It’s that time again. Writer’s Digest magazine wants you to enter your writing into their competition. If you are a regular journal writer I’m sure you must have a personal essay or a memoir piece you can polish up and submit. There are loads of other categories, though, so don’t stop there. I’m sure you can work a piece of fiction from something you’ve written previously. Good luck if you do enter. There are some cool prizes.
Heather

I saw this news story about renewed interest in Jim Morrison’s death while researching online today. Sam Bernett, a former nightclub manager in France, has released a new book, The End: Jim Morrison, detailing what he claims is the truth about the night the legendary singer died. Apparently, the book is soon to be published.
It’s anyone’s guess how relevant this new story will be to the debate, but I immediately checked out some books of Jim’s published poetry which include some journal entries.
Wilderness: The Lost Writings of Jim Morrison, Volume 1
Lords and New Creatures
The American Night: Writings of …read more

I’ve been waiting to read Chronicles: Volume One by Bob Dylan for ages. When I first read about it I requested it from my local library, along with several hundred other people. I’m still on that list.
If you’ve read this book, please leave a message in the comments section. I’d love to know if you thought it was worth reading. I’ve always been a bit of a Dylan fan.
Heather
Journaling Tools – Go deeper and reach higher with hundreds of journal writing resources.

I have to admit; I’ve never read any of Anais Nin’s diaries.
Ok, I did try once, but just couldn’t get into them. I know a lot of people are thoroughly inspired by her diaries, though, so perhaps I should try again. Anyway, you can read excerpts of her diaries here to get a taste. Be warned, though; the red page is quite hard on the eyes. You may prefer to highlight the page for easier reading. There’s also plenty of other links on that site to lead you to more information about Anais Nin if you are interested.
Heather
Journaling …read more

Yet another celebrity will take up the journal pen to write their memoirs. According to this news story Paris Hilton plans to write about her prison experience while serving time. Personally, I can’t see that it would be very interesting, but she does have celebrity on her side. I’m sure someone will buy it. I can’t help wondering if she will actually write it or simply hire someone, though.
Heather
Journaling Tools – Go deeper and reach higher with hundreds of journal writing resources.
Life Journal Software

Seems English cricketer Andrew Strauss is an avid journal keeper. He writes for at least ten minutes a day and keeps his journal with him at all times. He finds writing in his diary is a great way to find clarity and even uses it as a batting aid. Read the news story here.
He’s also written a book titled, Coming into Play, which might be worth a look since he already uses words every day.

Adding to the news from yesterday, Rupert Everett is also having his memoir published, titled Red Carpets and Other Banana Skins: The Autobiography.
The link leads to a news story that is a little out of date. I couldn’t hook up to the link I found yesterday, but the book certainly has a title now as you can preorder from Amazon.com already. The book looks to be an interesting read for those interested in Hollywood and celebrity.

Eric Clapton’s ex-wife Lori Del Santo is writing her memoirs. Apparently the work will focus mainly on their son Conor, who fell to his death in 1990, aged only four.
The tragic loss of his son inspired Clapton to write Tears in Heaven. Del Santo isn’t concerned how Clapton will view her writings.
Would you be concerned about the other people you might include in your memoirs? Please share in the comments section below.

I’ve finally finished reading this book; The Journal of Fletcher Christian. It feels like ages since I began reading this adventure of mutiny on the high seas. That’s probably the longest I’ve taken me to read a book, ever.
Now, don’t get the idea the book is boring, because it’s well-written and the pace is fine. I’m just a busy mum with a rapidly growing, learning and curious little boy to look after. He’s into books, but only the kind I read to him.
Peter Corris gives a lively introduction about his personal interest in the story of the Mutiny on …read more

It’s another Freaky Friday. If you’d like to know more about these journal writing prompts, please read the First Freaky Friday entry.
Today I was thinking about pioneer diaries. I’m sure you’ve read at least one, possibly more, journals from people making a start in just about any country, new or old. If you haven’t, try these links and read a few for yourself.
Historical Pioneer Journals
Pioneer Journals
Emigrant Narratives & Biographies
The challenge today is to write as if you are a pioneer. Write a journal entry as if you are there making a new life with your partner, or …read more