Back in 2021, I decided to try book/reading journal which would eventually convert to a bullet journal style in 2023. I found a blank dot-grid journal with a hard cover and got to work. Surfing through journaling videos on YouTube, finding inspiration through Pinterest, and looking at past journals got me inspired to start over again.

I decided to keep my spreads simplistic, but creative and kept track of what I read throughout the year as well as goals I wanted to set for myself. Since then I’ve gotten more into reading journaling, experimenting with different spreads, and get to look back at how my reading tastes have evolved.

Here are some tips that helped me curate a journaling style that is beneficial to me and most of all, fun to create! (And snippets from my own reading journals too!)

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Whether You Are a Mood Reader or Have a TBR – Keep It Simple

It made journaling more carefree for me and I focus on the books I wanted to read the most and pace my myself without pressure. 

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Make The Time For a Setup and Layouts

That way when you have down time, you can get straight to journaling your thoughts or decorating stress-free.

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Take Advantage of Stationery Sales/Seek out Inexpensive Items, or Use Supplies in Your Own Home

Journaling gives me a chance to full utilize all the stationery supplies I’ve (unfortunately) been hoarding and it has allowed me to declutter my collection! I also repurpose items from magazines or book themed media to decorate my pages.

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Don’t Compare Yourself to Others. Everyone’s Journaling Style is Different.

What works for one person may not work for you. I like to gather inspiration or themes from things I find online, but I make it cater to my artistic styles and methods.

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Have you ever tried creating a reading journal? What journaling styles do you like the best? Let me know in the comments.