Writer Toolbox-Keeping a Book Journal

By Annette. Cole Mastron, Communications Director for Southern Writers Magazine

A present received this Christmas has become a welcomed tool in my writer's toolbox. It's called The Book Lover's Journal. At first glance, I thought, I'm a writer, and in the time I am filling this out, I could be writing. Right? Nope, I was so wrong.

We all know writers need to read...read...and then read some more to hone their craft. What no one tells you is you need a place to record your thoughts on books you read. It clearly will help you grow as a writer. Helping you determine what you would do differently as an author.

What makes it valuable? It is designed specifically to keep a detailed, record of books you read. As time passes, this journal will help you instantly recall forgotten details of your personal reading experience. It may even provide solutions to various writing roadblocks in your own work.

A favorite feature unique to this journal is a “rate on a scale” feature. You rank books on a scale of 1-10 on various qualities (see photos for detail). There is a separate section to list the books you want to read in the future. The value of your immediate assessment on a book after you have read, "The End" is invaluable because it will be the most honest impression you have. 

My absolute favorite feature is "notes and opinions" because I'm using this section to make notes on what I like and what I would have done differently. Most importantly, I'm noting things I want to revise on my own "works in process." I also like actually writing in a journal instead of writing via electronic methods. 

This unexpected Christmas gift journal will be used and is definitely helpful to me as a writer. You might want to consider keeping a journal for your writer's toolbox.