Journal entries in a novel

[lisamarie]

I want to have journal entries describing what has gone on in the story so far (her therapist suggested writing everything down so far). In between entries (not every one) I want her to visit her therapist once in a while. This would be 1st person, present tense, b/c it's happening in the moment.

Should I use different fonts to differentiate the journals from the present day? Or do you think if I just put the time, date, weather etc. for the journal entry people can tell the difference between the journal and what's happening now?

Sorry if this is confusing. Thanks for any help or suggestions.

[JeanneTGC]

I'd take a look at how other writers have done it -- this was quite popular in the late 1800's (not a slam on the technique, I just read a lot of writers from that period).

Check out Bram Stoker's "Dracula", H.G. Well's' collected shorts that includes "The Invisible Man", and, for a more modern take, Stephen King's "Carrie". All use journal entries, and use very little typeface to differentiate. Good examples of successfully published works to imitate and/or learn from.

[lisamarie]

Good idea! Thank you.

[katiemac]

This is all personal preference, of course, but I don't care much for reading chunks of novels in different fonts or italics. I think you can have the same effect by using dates.

[janetbellinger]

I had a lot of journal entries in one of my novels, but I've deleted them as they don't appear to catch the fancy of either editors or agents. I have a feeling it's been done too much and perhaps is a bit cliched. What does everyone else think?

[FennelGiraffe]

Should I use different fonts to differentiate the journals from the present day? Or do you think if I just put the time, date, weather etc. for the journal entry people can tell the difference between the journal and what's happening now?

I think that's a style decision your publisher will make.

For your manuscript, stick to one font.

[SilverVistani]

I don't really know about journal entries, but have you actually read The Neverending Story? I'm not sure if it's every version or not, but the one that Mum owns has two separate font -colors- to indicate the difference between what's happening in Fantastica and what's happening in the real world.

Great book, by the way. I absolutely loved it. Much better than the movies. (of which I only accept that two exist.)

[lisamarie]

Thanks for the input. I was confusing myself by thinking too much. (if that makes sense) I think I'll write one big journal entry catching the reader up to date, then continue ithe rest of the story in present tense. It probaby either still sounds confusing or unnecessary to do even that, but I already have 145 pages written and I'm trying to make the story more exciting. I kept feeling there was something missing. I came up with an idea, now I'm just trying to work it out. Thanks!