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新日記
一枝筆 一本日記
了解個人內心世界與能量最有力的工具
隨時隨地都能進行的情緒自療
暢銷超過20萬本 亞馬遜教育/參考類排行第一！
口耳相傳長達1/3世紀的日記書寫經典
★本書節錄維吉尼亞‧伍爾芙（Virginia Woolf） 、阿娜伊絲．寧（Anais Nin）、清少納言（Sei Shonagon ）等東西名家日記片段，深入剖析寫作心理，不只教你如何寫日記，更要讓你寫得真、寫得深、寫得久！
★當代日記書寫專家崔思汀．蕾納（Tristine Rainer），帶你從無到有，破除心路迷障，一筆筆書寫只屬於你自己的故事，重新認識自己，了解自己。
§
面對夢，我們通常一知半解。
面對性，我們通常難以啟齒。
面對愛，我們通常猶疑不決。
面對人生，我們通常迷惘懵懂。
透過日記書寫，我們得以找到這些問題的答案，發掘生命的喜樂。
§
全美最經典的日記寫作指南，指引你如何跳脫流水帳日記，保存人生中最重要、最真實的回憶。藉由
四大自然表現法
．抒情法（Catharsis）
．寫實法（Description）
．自由直覺法（Free-Intuitive Writing）
．反省法（Reflection）
七種特殊技巧
．大事記（List）
．人物素描（Portrait）
．意識地圖（Map of Consciousness）
．神話想像（Guided Imagery）
．身分轉換（Altered Point of View）
．信件草稿（Unsent Letter）
．對話（Dialogue）
等十一種寫作方法，串接過去、現在、未來，編織出屬於自己的人生故事；本書不只輔助初寫者，更值得讓有長期日記書寫習慣的人參考。
本書初版於1976年，為日記書寫的經典之作。2004年，作者重新修訂並推出更新版，依然獲得一致好評，長銷近1/3世紀，更奠定其經典地位。
崔思汀．蕾納有豐富的日記寫作教學經驗，除了長年與女性書寫先驅阿娜伊絲．寧（Anais Nin）共事外，她在書中更融合卡爾．榮格（Carl Jung）、瑪麗詠．米納（Marion Milner）、伊拉．普羅果夫（Ira Progoff）等心理學家的創見，以知名日記作品《枕草子》，和維吉尼亞‧伍爾芙（Virginia Woolf） 、阿娜伊絲．寧（Anais Nin）等人的日記片段作為實例，引導讀者寫出屬於自己的生命故事。
本書提供了依情緒分類的「四大自然表現法」：抒情法、寫實法、自由直覺法、反省法，以及依寫作技巧而分類的「七種特殊技巧」： 大事記、人物素描、意識地圖、神話想像、身分轉換、信件草稿、對話等十一種日記寫作手法，讓各種讀者都可以找到適合自己的日記寫作法，即使是不擅寫作的人，也能從中循序學習，完全跳脫流水帳日記的循環。
除了寫作技巧以外，本書後半部以夢境解析、情慾解放、共時性、心理治療等不同的觀點來解析關於「日記」這回事。日記，不再只是單純的紀實書寫，它可以反映出你的所思所見，釐清愛憎厭戀；甚至可以解釋一些似曾相識（Deja vu） 現象為何產生，又象徵了什麼意義。對一位創作者來說，日記更是不可或缺的素材寶庫。
本書特色
從如何挑選日記本，到深度心理層面分析，本書帶領所有讀者一窺日記書寫堂奧。
四大自然表現法＋七種特殊技巧，搭配精彩實例，讓你看完該章節就可以開始動筆。
以東西方名家日記為例，解讀不同時空背景之下，相異其趣的人生插曲。
用日記解析夢境、解放情慾、進行心理治療，甚至解釋看似神奇的共時性。
即使在初版近四十年後，微網誌瘋行的今天，本書的經典地位依然屹立不搖。
作者簡介
崔思汀．蕾納 Tristine Rainer
哲學博士，當代日記寫作和自傳敘事的先驅，著作《新日記：藉由寫日記，發掘煥然一新的自己！》多被用於大學院校的心理和職業治療課程中。
曾任教於印第安那大學（Indiana University）、洛杉磯國際學院（International College in Los Angles）等知名學府，同時也是非營利團體「自傳研究中心」（Center for Autobiographic Studies）的創辦人，這個教育組織的宗旨在鼓勵創作和保存日記。
蕾納和作家阿娜伊絲．寧（Anais Nin）曾一起在加州大學洛杉磯分校（University of California, Los Angeles）擔任加強寫作計畫指導，許多學員在她們的協助下出版了自傳。
在編寫了四部得獎的網路電影及電視廣播劇後，蕾納自己形容這些真實故事改編的作品是「有如在戰壕中完成的」，這些經驗也讓她掌握到一個關鍵：如何將生命故事寫得更動人。
蕾納目前是南加州大學（University of Southern California）的專業寫作指導教授，現居洛杉磯。
「自傳研究中心」網站：www.stroyhelp.com
譯者簡介
王家軒
政治系畢業，喜好歷史、哲學、游泳、登山。現任專職譯者。
了解個人內心世界與能量最有力的工具
隨時隨地都能進行的情緒自療
暢銷超過20萬本 亞馬遜教育/參考類排行第一！
口耳相傳長達1/3世紀的日記書寫經典
★本書節錄維吉尼亞‧伍爾芙（Virginia Woolf） 、阿娜伊絲．寧（Anais Nin）、清少納言（Sei Shonagon ）等東西名家日記片段，深入剖析寫作心理，不只教你如何寫日記，更要讓你寫得真、寫得深、寫得久！
★當代日記書寫專家崔思汀．蕾納（Tristine Rainer），帶你從無到有，破除心路迷障，一筆筆書寫只屬於你自己的故事，重新認識自己，了解自己。
§
面對夢，我們通常一知半解。
面對性，我們通常難以啟齒。
面對愛，我們通常猶疑不決。
面對人生，我們通常迷惘懵懂。
透過日記書寫，我們得以找到這些問題的答案，發掘生命的喜樂。
§
全美最經典的日記寫作指南，指引你如何跳脫流水帳日記，保存人生中最重要、最真實的回憶。藉由
四大自然表現法
．抒情法（Catharsis）
．寫實法（Description）
．自由直覺法（Free-Intuitive Writing）
．反省法（Reflection）
七種特殊技巧
．大事記（List）
．人物素描（Portrait）
．意識地圖（Map of Consciousness）
．神話想像（Guided Imagery）
．身分轉換（Altered Point of View）
．信件草稿（Unsent Letter）
．對話（Dialogue）
等十一種寫作方法，串接過去、現在、未來，編織出屬於自己的人生故事；本書不只輔助初寫者，更值得讓有長期日記書寫習慣的人參考。
本書初版於1976年，為日記書寫的經典之作。2004年，作者重新修訂並推出更新版，依然獲得一致好評，長銷近1/3世紀，更奠定其經典地位。
崔思汀．蕾納有豐富的日記寫作教學經驗，除了長年與女性書寫先驅阿娜伊絲．寧（Anais Nin）共事外，她在書中更融合卡爾．榮格（Carl Jung）、瑪麗詠．米納（Marion Milner）、伊拉．普羅果夫（Ira Progoff）等心理學家的創見，以知名日記作品《枕草子》，和維吉尼亞‧伍爾芙（Virginia Woolf） 、阿娜伊絲．寧（Anais Nin）等人的日記片段作為實例，引導讀者寫出屬於自己的生命故事。
本書提供了依情緒分類的「四大自然表現法」：抒情法、寫實法、自由直覺法、反省法，以及依寫作技巧而分類的「七種特殊技巧」： 大事記、人物素描、意識地圖、神話想像、身分轉換、信件草稿、對話等十一種日記寫作手法，讓各種讀者都可以找到適合自己的日記寫作法，即使是不擅寫作的人，也能從中循序學習，完全跳脫流水帳日記的循環。
除了寫作技巧以外，本書後半部以夢境解析、情慾解放、共時性、心理治療等不同的觀點來解析關於「日記」這回事。日記，不再只是單純的紀實書寫，它可以反映出你的所思所見，釐清愛憎厭戀；甚至可以解釋一些似曾相識（Deja vu） 現象為何產生，又象徵了什麼意義。對一位創作者來說，日記更是不可或缺的素材寶庫。
本書特色
從如何挑選日記本，到深度心理層面分析，本書帶領所有讀者一窺日記書寫堂奧。
四大自然表現法＋七種特殊技巧，搭配精彩實例，讓你看完該章節就可以開始動筆。
以東西方名家日記為例，解讀不同時空背景之下，相異其趣的人生插曲。
用日記解析夢境、解放情慾、進行心理治療，甚至解釋看似神奇的共時性。
即使在初版近四十年後，微網誌瘋行的今天，本書的經典地位依然屹立不搖。
作者簡介
崔思汀．蕾納 Tristine Rainer
哲學博士，當代日記寫作和自傳敘事的先驅，著作《新日記：藉由寫日記，發掘煥然一新的自己！》多被用於大學院校的心理和職業治療課程中。
曾任教於印第安那大學（Indiana University）、洛杉磯國際學院（International College in Los Angles）等知名學府，同時也是非營利團體「自傳研究中心」（Center for Autobiographic Studies）的創辦人，這個教育組織的宗旨在鼓勵創作和保存日記。
蕾納和作家阿娜伊絲．寧（Anais Nin）曾一起在加州大學洛杉磯分校（University of California, Los Angeles）擔任加強寫作計畫指導，許多學員在她們的協助下出版了自傳。
在編寫了四部得獎的網路電影及電視廣播劇後，蕾納自己形容這些真實故事改編的作品是「有如在戰壕中完成的」，這些經驗也讓她掌握到一個關鍵：如何將生命故事寫得更動人。
蕾納目前是南加州大學（University of Southern California）的專業寫作指導教授，現居洛杉磯。
「自傳研究中心」網站：www.stroyhelp.com
譯者簡介
王家軒
政治系畢業，喜好歷史、哲學、游泳、登山。現任專職譯者。
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1978
70 people are currently reading
1387 people want to read
About the author
Tristine Rainer
16 books54 followersTristine Rainer, Ph.D, is a pioneer in the fields of contemporary journal writing and narrative autobiography. Her book The New Diary, how to use a journal for self-guidance and expanded creativity has sold over 200,000 copies and has been used as a text in university Psychology and Occupational Therapy courses, although her degree was in English Lit. After a quarter of a century in print The New Diary will see a new, revised edition in 2004. Her book Your Life as Story, Writing the New Autobiography, published in 1997 hit the Los Angeles Times bestseller list and is presently being used as a text in many college writing programs.
Rainer is the founder and director of the Center for Autobiographic Studies, a non-profit educational organization that encourages the creation and preservation of autobiographic works. A founder of UCLA’s Women’s Studies Program, Rainer was also a grad student there. She taught personal writing for 25 years through the English Departments at UCLA and at Indiana University, with her friend and mentor Anaïs Nin for International College, through the UCLA Extension Writers program, and privately as a writer's coach to a diverse array of clients, many of whom have successfully published autobiographic books with her assistance. She is currently an adjunct professor within the Masters of Professional Writing Program at USC. http://www.usc.edu/dept/LAS/mpw
In a whole separate life, Rainer wrote and produced four award winning network movies for television based on true life stories. It was this experience of shaping stories in the trenches, she says, that gave her the key to how teach anyone to transform their own life experience into a compelling story.
Copyright 2005 Center for Autobiographic Studies
Rainer is the founder and director of the Center for Autobiographic Studies, a non-profit educational organization that encourages the creation and preservation of autobiographic works. A founder of UCLA’s Women’s Studies Program, Rainer was also a grad student there. She taught personal writing for 25 years through the English Departments at UCLA and at Indiana University, with her friend and mentor Anaïs Nin for International College, through the UCLA Extension Writers program, and privately as a writer's coach to a diverse array of clients, many of whom have successfully published autobiographic books with her assistance. She is currently an adjunct professor within the Masters of Professional Writing Program at USC. http://www.usc.edu/dept/LAS/mpw
In a whole separate life, Rainer wrote and produced four award winning network movies for television based on true life stories. It was this experience of shaping stories in the trenches, she says, that gave her the key to how teach anyone to transform their own life experience into a compelling story.
Copyright 2005 Center for Autobiographic Studies
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
January 2, 2023
I finished reading Tristine Rainer's The New Diary this morning. Although it was published in 1978, it's every bit as fresh today, from the preface by Anais Nin to the final chapter on using a journal as a resource and tool to enhance creative work.
This is both a book for people new to keeping diaries or journals and an excellent resource for people who've been keeping them for decades. There's something for everyone, even for those who've never considered, never thought they wanted, to keep a diary.
What makes this such a good book on journaling is that it explores many ways of looking at the journal and looking at one's life from day to day, moment to moment, from using the four functions of sensing, feeling, thinking and intuiting to exploring various points of view, formats and even traveling through time. The main strength of the book is that it explores journaling or diary keeping as a process. It's the process that's important, not the product, though of course the product will be enhanced by all the methods and ways of thinking about the diary explored here, and the product will be more accessible and satisfying if one uses the advice about rereading given here.
If someone told me they were just about to start their first personal journal, I'd recommend two books, this one and Visual Journaling by Barbara Ganim and Susan Fox. Between them I think they cover everything you might possibly want to do with a diary, until you think of new things on your own. I wish I'd read both books when I started. I'm glad to have read them since.
This is both a book for people new to keeping diaries or journals and an excellent resource for people who've been keeping them for decades. There's something for everyone, even for those who've never considered, never thought they wanted, to keep a diary.
What makes this such a good book on journaling is that it explores many ways of looking at the journal and looking at one's life from day to day, moment to moment, from using the four functions of sensing, feeling, thinking and intuiting to exploring various points of view, formats and even traveling through time. The main strength of the book is that it explores journaling or diary keeping as a process. It's the process that's important, not the product, though of course the product will be enhanced by all the methods and ways of thinking about the diary explored here, and the product will be more accessible and satisfying if one uses the advice about rereading given here.
If someone told me they were just about to start their first personal journal, I'd recommend two books, this one and Visual Journaling by Barbara Ganim and Susan Fox. Between them I think they cover everything you might possibly want to do with a diary, until you think of new things on your own. I wish I'd read both books when I started. I'm glad to have read them since.
December 22, 2008
This could arguably be the most important book in my life. I read it at 12 and started journaling seriously - a practice which continued for 20 or so years. Around 9/11 most of them were lost forever. It's something that I can't even think about without getting very upset.
Anyway - my 12 year old self thought this was a VERY important book, second only to Harriet the Spy! By the way. GO READ Harriet the Spy!
Anyway - my 12 year old self thought this was a VERY important book, second only to Harriet the Spy! By the way. GO READ Harriet the Spy!
December 28, 2014
If you're serious about journal/diary writing, I highly suggest this one. The book doesn't provide lists of journal prompts, but rather provides various frameworks and ways of thinking about journal writing and how it can be useful. Rainer also includes journal entries by herself and other writers as examples of what she's explaining. The book is not preachy or filled with quotes and spiritual prompts. She show how journaling can help you process your current and past experiences, and deal with challenges in your life. She also includes a chapter on journaling and eroticism which is a subject often overlooked in many books on journaling.
January 12, 2012
I don't quite remember how or when I got this book — I think it was for sale in a horribly stuffy second-hand bookshop for a couple dollars — but it was very, very important to me when I was 13 or so.
If I'd have written this review back then, I would have given it five stars. Now, however... there are times when I'll pick it up and read a section, and depending on the section in question I might be inspired or irritated by it. The main problem I have with books of this sort, nowadays, (and why I keep reading them is a little beyond me, but I think there's a touch of self-indulging, narcissistic pleasure in there somewhere) is the amount of what I think of as being (and I understand this may sound a bit critical, and I know some people thrive on this stuff, but it's honestly how I feel) self-helpy spiritual woo they contain. This appealed to me when I was younger. Not so much anymore.
When I write in a journal, I like to write in it — I write a lot, I write on all kinds of topics, and at the end of the day I have neither the time nor the patience to bother with such exercises as getting-in-touch-with-Older-Self, or Younger-Self, or Dreaming-Self, or Wiser-Self, or what-have-you. In my own personal experience, such exercises irritate far, far more often than they ever bring "insight". In fact, I can't stand actually going into a journal entry holding in mind that I should complete this-or-that exercise in this entry; I simply do what I do, and it's fun.
Now, I understand that Rainer's message is that the diary is, in the end, whatever the hell you want it to be — and that's great! I agree with that entirely! If you want your diary to be filled with letters-to-self, or long-dead-friends, or dream-musings or single word entries or wildly chaotic scribbles or whatever your interest might be, wonderful! In that sense, her book is great, and I am entirely with her. However, I find little value in the rest of the book anymore.
If I'd have written this review back then, I would have given it five stars. Now, however... there are times when I'll pick it up and read a section, and depending on the section in question I might be inspired or irritated by it. The main problem I have with books of this sort, nowadays, (and why I keep reading them is a little beyond me, but I think there's a touch of self-indulging, narcissistic pleasure in there somewhere) is the amount of what I think of as being (and I understand this may sound a bit critical, and I know some people thrive on this stuff, but it's honestly how I feel) self-helpy spiritual woo they contain. This appealed to me when I was younger. Not so much anymore.
When I write in a journal, I like to write in it — I write a lot, I write on all kinds of topics, and at the end of the day I have neither the time nor the patience to bother with such exercises as getting-in-touch-with-Older-Self, or Younger-Self, or Dreaming-Self, or Wiser-Self, or what-have-you. In my own personal experience, such exercises irritate far, far more often than they ever bring "insight". In fact, I can't stand actually going into a journal entry holding in mind that I should complete this-or-that exercise in this entry; I simply do what I do, and it's fun.
Now, I understand that Rainer's message is that the diary is, in the end, whatever the hell you want it to be — and that's great! I agree with that entirely! If you want your diary to be filled with letters-to-self, or long-dead-friends, or dream-musings or single word entries or wildly chaotic scribbles or whatever your interest might be, wonderful! In that sense, her book is great, and I am entirely with her. However, I find little value in the rest of the book anymore.
November 18, 2018
This book talks about the importance of journaling for all sorts of reasons and shared several techniques. I’ve been journaling for years, so it was helpful to examine new ways to refresh and deepen my practice.
April 2, 2014
This is one of the best books to support people in their process of keeping a journal. The well known journal keeper, Annais Nin,gives a good introduction - she and author, Tristine Rainer had some years of interaction.
I first started journaling when I was 12 years old. Having suffered from Selective Mutism, both from the extreme physical and emotional abuse from birth on, and from Asperger's Autism - I was fortunate to be in a gifted student program where I had a wonderful teacher who suggested that I could write my feelings, stories, dreams and thoughts down in journal form. She knew that I loved to read and I was greatly amazed to find that like the authors I had so admired, lived for, found comfort in - that I too could write. Maybe not as good - but this was a way that I could communicate.
1964 was a time long before the personal computer.
By the time that this book came on the market with Tristine Rainer - I had fifteen years of journalling under my belt. I had had the good fortune to study with Ira Progoff, Ph.D. - a friend of Carl Jung, M.D. - self labeled as an "Anti-psychologist psychologist" - author of, "At a Journal Workshop"" - - I loved to go on writing retreats with Ira and with other teachers that had studied with him. The atmosphere of being with up to 200 or more others, siting to write together - sharing if we chose - - was as important to me as the many weeks and months of intense formal meditation retreats and trainings that I was involved with.
Ms Rainer's book came in 1979 - it provided an enrichment process for lne journalists and for journal classes and small groups that were often meeting at that time and during the eighties and early nineties. This book is filled with eexercises that can add to and encourage the journal process. It helps with self healing, creative inspiration, working with your dreams, grief, sorting through current situations in one's life and life planning. Although I loved and still cherish the years of work with Progoff - -his method of compartmentalizing work into sections can be off putting and confusing. The New Diary has ideas and inner work exercises that can be done in an ongoing journal process that one does in ongoing journals with no need to compartmentalize.
Having journaled for fifty years - - taught it in groups and help clients use it in the psychotherapy - Jungian Analysis process - - The New Diary is, along with Progoff's harder book, At a Journal Workshop, and Jungian Anaylist, Robert Johnson's Inner Work - - one that I encourage all of my friends and students to keep on their reference shelf. It is one that can be gone to whenever one is stuck - or needs some inspiration.
It is sad that the real journaling process has been abandoned by many in this age of the internet - - and/or the blogging/Facebook process used instead - - - the private journal - especially hand written so that it goes from head and heart to paper - - can both be a form of meditative inner work - - a way to center and sort -- and a real tool for self awakening.
I first started journaling when I was 12 years old. Having suffered from Selective Mutism, both from the extreme physical and emotional abuse from birth on, and from Asperger's Autism - I was fortunate to be in a gifted student program where I had a wonderful teacher who suggested that I could write my feelings, stories, dreams and thoughts down in journal form. She knew that I loved to read and I was greatly amazed to find that like the authors I had so admired, lived for, found comfort in - that I too could write. Maybe not as good - but this was a way that I could communicate.
1964 was a time long before the personal computer.
By the time that this book came on the market with Tristine Rainer - I had fifteen years of journalling under my belt. I had had the good fortune to study with Ira Progoff, Ph.D. - a friend of Carl Jung, M.D. - self labeled as an "Anti-psychologist psychologist" - author of, "At a Journal Workshop"" - - I loved to go on writing retreats with Ira and with other teachers that had studied with him. The atmosphere of being with up to 200 or more others, siting to write together - sharing if we chose - - was as important to me as the many weeks and months of intense formal meditation retreats and trainings that I was involved with.
Ms Rainer's book came in 1979 - it provided an enrichment process for lne journalists and for journal classes and small groups that were often meeting at that time and during the eighties and early nineties. This book is filled with eexercises that can add to and encourage the journal process. It helps with self healing, creative inspiration, working with your dreams, grief, sorting through current situations in one's life and life planning. Although I loved and still cherish the years of work with Progoff - -his method of compartmentalizing work into sections can be off putting and confusing. The New Diary has ideas and inner work exercises that can be done in an ongoing journal process that one does in ongoing journals with no need to compartmentalize.
Having journaled for fifty years - - taught it in groups and help clients use it in the psychotherapy - Jungian Analysis process - - The New Diary is, along with Progoff's harder book, At a Journal Workshop, and Jungian Anaylist, Robert Johnson's Inner Work - - one that I encourage all of my friends and students to keep on their reference shelf. It is one that can be gone to whenever one is stuck - or needs some inspiration.
It is sad that the real journaling process has been abandoned by many in this age of the internet - - and/or the blogging/Facebook process used instead - - - the private journal - especially hand written so that it goes from head and heart to paper - - can both be a form of meditative inner work - - a way to center and sort -- and a real tool for self awakening.
March 4, 2008
My favorite book on journaling. Can be delved into deeply or picked up at odd intervals. I used this text in a class for six months and can look back now and positively identify when I began making huge changes in my life -- it was after less than 2 months working in my journal every day. I've given many copies to friends.
January 2, 2023
Another great book that almost anyone could benefit from! This book inspired me to pick up journaling again. Rainer does a great job at illustrating the purpose and benefit a diary has in our lives. This book would be particularly good to use as a prompt when you are feeling stuck or unsure of how/what to write about. This book was left me feeling so inspired and motivated. It will foster any person’s creative spirit!
August 27, 2021
I read this any years ago. It is one of the best books I've read about journaling.
January 17, 2016
Very difficult to separate my views on the book from my views of the diary contents that are explored. The diaries are from the 60s and 70s. Women debate if they should choose a career or get married. One woman writes that her fear is she's such a poor housekeeper that she will never find a husband. Like, this was actually a thing? Men married you because of your ability to fucking cook and clean and mend? Like they were interviewing for a housekeeper? Because... wow. That's so screwed up. One woman imagines herself aged 40, and how she would feel if she'd spent her life in the "masculine" energy of creating a project and carrying it through.
"Jane," a novelist, diaries a conversation to get inside the heads of her characters, "a group of Aztec Indians in the period immediately following the Spanish conquest." (p. 296)
Jane: I need to understand you. I feel so far away.
Star-Jaguar: You should visualize us as we walk in file with the burdens on our backs. Watch our legs, our feet. Watch the ways we spread our toes out in the dirt, carefully avoiding the sharp stones. Watch us as we set our burdens down and prop them with the sticks. Watch the way we sit. Each of us sits differently.
Because there's nothing like imagining how "Star-Jaguar" and his fellow "Aztec Indians" sit instead of actually, you know, researching genocide. And maybe finding out the name of the actual groups of people who were annihilated.
So, yeah. This all interfered with my ability to compartmentalize the journaling techniques discussed. Basically Rainer suggests using the four Jungian techniques:
Catharsis (feeling)
Description (sensing)
Free-intuituive writing (intuiting)
Reflection (thinking)
and making lists.
So I didn't get a ton from the book in terms of journalling ideas and useful techniques.
I accidentally own two copies of this, and I'll be finding new homes for them. The book wasn't valuable enough to keep in my library, and I rate it a 2, for just ok.
"Jane," a novelist, diaries a conversation to get inside the heads of her characters, "a group of Aztec Indians in the period immediately following the Spanish conquest." (p. 296)
Jane: I need to understand you. I feel so far away.
Star-Jaguar: You should visualize us as we walk in file with the burdens on our backs. Watch our legs, our feet. Watch the ways we spread our toes out in the dirt, carefully avoiding the sharp stones. Watch us as we set our burdens down and prop them with the sticks. Watch the way we sit. Each of us sits differently.
Because there's nothing like imagining how "Star-Jaguar" and his fellow "Aztec Indians" sit instead of actually, you know, researching genocide. And maybe finding out the name of the actual groups of people who were annihilated.
So, yeah. This all interfered with my ability to compartmentalize the journaling techniques discussed. Basically Rainer suggests using the four Jungian techniques:
Catharsis (feeling)
Description (sensing)
Free-intuituive writing (intuiting)
Reflection (thinking)
and making lists.
So I didn't get a ton from the book in terms of journalling ideas and useful techniques.
I accidentally own two copies of this, and I'll be finding new homes for them. The book wasn't valuable enough to keep in my library, and I rate it a 2, for just ok.
November 2, 2010
I loved this book. I found it on sale for $5.00 at a local Santa Monica bookstore. It was on the sidewalk of a cart of 'on sale' books. Tristine Rainer, the author, really offers some great ideas for formulating new spice to ones diary or journal. It's so true that ideas can truly come from the stories we write in our diary. The every day happenings...and thoughts...and emotions...and lists that we write down are key to our memoirs.
I'd HIGHLY recommend reading this one in combination with the reading of another novel. It's quite INSPIRATIONAL! Now...finding this book is another story. With the amazon.com used books for sale vendors...you might get lucky. It's NECESSARY for every reader, writer (& especially for those who keep a diary or are planning to start a diary).
I'd HIGHLY recommend reading this one in combination with the reading of another novel. It's quite INSPIRATIONAL! Now...finding this book is another story. With the amazon.com used books for sale vendors...you might get lucky. It's NECESSARY for every reader, writer (& especially for those who keep a diary or are planning to start a diary).
August 11, 2019
I love keeping a journal; mine is a receptacle for everything from rants about a bad day, gushings about exceptional moments, story fits and starts, poetry (mine and others'), recipe lists, books to read, just about everything that can be committed to the page. Tristine Rainer's book explores the many uses of a journal as a tool for self-guidance and growth. All in all, a really useful, valuable guide book.
December 13, 2009
An excellent reference book for one who is discovering the healing aspects of keeping a diary. The four modes of diary expression: catharsis, description, free intuitive writing and reflection along with the seven special techniques described in the book gives much food for thought. Motivating and encouraging as well.
August 11, 2008
Good book. Good for learning ways to journal. Old but still great.
December 13, 2013
Such a great book. Inspired me to start journaling again after a long absence... can't wait to try out all the exercises. I got this book from the library but I think I will buy a copy of my own.
March 18, 2023
I love books with practical advice, and this one is exactly that. I am a big believer in journaling for a lot of reasons: gaining emotional distance when overwhelmed, laying out pros/cons to make (or reinforce) decisions, venting, holding myself accountable, etc. I am sure that I would have been in therapy long before I started (and had to stay in it for much longer) if I hadn’t had journaling as an outlet and tool.
That said, I’ve felt distant from my journal/diary for a year or so now, only turning to it to log my travels, write through a specific problem/decision, or process the odd tarot spread. I think The New Diary will be a great companion to aid me in exploring more ways to journal, as well as an inspiration to just get back to it. The idea of a separate “creative journal” held in a three-ring binder for creative projects also seems like a great way for me to catalog and organize thoughts for future zines.
I found this book incredibly easy to read; I just flew through the pages. The chapters were set up in a way that makes sense, with the earlier chapters giving insight into different types of diary writing and the latter chapters focusing on ways to use the diary. Really great.
The only drawback? There are moments of white people nonsense in this for sure, mostly when showing excerpts from other people’s diaries, or when the author talks about her Indian “guru-woman.” You can see when this was written, and the updated version I read didn’t address any of this.
That said, I’ve felt distant from my journal/diary for a year or so now, only turning to it to log my travels, write through a specific problem/decision, or process the odd tarot spread. I think The New Diary will be a great companion to aid me in exploring more ways to journal, as well as an inspiration to just get back to it. The idea of a separate “creative journal” held in a three-ring binder for creative projects also seems like a great way for me to catalog and organize thoughts for future zines.
I found this book incredibly easy to read; I just flew through the pages. The chapters were set up in a way that makes sense, with the earlier chapters giving insight into different types of diary writing and the latter chapters focusing on ways to use the diary. Really great.
The only drawback? There are moments of white people nonsense in this for sure, mostly when showing excerpts from other people’s diaries, or when the author talks about her Indian “guru-woman.” You can see when this was written, and the updated version I read didn’t address any of this.
November 14, 2021
I read this book because it was mentioned in another book about journaling, and I can see why. The main thrust of the book was that journaling is a way to think to and about yourself and your life, to organize your thoughts, and/or to brainstorm or identify why you feel the way you feel, if any of this doesn't otherwise come naturally to you. With our more modern view of self-awareness and self-care, this idea (and the usefulness of doing this sort of self-work) is not as revolutionary now as it was 40 years ago.
The book itself is a comprehensive look at the different uses journaling can be put to, from simple recording of events to sparking creative ideas, to personal growth. It also gives various techniques that can be used in writing entries themselves, in re-reading entries, and in editing your diaries or using them as fodder for other creative projects. Some of these techniques seemed silly and artificial to me, but I did have to admit that I do a lot of these things in real life...I just don't write them down. The sheer heft of the book, though, gives it room to have a few dud ideas and still earn a permanent spot on the bookshelf. The many diary excerpts are also nice touches - though again, they feel very dated, given that they were likely written 40-50+ years ago and reflect the gender roles and concerns at the time.
The book itself is a comprehensive look at the different uses journaling can be put to, from simple recording of events to sparking creative ideas, to personal growth. It also gives various techniques that can be used in writing entries themselves, in re-reading entries, and in editing your diaries or using them as fodder for other creative projects. Some of these techniques seemed silly and artificial to me, but I did have to admit that I do a lot of these things in real life...I just don't write them down. The sheer heft of the book, though, gives it room to have a few dud ideas and still earn a permanent spot on the bookshelf. The many diary excerpts are also nice touches - though again, they feel very dated, given that they were likely written 40-50+ years ago and reflect the gender roles and concerns at the time.
Read
February 7, 2023I was looking for a book that would help me regain the joy of journaling; I think this one will. I loved to journal when I was younger but when I went to college note taking and essay writing took over. I tried to start again as a newlywed but it suddenly seemed so histrionic. The book is filled with so many journaling techniques it's hard to remember them all. I particularly liked the method of imagining your inner wisdom (Mine looks very much like Alice Thomas Ellis and Madeleine l'engle) and then writing a dialogue him/her about your problems, worries etc. I also enjoyed the sections on: synchronicities (Juila Cameron writes about these a lot), dream work, naming your journal, and overviewing your journal. It does have a short "eroticism" section so the book may not be suitable for younger readers. Definitely a book I will refer to again.
December 17, 2024
This is one of my life-altering books. This is a how-to for self therapy. I have unlocked the meaning of my dreams, and had conversations with parts of my psyche that elucidated my deep hurts from my childhood, and opened the door the healing. It released the rigidity and writer's blocks to my journaling, and helped me find the real reason I want to journal. The reason is ME, I write for myself. This is an inspiring and empowering book, and I'd like all my friends and loved ones to read it, so they can see the value in journaling. We could all do with some honest peeling pack of the layers of our hardened veneers, and that will lead to greater empathy and compassion for one another. If you're wondering if you should read this book, please read it, you won't be disappointed.
September 6, 2018
Will definitely read this again.
This is great as self reflection as well as creative stimulation. Though there was no exercises there were plenty of ideas to expand the diary writing processes. It also takes excerpts from other diarists. It also was instructive as far as looking at what you might be weak in recording your own ideas, feelings and daily activities.
This is great as self reflection as well as creative stimulation. Though there was no exercises there were plenty of ideas to expand the diary writing processes. It also takes excerpts from other diarists. It also was instructive as far as looking at what you might be weak in recording your own ideas, feelings and daily activities.
March 30, 2020
nacini pisanje
o emocijama katarza
free flow
desklripcija za srecu dobra
analiza dana
sedam tehnika
liste
deskripcija
imaging i free motive
dijalog
ja u trecem licu
neposlata pisma
navike koje mogu da preuzmem od ovoga jesu pisanje o svojim snovima
o problemima o sreci o projektima i idejama o pitanjima
jos cu se vracati ovoj knjizi
o emocijama katarza
free flow
desklripcija za srecu dobra
analiza dana
sedam tehnika
liste
deskripcija
imaging i free motive
dijalog
ja u trecem licu
neposlata pisma
navike koje mogu da preuzmem od ovoga jesu pisanje o svojim snovima
o problemima o sreci o projektima i idejama o pitanjima
jos cu se vracati ovoj knjizi
September 29, 2024
Very disappointing. I think this review of the 2020 edition by Tea and Spite really nailed it: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
And while I'm curious about how the 2020 edition is different from the 2004 edition (which I read), I'm not in any hurry to put myself through that again to find out.
And while I'm curious about how the 2020 edition is different from the 2004 edition (which I read), I'm not in any hurry to put myself through that again to find out.
June 11, 2021
I read this in 1980-something and it was profound and useful then. I bought it for inspiration at least ten years ago, but it seemed a bit “meh”. It didn’t fizz. BUT in a recent de-clutter (that’s another story) I found that I had bought it again….so I guess I HAVE to read it…
January 16, 2023
This book wasn't quite what I was expecting but I completed it anyway. In all honesty, some pages and chapters I read carefully--taking notes for future reference and recall. In other cases, I merely skimmed the pages and slowed down only to read something of special interest.
April 14, 2025
I have sworn off self-help books, a category this book definitely falls into. And though it looks at journaling through that lens, it does that really well. Though updated it is, very much, a relic of the 70's, for good or ill each reader will have to say for themself.
July 6, 2017
some good ideas in here, but mostly a lot of stuff I was already doing on my own.
January 18, 2018
This book offers various amazing journal writing techniques for self exploration and self discovery.
October 8, 2018
For a writer of literary fiction who draw most of her material from her own life, this book has proven invaluable.
October 13, 2018
透過各種技巧寫世紀，從中認識自己。從過去的日記整理出困擾著自己的問題便能著手解決；也可以藉由「未來日記」協助自己做決定，或是找到未來的新方向。
December 15, 2019
A little repetitive, but chock-full of techniques that I've found extremely useful and easy to integrate into my journalling practice.
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