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How to Make a Journal of Your Life by Dan Price
When nomad artist and free spirit Dan Price began jotting down his musings in the form of whimsical drawings and inspired prose, he hardly could have imagined that his self-published journal-zine, the MOONLIGHT CHRONICLES, would earn him a cult following across the country. Now in its twentieth edition, the MOONLIGHT CHRONICLES has brought Dan's creed of "truth, beauty, and really big sabbaticals from the convention of life" to thousands across the countryWith such a following, Dan figured it was time to collect his offbeat observations into book form in hopes of inspiring other would-be journal writers to take pen, camera, and brush in hand. As Dan is fond of noting "Seems there's tons of empty journal books, but not too many on how to fill 'em up!" In HOW TO MAKE A JOURNAL, Dan answers the call, teaching readers how to tap into those pent-up creative juices and collect their life experiences on paper.
Unknown Binding
First published August 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
June 4, 2025
A nice reminder to slow down and look around you, to take things into your own possession, write everything down you see, pick up, important memories, and to experience life more as an observer documenting it all in your own journal, however you make it. Thank you to my love Sonny for gifting me this book and giving me inspiration to continue to journaling. <3
September 30, 2011
Dan Price gets it. There are so many struggles in really embracing and living a creative life, but sometimes more than the people around me, the only real obstacle is myself. This book is a good reminder of that. I have scribbled all over the margins (only to find out that there are some spaces provided at the end of the book for notes!), and well -- here are some of the things I liked:
"You see, your mind will be saying obnoxious things like this: 1. WHAT MAKES YOU THINK YOU HAVE ANYTHING WORTHWHILE TO SAY? 2. THERE'S NOTHING SPECIAL ABOUT YOUR OLD HUMDRUM LIFE THAT WARRANTS DOCUMENTATION. 3. WHO SAID YOU WERE A WRITER ANYWAY? DON'T EMBARRASS YOURSELF." (3)
"...the heart says things like this: 1. MY THOUGHTS, DEEDS, AND DOINGS ARE WHO I AM TRYING TO BE, AND EACH ONE IS A GIFT THAT DOES WARRANT RECORDING. 2. IF I GROW TIRED OF SELF-EXAMINATION, ALL I NEED TO DO IS LIFT MY EYES AND BEHOLD THE BEAUTY OF OUR GLORIOUS WORLD. 3. WRITING DOWN MY OWN THOUGHTS WILL BE THE EASIEST THING IN THE WORLD TO DO BECAUSE I'LL BE EXPRESSING MY OWN INNERMOST FEELINGS. AND ONLY I KNOW WHAT THOSE ARE." (4)
"...don't rush yourself." (56)
"...You're only doing this for one person and that is yourself." (81)
"...that illusive 'secret to life,' did I find it? Well, it didn't take much traveling around to figure out that the best things about life are not out there somewhere, but right where you are, here and now." (106)
Also, because of this book I am starting to draw again. I had meant to write poems, but that is what I did the previous nights. It felt good.
"You see, your mind will be saying obnoxious things like this: 1. WHAT MAKES YOU THINK YOU HAVE ANYTHING WORTHWHILE TO SAY? 2. THERE'S NOTHING SPECIAL ABOUT YOUR OLD HUMDRUM LIFE THAT WARRANTS DOCUMENTATION. 3. WHO SAID YOU WERE A WRITER ANYWAY? DON'T EMBARRASS YOURSELF." (3)
"...the heart says things like this: 1. MY THOUGHTS, DEEDS, AND DOINGS ARE WHO I AM TRYING TO BE, AND EACH ONE IS A GIFT THAT DOES WARRANT RECORDING. 2. IF I GROW TIRED OF SELF-EXAMINATION, ALL I NEED TO DO IS LIFT MY EYES AND BEHOLD THE BEAUTY OF OUR GLORIOUS WORLD. 3. WRITING DOWN MY OWN THOUGHTS WILL BE THE EASIEST THING IN THE WORLD TO DO BECAUSE I'LL BE EXPRESSING MY OWN INNERMOST FEELINGS. AND ONLY I KNOW WHAT THOSE ARE." (4)
"...don't rush yourself." (56)
"...You're only doing this for one person and that is yourself." (81)
"...that illusive 'secret to life,' did I find it? Well, it didn't take much traveling around to figure out that the best things about life are not out there somewhere, but right where you are, here and now." (106)
Also, because of this book I am starting to draw again. I had meant to write poems, but that is what I did the previous nights. It felt good.
November 2, 2011
I originally picked up this little book at the library book sale to pass this on to my Mom-in-law, who does keep a journal, mostly of little paintings. but as I started to peruse this little book, I decided to read it first, and THEN pass it on to her. I have kept a diary on and off since I was 4? maybe. I remember mom used to put down what I did in a day book (it was a cool diary that had five years in one book -- I may try to find another like it.) -- Anyway, I would like to start doing so again, maybe with little sketches (although my art skills are lacking) I always like the look of books with the sketches in them.
The book just gets you excited about keeping a journal, and how wonderful it will be, and it tells you to eat cookies. I kind of felt it was telling you how to scrapbook, only in the here and now -- don't gather things and put them aside, put them in your book NOW, maybe leaving some blank spaces for some photos, but don't agonize over those, tear them into the shapes you want and tape them in...or crop them nicely and then write on top of them. It is a brilliant idea and I am going to give it a shot...carry a small journal with me at all times to note things. Like Twitter but a hard copy :-)
The book just gets you excited about keeping a journal, and how wonderful it will be, and it tells you to eat cookies. I kind of felt it was telling you how to scrapbook, only in the here and now -- don't gather things and put them aside, put them in your book NOW, maybe leaving some blank spaces for some photos, but don't agonize over those, tear them into the shapes you want and tape them in...or crop them nicely and then write on top of them. It is a brilliant idea and I am going to give it a shot...carry a small journal with me at all times to note things. Like Twitter but a hard copy :-)
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April 5, 2011What a neat, little book on journaling. And not just journaling...but documenting life around you. First, write about whatever, but more importantly, ADD to the journal, with drawing, photos, snippets and pieces found around you. There is a small portion on taking good photos, how to sketch with the right side of your brain, and saving those little mementos from life and add them to your journal with a note. There is even a small piece on making your own journal to fill and how rewarding it is to go through them later to see and read about where you've been and what you've seen and experienced.
September 10, 2009
If you've ever thought of starting a journal but didn't know where to begin you have Dan Price to show you the way. His handwritten book on how to write, document, illustrate and doodle a journal is priceless. He makes it look easy and super fun! I suggest you get this book to help get you excited about journaling!
November 10, 2017
It's a cute little book although I'm struggling with Price's, hm, personality? Yeah. He comes off like an oddly entitled hippie. That said, he has some suggestions that are decent, food for thought, but I also sometimes just want to punch him because he's annoying.
So, yeah, mixed feelings. Not likely to recommend, not entirely sad that I read it though.
So, yeah, mixed feelings. Not likely to recommend, not entirely sad that I read it though.
November 7, 2008
A quick read with some good advice. I rather didn't like his tone with the photography chapter even if he is an expert and all. I don't think it's wise to make fun of someone's choice of subject (ie close ups of flowers). So I knocked off a star. Sorry dude.
February 21, 2016
I have been wanting to start a journal for a very long time and it just always seemed daunting! Dan made it seem so fun and made sure to let the reader know that there is NO WRONG WAY of doing it and to make it fun along the way!
April 14, 2020
I owe every creative fiber in my being to my mom, who has been creating since as long as I remember. She's always taught crafting at sunday school and vacation bible school and other church events. Every once in a while I'd visit home and there'd be a new sweater machine or a different kind of loom in the living room. I'm pretty sure all of us siblings learned how to knit and sew from her. Right now I'm in the guest room surrounded by books about rotary cutter quilting, letterboxing, iron-on transferring, basket entertaining. This little book was hidden among one of those craft books.
It's a little uplifting handbook by hobo-artist dan price, where he talks about the joy of always sketching, always handwriting notes, observing, watching, and documenting. My favorite was the section on sketching. He asks you to try a simple exercise of quickly sketching things around you, without looking at them. He guesses that you'll feel bashful about it if you don't already sketch, and I totally was. But before I knew it I filled a page of spiral notebook paper with the dishes and books around me. He's all about making a connection with the world around you, and sketching something is a quick way to make a connection. I don't know if I'll start a handwritten, handsketched journal like this, but it reminds you to be creative and always making things, no matter the result.
It's a little uplifting handbook by hobo-artist dan price, where he talks about the joy of always sketching, always handwriting notes, observing, watching, and documenting. My favorite was the section on sketching. He asks you to try a simple exercise of quickly sketching things around you, without looking at them. He guesses that you'll feel bashful about it if you don't already sketch, and I totally was. But before I knew it I filled a page of spiral notebook paper with the dishes and books around me. He's all about making a connection with the world around you, and sketching something is a quick way to make a connection. I don't know if I'll start a handwritten, handsketched journal like this, but it reminds you to be creative and always making things, no matter the result.
January 10, 2024
This was the cutest little book. The literal perfect thing to start off my resolution to get back into reading and journaling. It’s free and childlike and Price just does such a beautiful job at showing you how important it is to simplify your life, enjoy it, and use it to create things!! It’s one of those pieces of media that helps you ground yourself in life and remember to slow down, go outside, prioritize living your life and enjoying the beautiful world around you while you can. Even if you aren’t into journaling or like documentative arts, I think this is a great book for any person that considers themselves a creative to read as it provides a lot of very valuable guidance on photography, writing, drawing, etc. and just on how to develop yourself as an artist.
January 14, 2024
This is a short guide that provides an introduction to journaling. The author shows that there are a few different things you can do with a journal and are not limited to writing down angst-ridden memoirs. Honestly, the ideas in here are not ground breaking, but they may give just the right kind of spark and inspiration to someone out there who thought all journals are the same or that they have nothing to contribute to a journal.
The author does not break any new ground, but has a free and breezy style that is easy to digest. There are also some helpful tips on how to include plants or other objects in your journal. Again, this is not anything ground breaking, but it could give someone just the right amount of inspiration when they need it.
The author does not break any new ground, but has a free and breezy style that is easy to digest. There are also some helpful tips on how to include plants or other objects in your journal. Again, this is not anything ground breaking, but it could give someone just the right amount of inspiration when they need it.
July 30, 2022
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October 12, 2017
If you are considering journaling, then this book is for you. I you are a journaler, like me, who mostly relies on text to chronicle life, then this will open your eyes to new ways. This is written and drawn in a style of journaling that I aspire to.
May 31, 2019
I read this book in 2000 and again this week. I really enjoyed it then. I think most of it still holds up except for the part about cameras, film, and photos! Otherwise, enjoyable with intriguing ideas.
February 7, 2020
Absolutely loved it!
I loved the illustrations, the little examples, and all the great ideas. The author also stresses that journaling shouldn't be stressful, which I think a lot of people need to hear.
I loved the illustrations, the little examples, and all the great ideas. The author also stresses that journaling shouldn't be stressful, which I think a lot of people need to hear.
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April 29, 2020This book covers a lot of things that make you reflex about your daily life and how to improve it. I've found this book really helpful and with a lot of such good content. Y recomend it, movies free http://wordpress.p358710.webspaceconf...
December 26, 2020
My biggest problem with this book was reading the font on my kindle, way to small for these old eyes. The book was hand written and could not be changed. I also felt it was a bit preachy vs inspirational.
October 10, 2017
I attempted to use this book in a class in journal writing I taught at a local psychiatric center, but the class never got into it. However, I enjoyed reading the book.
September 27, 2018
Pretty cool little book! No mind-blowingly brilliant suggestions, but simple and inspirational.
October 13, 2018
So ugly and uncomfortable to read this book. Definitely not what I was looking for.
February 1, 2019
Great little book. It strikes a good balance of inspiration and practicality. My favourite part was how he encouraged/motivated the reader with cookies, which happen to be a weakness of mine.
March 20, 2019
Excellent
March 28, 2019
remorkable
Read
July 2, 2019Given to me by an Unraveller.
February 25, 2020
One day I want to write a book in similar style.
March 1, 2021
Most of this book is about drawing, photography, and taping things from nature into your book.
Did not teach me anything about journaling.
Did not teach me anything about journaling.
August 21, 2022
A sweet little book-I'm not that into sketching but I appreciate the author's attitude.
September 28, 2022
A fun little book that gives many ideas for how to capture your life in words, drawings, photographs, found objects, and other things into your journal.
January 4, 2024
Purest Form of Art
October 11, 2024
"So, did you do it yet? Did you decide that yes, your life is valuable and certainly with recording?"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews