Journaling Styles

As I sit down to write the journaling for a layout, I am sometimes puzzled about how to approach the subject. I have a general idea of what I want to say, but I haven’t figured out exactly how to say it. Often, I find this frustration is due to the fact that I haven’t chosen how I want to write it. The how, i.e. the style of writing, needs to be decided beforehand to make the process easier.

There are several writing approaches for text on layouts. Here are some examples and ideas for different writing approaches:

Reflective. In reflective writing, journal your feelings and thoughts about a person, subject, place, event, date, etc. Reflective journaling’s informal style involves writing from the heart. The emphasis isn’t on grammar and spelling as much as a summary and reflection on the subject. This style often employs the first-person point of view. It is also a great style for handwritten journaling.

Factual. In factual writing, the key questions of every news story (who, what, where, when, why and how) form the basis of the text. As you write, ask each of these questions and form your text based on those answers. The answers can then be added to the layout in a table, a list or a paragraph. In the layout “Princess,” I made each answer a separate item. Notice how the answers to the questions of who, what, where, when and how are answered in this simple format.

Reporting. In reporting, the most important and newsworthy facts are placed at the top of the story. Then, additional facts and interesting information are added as space allows. The reporting style is often more business-like and usually employs the third-person point of view. When using the reporting style immediately start your journaling with the most important information. In “Saving Lives” I began with the story of my daughter’s visit to the Marine Mammal Center. At the end, I added facts about the center. Those facts were interesting but not crucial to the story so I saved them for the end.

Storytelling. In storytelling, the writer tells a story using dialogue, action, and/or description. The text reads like a fictional novel. The account, although in a fictionalized form, can be true. The storytelling style is especially good for dialogue, humorous incidents and stories. In “Her Story” I used a conversation between my daughter and myself as the basis for the text.

There are many styles for writing the text. These are four different approaches. As you consider the text for your layout, also consider which approach to use. It will make the writing flow much more easily.

Shop at the Scrapbook.com Superstore for all your Scrapbooking Supplies!
Enjoy 5-Star service, HUGE selection and LOW prices!
Click here to start shopping!