The Journal Newsletter - January/February 2009

DavidRM Software's The Journal Newsletter

January/February 2009
Volume 10, Issue 2

Introduction
The Journal News
Tips & Tricks
Writing Exercises
Submissions

INTRODUCTION

Happy (belated) New Year! And happy (also belated) Valentines Day!

As I announced in the December newsletter, I continue to work on the next major update of The Journal. I started limited user testing of the update last week. In another 2-3 weeks I expect I'll open the testing up to more volunteers.

In other news, the update of the MemoryGrabber add-on is nearly ready, and there's a new add-on, Devotional Prompts 2, coming as well.

This month's tip describes how to setup a call log in The Journal, and we have a new set of writing prompts.

Thank you for choosing DavidRM Software's The Journal! (And thank you for being patient with me about the newsletter and the update.)

THE JOURNAL NEWS

Download the latest update of The Journal from here:

http://www.davidrm.com/download/jnl4setup.exe

Check to see if you have the most recent update of The Journal by clicking on the Help menu (in The Journal) and choosing Check for Update of The Journal.

Add-on Packages Available for The Journal

Extended Security - Do you need a higher level of security?
Learn more about Extended Security for The Journal.

Writing Prompts 1 - Improve your writing skills!
Learn more about Writing Prompts 1.

Writing Prompts 2 - Prose Challenges by Mike Hommel - Stretch your mind and your writing skills!!
Learn more about Writing Prompts 2.

Devotional Prompts 1 - Keep a record of your reflections about God, yourself, and others!
Learn more about Devotional Prompts 1.

MemoryGrabber - Start your autobiography or help your loved ones start theirs.
Learn more about MemoryGrabber for The Journal.

Steve Pavlina's Templates - 20 journaling exercises to help you discover your life purpose, assess your relationships, solve your problems, and more!
Learn more about Steve Pavlina's Templates for The Journal.

To order the add-on packages for The Journal, or to order The Journal on CDROM:
1. Click on the Help menu in The Journal.
2. Choose "Upgrade The Journal".

TIPS & TRICKS

TIP: How to Create a Call Log in The Journal

Ever wanted to quickly log your phone calls in The Journal? Here's one way:

Step 1. Create your call log template.

1.a. Bring up the "Templates" category tab.

1.b. Press F9 to create a new entry, and name it "Call Log Template".

1.c. Enter the text for the call log template.

1.d. Right-click "Call Log Template" in the entry tree and check the "Template Entry" option. The entry's icon in the entry tree will now show a red "T".

Step 2. Create a new category for logging your calls.

2.a. Click on the Category menu and choose "New Category..."

2.b. Call the category "Call Log" and choose "Standard Entry" as the category type.

2.c. Click on "Next", "Next", and "Finish".

Step 3. Set the default template for "Call Log".

3.a. Right-click on the "Call Log" category tab and choose "Category Properties..."

3.b. Bring up the "Entry" tab.

3.c. Under "Default Entry Template", drop down the list and choose "Templates\Call Log Template".

3.d. If you want to rearrange the category in your list of categories, you can do that now too. Click and drag the categories in the tree to arrange them.

3.e. Click on "Done".

How to Use your Call Log

When you have a call, you bring up the "Call Log" category tab, and press F9 to create a new entry. The new entry will be automatically filled in with Call Log Template.

WRITING EXERCISES

Free Writing Prompt - Write for 20 minutes using the following as your starter: "Touching the edge..."

Journaling Prompt - Have you added any new hobbies lately? Did the new hobby or hobbies displace any existing hobbies? What attracted you to the new hobby or hobbies? What keeps you involved?

Memoir Prompt - What's the worst thing that ever happened to you? Have you ever discussed it with anyone?

SUBMISSION INFORMATION

If you would like to contribute to the "How I Use The Journal", "Writing Exercises", or "Tips & Tricks" sections, or would like to submit an article about journaling or another The Journal-related topic, we would love to hear from you.

Submissions for the newsletter should be sent to: davidrm@davidrm.com

If you are submitting for a particulare section, please indicate which one. Try to limit your submissions to 500-1000 words. Submissions may be edited for length and content.

If you prefer to remain anonymous, please state this in the email. Otherwise your name (but not your email) will be used in the article heading.

As always, if you have any suggestions for, or bug reports about, The Journal, please feel free to email them. Both are always welcome.