Journal entries in 1820 - Writers Forum

the_poison125 · 04-02-2008, 06:03 AM

So i have to have about 7-8 journal entries for my character ( A convict ) which is set in Australia in 1820.

I've no idea how to start a journal entry. I cant just say 'Today i escaped from prison and guards chased me lol ' .

Any help?

Mike C · 04-02-2008, 08:54 AM

Is a convict on the run likely to keep a journal? And would he write 'lol'?

CodeRed · 04-02-2008, 09:10 AM

Is it essential the project be in the form of journal entries? If not, consider writing letters instead, to a loved one/family member left behind. It's entirely plausible that a convict, who often weren't even criminals by today's standards, would have the desire to send letters back home - even if they saw little chance of the letters reaching the person they were meant for.

the_poison125 · 04-03-2008, 04:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CodeRed

Is it essential the project be in the form of journal entries? If not, consider writing letters instead, to a loved one/family member left behind. It's entirely plausible that a convict, who often weren't even criminals by today's standards, would have the desire to send letters back home - even if they saw little chance of the letters reaching the person they were meant for.

They have to be journal entries.

EDIT: I guess i should have posted this in the first post but it dosnt start from when the convict is on the run it starts during his life in Briton. Life is so hard he resorts to stealing and gets caught. spends a year in prison then gets transported to australia.

lilacstarflower · 04-03-2008, 07:23 AM

It would make sense if the character had started writing a journal before he became a convict.

Letters to a loved one is a good idea but might be deemed to risky to the character - being on the run and having no friends, the journal seems like a natural vent to reflect or even plan out ideas for his travels

Of course, the story could be a mixture of both letters and journal entries if you were getting really stuck

As to the language I would suggest reading the classics written at that time to get a good idea of the 'voice'/slang used in that period - especially important if the character has lived in two cultures. It would also depend on his social class back home

sounds like a good read

the_poison125 · 04-07-2008, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilacstarflower

It would make sense if the character had started writing a journal before he became a convict.

Letters to a loved one is a good idea but might be deemed to risky to the character - being on the run and having no friends, the journal seems like a natural vent to reflect or even plan out ideas for his travels

Of course, the story could be a mixture of both letters and journal entries if you were getting really stuck

As to the language I would suggest reading the classics written at that time to get a good idea of the 'voice'/slang used in that period - especially important if the character has lived in two cultures. It would also depend on his social class back home

sounds like a good read

Well i was thinking of having journal entries with parts of letters he receives(This would at the start when hes in Briton)/sends at the bottom of the page or something.

NightOwl · 04-07-2008, 04:23 AM

I'm not sure how long you have to complete this project, but I remember reading a novel called 'Gould's Book of Fish', which is set in an Australian prison colony, probably around this time. It might be a useful resourse if you can get hold of it. It may even have had journal entries, but I'm not sure. (I read it about 5 years ago, so I can't recall the author, I'm afraid. I remember enjoying it, although thinking it was quite wierd.)

p.s. The country is spelt 'Britain', a Briton is a person who live there.

the_poison125 · 04-07-2008, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NightOwl

I'm not sure how long you have to complete this project, but I remember reading a novel called 'Gould's Book of Fish', which is set in an Australian prison colony, probably around this time. It might be a useful resourse if you can get hold of it. It may even have had journal entries, but I'm not sure. (I read it about 5 years ago, so I can't recall the author, I'm afraid. I remember enjoying it, although thinking it was quite wierd.)

p.s. The country is spelt 'Britain', a Briton is a person who live there.

'Gould's Book Of Fish'... I think i might be able to get that from the library. Thanks Will i be able to get any decent info from it in like... 3-4 days? because thats about how long i have left (I'm halfway through now)

I have to add one more entry for the characters life in Britain (feels weird typing that) and about 3-4 entries for his life in Australia, his attempt at escaping and one more before he is hanged.