How To Write A Diary: 15 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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• Diary Writing

How to Write a Diary Download Article Co-authored by Hyungbum Kang, MA, MSW, LCSW, MAC and Amber Crain

Last Updated: August 7, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Brainstorming Topics
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• Creating Personal Entries
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• Getting into a Routine
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• Sample Diary Entries
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• Video
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• Q&A
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• Tips

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This article was co-authored by Hyungbum Kang, MA, MSW, LCSW, MAC and by wikiHow staff writer, Amber Crain. Hyungbum Kang is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Honolulu, Hawaii. With over a decade of experience, Hyungbum specializes in using an integrated therapeutic approach to treat ADHD, anger management, depression, and other mental health and social work struggles. He received a Bachelor’s degree in English and Master’s degrees in Sociology and Social Work. Hyungbum earned an MBA from Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) and is working on his Doctor of Psychology from HPU. He is a member of the American Psychological Association, the International Honor Society in Psychology, the National Association of Social Workers, and the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 4,055,544 times.

Diaries are wonderful objects that allow you to discuss your emotions, record dreams or ideas, and reflect on daily life in a safe, private space. While there's no single, definitive way to write a diary, there are some basic tricks you can use to get the most out of your writing. If you aren't sure what to write about, using prompts like inspirational quotes can help you get started on new entries. Keep reading for diary writing, formatting, and brainstorming tips, and join our discussion with other wikiHow diary keepers for even more writing inspo!

Steps

Sample Diary Entries

Sample Diary Entries Sample Travel Diary Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Brainstorming Topics

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1. 1 Write about the events of your day. Think about everything that happened that day and record any highlights or feelings that stand out to you. Even if you had a pretty standard day, you might be surprised by deeper thoughts and feelings that come up as you write down details about your day.[1]
   • Feel free to veer off into any topic you want as you're writing about the day's events.
   • For example, you could write about the English exam you took at school that day. Are you feeling good about the exam? Do you wish you had studied more? Are you nervous to receive your grade?
2. 2 Contemplate your goals for the future and how to achieve them. Make a list of your short-term and long-term goals. Then, go through each item on the list and write in detail about your plan to accomplish the goal. Breaking each goal up into smaller tasks that you can work on can make your goals feel less overwhelming.[2]
   • For example, you could write about short-term goals like studying for your algebra exam or hitting the gym for a cardio session.
   • Long-term goals would be stuff like choosing and applying to colleges or saving up money to buy a car.
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3. 3 Jot down your current feelings or mood. Don't worry about providing any context for your emotions, just focus on accurately describing what they are.[3] You can then use those feelings and thoughts as prompts for creating detailed diary entries. Work on one thought or emotion at a time and explore it as fully as you can.[4]
   • For example, if you're feeling sad, you can write a diary entry about why you feel that way and any events that may have contributed.
   • You can add a line from the lyrics of a song you are often listening to in your entry to preserve the current mood.
   • Reader Poll: We asked 650 wikiHow readers what type of emotion they draw the most inspiration from, and 47% of them said sadness. [Take Poll]
4. 4 Write down inspirational quotes and what they mean to you. Inspirational quotes can come from anywhere—a famous person, your favorite book or movie, or even a friend or a family member. Any quote you find inspiring is a great starting point. Record the quote in your diary and note where it came from. Then, explain what it means to you in your own words.[5]
   • For example, you might write down a quote like, "The secret of getting ahead is getting started," which came from Mark Twain. Write a diary entry about what this means to you and what things you need to get started on to achieve certain goals.
5. 5 Explore your favorite subjects or hobbies in-depth. Make a list of topics that you love or your favorite hobbies. You might love movies, sports, food, travel, art, or fashion. The subjects can be anything you want, as long as they interest and inspire you. Then, choose one item from the list and create a diary entry about it.[6]
   • For example, if you love sports, write about why you love a certain sport, your favorite teams, and personal goals you have if you play any sports yourself.
   • If you love painting, you could write about your favorite painters, the painting styles that speak to you the most, recent paintings you've made, and ideas for future paintings.
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Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Creating Personal Entries

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1. 1 Write the date in the corner or on the first line. You may not write in your diary every day, so dating your entries can help you keep track of when things happened. Since you'll be writing in your diary over a long period of time, dates will also help you stay organized and provide context when you look back on your entries in the future.[7]
   • If you like, you can also put the time, day of the week, and your location alongside the date.
2. 2 Begin each entry with a topic in mind. Most people reach for their diary when they have something they want to get down on paper or think about. This could be anything—something that happened that day, a dream you had, future plans, an event, an idea, or strong emotion or mood you're feeling.[8]
   • Once you start writing, you're free to veer off into any subject you like! But having something in mind when you start the entry can help kickstart the writing process.
3. 3 Open with "Dear Diary" if you want to. This is a completely personal choice, so go with what works best and feels right for you. At first, addressing the "Diary" can feel almost like reaching out to a friend rather than simply writing or talking to yourself. You may find this helpful if you're new to journaling.
4. 4 Write in the first person by using "I" statements. Diaries are very personal items, and they typically work best when you speak in the first person. In your diary, you are free to make everything about you! Many people find this aspect extremely cathartic, especially when it comes to exploring personal thoughts, emotions, and reactions.[9]
   • For example, you might write something like, "I'm worried about volleyball tryouts this week. I've practiced a lot and I feel ready, but I'm so nervous I can hardly eat."
5. 5 Be honest in your entries. Many people find diary writing cathartic because they can let go of inhibitions on the page and truly be themselves. Feel free to record your emotions, both positive and negative, in their entirety in your diary. Remember that no one will ever see what you've written, so you can write honestly about anything. This is for your eyes only.[10]
   • For example, you might write, "I feel jealous of Shaun's new car. I'm happy for him, but it seems really unfair that his parents bought him a brand new car. I'm working every day after school just to save up for a used car."
   • If you're afraid someone will find and read your diary, there are things you can do to prevent this. Physical diaries with locks and password-protected digital diaries are two of the most popular ways to control privacy.
   • Many people have epiphanies about themselves and their relationships through honest diary writing. Be open to learning about yourself as you write.
6. 6 Don't worry too much about grammar and spelling. Your diary is a safe space for you to vent and share without the pressures of external judgment. Write freely and without inhibition. Being grammatically correct, proper spelling, and writing perfect phrases are not nearly as important as getting your thoughts and feelings down on the page. Jot down the first things that come to mind when considering your day, current mood, and any feelings you're struggling with.[11]
   • For some people, it helps to take a few minutes at the beginning of each entry to simply free write.
7. 7 Use lots of details to preserve moments in time. Diaries help you preserve thoughts and feelings as they're happening. You're also able to record events immediately after they happen when details are still fresh in your mind. Since memories can become unreliable, especially as time passes, recording precise details vividly can help you preserve moments in time exactly as they occurred.[12]
   • Detailed writing isn't for everyone, so don't feel like you have to write long, wordy sentences. If you find it easier to express your emotions in short bursts or even bullet points, feel free to do that.
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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Getting into a Routine

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1. 1 Choose a specific time each day to write in your diary. Many people struggle to find the time to write in their diary. Others simply forget to write. It helps to choose a specific time each day for diary writing so that you can develop the habit. Eventually, it will become second nature, but it can help to set a daily reminder on your phone until then![13]
   • For example, you might choose to write in your diary every night right before bed.
   • Don't set an unrealistic schedule for yourself. If writing every day seems out of reach, plan on writing entry 3 times a week instead.
2. 2 Keep your writing sessions short in the beginning. You don't have to set aside a huge chunk of time every day for writing in your diary! 10-15 minutes per session is a great goal when you're just starting out. Jot down your most pressing and immediate feelings and thoughts. You can always write more later in the week when you have time![14]
   • For example, you could write a few key bullet points in your diary when you're pressed for time.
   • Setting an intimidating schedule for yourself could be counterproductive. You want journaling to be an outlet, not a chore, so go easy on yourself.
   • Pick a time to write when you don't have other obligations or time constraints.
3. 3 Use illustrations if you prefer drawing to writing. Some people find if easier to convey their thoughts and emotions through drawing rather than writing. If you're more likely to stick to a schedule when drawing or sketching is involved, feel free to use that approach![15]
   • Quick drawings may also help you get down something that you want to remember but don't have time to write about.
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Community Q&A

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• Question What would I write about if I'm in high school? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer You can write about anything you want! Write about things that happened that day, thoughts, ideas, emotions, dreams, and future plans. You can even draw, if you prefer! Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 60 Helpful 246
• Question Can I write my diary in Greek? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer If you can easily read and express yourself using the Greek language, then yes! Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 94 Helpful 212
• Question Is it OK to write a diary in an outline manner, such as organizing them in bullets? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Yes, definitely! Some people prefer to write in that style, and that's completely fine. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 42 Helpful 207

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Tips

• Writing a diary should be a cathartic experience and not a chore. Allow yourself to enjoy your writing! Thanks Helpful 27 Not Helpful 4
• To camouflage your diary, write "Algebra Notes" or "School Notebook" on the cover. Thanks Helpful 22 Not Helpful 14

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

• When I write in my diary, I flip to a blank new page and put the date (including the year) at the top of the page. Then I usually start by writing about anything interesting that's happened recently or anything that's been on my mind a lot. There's really no right or wrong way to do it! Just write about life, stuff that's bothering you, feelings you want to work through, and so on. I find that writing in my diary right before bed helps me get in the habit and stay consistent.
• Remember to be yourself. I'm not talking about being honest (though you should do that, too), I'm talking about writing YOU. If you like dogs and singing, write about them. If your friend has a diary, don't try to write their stuff or write it like them. You want to be yourself. Also, a diary is about YOU, not connecting with your friends!
• Remember that your diary can be a fascinating time capsule of who you are and what you were thinking when you read through it in the future, so be yourself and don't try to tailor it to someone else.
• Your diary is your "place." Write the truth in it. Don't lie, and don't let anyone else read it. Also, you may look back at your diary 20 years from now, so write neatly!
• I personally try to write in my journal in the heat of the moment. It makes your feelings more raw and dramatic and truthful! And you can always add to it later.
• For the most privacy, avoid writing your name in the diary. That said, writing your name can help someone return it to you if you ever lose it. Think carefully!
• Feel free to give your diary a name other than "Diary," if it helps you approach it in a more friendly or intimate way.
• Try writing in your diary in a secondary language to help you build up fluency in a low-stakes activity.

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References

1. ↑ Carolyn Rubenstein, PhD. Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview
2. ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-use-journaling-to-set-goals
3. ↑ Hyungbum Kang, MA, MSW, LCSW, MAC. Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Expert Interview
4. ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_journaling_can_help_you_in_hard_times
5. ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/writing-therapy/
6. ↑ https://penzu.com/how-to-start-and-write-a-diary
7. ↑ https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/writing/articles/journal-writing
8. ↑ https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/writing/articles/journal-writing
9. ↑ https://libguides.cam.ac.uk/reflectivepracticetoolkit/reflectivewriting

More References (6)

10. ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/
11. ↑ https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/writing/articles/journal-writing
12. ↑ https://penzu.com/how-to-start-and-write-a-diary
13. ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?ContentID=4552&ContentTypeID=1
14. ↑ https://penzu.com/how-to-start-and-write-a-diary
15. ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?ContentID=4552&ContentTypeID=1

About This Article

Co-authored by: Hyungbum Kang, MA, MSW, LCSW, MAC Licensed Clinical Social Worker This article was co-authored by Hyungbum Kang, MA, MSW, LCSW, MAC and by wikiHow staff writer, Amber Crain. Hyungbum Kang is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Honolulu, Hawaii. With over a decade of experience, Hyungbum specializes in using an integrated therapeutic approach to treat ADHD, anger management, depression, and other mental health and social work struggles. He received a Bachelor’s degree in English and Master’s degrees in Sociology and Social Work. Hyungbum earned an MBA from Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) and is working on his Doctor of Psychology from HPU. He is a member of the American Psychological Association, the International Honor Society in Psychology, the National Association of Social Workers, and the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals. This article has been viewed 4,055,544 times. 342 votes - 77% Co-authors: 219 Updated: August 7, 2025 Views: 4,055,544 Categories: Featured Articles | Diary Writing Article SummaryX

If you're not sure what to write about in your diary, try to take the pressure off by reminding yourself that your diary is for your eyes only. Start each entry with the date and remember to write in the first person using "I" statements. You can write about stuff that happened that day, a problem you're having, a recent dream, or anything else you want. Be honest, use plenty of detail, and don't worry too much about grammar and spelling. For tips on choosing the best diary for you, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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