Here are some tips and tricks that you can use if you want to be a dedicated journaler (yeah, I know it's not a word. This is my word to describe those of us who write in journals every single day). There are a few things that you will need to help become a better writer. And yes, I do these all the time to help, as well.

1. Find a notebook or a journal

This can be a cheap journal that you find in Dollar Tree or it can be a fancy journal that you see in Hobby Lobby or Michael's. Honestly, I get my journals from Dollar General or Dollar Tree. The cheap ones are just as good as the expensive ones, and you can decorate it later to make it unique. Regardless, this is your everyday journal. This is what you're going to be writing in. This journal is for your eyes only, unless you want to share it with others.

2. Find pens, highlighters and/or markers

These will help you put content on your pages. There are many different prices and brands. My favorites are the Gel-o-City Pens. They can be pricey, depending on where you get them. The cheapest place to get them at is Dollar General. The highlighters are optional, but for me, I like to keep my thoughts organized. I use highlighters, especially in my prayer journal. Everything is highlighted in a different color. Here's my highlighter key. This may be helpful for you.

Yellow - Anything I find that is important to me (Bible verses that speak to me).
Green - Prayers.
Orange - Advice (Found in my daily devotionals).
Purple - Things that I am grateful for.
Pink - Bible App Plan (Joy).
Blue - Bible App Plan (Relationship).

3. Decorative stuff

This is another optional step. You don't have to decorate your journal. You don't have to decorate each and every page in your journal, but you can if you want to. This is totally up to you. I decorated the cover of my journal because I like to be crafty, especially if I have nothing else to do. Here's a list of what I use to decorate my journals:

1. Washi tape
2. Scrapbook stickers
3. Paper clips
4. Duct tape
5. Pictures
6. Typewriter quotes

4. WRITE in your journal

Choose a time of the day that you can write in your journal. This is the most important part. When it comes to being a journaler, you need to find some time to do just that. You can keep a "morning pages journal" where you only write when you first wake up. You can keep a "sketch journal"where you only draw. You can keep a "dream journal" where you write your dreams when you wake up. You can also keep a "clear your mind journal" where you write just before you go to bed. Like I've said, this is your journal. Write whatever you want to write.

Write in your journal every single day. This will help you fight off writer's block. Even if you have nothing to write about, do some creative writing. Go to a website to help you find some inspiration and prompts that can help you write every single day.

These are some steps it takes to become a true author. No one else knows your story quite like you do.