Pen to Page: How Journaling Fuels Storytelling, Episode 47

Donna Carbone
Jun 4
2 min read

In this episode, we explore how a simple journal can become a novelist’s most powerful tool. From unlocking character secrets to breaking through writer’s block, journaling helps writers tap into their deepest creative instincts. You’ll learn five practical ways journaling can support your novel at every stage—and get inspired with fresh prompts to spark your next breakthrough. Whether you're stuck in the middle or just starting out, this episode will help you turn the blank page into your best ally.

SHOW NOTES:

Five Journal Writing Methods to Support Novel Writing:

Brainstorm

Journaling allows you to freely explore story ideas, themes, and "what if" scenarios without pressure. This can lead to unexpected insights and help you discover the emotional or philosophical heart of a story.

Develop Characters More DeeplyWriting from a character’s point of view, or just journaling about them, can reveal their inner lives, motivations, fears, and backstories in a more intimate way than structured outlining.
Overcome Writer’s BlockJournal writing removes the need for perfection. It’s a private space where you can write without judgment, which often helps break through blocks and get the words flowing again.
Track Emotional & Creative ProgressKeeping a writing journal can help you reflect on your process, track struggles and breakthroughs, and stay motivated by seeing how far you’ve come.
Inspire Authentic Dialogue and VoiceJournaling in different voices—your characters’, your narrator’s, or even a fictional letter—can help you nail down tone, dialect, and authentic dialogue that breathes life into scenes.

SOURCES & LINKS:

Writing Down the Bones, Natalie Goldberg

Bird by Bird, Ann Lamott

Write for Your Life, Anna Quindlen

The Playful Way to Serious Writing, Roberta Allen

Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper, Sark

Scrivener

DO NOW:

Explore the recommended sources and choose one to get you started on your journal writing journey. Also access this FREE Download to give you some ideas throughout your novel writing process: Journal Writing Prompts for Novelists

Next Episode: Breaking Down The Handmaid’s Tale: From the Writer’s Lens

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

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