For anyone who has an art fetish but doesn't think they can actually create anything, this book is like a giant whap on the side of the head.

Some people know that I've kept an online journal for over two years now. In a lot of ways, it's been an evolution of writing and thought -- and it's converted me to being a Diary Evangelist. I really think that everyone could benefit from keeping a log of his or her thoughts, even if nobody ever sees it other than your future self.

In this vein, I've always been attracted to books about the topic, to try and hone and improve my craft. When I saw this book advertised, I had to have it.

The author, Dan Price, is the co-founder of the photography magazine Shots, and ran a successful journal-'zine called Moonlight Chronicles for many years. How to Make a Journal of Your Life is written in much the same style as his published 'zine -- completely hand-lettered, very personal and personable, with hundreds of illustrations from his own working travel journals.

Artistically, the book is a pleasure to look at. Even if you never decide to keep a journal of your own, reading Price's accounts of keeping one can be inspiring. His photos and drawings are truly beautiful, and the last section of the book is comprised of excerpts from Moonlight Chronicles. It is a small little book -- perfectly sized to toss in a purse or a backpack to carry along with you, should you decide to take his advice and venture into the world with a pen and blank book as companion.

From an information standpoint, the book is worth its price. It takes more of a motivational than a technical approach, encouraging the reader to just do it and not to worry about the end results. Skill levels change and grow with time; it is the motivation that requires vigilance.

He also goes over basic how-to-draw information and how to include pictures with your entries. There is an entire section on found objects and how to persuade local post offices to let you have postmarks on your travels. Topping it off, there's a recipe for cookies -- since the author's main voice of approval is "go have a cookie."

So grab some of your favorite cookies, a good drawing pen and a blank book you've chosen yourself. Pick up this book, read it easily in an afternoon, and refer back to it whenever you find your resolve flagging. Record the details of your days and draw pictures for your future self to find and remember.

You'll be glad you did.

[ by Elizabeth Badurina ]