Hey, fellow writer!
I know exactly how you feel when it comes to juggling everything that goes into a writing career.
(It can be a lot to handle, right?)
But no worries, I have a solution that has worked wonders for me – the bullet journal!
To be more familiar with the concept, a bullet journal is a customizable planner that lets you keep track of your tasks, goals, ideas and anything else that comes to mind.
It’s been a game-changer for my writing life.
In this guide, I’ll share some of my favorite tips and tricks for using a bullet journal to keep your writing life organized and stress-free. This is also perfect for beginners!
What Is An Author’s Bullet Journal?
If you’re a writer who struggles with keeping track of writing goals, deadlines, and ideas? You definitely need an author’s bullet journal!
This customizable planner is a game-changer for writers who want to take control of their writing life. With the simple and flexible bullet journal system, you can easily manage your writing projects in one place.
No more scattered notes and forgotten deadlines! Stay on top of your game and be more productive than ever before!
Supplies You’ll Need
Before you start, you must gather some essential supplies to make your journal successful. For starters, the two must-haves will get you started on your bullet journal journey.
Yes, you only need these two!
Once you have this, you’re ready to set up your bullet journal.
(It’s that easy)
Journal
Let’s talk about the backbone of your bullet journal! When selecting the perfect journal, you’ll want to choose wisely.
Consider opting for a notebook with dotted or grid pages, as it will allow you to create various layouts and drawings to suit your writing needs. You can even do a DIY bullet journal notebook!
Pens
Find a pen that feels comfortable in your hand. Some writers prefer to use different colors for various entries, adding a pop of personality to their pages.
So why not go wild and invest in a set of colored pens or markers to make your bullet journal stand out?
With the right notebook and pens, you’ll be all set to elevate your writing skills to new heights!
Great job on gathering your supplies!
Now it’s time to get started on the fun part. I’m just getting started!
5 Bullet Journal Spreads You Can Include As An Author
Bullet journaling is the perfect way to supercharge your writing game. Let me share six spreads tailor-made for authors to capture creative ideas and stay focused on their goals.
Enable your creativity and take your writing game to new heights!
1. Reading List
As an avid reader, I love to keep track of the books I’ve read and those I want to read in the future.
Creating a reading list spread in my bullet journal is great for keeping track of books I’ve read and want to read in the future.
I list all the books I want to read and include a rating system to track how much I enjoyed each book, along with notes and reviews.
Last year, I created a reading list in my bullet journal and listed all the non-fiction books I wanted to read.
I used my bullet journal to rate each book, take notes, and write my overall thoughts.
This helped me stay on track with my reading goal and reflect on my reading progress.
Keeping tabs on your reading goals and uncovering new books is an excellent method!
2. Story Ideas
As a bullet journaling writer, I love to capture my creative inspiration with a story ideas page in my bullet journal.
Whenever an idea strikes, I quickly jot it down based on genre or theme in the relevant section.
For example, one day, while people-watching in a coffee shop, I saw a woman with a unique tattoo on her wrist, which sparked an idea for a character in a mystery novel I was working on.
I quickly jotted down my story ideas page, and later, when I sat down to write, I had a fresh and exciting idea to work with.
So, if you’re a writer looking to stay inspired and fuel your writing with new and exciting ideas, I recommend creating a story ideas page in your bullet journal.
If you want to stay inspired, create a story ideas page in your bullet journal!
3. Character Profiles
A character profiles page helps me develop well-rounded and believable characters by jotting down details like their names, ages, occupations, personality traits, and backstories.
When working on a short story about someone who overcomes their fear of public speaking, I used a character profile to create a believable character with a background, anxiety, and motivations.
I wrote a more engaging and relatable story thanks to my character profile. If you want to create authentic characters, I recommend making a character profiles page in your bullet journal.
4. Plot Outline
A plot outline spread in my bullet journal helps me keep track of all the details in my story.
I start with a synopsis and break it into chapter summaries, including a timeline to ensure everything flows smoothly.
When working on a mystery novel, I used a plot outline to keep track of clues and suspects.
Thanks to my plot outline, I stayed organized and focused on my writing goals.
If you’re a writer who struggles with details, I recommend creating a plot outline spread in your bullet journal.
5. Writing Playlist
A writing playlist spread in my bullet journal helps me curate a collection of songs that inspire and motivate me.
When working on a scene in my novel where the protagonist has a breakthrough moment, I turned to my writing playlist and found a slow-building instrumental piece that matched the mood perfectly.
The song helped me get into the right headspace and write a powerful scene. If you’re a writer who needs help setting the air, I recommend creating a writing playlist spread in your bullet journal.
It’s a fantastic way to stay motivated and inspired!
If you’re an author looking to stay organized and boost your creativity, you’re in luck!
Bullet journaling can be a fun and creative way for authors to stay organized, track their progress, and cultivate their creativity.
Author’s Checklist In Your Bullet Journal
If you’re struggling to keep track of your writing goals and progress, an author’s checklist in a bullet journal has got you covered!
Here are some ideas for what to include in your author’s checklist:
- Set Writing Goals – Write down your writing goals, whether it be a word count, chapter completion, or specific project completion date.
- Create a Writing Schedule – Break down your writing goals into daily or weekly tasks, and schedule specific times for writing in your journal.
- Research – Create a list of research you need to conduct for your writing project, including books to read or articles to review.
- Outline – Create an outline for your writing project to ensure you cover all the necessary topics.
- Write – Track your writing progress by setting a daily or weekly word count goal and tracking your progress.
- Read – Read books in your genre to stay up-to-date with trends, styles, and techniques.
- Editing – Create a checklist for editing your work, including items like proofreading, fact-checking, and revising.
- Publish – Submit or Publish your work once done.
- Take Breaks – Finally, it is important to take breaks to avoid burnout. Add a reminder in your journal to take regular breaks and participate in self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
Just because the checklists above are listed doesn’t mean you must finish your writing piece quickly. The nature of your writing should determine the pace of your work, and quality should always be prioritized.
So, go ahead and put on the brakes if you need to.
Don’t rush the process – enjoy it!
Tips On Boosting Your Writing Productivity
Writing can be a challenging and time-consuming task, but using a bullet journal can help boost your productivity and make the process more manageable.
Here are some tips for using your bullet journal to increase your writing output:
Time-Blocking
Time-blocking my writing sessions in my bullet journal maximizes my productivity and makes writing a consistent habit.
It keeps me accountable and helps me make steady progress toward my goals.
Give it a try if you need help finding time for writing.
Time-blocking is like having a personal coach cheering you on and keeping you on track!
Using Writing Prompts
Writing prompts in my bullet journal jumpstart my creativity and help me get past writer’s block.
It’s like having a treasure trove of inspiration at my fingertips.
Recording my responses lets me track my growth as a writer.
Give it a try if you’re stuck or need a new challenge.
Writing prompts in your bullet journal will take your writing to the next level!
Track Reading Progress
As a writer, I use my bullet journal to track my reading progress and stay motivated. I list books to read, record the ones I’ve read, and add notes and reviews.
It’s like having a personal library of my reading journey.
Using a bullet journal is a fun and effective way to develop writing skills while staying engaged with reading.
Keeping Track of Writing-Related Expenses
Tracking my reading progress in my bullet journal is a game-changer for staying on top of my goals. I list books to read, record the ones I’ve read, and add notes and reviews.
It’s like having a personal librarian in my journal. This method helps me stay motivated and hold myself accountable.
Give it a try and take your reading and writing game to the next level!
Using Habit Trackers to Build Good Writing Habits
Creating a habit tracker in my bullet journal helps me build good writing habits and stay on track with my goals.
It’s like having a personal coach keeping me accountable and motivated.
I choose a specific goal and mark off each day I complete it.
Using a habit tracker is simple and effective, and it helps me see my progress over time. Let’s build those habits one day at a time!
Bullet journaling can boost your writing productivity and help you make progress on your goals.
It’s like having a superpower, keeping you organized, focused, and motivated.
Staying Inspired By Writing
Writing is a creative process; sometimes, it can be challenging to stay inspired and motivated.
Use your bullet journal to keep your creative juices flowing with these tips:
Keeping an Idea Bank
An idea bank is a dedicated space in your bullet journal where you can record all your writing ideas.
Use your idea bank to jot down snippets of dialogue, character descriptions, or plot points as they come to you.
This can be a great resource when you need help or are more inspired.
Creating Vision Boards
Reading is essential for any writing practice, and using a bullet journal is a great way to stay engaged with your favorite books.
Create a reading list of inspiring books, and use your journal to record notes and insights. It’s like having a personal library and book club all in one.
Using Writing Prompts to Spark Creativity
This can be a great way to spark your creativity and get your ideas flowing. Use your bullet journal to record your responses to essay prompts. You can also create your prompts based on specific themes or genres.
By staying inspired with your bullet journal, you can keep your creative juices flowing and make progress on your writing goals.
So, grab your journal and start getting inspired!
Download Our Bullet Journal Templates and Enhance Your Writing Practice Today!
Are you ready to up your organization game and take your writing practice to the next level?
Then check out our free bullet journal templates printable!
With these templates, you can kiss chaos and disorganization goodbye and say hello to clarity and focus. Our templates provide the structure to stay on track and achieve your writing goals.
We have everything to keep your writing practice organized and efficient, from symbols and colors to password logs.
Just imagine how great it would feel to approach your writing practice with a clear action plan, knowing exactly what you need to accomplish and how to get there.
Trust us. These templates are a game-changer for your writing life. You’ll be amazed at how much more productive and focused you become.
So why not give it a try?
Start enhancing your writing practice today with Bullet Journal Templates!
FAQs
Is Journaling Good For Writers?
Journaling is beneficial for writers as it allows them to practice their writing skills, generate new ideas, and reflect on their experiences and emotions. It can also help writers overcome writer’s block and develop a consistent writing habit. Overall, journaling is a valuable tool for writers looking to improve their craft.
How Do You Journal Like An Author?
Want to journal like an author? Here are some tips: write regularly, focus on details, and experiment with different styles. Use prompts to get started and be honest with yourself about your thoughts and feelings. Finally, take the time to review and revise your work, and watch your writing skills grow!
What Do Writers Write In Their Journal?
They might jot down creative writing, observations and reflections, ideas and inspiration, or use writing prompts to get started. Some even use their journals to set goals and track progress. Whether you’re a writer or not, a journal can be a great tool for exploring your creativity and reflecting on your experiences.
How Do You Organize A Writer’s Notebook?
Organizing a writer’s notebook can be a fun and personal process. Divide your notebook into sections and use dividers or tabs to easily find what you’re looking for. Consider using bullet points or headings, adding color or illustrations, and keeping a table of contents to stay organized and motivated. Make your notebook work for you!