Social media has become a big part of our daily lives over the last few years. Whether you are active on Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare and Yelp or you haven’t quite embraced social networking just yet, you can learn a lot about writing from the way people express themselves online. You can actually say a lot in a quick Facebook comment or a 140-character Tweet, but you have to learn to be concise.
Sometimes short, sweet and to the point is exactly what you need to bring to your personal journal writing. It challenges you to focus on what you really want to say without any small talk. Spend the next seven days writing brief bursts in your journal, as if you were writing a 140-character Twitter update.
Social Media Meet Journal Writing. Journal Writing Meet Social Media.
1. Commit to writing at least once every day for the next week – but don’t worry, each entry should take you just a few minutes! Make each entry two lines – approximately the length of a Tweet. For reference:
This is what 140 characters looks like. It is quick snapshot of feelings, ideas and highlights of a day. It can be funny, poignant or silly.
2. If you’re having trouble starting this new kind of journal writing, use these daily themes to spark your creativity.
Day 1: Highlight
What one experience stands out in your mind from today? What was most memorable, pleasant or entertaining?
Day 2: New idea
What creative or inspiring idea struck you today? What new goal or plan do you have in the works?
Day 3: Flavors
What was the most delicious or memorable food or drink you consumed today? What about it tickled your taste buds?
Day 4: Music
What song have you been humming to yourself today? What about it has made it stick in your head?
Day 5: Journal Writing
What kind of journaling mood are you in today? Bored, jumpy, introspective, talkative?
Day 6: People
Who is on your mind today? What made you think of an important person in your life?
Day 7: Emotion
What words first come to mind when you think of your emotional state today? What has had an effect on your feelings?
What’s on your mind? Share one of your two-liner journal entries in the comments! On Friday, we’ll pick one and you’ll win a ‘Perfect Health’ eWorkbook. Can’t wait to see yours! WriteON!