Hello and goodbye (for now) from Monique

Well, today’s the last day of my guest blog. Must say that I’ve found blogging to be super fun. Many thanks to the readers (and writers!) who sent comments: Anita, Alyssa, Jennifer and Marissa (Marissa, that was a great idea about combining those two ideas I mentioned yesterday!!). All of you helped make my task more fun!
I thought today I’d talk a little about journal-keeping. I’ve been keeping a journal for almost ten years now, and for me, it’s become an important writing tool. I write for about 30 minutes first thing in the morning (well, right after brushing my teeth). I use my journal for all kinds of things: if I’m crabby, I complain (it usually makes me feel less crabby); if I have lots to do that day, I plan how I’m going to get everything done; if I’m in the mood to celebrate, I celebrate; and if I’m having trouble with a story, I talk about it — and often, I’m able to find a solution that way. Another thing I like about keeping a journal is that it helps keep the writing muscles limber. I rarely get writer’s block — I think because I’m always writing. So, if you haven’t tried working with a journal, you might test it out, too. Also, I’d like to recommend a book that’s proven very useful to me — many of you will know it already — it’s Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way. A writer friend gave me the book for my 40th birthday, and it was Julia Cameron who got me started on what she calls in her book “morning pages.”
Well, that’s it for me for today and for the week. I do have plans, however, to start a blog on the author website I’ve been working on. So watch the Orca Blogroll for my name — I’m hoping to be ready to “roll” by the end of September. This has been really fun. And of course, I’m looking forward to “meeting” Orca’s next guest blogger. Enjoy the weekend — and don’t forget to make time to read and write and tune in to stories.