Writing and Being: Taking Back Our Lives Through the Power of Language

G. Lynn Nelson's WRITING AND BEING, has persuaded me to embark on a journal of my own. As a student, I was quickly drawn by its poignant examples and practical "how to" guided instruction. Because of its easy to read style and organization, I highly recommend it to secondary English teachers. It is a "must have" resource book. But, then again, it is for those teachers who are willing to leave the traditional dogma and instead teach students to write from the heart because as Nelson contends, journals are "a room of your own" where you can swear, scream or cry; a room to repair the spirit, find inner healing and also rediscover the freedom and power of language.Journal writing goes beyond diary or log writing. In journals you write about what you "feel" and "see" within you, those thoughts that come from your heart that may be difficult to share or confront. Journal writing may not be for everyone, but this book CERTAINLY makes the reader believe that he/she can do it!

Here is a book that reminds you that you cannot separate the mind from the heart. The author takes you on an inner journey and you come out the other side transformed through your journal exploration. You will be given tools for introspection that help you redefine who you are through your writing. And then Writing and Being takes you one step further and encourages you to explore other possibilities through your writing. Highly recommended for journalers who would also like to go public with their stories, prose, and poems.