The past couple of years has been difficult for everyone. Historical, life-changing events like the pandemic teach us vital lessons and points of improvement for both ourselves and for future generations.
If you’re the type who likes to journal, you know the importance of having personal records of such historic times. In fact, The New York Times previously called on its readers to start COVID diaries in 2020.
It takes more than simply writing your experiences to make a difference, though. To truly make an impact with your work, you should consider transforming it into a journal book. Here’s why.
What is a journal book?
Journals are generally made for yourself or for your own consumption. These informal writings can cover anything, from your daily life and your travels to your reading adventures and even your self-healing journeys. On the other hand, journal books are published versions of journals that can make one’s personal insights ready for friends, family, and strangers alike to read and enjoy. Some popular examples include The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath, Dirty Blonde: The Diaries of Courtney Love — and, of course, Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl.
Why should you make one?
Journaling alone is a kind of organized documentation that can help relieve stress by removing some uncertainties from your train of thought. Meanwhile, actually publishing your journal can go beyond boosting your mental health. Journaling opens up new prospects for your writing career by honing your writing skills, which are valued in many industries. Authors or writers thus have the opportunity to do everything from writing books or screenplays to dabbling in marketing and trying their hand at research. Publishing a journal book further gives you the chance to inform, inspire, and engage readers.
How can you get started?
It’s relatively easy to master the habit of journaling. However, journal books need to be in a more engaging and readable format. This is where our daily journal tool comes in. To make your content more eye-catching, it allows you to insert images into your text. And whenever you need a copy, your entries are securely stored and easy to compile. You can even transform it into a bookstore-quality publication with professional printing and bookbinding services. This way, you save costs usually spent along the traditional publishing route — and you can simply and conveniently share your work with others.
Journaling and crafting journal books are both rewarding processes not just for yourself, but for others who may read your work. Hopefully, this quick read inspires you to help yourself — and the world — be better.
Written for bookemon.com by Nadia Mallory