diary entry assignment

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• Journal Writing

How to Write a Journal Entry

Last Updated: February 21, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Nicolette Tura, MA and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA . Nicolette Tura is an Empowerment Expert based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She holds a decade of experience creating change in various non-profits then went on to operate her own wellness business for 10 years. Most recently, she worked as a Therapy Associate to a chiropractic neurologist for 15 months working hands-on with patients, helping them heal from neurological disorders like concussions, long covid, migraines, and more. Nicolette guides groups and individuals on transformative meditation journeys and game-changing mindset management workshops and retreats on empowering everyone to keep expanding beyond past conditioning and self-limiting beliefs. Nicolette is a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher with a Psychology & Mindfulness Major, a NASM certified Corrective Exercise Specialist, and an expert in psychophysiology with experience in nervous system regulation and breath work. She holds a BA in Sociology from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master’s degree is Sociology from San Jose State University There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,854,611 times.

Keeping a journal allows you to record what’s happening in your life and to work through your thoughts and feelings. Sometimes, you might write a journal for school to help you deepen your understanding of what you’re studying. Fortunately, writing a journal entry is a simple process. First, choose a topic to write about, like what's happening in your life. Then, write an opening for your entry and express your thoughts.

Choosing a Topic

• This is a great way to help you document things you want to remember.
• For instance, you might write about something funny that happened at lunch, scoring the winning goal in a soccer game, or a fight you had with your friend. The events can be positive or negative.

• Let’s say you’re feeling sad because you’re going through a breakup. You could write about how you feel and what you’ll miss about the relationship. This will help you release your feelings so you can start to feel better .

• Write about what you’d like to do this weekend.
• Discuss a place you’d like to visit.
• Pretend that you found a fantasy creature.
• Write about something you want to change.
• Write from the perspective of your favourite book or movie character.

• A summary of a reading or lecture.
• Your analysis of the course material.
• Connections between topics you’ve studied.
• Personal connections you made with the coursework.
• Questions you have about the text or lecture.

Tip: Keep a journal for school focused on studying and analyzing your course material. For instance, you might summarize your coursework, record your reflections on it, and write down questions you have. Leave out how you feel about what you’re reading or studying.

Opening Your Journal Entry

• Your instructor has assigned journaling to help you deepen your understanding of your coursework and to improve your writing skills . Following their instructions will help you best achieve these goals.

• For instance, you might write, “July 24, 2019,” “07-24-19,” or “24 July 2019.”

• For instance, you might write “Good Beans Coffee House,” “School,” “Paris,” or “My bedroom” for your location. For the time, you could write the actual time, such as “12:25 p.m.,” or the time of day, like “Early morning.”

Tip: You usually don’t include a salutation when you’re writing a journal for school.

Expressing Yourself in a Personal Journal

• If mistakes really bother you, it’s okay to go back and correct them after you finish writing your journal entry.

• Turn a memory into a story.
• Record what you dreamed last night.
• Write a list, such as what you did that day or what you’re grateful for.
• Doodle or paste pictures into your journal.
• Record song lyrics or quotes that mean something to you.
• Write your own lyrics or a poem.
• Write in stream of consciousness.

• For instance, you’d write, “I went to lunch with Sari today,” not “Amy had lunch with Sari today.”

• For instance, let’s say you’re on vacation at the beach. You might include details like, “sea spray hitting my face,” “the smell of burning wood from bonfires on the beach,” “the taste of salt on my lips,” “the sun glinting off the surface of the water,” and “the shouts from other beach goers having fun.”

• With journaling, it’s more important to write often than to write a lot.

Drafting an Academic Journal Entry

• If you’re telling a story, try to follow a narrative structure to give it a beginning, middle, and end.
• Read over your journal entry before your submit it to check that it makes sense.

• For handwritten journals, your instructor may require that you simply fill up a page. Make sure you know the exact requirements so you can do your assignment correctly.
• If you’re struggling to think of something to write, make a mind map about the topic to help you brainstorm some new ideas.

• If you’re struggling with your grammar, visit your school’s writing center or ask your instructor about tutoring options. Additionally, you can find online programs that help you with grammar.

• This is especially important if you’re keeping your journal as a graded assignment.
• If you’re typing your journal entries in an online portal, there may be a spellcheck tool you can use. However, you should still proofread the entry to look for other errors.

Journal Entry Template

Community Q&A

• It’s best to write regularly so that journaling becomes a habit. To help you remember, write in your journal at the same time everyday. [19] X Research source Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• You can write about anything you want, so don’t feel like you can only write about how you feel. You might instead prefer to write about your daily accomplishments or what you enjoyed that day. Thanks Helpful 24 Not Helpful 4
• While you can use a paper journal, there are journaling apps and websites you can try. Additionally, it’s okay to use a word processor like Google Docs or Microsoft Word for journaling. Thanks Helpful 15 Not Helpful 8

• Since your journal is private, prevent people from reading it by keeping it in a safe place. If it’s a digital journal, you might even password protect it. Thanks Helpful 25 Not Helpful 3

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/title
• ↑ Nicolette Tura, MA. Empowerment Expert. Expert Interview. 23 January 2020.
• ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/
• ↑ https://www.readingrockets.org/article/journal-writing
• ↑ https://www.hamilton.edu/academics/centers/writing/writing-resources/journal-writing
• ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/assignments/writing-an-abstract-for-your-research-paper/
• ↑ https://www.niu.edu/citl/resources/guides/instructional-guide/reflective-journals-and-learning-logs.shtml
• ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/ready-set-journal-64-journaling-prompts-for-self-discovery
• ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/the-health-benefits-of-journaling
• ↑ https://www.bates.edu/biology/files/2010/06/How-to-Write-Guide-v10-2014.pdf
• ↑ https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1081806.pdf
• ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/style/connectingideas/
• ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/writing-therapy/
• ↑ https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/capitalization
• ↑ https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/proofreading
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/modern-minds/202301/10-good-reasons-to-keep-a-journal

About This Article

To write a journal entry, first find a quiet, comfortable spot where you won’t be disturbed. Take a moment to brainstorm what you want to write about. You can journal about anything, like your day, your dreams, work, school, friends, or an upcoming project. If you’re not sure, choose a writing prompt for your entry, like “What was your earliest childhood memory?” or “What is your biggest secret?” Open to a new page in your journal and write the date at the top. Then, start writing. Let your thoughts flow and don’t edit yourself. Write whatever comes to mind. It’s okay to be honest since nobody else will be reading what you write. Draw pictures if specific images come to mind while you’re writing. Try to journal for somewhere between 5 and 20 minutes every day. The more you journal, the easier it will become! Keep reading to learn how to write a journal entry for school! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to write a diary entry — 5 tips for beginners

If you’re new to keeping a diary and are finding yourself challenged with where to begin, try one of these tips, or several of them! One of the best things you can do when you’re starting something new is to be flexible with yourself and allow yourself to try several different avenues.

1. Try a similar prompt each time

Some diary apps, like Diarly, allow you to make customized templates for each new journal entry. Some people find that creating prompts for yourself to answer each day can be helpful in establishing a jumping off point for that day’s reflection. For example, you may ask yourself the following questions each day:

• What did I do today?
• What was one emotion I experienced during the day today? What prompted it?
• What is something I learned today?
• What is something I hope for tomorrow?

By answering the same questions each day, you’ll give yourself some structure with which to get into the practice of writing regular diary entries. Over time, you may find that you are so adept at reflecting through your writing that you don’t need to continue to use the same prompts. If that’s the case, that’s fine! Use the structure for as long as you feel like you need it, and be willing to adjust. The most important thing about a journaling practice is that it works for you.

2. Try a different prompt each time

The opposite of #1, this tip will allow you to explore something new every day. Some people are intimidated by not knowing what to write, whereas others are intimidated by having to write the same exact thing every day. If that sounds like you, it might help to have a different question you’re answering every day. You may think about asking, over the course of a week:

• What was the biggest thing that happened in my day? What activity dominated my time, or what issue dominated my thoughts?
• What is something that I would enjoy doing but I haven’t made the time to do? How would doing it make me feel? What would I need to set into motion to make it possible to do it?
• Think about one person in your life who made a difference for you. Write about that person. Who are they? How do you know them? What did they help you achieve?
• What is a decision you were recently faced with making? How did you decide what to do? What was the result of that decision?
• If you had to change one thing about how your day went today, what would it be? What do you think that change would result in?
• If there was one thing you could be sure would happen tomorrow if you just wished hard enough, what would it be?
• What was the best thing that happened to you today? Why did it happen? How did it make you feel?

3. Challenge yourself to be as honest as you can possibly be

A diary is all about working through your innermost thoughts and feelings. When you are just starting with a diary practice, however, it can sometimes feel unnatural to be open and honest with your feelings. What if someone reads them? If you’re using a digital diary in a computer, iPad, or iPhone app, you can password protect your diary, which should alleviate some of your concerns. Still, it can be difficult to wrap your mind around the concept of being totally open and honest right out of the gate.

It may help to challenge yourself to admit to one or two thoughts you’re having each entry. Remember, you’re only admitting these things to yourself, but putting them into your diary may be cathartic. If you feel yourself starting to avoid telling a truth to yourself through your diary entry, pause and recognize that feeling, and dig deeper. Release the truth into the diary entry, and feel good about it every time it happens. It means you’re making progress in your practice.

4. Write with abandon

At least once in your early diary-writing days, give yourself this assignment: for ten minutes, I am going to type literally every thought that comes to my mind, without trying to make sense of it or find any narrative or storytelling structure in it. As people, it’s in our nature to want to tell structured stories. But there is also value in allowing ourselves to express in a stream of consciousness. Letting yourself record a stream of thought for a certain period of time can be a really fulfilling exercise, and it can also fill the pages quite quickly. As long as you’re typing the whole ten minutes, words will come.

5. Don’t give up

If you find yourself sitting in front of your diary and you feel like you have nothing to say, don’t close the diary for the day. Doing so won’t get you to where you want to be, which is a daily diary writer who feels the benefits of journaling. Instead of giving up, write about the feeling of wanting to, and let that reflection take you wherever it wants to go next. Chances are, you’ll end up reflecting on something else, and in turn, you’ll be well on your way to creating a diary entry.

Diarly is secure, simple & beautiful. Start your digital journal today!

Lauren Harkawik

Lauren Harkawik is a journalist, essayist, and fiction writer based in Vermont. You can read her writing on her website.

Visit Lauren Harkawik 's website

How to Start a Diary Entry: Tips for Writing an Engaging Entry

Diary writing is a personal practice that has long been used as a tool for self-reflection, creativity, and memory preservation.

Whether you're new to diary writing or looking to refresh your approach, this guide provides you with tips and tricks for writing an engaging diary entry that will appeal to your senses and leave you with a sense of accomplishment.

Understanding the Purpose of a Diary

Before we dive into the specifics of diary writing, it's essential to understand why keeping a diary can be beneficial. At its core, writing a diary is a practice in self-reflection that can help you understand your thoughts, emotions, and actions. By gaining this understanding, you can work towards personal growth and enrichment. Additionally, keeping a diary can be a tool for preserving memories and experiences that you may have otherwise forgotten over time. Finally, writing a diary is an excellent exercise for boosting your creativity and improving your writing skills as it allows you to experiment with different styles and techniques.

Personal growth and self-reflection

Your diary can be a safe space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a non-judgmental and reflective environment. By writing about your experiences honestly, you can gain insight into your reactions and behavior, allowing you to work on areas where you'd like to improve or celebrate your growth.

Documenting memories and experiences

Keeping a diary is an excellent way to preserve memories that you may have otherwise forgotten. By documenting your experiences, you'll be able to look back on them and relive the memories and emotions attached to them.

Boosting creativity and improving writing skills

Your diary is an excellent tool for experimenting with different writing styles and techniques. You can utilize your diary to refine your writing skills, experiment with new techniques, and explore different perspectives.

Choosing the Right Format for Your Diary

One of the first decisions you'll need to make when starting a diary is the format. While traditional pen and paper diaries are still popular, there are many digital options available today, including apps and audio and video diaries.

Traditional pen and paper diaries

Pen and paper diaries are a classic format for keeping a diary. They provide a tactile experience that can be satisfying and help to make your diary feel more personal. Additionally, you can add photos, ticket stubs, and other mementos, which can make your diary feel even more special.

Digital diaries and journaling apps

Digital diaries and journaling apps are increasingly popular, and for a good reason. Digital diaries provide a convenient way to log your thoughts and feelings, and most apps include features such as password protection, backup and sync, and customizable templates. Popular diary apps include Journey, Day One, and Diaro.

Audio and video diaries

Audio and video diaries are a newer format that allows you to record your thoughts and experiences in real-time. Audio and video diaries are an excellent choice if you're more comfortable speaking than writing or want to capture the nuances of your voice or facial expressions. Services like AudioBoom and LifePoster are worth exploring if you're interested in audio or video diary writing.

Setting the Scene for Your Diary Entry

When writing a diary entry, it's essential to set the scene, so you have a clear understanding of the context in which you're writing. This will help you to capture the moment and express your thoughts and feelings more vividly.

Date and time

Start by writing down the date and time of your entry to provide some context for your thoughts and feelings. The date and time can help you to recall specific events or emotions that you experienced on that day. For example, if you're writing about a day when you received some good news, you can mention the date and time to help you remember the moment better.

Location and environment

Next, describe the environment in which you're writing. This could be your bedroom, a coffee shop, or an open park bench. Include any details about the location, such as sounds, smells, or sights, that help to place the reader in your world. For instance, if you're writing from a coffee shop, you can describe the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the sound of baristas calling out orders, and the chatter of people in the background. These details can help to create a vivid picture of your surroundings and transport the reader to where you are.

Moreover, if you're writing from your bedroom, you can describe the cozy feeling of your bed, the softness of your pillows, and the warmth of your blankets. You can also mention any decorations or personal items that make your room feel like home. These details can help the reader to understand your personality and interests.

Mood and emotions

Finally, take a moment to describe your mood and emotions briefly. This can give your entry an immediate sense of authenticity while helping readers empathize with your experience. For example, if you're feeling happy, you can describe the warmth in your chest, the smile on your face, and the positive thoughts that are running through your mind. On the other hand, if you're feeling sad, you can describe the heaviness in your heart, the tears in your eyes, and the negative thoughts that are consuming your mind.

Moreover, you can also describe the events or circumstances that led to your current mood. This can help the reader to understand the context of your emotions and provide a more complete picture of your experience. By setting the scene for your diary entry, you can create a more immersive and engaging reading experience for your audience.

Tips for Writing an Engaging Diary Entry

Diary writing is a beautiful way to express your innermost thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It is a personal journey that helps you understand yourself better. Now that you have set the scene, let's dive into some tips and tricks to help you write an engaging diary entry that will stand the test of time.

Be honest and open

The most important tip for writing an engaging diary entry is to be honest and open. Write about your struggles and your triumphs without fear of judgment. Pour your heart out on paper and let the words flow freely. Your diary is your safe space, and you should feel free to express yourself without any inhibitions.

Being honest and open in your diary can also help you reflect on your experiences and gain a deeper understanding of your emotions. It can be therapeutic and help you process your thoughts and feelings in a healthy way.

Use descriptive language and sensory details

Take the time to describe your experiences in detail. Use descriptive language and sensory details to create an immersive experience for readers. Describe the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings that you experienced. This will help your readers feel like they are right there with you, experiencing everything firsthand.

For instance, if you are writing about a beautiful sunset you witnessed, describe the colors of the sky, the way the sun looked as it dipped below the horizon, the way the air felt on your skin, and the sounds of nature around you. This will help your readers visualize the sunset and feel like they are experiencing it with you.

Incorporate dialogue and inner thoughts

Incorporating dialogue and inner thoughts into your diary entry can help bring your experience to life and provide deeper insight into your thoughts and actions. Write down conversations you had with others and what you were thinking during those conversations. This will help your readers understand the dynamics of your relationships and your thought process.

Similarly, writing down your inner thoughts and emotions can help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your experiences. It can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth.

By following these tips, you can write engaging diary entries that capture your experiences and emotions in a meaningful way. Happy writing!

Establishing a Consistent Writing Routine

Establishing a consistent writing routine is essential for developing a strong diary writing habit that will keep you engaged over time. Writing in a diary can help you process your thoughts and emotions, track your progress, and reflect on your life's events. However, it can be challenging to maintain a regular writing practice, especially when life gets busy. In this article, we will explore some tips for establishing a consistent writing routine that works for you.

Finding the Best Time of Day to Write

Some people are morning writers, while others prefer to write later in the day. Experiment with different times of day to find what works best for you. Consider your daily schedule and when you have the most energy and focus. If you have a busy morning routine, try writing in the evening when you have more free time. Alternatively, if you find that you're too tired or distracted in the evenings, try waking up earlier to write in the morning.

Remember, there's no right or wrong time to write in your diary. The most important thing is to find a time that works for you and stick to it.

Setting Realistic Goals and Expectations

Setting realistic goals and expectations for your writing practice is key to developing a sustainable diary writing habit. Start small and work your way up to more extended writing sessions over time. For example, you might start by writing for ten minutes a day and gradually increase your writing time to thirty minutes or more.

It's also essential to be realistic about how often you can write in your diary. While daily writing is ideal, it's not always feasible. If you're struggling to write every day, try setting a goal to write three or four times a week instead.

Creating a Comfortable Writing Space

Creating a comfortable writing space can help you get into the writing mindset and promote focus. Choose a quiet space with minimal distractions, and ensure your writing environment is clean, comfortable, and well-lit. Consider adding some personal touches to your writing space, such as photos, plants, or inspiring quotes to make it feel more inviting.

It's also essential to have all the necessary writing materials on hand, such as a pen and paper or a laptop. Make sure your writing tools are easily accessible so that you can start writing right away.

By following these tips for establishing a consistent writing routine, you'll be well on your way to developing a strong diary writing habit that will benefit you for years to come.

Overcoming Writer's Block and Common Challenges

Writer's block and other challenges can be a significant roadblock to developing a robust diary writing habit. However, it's essential to remember that these obstacles are normal and can be overcome with the right techniques and mindset. Here are some tips for overcoming these common challenges:

Freewriting and brainstorming techniques

If you're struggling to start, try freewriting or brainstorming. Set a timer and write freely for 10-20 minutes without stopping, editing, or thinking too much. This technique can help you get your creative juices flowing and generate new ideas for your diary. You can also try brainstorming with a friend or family member to get a fresh perspective on your writing.

Another helpful technique is to use mind maps to organize your thoughts and ideas. Start with a central topic or theme and branch out with related ideas and concepts. This method can help you see connections between different aspects of your life and inspire new writing topics.

Using prompts and inspiration from daily life

Using prompts and inspiration from daily life can help you take your diary writing in exciting new directions. Simple prompts like "today I'm grateful for" or "what I'm looking forward to" can be a great starting point for expanding your writing practice.

You can also draw inspiration from your surroundings, such as nature, art, music, or literature. Take a walk in your neighborhood and observe the sights and sounds around you. Or, listen to a new album or read a book and reflect on how it makes you feel. These experiences can spark new ideas and themes for your diary entries.

Embracing imperfection and vulnerability

Finally, the act of writing a diary is a vulnerable one. Embrace imperfection and vulnerability as you work through the challenges of diary writing. Know that each diary entry is an opportunity to learn and grow, even if it's not perfect.

Remember that your diary is a personal reflection of your thoughts and feelings, and it's okay to make mistakes or have off-days. Practice self-compassion and give yourself permission to write without judgment or expectation. Over time, you'll develop a more robust and fulfilling diary writing habit.

Reflecting on Your Diary Entries and Personal Growth

As you build your diary writing habit, take time to review past entries and reflect on your personal growth. Keeping a diary can be a great way to track your progress and gain insight into your thoughts and feelings. By taking the time to reflect on your past entries, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your journey.

Reviewing past entries for insights and patterns

When reviewing your past diary entries, look for patterns or recurring themes. Are there certain topics or emotions that come up frequently? Are there any insights you can gain from these patterns? By identifying these patterns, you can start to understand your thoughts and behaviors more clearly.

Additionally, look for moments of growth or change in your past entries. Have you overcome any challenges or achieved any goals? Celebrate these moments and use them as motivation to continue growing and improving.

Celebrating progress and achievements

It's important to celebrate your progress and achievements as you work through your diary writing practice. Recognize the growth you've made and remember the lessons you've learned along the way. Celebrating your achievements can help you stay motivated and continue working towards your goals.

Remember, progress is not always linear. There may be setbacks or challenges along the way, but it's important to keep going and celebrate the small victories.

Using your diary as a tool for self-improvement

Your diary is a powerful tool for self-improvement and personal growth. Use it to explore your thoughts and feelings, set goals, and track your progress. By writing in your diary regularly, you can gain insight into your patterns of behavior and thought, and work to make positive changes in your life.

Try setting aside a specific time each day or week to write in your diary. Make it a habit, and use it as a way to check in with yourself and reflect on your progress. Over time, you'll start to see the benefits of this practice in your personal and professional life.

Diary writing is a personal practice that can bring you significant benefits in terms of personal growth, creativity, and memory preservation. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this guide, you can develop a meaningful and engaging diary writing practice that will enhance your daily life. Remember to stay honest and open, experiment with different formats and techniques, and embrace imperfection and vulnerability as you work towards personal growth and improvement.

Michelle Chira

Shadow work journal.

Copyright © The Smart Read| We are a media company based in Barcelona, Spain.

How to Write a Diary Guide

• How To Start and Write a Diary

A diary is a private place where you can keep your thoughts, feelings and opinions on everything from work to school and everywhere in between. There are all different types of diaries, like food diaries , health diaries or academic diaries . But your diary doesn’t have to be specific if you don’t want it to be, it can also just be a place where you write about whatever you want. If you’re just getting started, maybe you haven’t decided what you want to write about, and that’s fine. That is what we are here for – to help you with all those moments of writer’s block you may be having. Our tips can help guide you and inspire you. Let’s begin!

How to Start a Diary

To start a diary, all you need is a willingness to write. Start by figuring out what you want to write in your journal. If you aren’t sure, simply start writing and see where that leads. It can also be useful to set a time limit in your early writing sessions. Set an alarm for 10 to 20 minutes and start writing.

Keeping a diary is a great way to record your growth and personal development. More entries will allow you to look back and see what has changed over time. The earlier you start, the more grateful you will be later on.

8 Tips When Starting a Diary

Writing can be hard and getting started is usually the hardest part. If you feel like you don’t know how to write a diary entry, don’t stress over it. You can start writing about anything. You can even write about how you can’t think of anything to write. Once you start getting words out, they will start to flow naturally.

1. Decide to write

First, you need to decide you want to start a diary. Once you have decided you want to dedicate time to creating a diary, starting one will be easy.

2. Decide what to write

This is definitely the hardest part when writing a diary, but it is probably the most important. If you want your diary to be specific, decide what topic you would like to discuss during your entries. You can create multiple diaries for different topics, or just have one diary that has everything. Generally, diaries are personal and private thoughts, but they can also be a great way to keep track of personal musings on anything you would like:

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but if you would rather keep your diary more general, it is totally up to you!

3. Create a schedule

Starting a diary requires that you write in it frequently, but it is up to you to decide how frequently you want to write in it. Whether it be once a day or once a week, create a schedule that you can adhere to. The more you can make writing in your diary a part of your routine, the more comprehensive and helpful a practice it will become.

When you have decided what you want write in your diary, decide on a writing schedule that is appropriate for the topic. For example, if you want your diary to be general, maybe you want to decide to write in it at a certain time everyday, like right before you go to bed. If you want your writings to be more specific, like about food, maybe you will write in it every time you cook or find a new recipe. Make your schedule work for you and your topic.

4. Set a time limit

It is easy to get carried away and write too much when diary writing. A way to stay concise and on track is to set a time limit for your writing. Depending on how much you want to write, set a time limit that reflects that. Somewhere between 30 minutes and an hour is ideal. If you feel like you want to spend more time than that, feel free.

5. Date your entries

The great thing about a diary is that you are able to look back through it and see how you have progressed over time. It is important to date every entry you write. Luckily, Penzu dates your entries automatically.

6. Create an introductory entry

For your first diary entry, try to write an introduction to what your diary will be about. Introduce yourself, what things interest you, what you think it important and what you want this dairy to be about. Open up and be yourself.

7. Act like you’re writing to a trusted friend

Wondering how to write a diary entry? The best way to write is as if you’re talking to your best friend. This is your personal diary, for your eyes only, so you should feel comfortable writing as if you’re talking to a trusted companion. As cliché as “Dear Diary” may sound, it can really lead you in the write direction in terms of the tone you should be writing in. The goal of a diary is to discuss things honestly and candidly, as if you were talking through them with a best friend or family member.

8. Have fun!

Writing in your diary should never be a chore or a burden, so remember to have fun with it. It can be a place of solace, a place of creativity, a place of reflection, a place where your thoughts can roam free. When starting a diary, make sure you are writing about things you care about and are passionate about because. As long as you enjoy what you’re writing and the process of it, you will never miss an entry!

Writing Diary Entries

Diary entries can be long. They can be short. They can be specific. They can be broad. Whatever type of diary you decide to write should relate to the entries within it.

Your diary entries should be shorter narratives, and here are 8 tips to consider when writing entries:

1. Brainstorm what you’re going to write about

Take a few minutes before you begin writing to decide what you’re entry is going to be about. Hopefully you have already decided what your diary is about, so dig a bit deeper into the topic or topics you have decided to focus on and get specific.

2. Ask yourself questions

To get yourself writing, ask yourself questions:

• What did you learn today?
• What do you want to accomplish?
• What do you want to fix?
• How are you feeling?

These can relate to your general life, or specific parts of it, but turn inward and ask yourself things.

3. Write down your answers

Your diary entry can be your answers to the questions you have asked yourself. This is a great way to get writing when you don’t know what to write about.

4. Pick a format

Your entries can be in all different types of formats, depending on what you’re writing about. Maybe you are making a list of things you want to accomplish in your future. Maybe you’re writing about a conversation you had, or wish you had. Maybe your entry is just bullet points of thought you have had that day. Some people prefer writing in short notes, others like writing in detailed paragraphs. Decide what you enjoy most and go for it.

5. Make them different

Try and have a variety of different entries, so you don’t get bored. You may be writing about a certain type of topic, but you never want to write the same entry. Differentiating your entries will also highlight progresses you’ve made and things you have learned.

6. Don’t be hard on yourself while you’re writing

Your diary is a judgement-free zone, so don’t feel like they need to be perfect. Let the words flow.

7. Keep your thoughts in order

Your entries date themselves, so you know when you write what, but also try and keep your thoughts in order. Your diary will become a journey as you add more entries, try to keep the narrative something you can follow. For example, try to write about events in the sequence they happened. Avoid jumping around.

8. Get your creative juices flowing

Your entries don’t just have to be words, Penzu also let’s you add pictures. Adding some visuals to your entries will add some colourful and vibrant reminders.

To Write a Diary Entry with Penzu

Penzu offers easy-to-use diary software , so you can create a digital diary that can be accessed anywhere.

• Go to Penzu.com to create a free account.
• Create a login and password you will easily remember.
• Design your online diary to reflect your personality and your diary’s topic.
• Give your journal a meaningful name.
• Adjust your privacy setting to suit your preferences.
• Choose ‘New Entry’ and begin writing!

Tips for New Journal Writers

Is this your first time keeping a diary? Don’t worry. There is a first time for everything. Here are some things to help you get the ball rolling:

Get excited

Look forward to starting a diary. It is both a fun and productive habit.

Reflect on yourself, the people around you and what you believe is most important. Once you look back, then you can move forward.

Unstructured writing is probably the best way to start writing. Once you get into the habit of keeping a diary, you will then feel more comfortable with structure.

Keys To Successfully Writing a Diary

A diary is a personal journey and should not be compared to any other writings, but here are a few way you can get the most out of your experience.

Your diary is for your eyes only, so be honest with yourself. Don’t hide anything or hold back.

Be frequent

The more often you write, the better.

Don’t try to write a certain way, just be yourself.

Like we said in the beginning, the earlier you start keeping a diary, the more grateful you will be later on, so sign-up with Penzu today!

There's no time like the present - start your free online journal today!

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Diary Basics

What is a Diary?

What are Diary Entries?

Diary Types

Diary Software

Diary Template

Digital Diary Guide

Ideas for Diaries

• School Diary

Unlike printed diaries, which we agree are pretty “bleh”, electronic school diaries are much more customizable and some have multiple categories pre-set for you.

Write about your work experiences to reflect on your professional life to track your day-to-day work, consider career opportunities, set milestones, and achieve your goals.

Secret Diaries

Everybody has certain things they don't wish to share with others. That's why a secret diary is so important to many people.

• Electronic Diary

Whatever your reasons for keeping a diary, you will surely appreciate the ease and convenience of an electronic diary.

Academic Diary

An academic diary can take some the stress and hassle out of your life by making sure you manage your responsibilities for school better.

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Module 1: Success Skills

Assignment: writing in college journal entry.

https://youtu.be/RH95h36NChI

The video above discusses beliefs students hold about college and demonstrates how those beliefs relate to test performance. Consider how beliefs might also impact a student’s performance on writing assignments.

Develop a 200–400 word journal entry that identifies three beliefs, mentioned in the video or discovered through your own observations, that relate to a student’s ability to write academic essays. Explain how these beliefs might be adjusted through the practice of metacognition to improve writing results.

Worked Example

Journal entry assignments tend to be more flexible than other types of writing assignments in college, and as a result they can be tailored to your own experiences as long as they answer the primary questions asked in the assignment.

One model of a successful entry about this topic can be found below. Feel free to include your own experiences and examples from real life as they pertain to the issue at hand.

Writing in College Journal Entry by Sandy Brown Belief: Learning is fast Related to writing essays, I could see how I could easily fall into this trap of thinking that fast is good. I have such limited time in the day to work on school assignments, that I think that whatever I can manage to get done must be the best possible work that I’m capable of doing. I should allow myself more time, though that’s easier said than done. Even with smaller writing assignments, like this one, if I give myself a day or two to sketch out ideas for what I want to say, and then reflect on it before writing it, I think I’ll do a much better job in the long run. Belief: I’m really good at multi-tasking This one is very related to the “learning is fast” idea. Watching the girl in the video do a million things while she’s studying is just like watching my own kids at night! And I’m pretty guilty of this, as well. If I can set aside a quiet part of my night, and just focus on only one assignment at a time, I think I’ll do a lot better with my writing overall. And I’ll be happier with the results. Belief: Being good at a subject is a matter of inborn talent This is actually not a belief I personally hold. I always loved to read growing up, and I still do read fiction as much as time allows. But working as a business administrator for the past 15 years has shown me that I’m pretty good with numbers and bookkeeping, too, which I wouldn’t have guessed before this job. One of my daughters is very drawn towards English and writing, and another struggles with it. They both seem to feel this is a matter of fate. I’m going to share this video with them, because I think there are ways that my daughter who struggles can be empowered to think that she CAN get better at writing, if she just keeps practicing. (This is also something I’m going to do myself…I’m very out of practice with writing for school!)

• Revision and Adaptation. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution
• Writing Strategies. Provided by : Lumen Learning. Located at : https://courses.candelalearning.com/lumencollegesuccess/chapter/writing-strategies/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
• How to Get the Most Out of Studying: Part 1 of 5, Beliefs That Make You Fail... Or Succeed. Authored by : Samford Office of Marketing and Communication. Located at : https://youtu.be/RH95h36NChI . License : All Rights Reserved . License Terms : Standard YouTube License

Writing historical diary entries based on real journals

by Kim Kautzer | Feb 20, 2017 | High school , Writing Across the Curriculum

Writing historical diary entries is not only a practical writing assignment, but it’s an activity that makes history come alive!

A while back, I talked about how much our family enjoyed using journaling ideas for writing across the curriculum . Even though the journaling tips and examples would work for all ages, they are especially effective with younger children, even pre-readers.

Study Real Historical Journals

For for a project that springboards from actual historical journals —true living books written by men and women who experienced the times—students will be writing historical diary entries of their own.

Because of the more challenging vocabulary found in most old journals, we recommend this activity for high-school aged students . Some mature junior highers with advanced reading skills could do this as well. Take care to guide them toward appropriate sources.

Write Diary Entries 

• Historical journals, narratives, and diaries abound, both in books and online. Have your teens read the actual narrative or journal of a person you’re learning about in history.
• Ask them to choose five key events or times in this person’s life.
• Then, in their own words, have them write five diary entries for those pivotal times or incidents. Instruct them to write in the voice of the historical figure, putting themselves in that person’s shoes and writing in first person.
• Each diary entry must include the time and location.
• When the incident is a major historical event, have students highlight the role the person played.
• For context and understanding, instruct them to weave background information into their diary entries.

Find Online Resources for Historical Journals and Diaries

Below you’ll find some links to resources for online journals your teens can use when writing their historical diary entries. To ensure that diary content is age-appropriate for a child, we strongly recommend parent preview or supervision.

Diary File – These digitized diaries make it so much easier for students to read and understand often-illegible journal entries. For added interest, several of the diaries have been written by teens.

The Diary Junction  –  Internet resource linking to hundreds of historical diaries. Search alphabetically or chronologically

American Slave Narratives: An Online Anthology

First-Person Narratives of the American South

American Journeys: Eyewitness Accounts of Early American Exploration and Settlement  –  Columbus, Cartier, Sir Frances Drake, Lewis and Clark, many more

Looking for a more structured program to incorporate writing across the curriculum into writing lessons? WriteShop I & II lessons help homeschool teens learn important techniques of writing style and structure while offering flexibility of topics.

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3.38: Assignment- Writing in College Journal Entry

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https://youtu.be/RH95h36NChI

The video above discusses beliefs students hold about college and demonstrates how those beliefs relate to test performance. Consider how beliefs might also impact a student’s performance on writing assignments.

Develop a 200-400 word journal entry that identifies three beliefs, mentioned in the video or discovered through your own observations, that relate to a student’s ability to write academic essays. Explain how these beliefs might be adjusted through the practice of metacognition to improve writing results.

Worked Example

Journal entry assignments tend to be more flexible than other types of writing assignments in college, and as a result they can be tailored to your own experiences as long as they answer the primary questions asked in the assignment.

One model of a successful entry about this topic can be found below. Feel free to include your own experiences and examples from real life as they pertain to the issue at hand.

Writing in College Journal Entry

by Sandy Brown

Belief: Learning is fast

Related to writing essays, I could see how I could easily fall into this trap of thinking that fast is good. I have such limited time in the day to work on school assignments, that I think that whatever I can manage to get done must be the best possible work that I’m capable of doing. I should allow myself more time, though that’s easier said than done. Even with smaller writing assignments, like this one, if I give myself a day or two to sketch out ideas for what I want to say, and then reflect on it before writing it, I think I’ll do a much better job in the long run.

Belief: I’m really good at multi-tasking

This one is very related to the “learning is fast” idea. Watching the girl in the video do a million things while she’s studying is just like watching my own kids at night! And I’m pretty guilty of this, as well. If I can set aside a quiet part of my night, and just focus on only one assignment at a time, I think I’ll do a lot better with my writing overall. And I’ll be happier with the results.

Belief: Being good at a subject is a matter of inborn talent

This is actually not a belief I personally hold. I always loved to read growing up, and I still do read fiction as much as time allows. But working as a business administrator for the past 15 years has shown me that I’m pretty good with numbers and bookkeeping, too, which I wouldn’t have guessed before this job.

One of my daughters is very drawn towards English and writing, and another struggles with it. They both seem to feel this is a matter of fate. I’m going to share this video with them, because I think there are ways that my daughter who struggles can be empowered to think that she CAN get better at writing, if she just keeps practicing. (This is also something I’m going to do myself…I’m very out of practice with writing for school!)

• Revision and Adaptation. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution
• Writing Strategies. Provided by : Lumen Learning. Located at : https://courses.candelalearning.com/lumencollegesuccess/chapter/writing-strategies/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
• How to Get the Most Out of Studying: Part 1 of 5, Beliefs That Make You Fail... Or Succeed. Authored by : Samford Office of Marketing and Communication. Located at : https://youtu.be/RH95h36NChI . License : All Rights Reserved . License Terms : Standard YouTube License

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Common Assignments: Review and Revise

Review and revise.

After writing your jounal enty, review your ideas by asking yourself:

• Is my main idea clear and relevant to the assigned topic?
• Does my journal entry demonstrate evidence that I have read and thought critically about required readings, experiences, events, or issues?
• Have I proposed a unique perspective that is supported well?
• Do I support my claim with required readings or other credible outside sources?
• Have I used a scholarly tone, complete sentences, and adhered to other specific assignment requirements?
• Have I self-edited and proofread my response for grammar, style, and structure?

Didn't find what you need? Email us at [email protected] .

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Guide Contributors

Basic Journal Assignment Example

Here is an example of a basic journal assignment:

Short writing assignments for a personal journal will be required for all readings. Additional assignments will be given frequently in class and for homework throughout the semester. In addition, it must be kept up to date. You may be asked to read journal entries for the class. Consequently, your journal must be brought to every class. Journal writings will not be graded for quality as a paper would be. If you have completed all assigned journal entries in a sincere manner, you will receive full credit for the journal in your final grade. That credit will be lessened only if you are lacking certain journal entries, or your entries are unacceptably brief or intentionally do not address the topic. The journal will not be judged negatively for unintentional errors in writing or punctuation. In other words, the journal is one place where a better writer will not necessarily get a better grade. The journal rewards effort and participation. It provides an opportunity to succeed no matter where you are starting from if you sincerely dedicate yourself.