Product Description

"This book is a wonderful addition to a graduate course on professional writing, to a writers' group in need of some structure, or even to the lone writer who needs assistance becoming an academic writer."
-Chronicle of Higher Education

Wendy Laura Belcher’s Writing Your Journal Article in Twelve Weeks: A Guide to Academic Publishing Success is a revolutionary approach to enabling academic authors to overcome their anxieties and produce the publications that are essential to succeeding in their fields. Each week, readers learn a particular feature of strong articles and work on revising theirs accordingly. At the end of twelve weeks, they send their article to a journal. This invaluable resource is the only guide that focuses specifically on publishing humanities and social science journal articles.

Key Features

• Has a proven record of helping graduate students and professors get published: This workbook, developed over a decade of teaching scholarly writers in a range of disciplines at UCLA and around the world, has already helped hundreds to publish their articles in peer-reviewed journals.
• Demystifies the academic publishing process: This workbook is based on actual research about faculty productivity and peer review, students’ writing triumphs and failures, as well as the author’s experiences as a journal editor and award-winning author.
• Proceeds step by manageable step: Within the context of clear deadlines, the workbook provides the instruction, exercises, and structure needed to revise a classroom essay, conference paper, dissertation chapter, master’s thesis, or unfinished draft into a journal article and send it to a suitable journal.
• Targets the biggest writing challenges: This workbook focuses squarely on the most difficult tasks facing scholarly writers, such as getting motivated, making an argument, and creating a logical whole.

Writing Your Journal Article in Twelve Weeks can be used individually or in groups, and is particularly appropriate for graduate student professional development courses, junior faculty orientation workshops, post-doc groups, and journal article writing courses.

Wendy Laura Belcher is assistant professor of African literature at Princeton University in the Department of Comparative Literature and Center for African American Studies. She has taught journal article writing workshops in North America, Europe, and Africa.

Praise for Wendy Belcher and Writing Your Journal Article in Twelve Weeks

"A comprehensive, well-written and beautifully organized book on publishing articles in the humanities and social sciences that will help its readers write forward with a first-rate guide as good company."
-Joan Bolker, author of Writing Your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes a Day

“Humorous, direct, authentic … a seamless weave of experience, anecdote, and research.”
-Kathleen McHugh, professor and director of the UCLA Center for the Study of Women

“A useful text that will be an excellent resource for any writer attempting to publish their work.”
-Larry Chandler, Graduate Student

“Wendy Belcher's book is revolutionizing the way younger scholars perceive academic publishing and radically transforming their level of access to it (and consequently to the profession). It is by far the most readable or practical guide to academic writing on the market.”
-Beth Goodhue, UCLA

“Wendy's guidance has been a tremendous help to me, and the book is great for grad students, junior faculty, or anyone who wants to learn how to write and publish more effectively.”
-Jake Dorman, The University of Kansas

“Your book struck such a nerve because there is a long chain of assumptions in academia that scholars should just know how to do certain things. The relief among faculty is palpable when I explain in groups that few of us -- even those who have been published in journals -- were ever taught properly. And although it helps everyone who cracks it, your book is especially a godsend for faculty from other cultures.” -Carole Sargent, Georgetown University

“Thanks for your wonderful book!”
-Georgina Green, Graduate Student

“Absolutely LOVE the book!”
-Karra Bikson, Graduate Student

Customer Reviews (9)

Buy this book and get published
This book is very well laid out, with great content, helpful stories, and no-nonsense advice.It strikes a good balance between gentle encouragement and stronger exhortation.It helped me to re-write a rejected paper so that it could be published in a very respectable journal.We are using it in a writer's group at my institute that has divided into two groups of 3 to 6 people each, ranging from grad students to young faculty (assistant and associate levels).Each person picks a chapter ("week") of activity to work on for that week and then the next week we discuss our results, pass around and discuss abstracts, etc.You can get more details on the author's website, as well as downloadable forms, if you want to keep your copy pristine.Buy it, use it, get published!

I used it to teach a grad class
I actually did use it to teach a graduate seminar on how to write a publishable article (or really, how to revise a seminar paper into a journal article, since it takes much longer than 12 weeks to write a humanities article from scratch).It would be perfect for a 15-week semester, as I would recommend at least 2 weeks for the literature review section.I teach on the quarter system so it was a bit of a tight squeeze.But in my evaluations the grads said that the book was enormously helpful, if somewhat patronizing in tone.Out of 9 students, I had 4 sending articles out, 4 decide (correctly, I think) that their piece wasn't worth sending out but happy to have changed their writing habits for the future, and 1 realize with horror when he did the literature review chapter that he'd plagiarized substantially through poor note-taking.

So overall, this book really demystifies the writing process, and makes writing into something you do daily, like showering or getting dressed, rather than an occasion for drama and self-doubt.She builds in accountability charts, which are great -- this time around I think I will pair students and have them turn in their charts to one another rather than to me.

Very good guide
I think this book's greatest strength is the writer's ability to break down writing tasks for you each day in order to get your article out in twelve weeks while still juggling other responsibilities. I think most people tend to overload themselves, then feel stress when they don't meet their writing goals. Belcher presents very simple, hourlong, meet-able goals for each day. Each week has 5 days' worth of tasks that you can spread out as needed. It's great to not have to think too hard about scheduling an hour's work for myself every day -- I can just look at the book, do what is suggested, and move on with my other work. Would recommend to anyone trying to balance teaching and publication, and especially to anyone who stops writing when the grading comes in.

If you need to write for school, get it
I bought this book because I have checked it out from the library six times already. It's well-organized, although you may decide to use a different order. It's got good hints for organizing your writing and your life.

This is NOT a book about how to force yourself to write for eight hours a day, six days a week. It is NOT a book about how to do research. It IS a book about how to write up the research you've done.

I'm a grad student, so my needs are for current classes and future professional writing. Everyone I have shown it to in school immediately writes down a citation so they can get it, too.

I'm a big believer in her methods, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs to write in an academic setting.

A must for academics seeking tenure
This hefty book (350 letter-sized pages) takes the reader through designing a writing plan, starting the article, selecting a journal, reviewing the literature, writing the article, getting feedback, editing the article and sending it out. Week X, which happens when you get the response back from the journal, is about dealing with the journal's response to your submission. Each chapter presents a lot of information in the instruction section along with workbook questions to fill in. The Daily Tasks section that follows tells the article writer what to do on a day by day basis. While this book may be too structured for successful academic writers, it's a good starting point for new writers and academics having trouble getting articles accepted. ... Read more

Product Description
From the #1 creativity publisher in the country comes our latest creativity bestseller—Creative Journal Writing— the ultimate book for those who are looking to use this powerful tool to heal, expand, and transform their lives.

In this exceptionally positive and encouraging book, Stephanie Dowrick frees the journal writer she believes is in virtually everyone, showing through stories and examples that a genuine sense of possibility can be revived on every page.

Creative journal writing goes way beyond just recording events on paper. It can be the companion that supports but doesn’t judge, a place of unparalleled discovery, and a creative playground where the everyday rules no longer count. Proven benefits of journal writing include reduced stress and anxiety, increased self-awareness, sharpened mental skills, genuine psychological insight, creative inspiration and motivation, strengthened ability to cope during difficult times, and overall physical and emotional well-being.

Combining a rich choice of ideas with wonderful stories, quotes, and her refreshingly intimate thoughts gained through a lifetime of writing, Dowrick’s insights and confidence make journal writing irresistible—and your own life more enchanting. Included in Creative Journal Writing are:

u stories of how people have used journal writing to transform their lives;

· inspirational instructions, guidelines, and quotes;
· key principles, practical suggestions, and helpful hints;
· 125 starter topics, designed to help even the most reluctant journal writer;
· more than forty powerful exercises;
· and much more! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

bland banal and all the ways i hope tonever write
As a previous reviewer suggested, leave it on the train.this was the most disappointingly bland and banal commercial lot of waffle that could have been written in 10 pages and represents all the ways that i hope i never write.i was hoping for something with passion and guts and honesty but was sadly disappointed. one star is a generous rating.

Must have for writers of all ages and all stages
I've been writing since I was in junior high, writing short stories and poetry - and keeping a journal. Any writer - no matter how old you are or what you like to write - can benefit from keeping a journal. This book gives you the inside scoop on journaling: it's not what you write, how you write it, or even where you write it - the main objective is that YOU JUST WRITE. The book gives examples of real peoples' journals and lots of helpful insights and tips. I love this book!

Creative Writing Journal review
As an editor I get tired of asking my authors to practise their writing. Some like to play the victim, `But I don't have the talent. It just doesn't come easy.' And I have to remind them: even the writing of seasoned writers doesn't always come easy. As with any skill people have to practise. In my mind there's no such thing as a natural-born writer. Or if there is, it's only because they've written thousands of pages, and they now finally write with ease.

Many of my would-be writers purchase books about publishing. They favour titles such as How to Get Published or How to Get off the Slush Pile. As an editor and writing teacher I never suggest such books. For good reason.

This is because getting published to me is like coming to the end of a very long road. You have to get bindies in your feet and collect experience along the way, before you get to your destination. And to state the bleeding obvious, to be a writer you have to write. And you have to write a lot before your sentences sparkle.

But many authors have trouble getting past the first page. They often say to me, `But this is going to be my magnum opus, my Great Australian Novel.' No wonder they fail! From page 1 they place enormous pressure on themselves to write this great thing. If I had a dollar for every poem, short story or novel that I read starting with `The white page is mocking me' I'd be sporting diamond-encrusted flip-flops, sunning myself on the beaches of the Mediterranean.

This is why I often suggest to authors that they read and work through Stephanie Dowrick's Creative Journal Writing. Dowrick challenges people (not just writers) to reframe that blank page as an invitation. She calls it `a door or window opening or falling away'.

Once people see the page as a place to free emotions and thoughts, new adventures can arise. Then you no longer have to be the writer, the great composer, the brilliant anything. You can just be yourself. In a journal the writing is not for publication, competition, or public consumption.

Journal writing is the perfect place to start your journey.

But what do I write about? You may be crowded with a thousand thoughts. Or perhaps you put your pen down, and then your mind turns to mush. Dowrick's book is filled with ideas for writing, topics, tricks, ideas. Each chapter contains simple exercises that any person can do. So for example Dowrick includes a free-association exercise. She offers up the suggestions of catching a lift and focussing on a smell: perhaps someone walking in with a coffee, or someone is wearing your aunt's favourite perfume. What do these smells evoke in you? What memories do they bring up?

When you read Dowrick's book you realise that it's no longer just you and the blank page mocking you. She presents a whole host of ideas that would spark even the most unimaginative person to fill a book.

If you're going to write for others you first need to write for yourself. Throughout the book Dowrick entreats us to `retire the inner critic', which I think is sound advice indeed. Too many people I find, start to write novels then get bogged down in the first few chapters. They go back, edit them, go back again, edit them some more. Then they simply can't move on. (I have shelved two books in this way, so trust me, I know what I'm talking about.) When writing a journal, there's no need to go back and edit. It is what it is, how you were feeling at that time, in that place.

Dowrick writes, `Journal writing is all about process - not goals or outcome. It is freeing - not constraining ... how you write, what you write, matters only to you. You are writing to please no one but yourself. Celebrate!'

Sometimes I hear people say that if you want to learn about good journal writing you should read the greats like Anais Nin. I think this kind of argument is deeply faulted. Most ordinary people are not inspired by great writers to write. They simply fold up their laptop and think well, it has already been done, and how! They get trapped in that inner critic, the self-talk that says `you'll never be as good as her'.

But Dowrick's book is not like that. It's inspirational, easy-to-read and practical. It tells anyone who opens its pages, `You can do this.' It does at times touch on great writers and their examples, but it does not cower in their presence.

Dowrick uses the journal writings of everyday people to show that not only great writers keep journals. People keep them for very ordinary reasons, to get over a break up, to help them get through each day. In the hardest moments a diary or journal can be like a friend, listening without judgment, helping ideas evolve, helping heal the pain felt through life's injustices. Dowrick celebrates the ordinary, as well as extraordinary.

In the end we feel that writing is not just the province of the great novelist or the story teller. You and I can go there, and we can potentially create something wonderful. But at the same time if we just produce something ordinary, but it helps us in other ways, this can be beneficial too. It doesn't really matter in the end. Journal writing can be a means and an end within itself. No more trying, no more striving. Just you and the page and Dowrick's exercises.

An Acquired Taste?
The bestselling author has written a rich, well-crafted how-to manual for creative journal writing.My criticism lies only in its conspicuous bias toward the feminine perspective although to be fair she has made the attempt to include examples from a masculine voice.And yes, she does offer a wealth of exercises/prompts which all appear to be stimulating and potentially productive.Her thesis becomes worn with its repetition and how many pages does it take to understand that a personal journal can take any form its writer desires?I used the book to jumpstart my own habit and as a stimulus I can't complain -- although I think it could have been done quicker.Perhaps down the road I may consult it as a reference but, for now, once completed I haven't opened it since.On the other hand, a woman towhom I gifted a copy thinks it's top flight.There you go.

Creativity=freedom in these pages
Writing should be at least as pleasurable as reading and yet for so many people it isn't. This is a book that seems set to bring back some of the joy in writing that many would-be everyday writers have lost. It is filled with stories, exercises, writing games, humor and insight across all the many areas of journal writing. It is particularly strong on how to write "freely" in ways that I know would help other kinds of writing - creative and "workplace". The author has taught writing and worked in publishing for many years and is a successful writer herself. She is confident that virtually everyone can learn to write more expressively. Given how stuck, forced or dried up many would-be writers feel out here in the real world, these liberating writing techniques are essential to what most us seem to want to discover. This book is about finding "your own voice"- andtrusting it.

Creativity = freedom in these pages. More important to my mind is that it is journal writing in particular
that more than any other kind of writing will let you discover your own voice and your own way to write and express without fear of any outer or inner critic telling you how you should be writing. I lovedthe variety of experiences shared here.The many quotes are mostly from ordinary journal writers whose snapshot views of the world and of the place of journal writing within it vary from Dieter who sees his life through numerical correspondences (amazing number sequences), to Jessica, who uses her journal as a way out of the prison of panic attacks, Michele, an artist with Crohn's disease whose journal writing helps in managing chronic illness and Helen who writes of the solace that journal writing has given her following a marriage breakdown. There are also many examples of using your journal to help you make decisions and review options and generally for "left-brain" strategies, planning etc.I particularly appreciated this! Others may love the sections on
learning to record and "see" your own spiritual story. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (17)

Inspiring and practical
I did not know what to expect when buying this book. My first thought was, "It has never occurred to me to keep a travel journal" even though I am a writer and even a guidebook author. I guess taking notes for research is something different. Yet when I looked through "Writing Away" I thought of my sister and her kids and their many years of documenting trips and how they can enhance those photo/journal memory books by reading this book first. And how I want to do that with my family now (upcoming trip to Utah will be journaled!). I absolutely love the practical tips suggesting what to bring--watercolor pencils, glue, making map art and so on. Just all kinds of crazy wonderful things to draw readers, people, journalers, out of their ruts--for example, using active verbs or imagining a story about a stranger--are so dear and helpful. I will not only recommend this book but probably be buying it for a gift soon. Thanks for writing it, Lavinia!

A top pick for any library strong in either creative writing or travel accounts
This is an outstanding survey of journal-writing for travelers and any who want to capture their experiences on paper. Its survey of travel, personal development, and how to keep a travel journal makes for an outstanding and lively recommendation for travelers and non-travelers alike and is a top pick for any library strong in either creative writing or travel accounts.

writing away
Good material, interesting stories and a
breezy, funny style that keeps the book flowing.

A very good read and I look forward to her next book

Wm Blaney

Great help.
A good help for travel journal beguinners. Help me a lot with my first. The price certainly is fair for the bennefit aquired.

Not Just for Journal Writers

I wasn't expecting much in this book because, for one thing, I tend to think journal writing is solipsistic and boring. But WRITING AWAY was a very pleasant surprise. It is intelligent, witty, and engaging---full of wisdom of life, love, and beauty. Spalding makes the subject come alive and compelling (I'd love to read her journals). My guess is, this will become a classic. It's a book you can curl up with and, based on her brain alone, I wouldn't mind curling up with Spalding, either. ... Read more

Product Description
Turn children who don't know the alphabet into fluent, proficient, and confident writers! "Kid Writing" invites you into classrooms that integrate phonics instruction across the curriculum and throughout the school day. Kindergartners through second-graders, as well as preschoolers, second-language learners, and special education students, flourish in this program. Once you've witnessed the success of this approach and have seen the techniques, you'll be ready to try it yourself. It contains 192 pages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great
This book is great.I've been using the methods in the book and have already seen an improvement in student writing.

Contact authors directly for this GREAT resource!
This is a WONDERFUL resource and Kid Writing is a great technique to use with kids, especially those frustrated by writing.Yes, for some reason the price is ridiculous on this site, but if you contact the authors directly, you can get it for a much better price.I emailed one of the authors, and she sent me a copy for a reasonable price.Every teacher who teaches beginning writers should take a serious look at this resource.

Found it cheaper
Thank you so much. I purchased this book for 41.08 on the McGraw Hill Education Group website. That's shipping and handling and taxes included.

How can they sell it for sooooo much????
This book is $32.10 on the McGraw Hill Wright Group website.Why would anyone buy it for $100?????? ... Read more

Product Description
A nationally known therapist provides a powerful tool for better living--a step-by-step method to personal growth, creative expression, and career enhancement through journal writing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (39)

Not what I was looking for.
I prefer prompted journals, and this journal mainly gives ideas for how to make a journal and what to use it for.I'm not a creative enough writer to come up with my own prompts so what I look for in a guided journal is one where the author helps you along a little more and gives you ideas for delving into your past, present and future to help heal you and teach you about yourself.This book would be fine for a more independent writer.

Exploring your deep self
It was interesting to me when I first scanned through this book how many similar ideas I had over the years and had applied on my own. Seeing this made me feel like I had been doing some things right and useful for myself. The additional ideas and methods gave me a feeling that it would be worth pursuing the idea of journaling for the rest of my life.


Shortly after receiving this book my sister had gone through 13 hours of surgery for throat cancer. I considered sending her this book thinking she had been through so much that it might help her to journal her feelings and thoughts. I reconsidered because she never really seemed like a journaling person. I was very surprised and pleased when she was able to talk again, although with a lot of difficulty, that she had started journaling on her own, before I had ever suggested the idea.

When she told me that, I immediately wrapped up the book and sent it to her. I know that she will get at least as much out of it now as I would. A good book with lots of good ideas that anyone can use and appreciate.

approachable!
Journaling always seemed like a great idea to me, and then after 3 months of self pitying sludge and several pages of "I don't know what to write in here" it was all too dull, and I would quit.Journal to the Self does a fantastic job of offering various techniques to keep your journaling going, and/or giving it some focus.Each technique is described clearly and concisely, and the I found the author's tone reassuring.There are classic excercises such as unsent letters, and novel exercises such as clustering which give a quick picture of the associations one is making. The book is easy to read, and is organized so that it is easy to locate the descriptions of each technique when revisiting to book as a reference. I am finding the information in this book very valuable.

The most awesome part of the book is the 'Journaling Toolbox', with thirteen tools to explore possibilities!
'Journal to the Self: Twenty-Two Paths to Personal Growth - Open the Door to Self-Understanding by Writing, Reading, and Creating a Journal of Your Life', by
Kathleen Adams;

I have found this awesome book in a second-hand bookstore.

After reading it, it reminds me of another awesome book, which has nothing to do with journaling.

That book was 'Summarisation in any Subject: 50 techniques to Improve Student Learning', by Rick Wormeli.

I already know how to summarize, & am proud to say that I am pretty good at it, too, but I didn't know there are 50 great ways to do it.

Likewise, I already know how to write a journal [in actuality, I call mine an ideas scratchpad, which also doubles up as my daily journal], & am proud to say that I am pretty good at it, too, but I didn't know there are thirteen great ways to do it.

So, in a nut shell, & for me, the most awesome part of the book is the 'Journaling Toolbox', comprising thirteen tools:

1) Springboards;
2) Character Sketches;
3) Clustering;
4) Captured Moments;
5) Dialog;
6) Lists;
7) Streams of Consciousness (or Meditative Writing);
8) Stepping Stones;
9) Time Capsule;
10) Topics du jour;
11) Unsent Letters;
12) Perspectives;
13) Dreams & Imagery;

I still haven't yet figured out why the book has listed twenty-two pathways. Nonetheless, I am really happy with the "turnout".

For me, I approach journaling [or 'ideas scratchpadding', in my lingo] more from the standpoint of exploring possibilities. That's to say, journaling keeps me awake & alert to all kinds of possibilities, so to speak, to paraphrase idea guru Doug Hall, who once said:

"I like thinking of possibilities. At any time, an entirely new possibility is liable to come along & spin you off in an entirely new direction. The trick, I've learned, is to be awake to the moment."

[Reviewed by Lee Say Keng, Knowledge Adventurer & Technology Explorer, Optimum Performance Technologies, Singapore, March 2010]

Great information
This book contains an incredible amount of information on journaling.Plan on using many of the suggestions myself and to also use the material with clients in my private practice.Journaling can uncover things that talking simply can't. ... Read more

Product Description
When you've decided you can't take it any more, it helps a great deal to know what it actually is. The process of writing about overwhelming emotions is a remarkably effective means of creating clarity and perspective in your life. Regular journal writers and diarists rely on their writing to help them keep their emotions in perspective; this book distills the best emotional benefits of regular personal writing into a series of engaging and easy-to-practice writing exercises.

This book begins by helping readers explore why they were drawn to journaling in the first place and what their goals are for their writing experiments. Short projects help readers name their emotions, distancing them from overwhelming feelings so that they can react more constructively. Other exercises work to help readers interpret emotions from different perspectives. By learning to gauge their emotional reactions on a "feelings barometer," readers will come to understand the perceived strength of an emotion. Further exercises encourage readers to discover emotional triggers, write an emotional history, and connect physical and emotional responses. By practicing these exercises, readers will develop a language of positive imagery that will enhance comfort and peace of mind.Amazon.com Review
The practice of keeping a journal is increasingly being recommended by therapists and other health care professionals as a tool for gaining a better understanding of one’s life situations and corresponding emotions. In this book, Jacobs provides readers with a progressive, step-by-step guide for doing so easily and effectively. Journals, she writes, are "a checkpoint between your emotions and the world," that enable us to view our feelings from a distance, and to become clearer about the beliefs and attitudes that shape them.

Beginning with an explanation about the value of keeping a journal, Jacobs then guides readers through various processes to clarify our understanding of the subjective nature of emotions and how they are influenced by time and memory. Readers then learn how to define and evaluate their emotions, predict their emotional patterns, release emotions that no longer serve them, and refocus and organize their emotional life in ways that are more appropriate and fulfilling. Supported by over 30 hands-on exercises, this guide is an excellent resource for novice and seasoned journalists alike.--Larry Trivieri Jr. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great book for every person's mind control!
I've managed my mind through writing a diary or just scribbling at any moment. This book taught me how I can develop this writing into managing my mind effectively. Very detailed and kind guide for everyone who wants to keep under control themselves well.

Writings....
It isn't as I expected I wanted more space to write and topics to help me get going......

Learn to Control Your Emotions More Than They Control You!
I love the personal and non-judgmental tone of this book! Dr. Jacobs clearly cares about her readers and wants all of us to learn how to manage our emotions better when they get out of hand. Happily, she offers a lot more than just talk. There are 33 exercises in the book plus space to respond to them. In some of the exercises, you get to know yourself better, and in others you practice the techniques she teaches for managing emotions. All you need is a pen or pencil and the desire to control your feelings more than they control you. The book ends up being both a valuable lesson about the way emotions work and an invaluable journal that helps you figure out how YOUR emotions work and how you can become a better manager of them. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to have more control over his or her life! ... Read more

Product Description
You could pray, or meditate, or dream, or visit a shaman, or a minister, or a hypnotherapist. With so many routes into inner consciousness, why write? Of all the ways to get in touch with God, as you understand God... to hear the small, still voice pointing you in the right direction... why take the time to write?

One reason: it works. It works amazingly well. If you want to engage in a vibrant conversation with the wisdom that dwells just a hair below your conscious awareness, write. Write every day, at approximately the same time, with passion, honesty, and the intention of speaking with and listening to the voice within.

Janet Conner was escaping a terrible situation of domestic abuse. While trying to figure out how she and her son could live and how they could eat, she realized she had hit rock bottom. With no other advisers, she listened to her own inner voice, which told her to start writing. As she did, Janet's inner voice gained clarity and strength, and she felt an incredible connection to the divine, and almost immediately miracles began to happen.

Today, research scientists in psychology, physics, biochemistry, and neurology are providing peeks into what consciousness is and how it works. Their findings give us intriguing clues as to what is actually happening in and through our bodies, minds, and spirits as we roll pen across paper. Writing Down Your Soul explores some of this research and instructs readers how to access the power and beauty of their own deepest selves. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

Read and Reconnect
Not many books can reconnect you with your true self and teach you about yourself.How is it done;simple ,pick up a pen and write.I have learnt a lot about my self and my Spirituality,and i`m just about to start reading it AGAIN.My Soul thanks Janet for her honest and witty style of writing and for our chance to reconnect and stay reconnected.

Wonderful Read
This book was very easy to read.I thought it might have just been another ... tough to get through, "how to" book but it wasn't at all!The writer captures you from the beginning by relating her story and how she got started with journaling and then explains how journaling turned into so much more.It became a source for tapping into the inner wisdom we all have.This has helped me a great deal and I would highly recommend this book even if all you read is her story, it's very interesting.For anyone who enjoyed books like "The Secret" or anything to do with the laws of attraction, you'll want to read this book.It takes out the commercialism of "The Secret" and gets you right to the heart of the inner wisdom we all have.Thank you for writing this book Janet!

First rate
I found the book I was looking for with no problem, at the right price, and shipped, received as promised.

Writing Down Your Soul
The method presented in Writing Down Your Soul is part journaling and part channeling. Essentially, you start off journaling. Not benign topics like the weather or your daily habits, more like dumping your truth onto the pages. All your frustration, all your deepest darkest secrets, and all your fears laid out without any reservations. Complete purging.

The key difference is that your writing is meant to be a conversation. A dialogue between you and God or your higher power (or whatever term you use to denote the sacred or divine). Yes, at first it is one sided, you spilling your guts. But after the emotion is spent, you begin to see answers and solutions.

It's so very easy to get caught up in our own dramas. We are so sure that our secrets are unforgivable so we hold them in but it's the denial that makes us sick. Writing Down Your Soul shows us a better way.

Asking the hard questions
A very thought provoking book with great guidelines and ideas.If you find yourself getting stuck on the same old thoughts then this offers some help in moving forward in your relationship with yourself.I found it very useful with a good list of questions you can ask yourself. ... Read more

Product Description
With quotations on the left-hand pages and text on theright, this book helps the reader understand the value of journalwriting, as well as many practical pointers on how to do it. 16 shortchapters. ... Read more

Product Description
In Life's Companion, Christina Baldwin points out that writing is a means of expanding our inner horizons, of relating more meaningfully to the world we live in and to other travelers on the spiritual path. Baldwin, a leader of the renaissance of personal writing, has taught personally more than 30,000 people the joys of journaling.

The book illuminates its text with enlightening quotations, exercises, questions, and techniques to nurture the writer and seeker within. Centered in a broad spiritual philosophy, Life's Companion shows readers how to transform writing into a tool for self-growth, heightened awareness, and personal fulfillment.

The stunning cover and beautiful interior art was designed by renowned spiritual artist Susan Seddon Boulet. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

A Written Journey of Self
A small group of women are working thru this book as a "Journaling Ministry" and so we have not gone thru the entire book, but meet 2X's a month and work the writing exercises.To me it is a very spiritual aspect of journaling and i particularly like the examples (in italics) to enhance our perspectives on what we write.An excellent book i recommend to anyone interested in a journey thru the written word.

A Re-visioned Classic!
Christina is a pioneer. Her books are never re-makes of information you can find in other places. If you find similar works, they've probably been influenced by her. Even this new edition of her classic, Life's Companion, is full of new material. I have both editions, and wouldn't part with either one.

Must have for Journal Writers
With beautiful phrasing, poetry and insightful exercises, Baldwin has written another classic for journal writers and anyone in transition.

Self discovery through writing
Without knowing it this product has inspired me to find answers within me. By reflecting and writing stuff down you can become an open channel, little like automatic writing and really flow questions and answers that have been hidden. After months you can see how your life has unfolded and how messages are all around you to a new world. Thanks to this book, helping people, life experience I have put together soul's inner voice a profound but simple approach to changing your life in 24 hours.
Thank you for your book and inspiring journey.

Love and light

Bradmonk

Life's Companion: Journal Writing As A Spiritual Quest
This book caries just about every way of approaching journal writing with practical and usuable examples, probing questions and shows a variety of styles by which one can motivate themselves in the process of journal writing. Highest recommendation. ... Read more

Product Description
A recognized classic in the field of art therapy and creativity, this book is a perfect guide to discovering and releasing your inner potential through writing and drawing.It contains over 50 writing and drawing exercises to help you find and love one's self, get in touch with ones' feelings, and dreams.

It will also show you how to:

* Play with new media of expression (color, images, symbols)
* Sort out the seemingly random experiences in your life.
* Deal with creative blocks to get a clearer picture of your potential and how to use it.
* Define and implement changes.
* Enrich your relationship with yourself and others

Written for both novice and veteran journal keeper, as well as group leaders and counselors, it is a visually stunning book illustrated by the author, her students and clients. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Creativity in a Book
Book has many good ideas and activities for looking at your own creativity.Some of the ideas will be good to try with some "Fun with Creativity" groups that I
lead.Like the examples that are shown.

GOOD
THE BOOK ARRIVED AS SCHEDULED AND IN THE CONDITION AS PROMISED BY THE SELLER. NO PROBLEMS.

The Creative Journal
This is a great book but we ordered the wrong book we needed The Creative Journal for Children

Excellent starter...
This book is a great book, especially if you are new to the world of art and self-expression. It is a real "jogger" to the creativity in all of us, and especially me. I failed 9th grade art, because I hated art class so much! The way it was taught, the teacher, the students, etc. This is my first art book, and after working with it some, I eagerly bought Lucia's other books as well. Doing the excersises in her books, completely opened up my mind and creativity.I joyfully recommend it.

Not what I expected
I thought it was a blank journal with excersizes in it, but its not. Its a book filled with other peoples journal entrees for the excersizes. I returned it. ... Read more

Product Description
Would you like to journal, but you're not sure how to start?Do you love to journal, but need some fresh ideas?Here's a book to help you discover (or recover) the power of writing as a spiritual discipline. In these pages you'll find intriguing and encouraging insights on topics like "ordinary things," "discovery journaling," "drawing from another's well" and "dialogue journaling with Scriptures."In each brief chapter, Luann Budd draws on her own life and writing. She shows how to put each of her ideas into practice. And she provides additional inspiration and examples from significant men and women throughout history who have journaled.Read this book to discover the transforming power of journal keeping! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

A great guide for learning to journal
This is a great guide to use to learn to journal.Sometimes we need help putting our ideas, feelings, interest.... on paper.I feel that everyone who purchases it, will find it very helpful.

You Can Probably Do Without
I bought this book because I wanted to begin writing a journal.Having never done that type of writing before, I was looking for a book that would give me some pointers on how to do this type of writing; otherwise I felt that I would be just like a chicken running around with its head cut off.I did start writing and I have been pleased with the results.However, I don't know that this particular book was that helpful.

The most helpful feature of the book is that the author, in a straight-forward and open way, explains what journal keeping is all about.For example, she points out that your writing should be for your eyes only.You should not even share it with your spouse.The reason for this isn't that we should be secretive, but rather that this degree of privacy is required if we are going to be completely honest and uninhibited in our writing.I think this and other points about the nature of journal writing that Budd provides were very helpful.

Aside from defining the nature of journal keeping, Budd basically provides a litany of "ideas" to consider pursuing in your writing.Much of the ideas are simply ridiculous in my mind, and they exemplify the fact that our society pays way too much attention to self-expression and too little attention to objective thinking and problem-solving.Some of these ideas are good ones, to be sure (e.g, copying down passages of scripture in your journal), and many of the pointers Budd gives emphasize how our writing can aid us as we work through questions and problems we are walking through.

This book probably could have been half as long as it is.In my opinion the most important points are: (1) write for yourself only; and (2) write to address issues in your life, either personal problems or other controversies.There are certainly various forms of writing that you can do, ranging from a structured essay to ramblings and musings of the mind.All of these forms can be helpful if you are mindful of your goal of spiritual growth and the attainment of understanding and wisdom.Aside from all that, the most important thing is merely to start writing.

This book is not all fluff and nonsense, but you can certainly do without it.Don't feel bad if you decide to put it down before you finish it.As Budd gets into the second half of this book it seems like she is just amassing a bunch of random ideas on the topic of writing generally.The first half is much more helpful.

For Christians Only
I got this book hoping to use it to supplement the journaling part of a workshop I was teaching. I was just looking for some good tips and techniques for creating and maintaining a spiritually-oriented journal. I was sadly disappointed to find that the entire book was focused solely on deepening one's love for God. I'm not even Christian. I tried to glean some tidbits out of it anyway, but page after page was loaded with references to God and Jesus and the Bible. If you're looking for a book about exploring your religion, this is the book for you. If you're looking for a book on spiritual journaling, this is not it.

Wonderful book for Christians
This book is definately for Christians. I am not sure someone who practices another faith would enjoy it but for those of us who are passionate about the things of Christ, this book is for you. It has been used to strengthen my Christian walk through journaling.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to grown in Christ. It is a great tool!

Journal Keeping: Do the Benefits Outweigh the Risks?
"I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train." - Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest [1895], Act I.

According to author and journal writing enthusiast Luann Budd, the main purpose of keeping a diary is not to have handy an escape from the boredom of a long commute.Budd believes "writing is one of the most powerful tools for thinking" (126) and, even more importantly, "journaling can help us to see our own heart as God sees it and repent" (58). And if those reasons do not convince you how valuable keeping a written record of your thought life is, writing teacher (San Jose State University) Budd has included several dozen more in her second book-length effort, Journal Keeping. In fact so powerfully does Budd argue the case for a Christian keeping a written record of her spiritual journey that in the end the reader is left to wonder why preachers throughout literate Christendom are not similarly extolling the virtues of journal keeping from their pulpits every other Sunday.

Part one of Journal Keeping, "Exploring the Possibilities," concerns the why and how of journaling. Here Budd offers several more good reasons to create a written record of our earthly sojourn, noting that "men and women who are considered our spiritual heroes were private writers--letter writers, journal keepers, diarists" (21). Budd goes on to list some very familiar names--Abigail Adams, St. Augustine, Martin Luther, Jonathon Edwards, John Wesley and C. S. Lewis--but does not tell us who were the diarists and who were the letter writers, nor does she offer a sample of any of their private writings. She also cites the most famous writings of Moses (the Pentateuch) and David (the Psalms), although the comparison, particularly in the case of the Pentateuch, seems a bit strained. She concludes the first chapter with more high praise for journal keeping, averring it "can help us to embrace wisdom, respond to the Lord and grow deeper in relationship with Christ" (28).

Budd then moves on to discuss some of the more practical issues associated with journal keeping, such as choosing what form of private writing to use (e.g., diary or autobiography). She talks about traditional ways of organizing a journal, and gives the reader a few of her own strategies. She concludes by saying the correct format is not the issue. "[T]he most important principle is just to begin" (33).

Budd next discusses the necessity of planning to keep one's journal completely private. "If no one is going to read your journal, then you are free, free to be bare-naked honest" (35). This is very important, since Budd agrees with journal keeper Ralph Fletcher that journals are for giving you "a roomy space to record and explore what amazes, delights, disgusts, or appalls you" (36). Budd gives Fletcher an amen by adding, "Because our journals are private, we are free to be absolutely candid. No one's looking over your shoulder." (36).

Budd further underscores the importance of keeping an honest journal in chapter seven. There she again exhorts us to "[W]rite candidly, even if you are not proud of the attitudes or lack of character that are revealed on the page (57). She goes on to say we should "[C]onsider taking half an hour to write down all the reasons why the Lord would not be pleased with you" (58), adding, "[I]n our journals we have the opportunity to get real before God" (59).

Part two of Journal Keeping, "Uncovering the Process," begins with Budd personifying her journal as her "best friend" (67). "I was safe with my journal" recalls Budd, certain that what she "wrote would never be seen by anyone else; it wouldn't make the circuit and come back to be used against me, or be twisted and misunderstood" (67). Budd goes on to say "[I]f you need a trustworthy best friend, a place where you can speak your mind ... a place where you can pour out your heart ... a place where you can be honest ... your journal can be a wonderful, listening, safe, best friend" (69)

Budd then departs from a narrow discussion of journal keeping and begins preaching on a number of other issues. She discusses the media God uses to speak to people (Scripture, the Holy Spirit, other human beings). She tells us how she has joyously discovered aspects of God in nature and unusual events. She talks about the importance of forgiveness, commemorating special events in our lives, making the most of opportunities, seeing "the beauty of the Lord" (104), and the benefits that can be obtained paraphrasing "scripture into a more contemporary voice" (107). Budd then suggests we take advantage of "[S]tories, both true and fictional," because they "often illustrate spiritual truths" (109). Afterwards she encourages us to try our hand at creative forms of poetry, write short responses to the works of Godly authors, including biblical ones. The far-ranging homily that is Part two concludes by urging the reader to "[O]pen the door of your heart and invite the Holy Spirit in to transform you to be more like Christ" (146).

Part three, "Venturing Out," begins by commending the virtues of letter writing. Budd asserts letters written to or "from the Lord" can bring insight and encouragement. She goes on to discuss the difficulty and the importance of maintaining a journal during spiritual "cold spells" (167). And Budd concludes her book with an interesting list of "fifty journaling possibilities" (172-75).

For author Luann Budd, journal keeping is an absolutely wonderful tool for spiritual growth, a way "we can seek to see Jesus and assess our attempts to live like him" (14), and it would certainly seem this device has greatly aided Budd and many others make major progress toward worthy spiritual goals. But in the end, this reviewer was left with some deeply troubling questions unanswered. They include:

What unnecessary risks are Christians assuming when they give their worst enemies a "bare-naked honest" look at their souls? And make no mistake about it, unless innumerable testimonies accumulated over centuries from countless missionaries serving in devil-worshiping countries throughout the world are to be entirely disbelieved, demons can see and read. Given this unfortunate reality, a reasonable person can fairly ask: What military commander at war would send to his enemy an "absolutely candid" written copy of his highest hopes, worst fears, and immediate and long-term plans for the future? Common sense would strongly suggest that his enemy would be absolutely delighted to receive, without having expended any time or effort, a detailed daily intelligence report with such a high degree of accuracy. This being the case, would it be reasonable to assume that when God in His great wisdom created human beings with the ability to meditate on important spiritual issues without making their thoughts audible or visual, He did so for a very important reason?

Unfortunately, Journal Keeping does not in any way address these important questions, causing the reader to wonder if they have ever occurred to Mrs. Budd. But whether or not these questions have occurred to the author of Journal Keeping is not nearly as important as competently answering them. Only then can we make an informed judgement as to whether the obvious benefits of journal keeping outweigh the less obvious dangers. ... Read more

Product Description
This popular little book has been updated to include more than 100 NEW topics to "jumpstart" your students when they need help finding something to write about - making a total of more than 400 topics. It also includes the most practical advice you are likely to find on the subject of journal writing in the classroom.

Author Patricia Woodward, 1987 Colorado Teacher of the Year, gives sensible suggestions for grading, handling confidential material, dealing with complaints, giving credit and much more. Grades 7-12. 93 pages, 7"7", reproducible. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Great tool for English teachers
As a busy ESL teacher, I don't have a lot of time to do everything that I would like---including thinking up journnal topics for my high school ESL class to write about in the first few minutes of class. This book is a valuable tool that I use every day. Within seconds, I have been able to select an appropriate topic from the book and concentrate on other things for the day. Great book---great price and worth it's weight in gold!

pretty cool
This really is just a collection of journal topics.I liked it well enough.I think it will help me develop a gazillion topics of my own, which may well be its greatest value to me in the future.It also includes some info on how to actually deal with journals in the classroom.I found those less helpful, since I've been teaching for a bit of a while, but I think her tips are highly adaptable.So, if you're new to using journals in your classes, this could be a great resource.It's affordable, too, so why not?

High School Use
This book provides a quick reference for lots of journal topics.Woodward also provides useful tips on how to work journal writing into your class; for example, she discusses the scoring of journals and how they fit into agrading plan.Some of the topics could have yes/no or one word answers,but by simply adding an "And why do you think so?" the problemcan be addressed for upper-level students.As with any material you use inyour classroom, you need to tweak it so it fits your particular classroomsituation.The topics are general enough to give you a basic idea that youcan use verbatim or that you can modify.Personally, I found the topics tobe jumpstarts for my ideas as well, and huge time savers.

Very useful!
I have used Journal Jumpstarts in my middle school English class and find it extremely useful.It is just what my students need to stimulate their "creative juices." Not only do they enjoy writing about thetopics, but I've heard them share their ideas between classes! I thinkeveryEnglish teacher should have one!

Outstanding Resource for Journal Writing
This is a MUST-have book for teachers who are looking for journal ideas with their students.I use ideas from this book every day with my high school students.It is also handy when you need an idea for a quickwriteduring those remaining five minutes of class!BUY IT!It is worth thesmall cost! ... Read more

Product Description
Heal Your Pain Now with Expressive Writing

What do diarists and journal writers know that can help anyone dealing with a traumatic or emotionally challenging situation recover from pain and regain their peace of mind?

They know that the act of putting thoughts and feelings on paper is, itself, a powerful exercise that makes them feel heard and acknowledged—a way of regaining perspective and control over the events that move through their lives.

In this book, the preeminent psychologist and researcher in thegrowing field of expressive emotions therapy, or EET, takes readersthrough a series of guided writing exercises that help them exploretheir feelings about difficult experiences. Each chapter begins withan introduction that explains how to proceed with the journal exerciseand what it is structured to help accomplish. Readers are encouragedto do the exercise in the journal itself—each chapter providesplenty of ruled space—so that they can frequently refer to theirown work and gain insight and clarity from their own words. The textoffers encouragement and gentle advice for breaking through thoseinevitable moments when mental block make writing impossible;stream-of-consciousness and automatic writing clears away the obstacleand inspires the journal writer to even deeper levels ofself-expression. The text stresses throughout the power forunderstanding and coping with difficult times that lies in storytelling, whether through fiction, dance, or art. In all, the exerciseswill leave readers with a strong sense of their value in the world andthe ability to accept that which is sometimes hard to accept—thatlife can be good even when it is sometimes bad. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Fantastic Book
I actually think this method of writing helps a person. I am going to continue to work at it.

Gentle, kind support for those in pain
I searched high and low in a quest to find something appropriate for people with emotional trauma that they are not prepared to discuss with another. Do I know what the problem is? Not necessarily, but I can tell that it is painful and delaying healing.

This is the only book I found that I recommend for this purpose. There are plenty of books on journaling...some for artistic development, for writing skills, and for breaking dysfunctional behavior patterns. This is not one of those.

There are others on journaling to heal, but this is the only one gentle and wise enough for my taste.

This is the book that you give as a gift from the heart for a person in need, which might mean a gift to oneself. Pennebaker treats the reader wisely (never show your writing to anyone else), gently (if this exercise does not feel like what you need, here are several more), and intelligently (here is the research that supports this method).

Only criticism is the cover design...should be a neutral color, should be more discrete. But no matter, it is still worthy of 5 stars. Buy this book and put on a bookcover!

good guide for working through feelings
i didn't actually write in the book as i already had a journal that i use but i did read through the book and use the advice that was presented. i didn't follow every single exercise but i found this to be a valuable resource. i believe, as the author suggests, that there is healing through writing. i would suggest this book for those new to journaling as well as those that journal but want to get a different perspective on jounraling when going through a difficult life situation. this might be a nice gift for someone who is going through a difficult situation but wouldn't normally journal but would benefit from the exercises.

Writing really does heal body and soul
I was excited when I first found out about Dr. Pennebaker's amazing research showing that writing helped to heal phsycial as well as emotional distress and illnesses. It was so exciting that I investigatedthe research, downloaded his articles, and decided to write a book that talked about this research and how writing can be used to heal in Becoming Whole: Writing Your Healing Story. The wonderful thing about this kind of writing is that it seems to work whether you believe in it or not. Therapists and healers from all over the world I hope will use these techniques to help heal many people who have found it hard to recover from trauma and emotional abuse.
I was very pleased when Dr. Pennebaker offered an endorsement for my book, and encouraged me to continue spreading themessage about the healing power of writing. He is a kind man, inspiring, brilliant, and sincere. Kay Adams on her site for Journal Therapy has a terrific interview with Dr. Pennebaker that everyone should read.

a valuable addition to journaling books
I don't usually like books that tell you how to journal and then leave space to do so.However, as a psychotherapist, I admire the research of Pennebaker, and feel he provides validation for the healing power of journaling.
I would recommend this book and a few others, like Adams' "Journal to the Self" and the works of Capacchione to get yourself started on this process. Of course, there are probably a few hundred books on journaling that have been published in the last 30 years and it's always best to pick what works for you. ... Read more

Product Description
A simple, sure-fire method to improve health and well-being

Can writing help to heal the sick? Will it cure not just emotional wounds, but physical ones as well? Yes, says Dr. Sheppard Kominars emphatically. For anyone suffering from hypertension, chronic pain, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and even cancer, writing can reduce the physical symptoms of many diseases. For those who have endured psychological trauma in their lives, writing can improve their overall well-being, lower their blood pressure, and improve their immune function.

In Write for Life, Dr. Kominars reveals a host of powerful insights and journaling techniques that can improve health. It could not be simpler: pick up a pen and embark on a lifelong adventure to healthier and happier living. Written with specific instructions on how to use journal writing to deal with medical crises and healing, Write for Life is a valuable and useful tool for people with serious or chronic illnesses, as well as for the doctors and nurses who treat them. The pen just might be mightier than the scalpel! ... Read more

Product Description
Who knew that writing could be so cool? Kid's Writing Journal has 365 creative, short journal-writing ideas with inspiring quotations by famous people and thought-provoking sayings and lines from books, to get ideas flowing and writing going. Dr. Seuss wrote "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself, any direction you choose." When you grow up, what kind of person would you like to be, and where would you like to go? If you don't know, make up something! This easy-to-use writing journal not only gives children a writing experience but teaches the powerful principles of honesty, trust, generosity, love and other values. When kids write and express their thoughts, they discover their own uniqueness. This stimulating writing journal will not only create cozy and enjoyable moments, it will have a lasting impact on your growing child. Lined spaces for writing and illustrations to color, makes the journal easy to work with. ... Read more

Product Description
From the day it was released in 2000, Keeping a Nature Journal has struck a profound chord among professional, casual, and occasional naturalists of all ages. In response to this groundswell of enthusiasm, we have revised KEEPING A NATURE JOURNAL, updated the interior design, and created a new cover. Undoubtedly the most exciting new element in this second edition is a portfolio of 32 illustrated pages from Clare Walker Leslie's most recent journals, reproduced in full color.

What makes KEEPING A NATURE JOURNAL so popular? It is inspiring and easy to use. Clare and co-author Charles "Chuck" E. Roth offer simple techniques to give first-time journal-keepers the confidence to go outside, observe the natural world, and sketch and write about what they see. At the same time, they motivate long-time journal-keepers to hone their powers of observation as they immerse themselves in the mysteries of the natural world. Clare and Chuck stress that the journal is a personal record of daily experience and the world around us. Nature's beauty can be observed everywhere, whether in the city, suburbs, or country. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Wonderful Journal
This book is great for adults and kids. I can't draw worth beans but this book breaks it down very well. Keep it simple and add later. A very unpretentious learning took. The writers admit they are still learning too. I think the book would be good for more advanced nature journalists as well. It's also just a very pretty book to look at!

changed the way I see things
I started keeping a written journal to record events in my family life and the nature around us a few years ago. I found it difficult to keep up and ended up with a backlog of things to write about - it was tedious trying to catch up and the entries failed to convey the moments when recorded so long after. Then I found this book at the library and I ended up taking it our so many times I just bought it. After a few false starts, I started last year creating a sketch journal. At first it was just quick sketches that didn't look like much that I wanted to tear out, but I found a remarkable thing - just the process of doing the sketches seemed to indelibly write that memory into my brain (I have photos that I can't remeber ever taking).
Since then my sketches have been getting better and I've added colored pencil to them and write short descriptions around them instead of pages of prose. I am hooked now and have signed up for a watercolor class. I love this book and take it out and just thumb through it sometimes when i get stressed out. I am sure that I will do the same with my journals and hope my son will look through them someday for memories of his childhood. I have been encouraging him (he's 9 now) to start his own sketch jounal and he has been.

Beautiful and Useful
Great tool for inspiration and leading natural drawing sessions.Great for training field ecologists.

great gift
I purchased this as a Christmas gift for my niece as a way to combine her love for art with my love for biological studies.With all of the "cooler" presents she received, I caught her spending alot of time engrossed in the book.A great gift!

GREAT BOOK!!
I bought this book for my son who keeps a written journal of his birding trips and nature activities. It is the book anyone will need when doing a nature journal. 5 stars for sure. ... Read more

Product Description
**Popular Journal Illustrating Book < Redesigned With An Attractive New Cover < & Illustration and Is Now Available In < See Through Shrink Wrap. < **Postponed Till Spring 99"** ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Liberating
If you miss illusrations in books, whats a better way to go through the sketches and while you are at it learn a few things like contour drawings and gesture drawings. These workouts will get out the shy artist in you who has always wanted to draw but did not know how. Sort of like screaming to hear your own voice.
Exercises like field observation, memory walking,meditative sketching, capture the day, listing will surprise and satisfy you with their outcomes.
Examining negative space, varying psychic distance are other promising ways of entering the world of sketching .

A readable and useful book for journal writers
I've read and am reading several books on journal writing, having decided to take on that task in earnest.Often these books are heavily into a kind of exploratory self-analysis of the psychological sort as an aid to figuring out one's personal issues.They can also be lengthy and involved.

But Hannah Hinchman's book is readable, delightfully brief and nicely illustrated with her art work.It covers the field sufficiently but not exhaustively, and provides enough examples from accomplished journalists to give the newcomer models he or she needs to get going in the right direction.And there is constant helpful and practical advice.I find myself going back to it over and over again to remind myself of the fine points of her wise guidance.

If you're new or fairly new to the journal-writing endeavor, I highly recommend this book.

Illuminate your journals
I had the pleasure of taking a workshop with Hannah in Grand Teton NP, and her love for capturing the beauty of nature is evident in her journals. Illuminating her pages with detailed sketches, her skill at calligraphy and her love of writing will delight other journal keepers and nature lovers. Would have been nice to have had it all in color, but a good read for sketchbook & journalists.

Two Books to Encourage Creativity
Sky a relaxed blue. Snow shadows have more violet than sky does. At the unfocussed edge of the shadow, an orange penumbra. ~February 1989

A Life in Hand is a book set designed to encourage your creativity. Both books have beautiful covers and the second book is filled with blank pages.

Hannah Hinchman lives in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where she works as a freelance artist, illustrator, graphic designer, calligrapher, writer and teacher. Her work has appeared in Sisters of the Earth and in Sierra magazine. She now teaches field journal workshops for the Yellowstone Institute. All the drawings in the instruction booklet were taken from Hannah's journals. The last section of this book is filled with Watercolor art and Hannah's calligraphy.

Hannah encourages everyone to begin a journal, no matter what your age or life experience. She explores the magic of journal keeping and brings a new perspective to letter writing. She enjoys word play and stream-of-consciousness writing.

If you want to start a journal, this book set may inspire you and give you ideas for illustrating your observations about life.

~The Rebecca Review

Great place to start with keeping a visual diary!
This book is simple introduction to visual diary-keeping and will be enjoyed by people looking for a short, unintimidating, introduction to this topic. ... Read more

Product Description
Using a single or small number of genre-specific works, this series explores the tools all beginning writers need. It features titles that include a review list of key concepts, at least four exercises for getting started, and numerous writing tips. ... Read more

Product Description
Recent research shows that writing our feelings about anillness or traumatic experience actually improves the efficiency ofthe immune system. In this groundbreaking book Lucia Capacchioneshares a unique method of journal-keeping she developed whilerecovering from a life-threatening collagen disease.

Her simple techniques include effective ways to:

- Listen to your body.
- Love & nurture yourself.
- Let your Inner Child out to play.
- Create a personal support system.
- Decode messages hidden in symptoms.
- Discover the healing power of dreams.
- Find guidance in the wisdom of the body.

The Well-Being Journal takes you on an inner journey through thepsychological roots of pain and illness to your own natural power toheal. ... Read more

Product Description
Des exercices d'écriture adaptés aux saisons, des sujets inspirants et dignes d'intérêt, le tout sur des fiches reproductibles, pour le plus grand bonheur des enseignants! ... Read more