The Journal Newsletter
Introduction
Welcome to The Journal Newsletter!
On 24 February, The Journal 3 Build #43 was released. See the news section below for more information about this update to The Journal.
As was mentioned last month, The Journal now supports the MemoryGrabber ebook from Family History Products (http://www.familyhistoryproducts.com). The MemoryGrabber add-on package presents the information from the e-book as entries in a loose-leaf category (MemoryGrabber), as well provides another loose-leaf category (My MemoryGrabber) where all you have to do is fill in the responses to create your memiors.
The Journal 3 Build #43 includes a demo version of the MemoryGrabber package, so feel free to check that out.
Our tip section this week describes how to use The Journal’s new packages, while Susan gives us another collection of writing exercises.
Thank you for supporting DavidRM Software’s The Journal!
Tips & Tricks
TIP: Using Packages in The Journal
The Journal now supports add-on packages. Packages are collections of categories that can be added to The Journal. Once a package is installed, the categories in the package are available as shared categories (see the February 2003 newsletter for more about shared categories).
Some packages may create new categories for you automatically. For example, the MemoryGrabber package for The Journal creates a “My MemoryGrabber” category for you to fill out. The questions and prompts for the different parts of your life are typed in, so all you have to do is type in the answers to quickly and easily create your memoirs.
Installing a Package
Installing packages happens in two steps. The first step is placing the package file (.JPX) in the “Packages” sub-folder under The Journal’s installed folder. This step is usually handled automatically by the package’s setup program. It’s recommended that you close The Journal before doing this step.
The second step occurs when you run The Journal after installing the package. The Journal will see the new package and ask you if you want to install it. If you choose “Yes”, The Journal will add the package immediately. If you choose “No”, you can add the package at a later time, as described next.
Managing Packages
You can see the packages you have active and available at any time. On the “Category” menu, choose “Packages…”
(NOTE: If you do not see the “Packages…” menu command, do this: 1) Right-click on The Journal’s menu and choose “Customize”. 2) Select “Main Menu” and click on “Reset”. 3) Click on “Close”.)
This brings up the “Packages” form. On the left are packages that are available but that you are not using currently. On the right are the packages that you have active.
You can move packages from one side to the other using the “<<” and “>>” buttons.
Active Packages
When you add a package to your active packages, the following things happen:
1. The package’s shared categories, if any, are added to your categories. Most shared categories from a package are “read only”, meaning you can’t edit their entries.
2. If the package has any “loaded” categories, these categories are created for you. These categories are not shared. They are created for you to use.
Packages Available
MemoryGrabber Demo – Included with The Journal 3 Build #43. Loads the “MemoryGrabber Demo” category.
MemoryGrabber – Shares the “MemoryGrabber” category, which contains all the information from the MemoryGrabber eBook. Loads the “My MemoryGrabber” category, pre-created with all of the questions and prompts from the eBook, ready to be filled out.
Writing Prompts 1 – Coming Soon! The Writing Prompts 1 package is designed to provide free-writing exercises, created it from its 2000-word vocabulary of nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs.
Writing Prompts
by Susan Michael
Free Writing Exercise – Write for 20 minutes (without editing) in any style: using “Clippings” as your starter.
Poetry Exercise – Write a poem using the following title: “Another Language”, or “Translation”.
Prose Exercise – Write a story about or tribute to an author, poet or musician (fictional or nonfictional).
Journaling Exercise – What is buzzing in your brain? Spontaneously write down 10 creative ideas/ activities that you can do as an expression of who you are. These may be things you’ve never done before and could be as varied as volunteering at your local food pantry or cake decorating. If you come up short, browse for ideas that support your values. Select four items and write how you would feel about them, or would benefit from doing them. Are they practical and obtainable? If you say no to any of them, write why not.
Memoir Prompt – Write about your memories of summer.
About the author: Susan Michael has facilitated several writing groups, and has lead writing & creativity workshops for the Arts & Humanities Council in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
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.