How About “How To”? Have you ever wondered how books like “Computers For Idiots” became so popular? Don’t. Generally, people want to know how to do just about every conceivable thing you can imagine. You may have a creative way to cut corners in home improvement, gardening, or interior decorating. You may also have successful child rearing tools and techniques. Whatever it is, someone wants to read about it. All you have to do is write details.

As a first time writer, ultimate point to remember is you should always start with what you know or have personally experienced. Let words come, don’t analyze your thoughts while they are thoughts. Spending too much time rethinking can spoil a great work in making.

Stay personal. Write as if you are verbally telling story or having a conversation with a good friend. Maintaining a casual attitude keeps you relaxed and open to ideas and witty thoughts.

Let your first draft be a “free flowing” experience. Have fun with it. You can get technical later. If it hasn’t already, writing will become part of you. Not unlike riding a bike, more you write, better it gets, and more comfortable you’ll become. Let your inner source guide, direct and keep you on track. Do not hesitate to ask God to give you words to write and or what topic to develop. There is no better source of inspiration.

6. Create a positive feedback loop. As you continue to use journal as an opportunity to be with and learn about yourself, you will find that practice gains a momentum all its own. Discovering your own hidden depths piques your curiosity and stimulates you to continue, setting up a positive feedback loop between your conscious and unconscious mind.

7. Emphasize process rather than product. An important purpose of journal writing is simply expressing and recording your thoughts and feelings. Concentrate on process of writing -- keeping flow of words rather than worrying about result. If your goal is to have specific audiences read your piece, go back to it later and edit it. Use your journal as raw material for more polished writing.

8. Learn from your own experiences. It is always good to reread your entries a month or so down road. It demonstrates your growth -- a nice pat on back for all of us. Look for patterns and correlations. What improved, what stayed same? Learning from yourself is so much more gentler on self-esteem. Use objectivity to review your life from a different perspective with hindsight.

Relax, have fun, and don't forget to laugh! Journal writing is its own reward. Once you get started, your journal will become another one of your good friends -- one who is always available and never presents a deafening ear. Your journal loves you for being you.