where the
journey takes you.
You might be surprised by whatyou discover.
Speaker 2 (09:00):
That's great advice, and remember that blank page is
not something to be afraid of.
It's an invitation, apossibility, a world of
potential waiting to be explored.
So go ahead, dive in and seewhat magic you can create.
Speaker 1 (09:14):
Thanks for joining us for this deep dive into
journaling for new writers.
We hope you found it helpfuland inspiring.
Speaker 2 (09:25):
Happy writing everyone.
Okay, so we've covered whyhaving a special journal, like
the ones Lestallion makes, canbe so helpful, but what about
actually, you know, using it?
What are some good ways for newwriters to get started with
journaling?
Speaker 1 (09:34):
That's a great question and that's the best
part.
There really aren't any strictrules when it comes to
journaling, but there aredefinitely some techniques that
can help new writers unlocktheir creativity.
Speaker 2 (09:44):
Like what.
Give me some examples.
Speaker 1 (09:46):
Well, one of my favorites is free writing.
Ever tried that?
Speaker 2 (09:48):
Oh, absolutely.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
Free writing is my go-to when I feel stuck Me too.
It's so freeing to just letyour thoughts spill out onto the
page without worrying aboutmaking it sound good or even
make sense.
Speaker 2 (09:58):
It's like a brain dump.
You're basically givingyourself permission to write
badly and sometimes in that messyou stumble upon those aha
moments.
Speaker 1 (10:08):
Right, and sometimes even those bad ideas can spark
something brilliant.
The important thing is just toget those creative juices
flowing.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
And that's where the real power of journaling lies.
I think it's not about churningout perfect prose every time
you sit down to write.
It's more about exploring yourthoughts and ideas in a safe
space without judgment exactly.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
And speaking of exploration, another technique I
find super useful, especiallyfor new writers, is using
writing prompts ah yes, writingprompts, those can be fun they
really can, and you can findthem everywhere these days
online and books, even on socialmedia.
But gotta say've got to say,the prompts on Lestallion's blog
are really something else.
Speaker 2 (10:46):
Oh, really, tell me about them.
Speaker 1 (10:48):
Well, they're not your typical, you know, describe
your dream vacation kind ofprompts.
They're a lot morethought-provoking, designed to
really make you think about yourcharacters, your world and even
the themes you're exploring inyour writing.
Speaker 2 (11:00):
I like that.
I think a lot of new writersstruggle with those bigger
picture aspects of storytelling.
You know they might have a coolplot idea but they haven't
quite figured out what the storyis really about yet.
Speaker 1 (11:10):
Yeah, exactly, and that's where prompts like what
secrets does your protagonistkeep, even from themselves?
Or if your story was a song,what genre would it be and why,
can really help.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
Those are great examples.
It's amazing how a simplequestion can unlock so much
depth and lead to some reallyinteresting explorations.
Speaker 1 (11:27):
For sure, and you know, it doesn't always have to
be just words.
Sometimes I like to sketch outmy ideas or make a mind map.
Speaker 2 (11:35):
Oh, totally Visualizing your story is so
powerful.
In fact, I used to have aseparate sketchbook that I kept
with my journal just forbrainstorming and coming up with
character designs.
Speaker 1 (11:45):
That's a cool idea.
My sister's a visual artist andshe's always saying that
drawing helps her to see herstories in a new way, and that
actually reminds me of anotherjournaling technique we haven't
touched on yet characterinterviews.
Speaker 2 (11:57):
Oh, I love those.
It's like you're having a realconversation with your
characters, getting to know themon a deeper level.
Speaker 1 (12:02):
Yeah, exactly, and sometimes they surprise you with
answers you never expected.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
It's true, it's almost like they have a mind of
their own.
I remember once I was doing acharacter interview and this
character I thought I knew sowell revealed a secret that
completely changed the directionof my story.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
Whoa, that's wild.
It just shows you the power oftapping into your subconscious
and letting your charactersguide you.
Speaker 2 (12:23):
It really does, and I think that's what makes
journaling such a powerful toolfor self-discovery, not just as
a writer, but as a person 100%.
Speaker 1 (12:31):
And speaking of self-discovery, one thing I
really appreciate aboutjournaling is how it encourages
you to reflect on your writingand see how far you've come.
Speaker 2 (12:39):
You know that's so important and so easy to forget
when you're caught up in thedaily grind of writing.
It's good to take a step backand appreciate your progress.
Speaker 1 (12:47):
Totally.
It's like you're creating a mapof your creative journey, and
that's another area where thoselistallion journals really shine
.
With those numbered pages and atable of contents, it's super
easy to go back to specificentries or track a certain theme
or idea.
Speaker 2 (13:01):
That's really helpful , especially when you're working
on a longer project, like anovel, for example.
You can see how your ideas haveevolved, how your characters
have grown, how your writingvoice has become, you know, more
confident.
Speaker 1 (13:18):
Absolutely, and sometimes just rereading old
entries can spark new ideas orgive you a fresh perspective on
a problem you're stuck on.
Speaker 2 (13:20):
It's like getting feedback from your past self.
Speaker 1 (13:23):
Right.
And who knows you better thanyour past self?
Speaker 2 (13:25):
True that, and you know we're often our own
harshest critics.
But looking back at our earlierwork with a little bit of
distance can help us see howmuch we've grown and what we've
accomplished.
Speaker 1 (13:34):
Couldn't agree more, and you know.
Speaker 2 (13:36):
speaking of growth, let's talk about another benefit
of journaling that I thinkoften gets overlooked
Mindfulness, mindfulness it'ssuch a buzzword these days, but
it really is so relevant towriters, isn't it?
Speaker 1 (13:48):
Yeah, it can be so easy as a new writer to get
wrapped up in the whole pressureof creating.
You know the hustle of it alland journaling.
For me it's like a pause button.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
Yeah, I get that.
It's that quiet space toconnect with yourself, you know,
away from the noise andexpectations of the world.
Speaker 1 (14:06):
Exactly, and that connection can be so powerful
Like I remember this one time Iwas really struggling with
self-doubt.
I had this idea for a novel,but I just kept telling myself
it was too ambitious, too silly,just not good enough.
Speaker 2 (14:20):
Oh, that inner critic can be brutal.
I think we've all been there atsome point, oh yeah, absolutely
.
Speaker 1 (14:25):
But, I started journaling about all my fears,
all those anxieties I wasfeeling, and you know what,
something really interestinghappened.
Speaker 2 (14:31):
What was that?
Speaker 1 (14:32):
Just the act of getting all those thoughts out
of my head and onto paper, itactually like made them less
scary.
Speaker 2 (14:39):
Wow, I can see that it's like you're taking away
their power by bringing them outinto the open.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
Yeah, exactly.
And as I kept journaling, Istarted to notice a real shift
in my mindset.
I was able to focus more on thejoy of writing, on the process
itself, rather than gettingcaught up in the results.
Speaker 2 (14:55):
I love that.
I think that's when the realmagic happens, when you can let
go of those limitations and justallow yourself to create.
Speaker 1 (15:07):
For sure.
And you know, speaking of magic, I have to mention the
Lestallion journal I was usingat the time.
I know we've talked about theirjournals already, but there was
just something about this one.
It had this gorgeous deep bluecover and it just felt so
calming and inviting.
Speaker 2 (15:17):
You know I get that Certain objects can have that
effect on us.
I have this favorite pen Ialways use for journaling and it
just feels right in my hand.
Speaker 1 (15:25):
I totally get that.
It's like having a trustedcompanion on your writing
journey.
And you know, as I was writingin that blue listallion, I
started to bring more gratitudeinto my writing.
Speaker 2 (15:35):
Oh, gratitude.
That's so powerful, isn't it?
It can really shift yourperspective and open you up to
so much more.
Speaker 1 (15:40):
Absolutely.
I would start each writingsession by just listing a few
things I was grateful for, bigor small, and it's like it had
this ripple effect my writingbecame more positive, more
hopeful and just I don't knowmore authentic.
Speaker 2 (15:54):
That's so inspiring.
It sounds like journalingreally helped you tap into a
deeper sense of self-awarenessand really cultivate a more
mindful approach to your writing.
Speaker 1 (16:03):
It really did, and I honestly think that's something
that any writer can benefit from, no matter where they are in
their journey.
Speaker 2 (16:09):
Totally.
Journaling is such a valuabletool for personal growth and
creative exploration.
It's a way to connect withyourself, process your
experiences and just let yourimagination run wild.
Yeah, and at the end of the dayisn't that what writing is all
about Sharing a piece ofyourself with the world.
Beautifully said so.
For anyone listening who's nowfeeling inspired to start
journaling, what advice wouldyou give them?
Speaker 1 (16:31):
I would say don't overthink it.
Just grab a notebook and a penor hey, treat yourself to a
beautiful Estallian journal andjust get started.
It doesn't have to be perfect,it doesn't have to be profound,
it just has to be you.
Let your thoughts flow, exploreyour ideas and see where it
takes you.
You might be surprised at whatyou discover.
Speaker 2 (16:51):
That's such great advice, and remember that blank
page isn't something to beafraid of.
It's an invitation, apossibility, a whole world
waiting to be explored.
So go ahead, dive in and seewhat you can create.
Speaker 1 (17:03):
Thanks for joining us for this deep dive into
journaling for new writers.
We hope you found it helpfuland inspiring.
Speaker 2 (17:08):
Happy writing everyone.
Hey everyone, Welcome back for another deep dive.
Today we're tackling somethingreally fun journaling for new
writers.
You know, so many writers haveall these amazing stories inside
them, oh yeah, but sometimesgetting them out onto the page
can be a little intimidating.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
For sure, that blank page can be a little scary
sometimes.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
Absolutely, and that's where journaling can
really come in handy.
It's a great way to overcomewriter's block, organize your
thoughts, and really it's just afun way to just explore your
ideas.
Speaker 2 (00:30):
Yeah, it really is like a judgment-free zone, you
know.
You can just write whatevercomes to mind, no pressure.
Speaker 1 (00:35):
And speaking of things that make writing
enjoyable, I have to bring upLestallion Journals.
I'm a huge fan.
Have you had a chance to checkthem out?
Speaker 2 (00:42):
I've heard great things.
Yeah, what is it about themthat makes them stand out for
new writers especially?
Speaker 1 (00:48):
Well, first of all, they're beautiful.
The faux leather covers come inall sorts of great colors, like
juniper green or rosé pink, andthen inside, the paper is so
thick and smooth.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
Ah, that's nice.
You can really tell he put alot of thought into the design.
Speaker 1 (01:03):
Yeah, it just feels so luxurious.
And it's not just about lookseither.
The thick paper means no bleedthrough, which is essential.
Speaker 2 (01:17):
Remember the time I was oh, tell me about it.
I used to have this flimsylittle notebook and I was always
so paranoid about the inkbleeding through.
Speaker 1 (01:20):
Exactly, it was the worst, but with Lestallion
journals you can use whateverpen you want and you never have
to worry about ruining the page.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
Yeah, that's a game changer.
And you know, I actually knewsomeone who completely gave up
on journaling because they hatedhow their pen would always
bleed through the pages.
Speaker 1 (01:35):
Really Wow.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
They just felt like well, if my thoughts aren't even
worth nice paper, why bother?
Yeah, it's amazing how much ofa difference a good journal can
make.
Speaker 1 (01:44):
Oh for sure.
And you know, lestallionjournals also have this built-in
table of contents and numberedpages, which I find so useful
for staying organized.
Speaker 2 (01:53):
Oh, that's smart, especially for new writers who
might be feeling kind ofoverwhelmed with all the ideas
they have swirling around.
It helps keep everything inorder.
Speaker 1 (02:01):
Totally.
It's like having a roadmap foryour creativity and then you
know how many times have you hada brilliant idea and you jot it
down on a scrap of paper andthen lose it all the time.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
Yeah, it's so frustrating.
That's why I love thatLestallion journals have a
little pocket in the back,perfect for stashing those
little bits of inspiration oranything you want to keep handy.
Speaker 1 (02:19):
It's like a little treasure chest for your ideas,
yeah it really is.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
And you know all of these features, they all kind of
work together to create thisenvironment that just makes you
want to write.
It just feels good to use them.
Speaker 1 (02:30):
Absolutely.
It's all about removing thoseobstacles and making the writing
process as enjoyable aspossible, which is, I think,
really important when you'restarting out 100%.
Speaker 2 (02:41):
And that leads us perfectly into our next topic,
the actual process of journaling.
What are some techniques thatnew writers can use to, you know
, really get the most out oftheir journaling experience?
Speaker 1 (02:54):
Well, one technique that I always recommend is free
writing.
Speaker 2 (02:57):
Oh yeah, free writing , that's a good one.
Have you ever tried that?
It's where you just set a timerfor, say, five or 10 minutes
and just write whatever comes tomind, without stopping or
censoring yourself.
Speaker 1 (03:08):
Yeah, it's amazing what can come out when you just
let go and let the words flow.
Speaker 2 (03:12):
It really is.
It's like a mental detox.
You're not worried aboutgrammar or punctuation or even
making sense, you're justgetting those thoughts out of
your head and onto the page.
Speaker 1 (03:21):
And sometimes those seemingly random thoughts can
lead to some really great ideas.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
Exactly, and I think that's the beauty of journaling.
It's not about creating aperfect, polished piece of
writing every time you sit down.
It's more about exploration anddiscovery.
Speaker 1 (03:34):
For sure, for sure.
It's about giving yourselfpermission to play, to
experiment, to be messy.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (03:41):
And in that messiness you often find those little
nuggets of gold.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
Absolutely.
It's like a treasure hunt foryour own creativity.
Speaker 1 (03:48):
That's a great way to put it.
So, have you ever used anyspecific journaling techniques
that have worked well for you?
Oh, definitely.
One that I find really helpful,especially when I'm feeling
stuck, is using writing prompts.
Have you ever tried those?
Speaker 2 (04:02):
Yeah, I love writing prompts.
They can be so inspiring.
It's like someone's giving youa little spark to get your
creative fire going.
Speaker 1 (04:08):
Exactly, and you can find them everywhere these days
online, in books, even on socialmedia.
But I have to say I've beenreally impressed with the
prompts on Listallion's blog.
They're really unique andthought-provoking.
Speaker 2 (04:21):
Oh, tell me more about that.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
Well, they're not your typical what's your
favorite color kind of prompts.
They're more like you know, ifyour protagonist could have
dinner with any historicalfigure, who would it be and why?
Speaker 2 (04:33):
Ooh that's a good one .
Speaker 1 (04:35):
Right.
They really get you thinkingabout your characters and your
story in a deeper way.
Speaker 2 (04:39):
That's so cool.
I can definitely see how thatwould be helpful for new writers
who are still trying to findtheir voice and figure out what
they want to write about.
Speaker 1 (04:48):
Yeah, it's all about digging a little deeper and
exploring those different layersof your story and you know, it
doesn't always have to be wordseither.
Sometimes I find it helpful tosketch out my ideas or create a
mind map.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
Oh, I love that Visualizing your story can be so
powerful.
I actually used to keep aseparate sketchbook alongside my
journal, specifically forbrainstorming and character
design.
Speaker 1 (05:09):
That's such a great idea.
I'm gonna have to try that.
Speaker 2 (05:12):
Yeah, it's a lot of fun and you know, it doesn't
have to be anything fancy.
Just some simple sketches ordoodles can really help to bring
your ideas to life.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
I totally agree.
It's all about finding whatworks for you and what helps you
tap into your creativity.
So you know we've been talkinga lot about journaling for new
writers, but I think it'simportant to remember that
journaling can be beneficial foranyone.
Speaker 2 (05:32):
Oh, absolutely.
Whether you're a seasonedwriter, a complete beginner or
just someone who enjoys puttingtheir thoughts down on paper,
journaling can be a reallypowerful tool.
Speaker 1 (05:42):
It's a way to connect with yourself, process your
emotions, work throughchallenges and just generally
make sense of the world aroundyou.
Speaker 2 (05:48):
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
And you know.
Speaking of making sense of theworld, I think one of the most
valuable aspects of journalingis its ability to help us
develop a sense of mindfulness.
Speaker 2 (05:58):
Oh, mindfulness.
Speaker 1 (05:59):
That's such a buzzword these days, but it's so
true it is, and it's so easy toget caught up in the hustle and
bustle of everyday life andforget to just slow down and be
present in the moment.
Journaling gives us a chance todo that to create a space for
quiet reflection andself-awareness.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
Absolutely.
It's like hitting the pausebutton on the world and just
taking a moment to breathe andbe with yourself.
Speaker 1 (06:20):
Yeah, it's a gift and you than be with yourself.
Yeah, it's a gift and you know,I remember a time when I was
really struggling withself-doubt.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
Oh, we've all been there.
That inner critic can be soloud sometimes.
Speaker 1 (06:30):
It can.
And I was working on this newproject and I just kept telling
myself that it wasn't goodenough, that I wasn't good
enough.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
Ugh, I hate that feeling.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
Yeah, it was awful, but I started journaling about
it.
Just awful, but I startedjournaling about it, just
writing down all my fears andanxieties, and something amazing
happened.
Speaker 2 (06:46):
What's that?
Speaker 1 (06:47):
Just the act of putting those thoughts on paper,
of acknowledging them, somehowmade them less overwhelming.
Speaker 2 (06:57):
It was like I was taking away their power by
bringing them into the light.
Wow, that's so powerful.
Speaker 1 (07:00):
It was.
And as I kept journaling, Istarted to notice a shift in my
mindset.
I started to focus more on thejoy of writing, on the process
of creation, rather than on theoutcome, and that's when the
magic really started to happen.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
That's incredible.
It just goes to show you howtransformative journaling can be
.
It's like therapy for the soul.
Speaker 1 (07:19):
It really is, and you know, speaking of things that
are good for the soul, I had togive a shout out to the
Lestallion journal I was usingat the time.
It had this beautiful deep bluecover that just felt so calming
and inviting.
Speaker 2 (07:31):
Oh, I love that.
There's something so specialabout having a journal that you
really connect with that feelslike an extension of yourself.
Absolutely, and you know, as Iwas journaling in that blue
Lestallion, I started toincorporate more gratitude into
my writing.
Gratitude, that's such apowerful practice.
It can really change your wholeperspective.
It can.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
I would start each writing session by listing a few
things I was grateful for, bigor small, and it had this ripple
effect my writing became morepositive, more hopeful, more
authentic.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
That's so inspiring.
It sounds like journalingreally helped you to tap into a
deeper sense of self-awarenessand cultivate a more mindful
approach to your writing.
Speaker 1 (08:10):
It really did and, you know, that's something that
I think can benefit any writer,no matter what stage they're at
in their journey.
Speaker 2 (08:17):
Totally agree.
Journaling is a gift that keepson giving.
It's a way to nurture yourcreativity, connect with your
inner self and just generallymake life a little bit more
meaningful.
Speaker 1 (08:26):
Absolutely, and at the end of the day, isn't that
what we're all striving for Tolive a life that is full of
meaning and purpose?
Speaker 2 (08:32):
Beautifully said.
So for anyone listening who'sfeeling inspired to start
journaling, what advice wouldyou give them?
Speaker 1 (08:39):
I would say just start, don't overthink it.
Grab a notebook, grab a pen or,you know, treat yourself to a
fancy listallion journal, ifyou're feeling fancy, and just
start writing.
It doesn't have to be perfect,it doesn't have to be profound,
it just has to be you.
Let your thoughts flow, exploreyour ideas and see where the
journey takes you.
You might be surprised by whatyou discover.
Speaker 2 (09:00):
That's great advice, and remember that blank page is
not something to be afraid of.
It's an invitation, apossibility, a world of
potential waiting to be explored.
So go ahead, dive in and seewhat magic you can create.
Speaker 1 (09:14):
Thanks for joining us for this deep dive into
journaling for new writers.
We hope you found it helpfuland inspiring.
Speaker 2 (09:25):
Happy writing everyone.
Okay, so we've covered whyhaving a special journal, like
the ones Lestallion makes, canbe so helpful, but what about
actually, you know, using it?
What are some good ways for newwriters to get started with
journaling?
Speaker 1 (09:34):
That's a great question and that's the best
part.
There really aren't any strictrules when it comes to
journaling, but there aredefinitely some techniques that
can help new writers unlocktheir creativity.
Speaker 2 (09:44):
Like what.
Give me some examples.
Speaker 1 (09:46):
Well, one of my favorites is free writing.
Ever tried that?
Speaker 2 (09:48):
Oh, absolutely.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
Free writing is my go-to when I feel stuck Me too.
It's so freeing to just letyour thoughts spill out onto the
page without worrying aboutmaking it sound good or even
make sense.
Speaker 2 (09:58):
It's like a brain dump.
You're basically givingyourself permission to write
badly and sometimes in that messyou stumble upon those aha
moments.
Speaker 1 (10:08):
Right, and sometimes even those bad ideas can spark
something brilliant.
The important thing is just toget those creative juices
flowing.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
And that's where the real power of journaling lies.
I think it's not about churningout perfect prose every time
you sit down to write.
It's more about exploring yourthoughts and ideas in a safe
space without judgment exactly.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
And speaking of exploration, another technique I
find super useful, especiallyfor new writers, is using
writing prompts ah yes, writingprompts, those can be fun they
really can, and you can findthem everywhere these days
online and books, even on socialmedia.
But gotta say've got to say,the prompts on Lestallion's blog
are really something else.
Speaker 2 (10:46):
Oh, really, tell me about them.
Speaker 1 (10:48):
Well, they're not your typical, you know, describe
your dream vacation kind ofprompts.
They're a lot morethought-provoking, designed to
really make you think about yourcharacters, your world and even
the themes you're exploring inyour writing.
Speaker 2 (11:00):
I like that.
I think a lot of new writersstruggle with those bigger
picture aspects of storytelling.
You know they might have a coolplot idea but they haven't
quite figured out what the storyis really about yet.
Speaker 1 (11:10):
Yeah, exactly, and that's where prompts like what
secrets does your protagonistkeep, even from themselves?
Or if your story was a song,what genre would it be and why,
can really help.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
Those are great examples.
It's amazing how a simplequestion can unlock so much
depth and lead to some reallyinteresting explorations.
Speaker 1 (11:27):
For sure, and you know, it doesn't always have to
be just words.
Sometimes I like to sketch outmy ideas or make a mind map.
Speaker 2 (11:35):
Oh, totally Visualizing your story is so
powerful.
In fact, I used to have aseparate sketchbook that I kept
with my journal just forbrainstorming and coming up with
character designs.
Speaker 1 (11:45):
That's a cool idea.
My sister's a visual artist andshe's always saying that
drawing helps her to see herstories in a new way, and that
actually reminds me of anotherjournaling technique we haven't
touched on yet characterinterviews.
Speaker 2 (11:57):
Oh, I love those.
It's like you're having a realconversation with your
characters, getting to know themon a deeper level.
Speaker 1 (12:02):
Yeah, exactly, and sometimes they surprise you with
answers you never expected.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
It's true, it's almost like they have a mind of
their own.
I remember once I was doing acharacter interview and this
character I thought I knew sowell revealed a secret that
completely changed the directionof my story.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
Whoa, that's wild.
It just shows you the power oftapping into your subconscious
and letting your charactersguide you.
Speaker 2 (12:23):
It really does, and I think that's what makes
journaling such a powerful toolfor self-discovery, not just as
a writer, but as a person 100%.
Speaker 1 (12:31):
And speaking of self-discovery, one thing I
really appreciate aboutjournaling is how it encourages
you to reflect on your writingand see how far you've come.
Speaker 2 (12:39):
You know that's so important and so easy to forget
when you're caught up in thedaily grind of writing.
It's good to take a step backand appreciate your progress.
Speaker 1 (12:47):
Totally.
It's like you're creating a mapof your creative journey, and
that's another area where thoselistallion journals really shine
.
With those numbered pages and atable of contents, it's super
easy to go back to specificentries or track a certain theme
or idea.
Speaker 2 (13:01):
That's really helpful , especially when you're working
on a longer project, like anovel, for example.
You can see how your ideas haveevolved, how your characters
have grown, how your writingvoice has become, you know, more
confident.
Speaker 1 (13:18):
Absolutely, and sometimes just rereading old
entries can spark new ideas orgive you a fresh perspective on
a problem you're stuck on.
Speaker 2 (13:20):
It's like getting feedback from your past self.
Speaker 1 (13:23):
Right.
And who knows you better thanyour past self?
Speaker 2 (13:25):
True that, and you know we're often our own
harshest critics.
But looking back at our earlierwork with a little bit of
distance can help us see howmuch we've grown and what we've
accomplished.
Speaker 1 (13:34):
Couldn't agree more, and you know.
Speaker 2 (13:36):
speaking of growth, let's talk about another benefit
of journaling that I thinkoften gets overlooked
Mindfulness, mindfulness it'ssuch a buzzword these days, but
it really is so relevant towriters, isn't it?
Speaker 1 (13:48):
Yeah, it can be so easy as a new writer to get
wrapped up in the whole pressureof creating.
You know the hustle of it alland journaling.
For me it's like a pause button.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
Yeah, I get that.
It's that quiet space toconnect with yourself, you know,
away from the noise andexpectations of the world.
Speaker 1 (14:06):
Exactly, and that connection can be so powerful
Like I remember this one time Iwas really struggling with
self-doubt.
I had this idea for a novel,but I just kept telling myself
it was too ambitious, too silly,just not good enough.
Speaker 2 (14:20):
Oh, that inner critic can be brutal.
I think we've all been there atsome point, oh yeah, absolutely
.
Speaker 1 (14:25):
But, I started journaling about all my fears,
all those anxieties I wasfeeling, and you know what,
something really interestinghappened.
Speaker 2 (14:31):
What was that?
Speaker 1 (14:32):
Just the act of getting all those thoughts out
of my head and onto paper, itactually like made them less
scary.
Speaker 2 (14:39):
Wow, I can see that it's like you're taking away
their power by bringing them outinto the open.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
Yeah, exactly.
And as I kept journaling, Istarted to notice a real shift
in my mindset.
I was able to focus more on thejoy of writing, on the process
itself, rather than gettingcaught up in the results.
Speaker 2 (14:55):
I love that.
I think that's when the realmagic happens, when you can let
go of those limitations and justallow yourself to create.
Speaker 1 (15:07):
For sure.
And you know, speaking of magic, I have to mention the
Lestallion journal I was usingat the time.
I know we've talked about theirjournals already, but there was
just something about this one.
It had this gorgeous deep bluecover and it just felt so
calming and inviting.
Speaker 2 (15:17):
You know I get that Certain objects can have that
effect on us.
I have this favorite pen Ialways use for journaling and it
just feels right in my hand.
Speaker 1 (15:25):
I totally get that.
It's like having a trustedcompanion on your writing
journey.
And you know, as I was writingin that blue listallion, I
started to bring more gratitudeinto my writing.
Speaker 2 (15:35):
Oh, gratitude.
That's so powerful, isn't it?
It can really shift yourperspective and open you up to
so much more.
Speaker 1 (15:40):
Absolutely.
I would start each writingsession by just listing a few
things I was grateful for, bigor small, and it's like it had
this ripple effect my writingbecame more positive, more
hopeful and just I don't knowmore authentic.
Speaker 2 (15:54):
That's so inspiring.
It sounds like journalingreally helped you tap into a
deeper sense of self-awarenessand really cultivate a more
mindful approach to your writing.
Speaker 1 (16:03):
It really did, and I honestly think that's something
that any writer can benefit from, no matter where they are in
their journey.
Speaker 2 (16:09):
Totally.
Journaling is such a valuabletool for personal growth and
creative exploration.
It's a way to connect withyourself, process your
experiences and just let yourimagination run wild.
Yeah, and at the end of the dayisn't that what writing is all
about Sharing a piece ofyourself with the world.
Beautifully said so.
For anyone listening who's nowfeeling inspired to start
journaling, what advice wouldyou give them?
Speaker 1 (16:31):
I would say don't overthink it.
Just grab a notebook and a penor hey, treat yourself to a
beautiful Estallian journal andjust get started.
It doesn't have to be perfect,it doesn't have to be profound,
it just has to be you.
Let your thoughts flow, exploreyour ideas and see where it
takes you.
You might be surprised at whatyou discover.
Speaker 2 (16:51):
That's such great advice, and remember that blank
page isn't something to beafraid of.
It's an invitation, apossibility, a whole world
waiting to be explored.
So go ahead, dive in and seewhat you can create.
Speaker 1 (17:03):
Thanks for joining us for this deep dive into
journaling for new writers.
We hope you found it helpfuland inspiring.
Speaker 2 (17:08):
Happy writing everyone.
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