The Illustrated Discovery Journal: Creating a Visual Autobiography of Your Authentic Self

This spiral-bound journal, conceived by Sarah Ban Breathnach, is designed to encourage writers to explore their life stories and unleash dormant creativity. Every two-page spread is exquisitely bordered by a wood print leaf pattern and includes a sage little quote to set the mood or beckon the muse (such as "People who keep journals have life twice." --Jessamyn West). The large format (11.25 by 9.75 inches) gives writers plenty of room to scrawl down their thoughts and even offers ample space for adding personal artwork or gluing in cut-out images. Several pocket folders are bound into the back for carrying clippings, postcards, or dry leaves--whatever whimsy dictates. Because it is spiral bound (with a sturdy wrap-around cover), writers can lay the book flat while at work--a major convenience.

Interspersed throughout the journal, Ban Breathnach has added suggestions for writing exercises and collages, plus discussions of themes such as "Success," "Mystery," or "Return to Self." In one spread, Natalie Goldberg is quoted as saying, "Your first job is to get your own story straight." There's no doubt that writers can do just that with this literary example of functional art. --Gail Hudson

• The Simple Abundance Journal of Gratitude
• The Simple Abundance Companion: Following Your Authentic Path to Somthing More
• Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy
• Something More: Excavating Your Authentic Self
• Moving On: Creating Your House of Belonging with Simple Abundance
• Peace and Plenty: Finding Your Path to Financial Serenity
• Romancing the Ordinary: A Year of Simple Splendor
• The Best Part of The Day
• Mrs. Sharp's Traditions: Reviving Victorian Family Celebrations of Comfort & Joy
• Something More: Excavating Your Authentic Self