Complete Idiot's Guide to Journaling

I usually bypass the ...for Dummies and Idiot's Guides but after reading this Idiot's Guide I might be looking at others more closely. This book is well-written and thorough, a very good compendium and probably the first journaling book to read before considering purchasing others. It details the many types of journals as well as the many reasons a person might want to keep one in the first place as well how as what to journal in and how to keep the writing private. It goes into specifics for each type of journal ('the unsent letter', for example, toward healing and resolution) and generally serves to enlighten one about journaling.

As a Mormon, I've been trying to keep a creative and meaningful journal for years. I had so much I wanted to say, and say it well, but until I read this book, I had no idea how to do that. Now, with the information and ideas that this journaling book has given me, I'm keeping the kind of journal I've always dreamed of. I'm not only writing more creatively, but find myself leaning toward the more spiritual aspects of journal writing and growing. Give yourself the gift of this Idiot's Guide and quit feeling like an idiot.

Neubauer explains how to get started journaling, how to make writing a habit, and how to accomplish specific writing goals. She explores all types of journals, from a simple dairy entry to more complex types that record family events or search for a deeper spirituality. Each chapter takes the reader deeper into the uses of journals. While the title suggests usefulness to idiots, Neubauer's target audience includes eveyone, from those who think they can't to those who are already doing it. A dedicated journal writer herself, she exemplifies the writer who learns to write by writing, and you can, too.

I've been keeping a journal and getting books on journals for a number of years. I was surprised that this book had a lot of new information and ideas. I found the dream journal chapter very good but the whole book is an excellent beginners guide.