A good diary topic is anything specific enough that you can start writing within a minute. Below are ideas grouped by theme, followed by the basic parts of a diary entry and a short example.
How to choose a topic
Pick something small. “A day that did not go to plan” is easier to write about than “my life.” If a topic does not spark anything, skip it and try another. Use as few or as many as you like in one entry.
Everyday life
- The best part of your morning.
- A day that did not go to plan.
- Something you ate that you want to remember.
- A conversation you overheard.
- Three small things that went right today.
- Who made you laugh recently, and what did they do?
Feelings and personal growth
- Something that worried you this week.
- A time you felt afraid, how you handled it, and what you learned.
- A habit you want to start or stop.
- Something you have not told anyone.
- What you would do tomorrow if you felt more confident.
- A mistake that taught you something.
If a topic brings up difficult feelings, you can pause and move to a lighter one. For gentler ways to sort through them, try journaling for clarity or a set of daily journal prompts.
School and younger writers
For younger students, simple concrete topics tend to work best:
- A memorable day with my family.
- My favourite place to go.
- A new thing I learned at school.
- A friend who helped me.
- A day I felt proud.
- A trip or festival I enjoyed.
- A time I was nervous and what happened.
- A funny thing that happened in class.
Teachers often give a format to follow, so check any class instructions first. Younger writers may also like these journal prompts for 2nd graders, and older students can try journal prompts for students.
Memories and relationships
- Your earliest memory.
- A person who changed how you think.
- A place you used to live.
- A tradition in your family.
- A teacher or mentor who stayed with you.
- Something you would like to say to a friend.
Imagination and what-if
- If you could swap lives with someone for a day, who would it be?
- You find a key with no matching lock. What does it open?
- Describe a dream you had last night.
- Write from the point of view of a pet or object in your room.
Goals and the future
- Three things you want to achieve in the next three months.
- Where you want to be a year from now.
- What your ideal day looks like.
- One small step you can take this week.
Elements of a diary entry
Formats vary, but entries commonly include:
- Date (and sometimes time or place).
- Greeting, such as “Dear Diary,” if you like the tradition.
- Body: what happened or what is on your mind.
- Feelings and thoughts: how you reacted and why.
- Closing: a sign-off or a line about tomorrow.
A short example
Monday, 12 May Dear Diary, Today our class went to the science museum. My favourite part was the room with the giant magnet, because it pulled the metal balls across the table without touching them. I was a bit nervous about the bus ride, but sitting by Aisha helped. I want to go back with my family. Goodnight, Sam.
Topics for articles
Sometimes people search for topics for writing an article. A diary is private, while an article is written for readers, so the topics differ. Many diary topics can still become article ideas once you add research and a clear point.
Looking for more structure? See our journal entry example, or try journaling activities for exercises beyond topics. You can also give your book a name with our diary names ideas.