The Journal of Joyce Carol Oates: 1973-1982 by Joyce Carol Oates

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this book as I read Son of the Morning, one of the novels that Oates is writing as she keeps these journals. I'd recommend reading the two together or Bellefleur, another novel she talks about in the journals.

Reading the two together helped me as a writer. I especially liked reading about her process. It amazed me how committed she is to the art of writing. At least during these years, she wrote every single day, often in marathon sessions. I wish I had the time to do that -- and dedication, as I often get distracted when I sit down to write.

One of the things that helped me most was witnessing the freedom Oates gave herself in her journals. If she felt like ranting, she ranted. She talked about her sadness when beloved friends passed away. She wrote about her anger and confusion when interactions with colleagues went awry. She talked about her hopes and her dreams and she did so in a way that made sense for her. Reading her method of journaling gave me freedom as I approach my own journals.

It's rare that we get to read the journals of a living writer and I appreciate that Oates chose to share them with us.