The Big Unlock: Liberate Your Creativity Through Mindful Journaling

by Laura L. Rubin

Unlock your full creativity and discern your deeper purpose through the transformative power of journaling, from celebrated journaling expert Laura Rubin.

As a leading creative coach who has hosted countless journaling retreats, Laura Rubin has developed a journaling is so much more than merely therapeutic—it is a powerful gateway to creativity, self-discovery, and fulfillment.

With gentle guidance and accessible advice grounded in science, The Big Unlock transforms Rubin’s life-changing workshops into a practical guide filled with over seventy-five unique prompts, foundational journaling practices, and exercises for silencing the inner critic while tapping into your wisdom and innate creativity.

In a fast-paced world dominated by hustle culture and digital distractions, The Big Unlock provides a soothing a practice that helps us slow down, connect with our authentic selves, and unlock our full creative potential.

Genres: Self Help, Writing, Nonfiction

240 pages, Hardcover

Published March 31, 2026

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started reading The Big Unlock by Laura L. Rubin, I thought I would read through it and maybe try a journaling prompt here and there. I did not expect to find myself inspired to start the writing idea that has been rattling around in my head for a while, but it did.

The Big Unlock is about how impactful and important journaling can be in your life. The author discusses and gives prompts for different life concerns such as body image, grief, and career planning. One prompt I thought would be particularly fun was writing myself a permission slip to do something I want to do. These I may write regularly.

As much as I enjoyed this book, at times the different prompts and stories that went with them felt repetitive. Fortunately, this feeling never lasted long. Once I started feeling as though things were becoming repetitive, another relatable story would appear along with a new inspiration.

Even if you’re a person who thinks journaling is not for you, this book shows it is at least worth a try. You may find yourself surprised with how it affects your life.

Thank you, NetGalley and Simon Element for an advanced copy of this book.

[H. Woodward · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you haven’t journaled before and are someone who enjoys logic-maybe a science-type or money manager, this will work well for you. I think for novice journal writers, this could be very useful. However, for experienced writers, this is not what you’re looking for. The author has used research and study to back up her ideas, and for many that will suit just fine. However, the overall tone of the book is business like and the prompts are very standard for the practice of journaling, not particularly useful for my purposes, but others might like it.