Complete Idiot's Guide to Journaling

by Joan Neubauer

Describes techniques and exercises for creating a journal and shares the rewards that keeping a journal can bring, from a healing journal to a dream journal to a family journal.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I knew some of the information presented, I did learn a few things. It helped me get a better perspective on how and why I want to keep a journal.

[Matthew Law · Rating 4 out of 5]

It informs the reader about the many variations of journaling as well as the benefits of each form of the journals. It also gives suggestions on what to write about in the journals.

[Paula Dembeck · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book may serve as a suitable reference for those beginning to explore the entire phenomena of journaling, an activity which seems to be gaining more popularity having replaced the former activity of diary writing. However, it is clearly a book for a beginner and not helpful for anyone who has been engaged in the activity for some time.

The beginning chapters cover the different types of materials that can be used as journals (from simple notepads to elegant leather covered and bound books), to the different types of journaling activities (logs, healing journals, reflective journals, traveler and writers’ journals) and tries to assist the reader choose the material and style of writing that best suits their needs. It also describes what “journaling” means in both a professional and personal life.

Other sections includes tips for improving journal writing, finding the time to write and ways the internet might be a source of help.

I did not really appreciate the content or the style of writing. The initial chapters had too much “psycobabble” for my liking. But this book may be helpful for someone who is just starting out, who wants an overview of the craft before embarking on this activity.

As a humourous aside, the whole world of journaling is a not a new one. It is just a rebirth of the old fashioned diary that has been with us for years. Recording events, thoughts and feelings has been a long standing activity but the word “journaling” was not even a part of the common lexicon until recently.

[Clive Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A handy book to guide any individual new to journaling. Every chapter inside this book is a good resource because of the numerous tips for the beginner. I can even refer to the index at the end of the book to help me in finding the chapters that I want to read and whenever I need to select the right chapter. I was expecting some examples of first-hand account of journal entry from well-known historical people. I think the book would be more interesting if there was some journal entry from well-known historical people included as part of the appendix. *I reviewed the book on 30/9/2021.

[Karla · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author could have said it all in a book half this long.

[Karen]

I did not read it word for word, but found several of the ideas thoughtful.

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good ideas for different types of journals, what to write, when to write, how to write. I found it interesting, but will probably just continue with my usual hybrid style.

[Issa · Rating 2 out of 5]

2★彡 When they said "complete idiot," they weren't kidding (༎ຶ⌑༎ຶ)

[Jessica]

It was okay.