on The Write Life:

Since I could write, I have kept a journal. I’d write down everything from thoughts about the day to goals and to-do lists. Over the years my journals changed forms from a “Dear Diary” style to a book filled with story ideas. Whenever I think about journal prompts for writers, I’m reminded of these sweet times when I would be hit with inspiration while sitting around, waiting for a train or reflecting on a memory.

Although much of my musing and hastily-scrawled notes were unfit for public viewing, I’m also forever amazed at how the simple act of free writing can unlock creativity in a way nothing else seems to.

However, once I started writing for a living, my creative journaling fell by the wayside. It wasn’t intentional, and it was always something I meant to get back into, but as writing became more work than fun, these special moments of inspiration seemed to dry up.