The Journal Newsletter
Introduction
Happy Thanksgiving!
This month’s tip describes The Journal’s Web browser-like Back and Forward commands on the Go menu, and Susan gives us a new collection of writing exercises (none of which have anything to do with turkey đ ).
Thank you for choosing DavidRM Software’s The Journal!
Tips & Tricks
TIP: The Back/Forward Buttons and Entry History
Like a Web browser, The Journal includes the ability to go “back” and “forward” through those entries you have recently viewed or edited.
Back (on the toolbar and Go menu)
Hot-key: Alt+Left (arrow)
Back takes you back to the last entry you were in. If you have opened a sequence of entries Back will take you through each of those entries, in reverse order.
Forward (on the toolbar and Go menu)
Hot-key: Alt+Right (arrow)
Forward does the opposite of Back. Once you have gone back to a previous entry, you can use Forward to retrace your steps.
If you find yourself switching between two or three entries, Back and Forward can provide a snappy way of going from one entry to the other.
Entry History (on the Go menu)
The Entry History form shows every entry you have opened at least once since you started The Journal. Just clicking on an entry in the list will bring up that entry.
The Entry History form can be left open, helping you switch between any number of frequently used entries.
Writing Prompts
by Susan Michael
Free Writing Exercise – Write for 20 minutes, (without editing) in any style using “Why Claire Left” as a starter.
Poetry Exercise – Write three shaped-verse poems. Shaped-verse poems are a form of “pattern poetry”, where the letters, words, and lines of the poem are arranged to form a picture/outline of the subject of the poem. An example is a poem in the shape of a Christmas tree discussing your thoughts about Christmas itself, family traditions, and so on.
Prose Exercise – Write series of short sketches in which one character is relating stories or experiences to another. For example, “What the Moon Saw”, by Hans Christian Andersen:
http://hca.gilead.org.il/moon_saw.html
Journaling Exercise – Track your self esteem. Note how it fluctuates, and try to pinpoint what affects it positively or negatively. Include things such as amount of sleep, nutrition, stress, goal setting, recreational activities. Continue the exercise by writing about what keeps you in balance.
Memoir Prompt – What were your childhood pastimes?
About the author: Susan Michael currently facilitates the Tulsa Writers Cafe for the Arts & Humanities Council in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Ms. Michael has also led writing & creativity workshops for children, teenagers, and adults.
Submission Information
If you would like to contribute to the “How I Use The Journal”, “Writing Exercises”, or “Tips & Tricks” sections, or would like to submit an article about journaling, writing, or another The Journal-related topic, we would love to hear from you.
Submissions for the newsletter should be sent to: support@davidrm.com
If you are submitting for a particular section, please indicate which one. Try to limit your submissions to 500-1000 words. Submissions may be edited for length and content.
If you prefer to remain anonymous, please state this in the email. Otherwise your name (but not your email) will be used in the article heading.
As always, if you have any suggestions for, or bug reports about, The Journal, please feel free to email them. Both are always welcome.