5 Famous Writers Whose Journals went viral

Ruskin Bond mentioned in his book Words From My Window,

By looking back in time, this journal of his life experiences becomes a stage where things and people are brought together to understand how things come to be.

Journals and diaries kept by writers frequently offer fascinating glimpses into the creative inspiration for classic works of literature. They can also provide an insightful look into the inner thoughts and experiences of the literary visionaries who write such works.

To be completely honest, I believe that every reader has at least one idealized writer in their life.

It makes sense to want to know everything there is to know about someone you are constantly enamored of, especially if they are a public figures.

I am aware of this because I am fond of one of those exceptional authors who has made a significant contribution to the field of literature.

A writer's diary is a great resource for learning about their unique experiences and the struggles they faced to get where they are today.

A writer's diary is a journal kept by an author in which the author discusses their private experiences, daily lives, and feelings as they relate to their writing.

It's a common misconception that reading about someone's personal life and daily activities would be boring. The journals of Sylvia Plath and "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank are a couple of well-known examples.

These works are anything but dull and, in some ways, even more, fascinating than some works of fiction!

These journals are written solely from the heart and with no thought of them ever being read or published which makes them more special.

Here, in this blog, I will be mentioning the names of 5 famous writers whose journals went viral and people still could not get over them.

I cannot help but start my writing with the one journal writer who has been my favorite since childhood.

I am quite sure that many of you who read 'The Diary of a Young Girl' would agree with me on this.

The Diary of a Young Girl was written by Anne Frank, a Jewish child from Germany who chronicled her life in hiding while being persecuted by the Nazis in her diary.

She is well-known for her writing, which millions of people have read all over the world.

Just before turning thirteen, on June 12, 1942, Anne started keeping a diary that she called "Kitty." She wrote in it every day until August 1, 1944.

The diary captures her aspirations, anxieties, and experiences in the "Secret Annex," the rooms concealed behind a bookcase in the office complex where her father, Otto Frank, worked.

The diary was later published under the title "The Diary of a Young Girl" and has since gained a wide international readership.

Anne dreamed of being a published author and kept a diary in addition to writing other stories.

In August 1944, the Nazis came across her and her family and imprisoned them. Just a few weeks before British troops liberated Bergen-Belsen in February 1945, Anne and the majority of her family perished there.

However, only Anne’s father, Otto Frank survived.

Otto Frank was given Anne's diary documents by assistant Miep Gies, who explained to him that they were Anne's legacy.

Otto had always believed that he had a good understanding of Anne's mental processes. However, he discovered that this had not been the case after reading her texts.

Otto's friends and relatives both read excerpts from his book. They believed that Otto shouldn't keep the texts to himself because they were "an important human document" written by Anne.

Otto didn't agree with them right away. However, the book was finally released in 1947, just over five years after Anne had received her diary on her thirteenth birthday. Het Achterhuis (The Secret Annex) was the title she had chosen for the book.

I am sure you have read ‘A Short Monsoon Diary’, but do you know it was extracted from Ruskin Bond’s journal?

YES!

One well-known Indian author who kept a diary and recorded his own experiences and observations was Ruskin Bond.

His diaries served as the inspiration for some of his published works.

Bond discusses his love of animals, the beauty and tranquillity of the Himalayan landscape, and his thoughts on life and the human condition in his diary.

'A Little Book of Thoughts', a journal that he also wrote, is a compilation of his musings, observations, and reflections on life, nature, and people. The journal discusses a variety of subjects, including the wonders of nature and the pleasures of friendship and family life.

Overall, Bond's diary offers a fascinating glimpse into the thoughts of one of India's most well-known writers.

The journals kept by Sylvia Plath give a direct and thorough account of her life, her difficulties, and her mental health.

Poet and author Sylvia Plath kept journals for most of her life, including the final twelve years of her life.

Her journals were first released in 1982 in a condensed form with Ted Hughes' approval.

However, a later edition that is a precise and comprehensive transcription of the diaries Plath kept for the final twelve years of her life was later released.

Plath frequently discussed her battles with mental illness, her relationships, and her writing in her journals.

She is renowned for her poetic writings, such as the semi-autobiographical novel "The Bell Jar," which explores themes of institutionalization and mental illness.

Her journals and other personal writings were published, giving readers a glimpse into her life and career.

Her reflections on occasions like her first love and her marriage to Ted Hughes are included in the journals, which span the years 1950 to her death in 1963.

Scholars and fans alike have come to value Plath's journals as important sources because they provide insight into both her life and her creative process.

Since we are talking about journals, don’t you consider them to be a great thing to maintain?

Advantages of keeping a Journal

According to research and firsthand experience, keeping a journal can have several benefits.

You may think, "I'm not a writer, what will I do with a diary?"

Well, the following are some advantages of journaling:

1. Using a physical notebook instead of relying solely on your phone can be beneficial for more than just your handwriting.

One example is that you can't use your notebook to check social media. You may be able to kick your smartphone addiction by deciding to use a notebook instead of your smartphone for specific aspects of your life, like your to-do list.

You would get rid of the lack of motivation and be more focused. To break the habit of checking and rechecking your notifications every few minutes, experts advise putting your phone away from time to time during the day.

Overusing your phone can cause problems with sleep, anxiety, decreased productivity, and other issues.

It may be simpler to avoid the screen if you transfer some of your digital tasks to a physical notebook.

If you are unsure of what you would write in a paper notebook, start with something straightforward like a planner so you can keep track of your objectives, to-do list, and appointments systematically and would not be distracted.

2. Apps can't compete with notebooks in terms of versatility. Despite being excellent for journaling, they aren't just for that.

Your monthly budget, a shopping list, a list of all the great restaurants you've been to, or a list of all the great coffees you've enjoyed drinking can all be kept in a notebook.

Additionally, you don't have to use it only for writing. You can also draw diagrams, doodles, and sketches there.

Compared to typing, writing by hand has many benefits, and keeping a notebook on hand is a great way to maintain your scriptwriting skills.

3. In comparison to typing, studies show that writing by hand helps you process information better, remember more, and think more quickly. Additionally, it helps with spelling.

Your handwriting abilities have probably declined since you graduated from school because you probably don't write out information by hand regularly for work.

A useful way to exercise the parts of your brain (and hand) that aren't used when typing on a computer or smartphone is to occasionally jot down ideas in a notebook.

4. A notebook is an ideal tool for quickly noting down ideas before you forget them. Even though you might believe at the time that the memory will stick with you, the likelihood is that the thought or tidbit of information won't.

Memory is not only short-lived but also incredibly prone to error. Researchers have discovered that even people with so-called Highly Superior Autobiographical Memories—super-memory abilities that allow them to remember almost every detail from their lives—are susceptible to false memories.

Eyewitness testimony in court cases is extremely unreliable. Our memories can be off, even when we think we remember things clearly. So, is it any wonder that we have trouble remembering things like phone numbers and shopping lists?

Carrying a pen and paper makes it simple to record information on the spot, giving your notebook a more accurate account of the day.

Although keeping a journal is a good way to improve your memory, a notebook can also be used for less lofty goals like taking note of where you found that amazing slice of pizza.

5. Doctors frequently suggest keeping a journal to treat mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.

People who keep a diary are better able to express their inner thoughts and fears, spot harmful thought patterns, and keep track of their symptoms.

Even if you don't experience anxiety, journaling can help you make sense of your emotions and get to know yourself.

Even if you don't think you have time to write every day, if you keep a notebook with you, you can always write in it while passing the time in your daily activities.

6. Since ancient times, carrying a notebook has been an integral part of the creative process.

In case he got an idea while he was out, Ludwig van Beethoven never left home without one. To track his moral development following his "13 Virtues'' character development plan, Benjamin Franklin always carried a pocket notebook.

Everywhere he went, Mark Twain carried notebooks to record his observations and book ideas. Today, the same holds.

Modern writers and artists are aware that they are most likely not going to have their best ideas while seated at their desks and prepared to work. They always have notebooks on them so they are prepared for when inspiration strikes.

Even if you have no intention of becoming a well-known author or composer, a notebook will help you remember those moments when inspiration strikes.

7. Digital calendars and apps are practical and helpful—until your phone runs out of battery. Paper and a pen are always available for use and don't need to be charged.

Even if you use your computer or phone for the majority of your writing, it's a good idea to keep a notebook on hand in case your electronic devices run out of battery.

Using a notebook can help you save that battery life for something more important, like getting directions or playing games, even if your phone isn't completely dead yet.

Despite its apparent simplicity, a notebook can open up a world of opportunities for you.

Especially after reading The Diary of a Young Girl, I deeply felt the urge to keep a diary and record every single thing including both thoughts and my emotions.

Here are some diaries and notebooks that have been listed on Cheez, which I love and I am sure you will love them too.

These lovely collections are waiting for you to fill them up with your daily experiences, for who knows your journal can be the next sensation in Indian literature.

Now let's get back to more authors whom we can not forget for their literary contribution through journals.

Throughout her career, Arundhati Roy has been affiliated with several journals and publications.

"The Algebra of Infinite Justice," "Listening to Grasshoppers," and "Broken Republic" are titles of journals she has published.

Roy has written many pieces that, in terms of personal tone and introspective reflection on events, could be compared to diaries.

The End of Imagination is one such collection, which contains essays on subjects like nuclear disarmament and communal violence in India.

It's important to note that Roy is a prolific writer who has written numerous books, essays, and articles in addition to these particular works.

Mahatma Gandhi is renowned for keeping several diaries throughout his life, which offer helpful insights into his ideas, emotions, and encounters.

Many of his diaries have been preserved and are accessible to the general public and researchers for study.

He started writing in his diary in 1885, and he didn't stop until he passed away in 1948.

Gandhi's journals gave readers a unique glimpse into his mind, including his political philosophy, opinions on religion and philosophy, and observations of the world.

Additionally, he wrote extensively about his investigations into the truth, his beliefs regarding nonviolence, and his struggles.

Even so, he wrote in-depth journals, such as "Harijan" (The People of God), "Navajivan" (New Life), and "Young India."

The diaries of Gandhi are available in book form and have been published in numerous collections. They offer a special look into the personality and worldview of one of the most important people of the 20th century.

To conclude

Many authors have journaled privately. These were merely a few instances.

We won't even be aware of whether the author we are reading currently keeps a diary or not or what entries might be contained there.

We'll just have to wait and see, I suppose, but in the meantime, let's take a break from reading books and look at some writers' diaries.

This brings me to the end of my blog.

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