keep a diary vs write a diary

[maoyueh]

What is the difference between "keep a diary" and "write a diary"? Thank you very much.

 

[5jj]

There is no real difference, in my opinion.

 

[Tdol]

I can't see much difference, but if someone says that they keep a diary, I would assume that they had been doing it for a reasonable time.

 

[Ouisch]

In AmE, one "keeps a diary" or "writes in a diary." Saying "write a diary" implies that the person is writing a book, or a work of fiction, not a personal day-by-day memoir. By definition a diary is the personal accounts/reflections/feelings of the author. Usually folks that keep diaries use blank books/journals that are designed for that specific purpose.