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:

1. 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.

1. Develop Characters More Deeply Writing 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.
2. Overcome Writer’s Block Journal 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.
3. Track Emotional & Creative Progress Keeping a writing journal can help you reflect on your process, track struggles and breakthroughs, and stay motivated by seeing how far you’ve come.
4. Inspire Authentic Dialogue and Voice Journaling 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

Srivener

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

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

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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Author Jenn Bouchard is a member of Grub Street and the Women Fiction Writers' Association, as well as a board member for her local Dollars for Scholars chapter. She is an avid cook and is always planning her next adventure. FIRST COURSE was published in 2021 by TouchPoint Press and released as an audiobook in 2023 by Tantor Audio. It is now available in a second edition through Coastal Whisk. You will find her short stories in The Bookends Review, Litbreak Magazine, The Penmen Review, MARY, the Little Patuxent Review, and FOLIO. She also teaches short story classes for adults in the Boston suburbs. Her second novel, CONSIDERING US, was published on February 6, 2025 by Black Rose Writing.

SHOW NOTES:

Considering Us, February 6, 2025, Black Rose Writing

Overview

Inspiration

First Course

Food Motif

Publishing the first novel versus the second

On being a writer

Path to publishing

Planning events

Early inspiration for writing a novel

Juggling teacher, author, mom roles

Advice for new authors

Next novel

SOURCES & LINKS

Jenn’s Website: jennbouchard.com

Jenn’s Socials: Facebook, Instagram, X, BlueSky: @JennBouchardBOS

The Author’s Guild

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

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

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

In this episode, we dive deep into the best resources for writers at every stage of their journey. Whether you're plotting your first novel or preparing for a book launch, we've got you covered with expert recommendations and actionable advice. Tune in for a treasure trove of writing wisdom and get one step closer to achieving your publishing goals!

SHOW NOTES:

Books on Craft Master the art of structure, character development, and the nuances of showing vs. telling. Plus, find tools for sparking creativity and refining your editing process.

Writing and Querying Explore top websites for improving your craft, finding genre-specific tips, engaging in critiques, entering contests, and nailing your queries.

Book Marketing & Publishing Learn strategies for building your author platform, leveraging social media, gaining reviews, and creating effective publicity campaigns.

SOURCES & LINKS

ATB: Writing Resources

DO NOW: Determine where you are in the writing process. Select three-five resources to survey to see what works for you.

Next Episode: An Interview with author Jenn Bouchard, Considering Us and First Course

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

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

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you