Steinbeck's "Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters"

"I think perhaps I am one of those lucky mortals whose work and whose life are the same thing. It is rare and fortunate." 

~ Steinbeck, page 157

     Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters by John Steinbeck is a compilation of the letters that John Steinbeck wrote to his longtime editor and friend, Pascal Covici, during the writing of his masterpiece East of Eden. Each working day, Steinbeck would begin by writing a letter to Covici as a warm up to the day's writing, describing which scene he was to work on that day. It is a rare glimpse into the mind of a writer and the process of putting thoughts into words. The letters also reveal a look at the man himself, his hobbies and interests, as well as fears and fatherhood. Together, the letters serve as a journal with details about his day and personal life. With this book, the reader is provided the unique experience of sitting with Steinbeck as he creates his most challenging novel. I highly recommend this book for Steinbeck fans, as well as those interested in writing. At many times, he describes his joy in writing this story and is in no hurry for it to end. I felt the same upon reaching the end of this journey.

Happy Reading!

Rebecca

The Art of Journaling

"The art of writing is the art of discovering

what you believe."  ~ Gustave Flaubert

Do you keep a journal? As a youth, I was an avid journal writer but as the years passed, I found it more difficult to take the time to quieten my mind and put my thoughts, concerns, hopes, and ideas into words. In June, I began to journal again, this time with more success.

I previously wrote about Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way: A Spritiual Path to Higher Creativity here:

http://thekeytothegate.blogspot.com/2012/05/finding-ones-way-through-reading.html. If you haven't checked out this book, it is a great resource to help you begin journaling. In The Artist's Way, Cameron suggests that we write "Morning Pages," three pages of stream of consciousness writing to help us cleanse our minds before setting out on our day.

Personally, I have found that writing in the morning is difficult for me. I am to pre-occupied and don't enjoy the writing process because I am too focused on getting the task done so that I can be out the door in time for work. Many journal writers prefer to write at night, including a daily gratitude list. Regardless of the time of day you write, or whether you write every day or just when you feel like it, I encourage you to pick up a pen and a notebook and put your thoughts onto paper. What do you see? Do you feel differently reading back the descriptions of your emotions? Does it change your way of thinking about a certain situation or individual?

A quick internet search can provide you with many journal prompts to get you started if you are feeling writer's block. Get writing...and begin your discovery of you!

"Fill your paper with breathings of your own heart."

                                           ~ William Wordsworth

Happy Reading...and Writing!

Rebecca