# Transform Your Writing with Morning Pages Today
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Chapter 1: My Journey with Morning Pages
During my first creative writing course at Washtenaw Community College in 1986, our instructor encouraged us to keep a morning journal. The idea was to write freely without focusing on the subject matter. While I didn't adopt this habit right away, I did attempt to write short stories and novels in the mornings, though none of those efforts gained much traction.
Years later, I participated in an online workshop led by Corey Mandel, who reiterated the importance of daily journaling. He emphasized the need to connect with our subconscious, as true creativity often resides beyond our conscious thoughts. This insight finally inspired me to adopt the morning pages practice.
Now, morning pages are an integral part of my writing routine. They not only enhance the quality of my writing but also deepen my storytelling. Each day, I engage in free-writing and journaling, finding these practices invaluable for problem-solving in my creative endeavors. Morning pages have evolved into my most steadfast writing ritual, uplifting my mood, honing my skills, and providing a sense of hope. This personal, almost secretive practice has significantly improved my daily life and has been instrumental in writing several novels, novellas, and screenplays.
Why Morning Pages Are Essential for Artists
If you’re not acquainted with the concept, morning pages involve journaling each morning. The content can vary, but focusing on your creative journey is particularly beneficial. For instance, if you’re a novelist, consider journaling about your aspirations, fears, and challenges. If you’re an artist, musician, or actor, reflect on your experiences in those fields.
The term "morning pages" gained popularity through Julia Cameron's book, The Artist's Way. The true magic lies in the commitment to show up each day and write about your experiences. There’s no strict formula—write about your dreams, your plans for the day, or any fleeting memory that comes to mind. The ritual is yours to customize as you see fit.
Creative endeavors can often feel isolating. Whether you’re staring at a blank screen, canvas, or musical instrument, you must find the drive to dedicate time to your craft without external validation. Ideally, the process should be enjoyable, as pleasure is the best motivation for consistency. However, life can be chaotic, making it difficult to maintain this focus.
Morning pages offer a simple, low-pressure way to warm up, gain momentum, and reaffirm what truly matters in your life.
The Role of Morning Pages in My Creative Toolkit
After years of practicing morning pages, I consider them one of my most effective writing tools. On mornings filled with vivid dreams, I document them. If I’ve had a tough day, I allow myself to vent before reflecting on what I might change moving forward. I consistently journal about ongoing projects and my goals for the day.
Writing about my dreams strengthens the link between my subconscious and conscious mind, enabling my best creative ideas to flourish. I often discover great concepts during my morning pages and previously scrambled to jot them down in various notebooks. Now, I find that these ideas naturally come to me when I sit down to write, boosting my confidence over time.
That said, there are instances when I struggle to recall those ideas, prompting me to revisit my morning pages for a refresher. Morning pages consistently rank among my top five creativity tools.
Getting Started with Morning Pages
To begin your morning pages practice, grab some paper and a pen, find a cozy, quiet spot, and start journaling. You can write about anything, but here are a few prompts to help you get started:
- How did you sleep?
- Do you remember any dreams?
- What was your day like yesterday?
- Did you make progress on your creative projects?
- Is there a new idea you’d like to explore?
- What do you want to achieve today?
Remember, you’re not obligated to answer these questions methodically each day. This is your time to reflect, center your thoughts, and motivate yourself to advance your creative endeavors.
Choosing the Right Notebook
I prefer using a Moleskine classic, hardbound journal (4.5" x 7"). Its size is just right—not too large to feel intimidating, yet spacious enough to accommodate my thoughts. On days filled with inspiration, I may fill several pages, but typically, I aim for two sides of one page. This allows me to recap my previous day, capture a dream or new idea, and outline my goals for the current day.
It takes only about fifteen minutes, but this practice energizes me for the next twelve hours, which feels like a great bargain.
Looking Ahead: Sharing My Insights
I’m compiling everything I’ve learned about creativity and storytelling to give back to the community. If you’re ready to stop watching others create and want to dive into your own projects, consider exploring my Short But Comprehensive Guide to Unlocking Your Creative Potential.