Writing Practice

Husb and I, writing together

I'm reading Judy Reeves "A Writier's Book of Days " with the intention to write from the prompts she supplies and become more comfortable writing. (Don't get your hopes up about  newly brilliant essays on this blog. You probably won't notice any difference!)

I bought this red leather journal in Italy. Perfect for writing practice.

I learned something huge on page 35 of Judy's book. I learned the difference between writing practice and journal writing. "Journal writing techniques focus on going within, writing feelings, reflections, thoughts and opinions, and provide a forum for processing emotions that rise from introspection." Like the morning pages of The Artist Way.
"Writing practice is about finding our voices and telling our stories in a creative way ---using the craft of writing and the expressive channels of language, imagery, metaphor...We employ the tools of the craft: dialogue, setting, point of view, mood...We practice to express ourselves and get better at our craft."

WHO KNEW? I did not know this! Needless to say, it changed my whole approach to my current writing, and following the prompts that Judy gives in her book. Honestly, I had no idea, there was a difference between journal writing and writing practice.
I liken my lack of knowlege on writing  to the students in my art classes that are brand new to art and art materials. They don't know frisket from brisket or gesso from jello!! And that's how I am. I wrote in college. period. I have written morning pages and journaled, but I've never done a writing practice. till now.

So who knows what will become of this. My husb has written in his journal since around 1994, as a way to help his aphasia, and practice writing and spelling and word finding. Now, writing is something we can do together sometimes. And who knows, I may well expand my vocabulary, you know?