Creative Writing vs Journalling: What’s the Difference?
As well as being a writer, I am also a prolific journaller.
For ten years, I did The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron, filling notebook after notebook with my stream-of-consciousness ramblings.
These pages contained many urgent reflections on things like running out of dry shampoo, and infatuations with men whose faces I can barely recall now when I see their names on the page.
For the last five years, I have traded my Morning Pages for Elizabeth Gilbert’s Letters from Love practice: a letter I write to myself from the voice of unconditional love, that has been nothing short of life-changing (more about this in an upcoming post…)
There are also other journaling practices I return to intermittently, mostly lists, letters and the occasional poem, but what makes this different from the creative writing I do?
People often ask me this, especially because I offer both writing retreats and journaling retreats, so I wanted to share some reflections here.
The primary difference between creative writing and journaling, I think, is about the kind of connection you are trying to cultivate.
When I journal, I am primarily trying to deepen my connection with myself. Journalling is my space to navigate challenges, celebrate and savour what is good, and make sense of what feels confusing in my life.
I see journaling as a form of meditation: a practice of kind attention towards what exists in our inner world, so that we might process, integrate, and heal.
For this reason, what I write in my journal is for my eyes only.
In fact, my best friend is under strict instructions that if I were to be hit by a bus tomorrow, my journals must be cremated, unread, alongside the rest of my body.
When I write creatively, on the other hand, my motivation for connection is different. I still have to connect with myself first, whether I am writing a personal essay, a chapter of memoir, a poem, or a play, to infuse the writing with the emotional quality I wish to transmit.
But ultimately, I am writing in the hope that my words might one day connect with someone else too. It might be a trusted friend, a writing group, an intimate open mic, a speech at a rally, or putting a book into the world.
No matter what the scale, I see creative writing as always carrying with it the possibility of a reader or an audience, and the profound act of connection with another this entail. So if you are wondering where you are with your writing right now, here is a useful question to ask yourself:
Am I writing just for myself, or do I want this writing to be read?
You are allowed to change your mind after you have finished, but feeling into that question before you begin can help orient you on your next writing steps.
I’d love to hear: what kind of writing are you doing at the moment? Let me know in the comments below.
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I think both forms of writing are essential, which is why I offer spaces for both. I have two retreats coming up over the next few months, and I would love to see you there.
🗓 8–12 June 2026: Digital Detox, Meditation + Creative Journalling Retreat with Venetia La Manna
For those who feel drawn to writing, but feel shy about sharing it. Through journaling, meditation, and time offline, you can deepen your relationship with creativity, just for you.
🗓 20–25 September 2026: Writing + Meditation Retreat
Open to curious beginners and experienced writers alike, this retreat offers the chance to write, reflect, and experiment with sharing your work in a held and supportive community.
Both retreats are available to book here.
