A Live Journal That's Not Dead Boring

This page is about writing a live journal, as distinct from one that is ....um...dead. That is to say a journal that's written by you - now.

Despite the advent of computers, CD's and DVD's, the written word - books - are still enormously popular. Go to your local bookshop and take a look at the number of new releases. And what about the Harry Potter phenomenon? The thirst for the written word, despite modern technology, shows no sign of abating. There is nothing so comforting as relaxing in bed with a good book. Being curled up in bed with your laptop does not have the same nuance somehow.

Take a look at this adaption and see how in just one paragraph the writer has masterfully created an air of tension and intrigue, and then managed to catch us all off guard with the surprising twist at the end. Read what is quite possibly the world's shortest novel and ponder its power.

"The Appointment in Samarra"
(as retold by W. Somerset Maugham [1933])

The speaker is Death

There was a merchant in Baghdad who sent his servant to market to buy provisions and in a little while the servant came back, white and trembling, and said, Master, just now when I was in the marketplace I was jostled by a woman in the crowd and when I turned I saw it was Death that jostled me. She looked at me and made a threatening gesture, now, lend me your horse, and I will ride away from this city and avoid my fate. I will go to Samarra and there Death will not find me. The merchant lent him his horse, and the servant mounted it, and he dug his spurs in its flanks and as fast as the horse could gallop he went. Then the merchant went down to the marketplace and he saw me standing in the crowd and he came to me and said, Why did you make a threating gesture to my servant when you saw him this morning? That was not a threatening gesture, I said, it was only a start of surprise. I was astonished to see him in Baghdad, for I had an appointment with him tonight in Samarra.

Finding Your Holy Grail

To a family historian, finding an ancestors' journal or memoirs is like discovering the Holy Grail. If you come across one in your family consider it akin to winning the lottery - only more valuable! They are a time capsule into which you can look back over the centuries at someone elses life, trials and quite possibly a skeleton or two. Of course, not all will be literary masterpieces like the example above. But even the dead boring (!) could offer some amazing insights into your progenitors. I have not been fortunate in this area thus far but Maureen, my wife, had an amazing discovery some years ago. Her father's side came from quite illustrious stock. Maureen's great-great grandfather was the head of one of South Australia's pioneer families. His "live journal" is quite extensive and was written when he was in his 90's. It describes in detail his life in England, journey to Australia and his many successes as a businessman in the fledgling colony of South Australia.

Want to read an excerpt from his memoirs? Click here.

Start Your Live Journal

You may have your own little piece of history to pass on to your descendants too. Many people keep journals and diaries of their own and they are a fantastic legacy to give to your children. Anyone can start and maintain a journal and from there it's just a short leap to writing a memoir. If it seems beyond your 'talents', read this:

Remember, unlike W.Somerset-Maugham, you are not trying to impress a publisher. All you need to do is write YOUR story in YOUR words. Just like writing a letter, and we all know how to do that don't we?

What is the difference between a live journal, diary and memoir? Great question, so listen closely.

A diary is, by nature, daily jottings:

"Today went to work. Had 50,000 phone calls - don't remember any of them!"

A live journal is a bit more extensive - sort of a diary with soul.

"Today is a day that I would rather forget. The phones kept ringing at work and by 5pm my brain just crashed. Every sound on my way home that was even remotely 'phone like' made me cringe in horror."

By contrast, a memoir looks back over your past life. Moments, good and bad, that are essential to who you are. Of course diaries and journals are an invaluable resource when it comes time for you to put pen to paper on that long awaited memoir too. They will jog your memory and bring to mind events that were important, but that you may have forgotten. Perhaps some that you would even rather forget, but then there's always a downside.

Good Live Journal Habits

Someone determined that if you perform a certain task for 21 days straight it becomes a habit. Probably the same person who said that everyone swallows at least 8 spiders in their lifetime while sleeping . Don't ask me how these 'statistics' are determined. The point is, if you do something long enough it will become ingrained. That's what needs to occur with your live journal. Just like brushing your teeth, only more memorable.
Start by purchasing a notebook. There's no need to buy anything expensive but make a point of keeping it just for a journal. If more convenient, buy one with the dates already printed.

The important thing is to get into the habit. Before going to sleep is an ideal time. Mull over what you did throughout the day and write them down in YOUR words. Not every day is going to be exciting or even remotely memorable but when you look back on your journal you will pick up on special little moments to make you smile - or perhaps cringe.

Live Journal - Important Points

• Set yourself a time during the day when you can just relax - bedtime is perfect.
• Use photographs, particularly for that memoir - remember, a picture is worth a thousand words. Find out more about old photos here.
  And photographs as a genealogical resource here
• Let your thoughts flow out into your pen. Don't be too concerned about grammar or spelling - apologies to Mrs Sprague, my English teacher!
  As long as it is readable.
• It's probably not a good idea to write comments that may be deemed inflammatory, but use your own judgement. If you want to bare your soul AND your anger, keep your live journal under lock and key at least until after your demise!
• Don't underestimate your importance in the world. This 'pearl of wisdom' was seen on a toilet wall but I think it should be written on granite.

  "I am a child of God, and God don't make no junk!"

• Read over what you've written - if you find it boring, chances are so will everyone else. Create some emotion and atmosphere, so that it becomes YOUR voice and not robotic and devoid of feeling.
• Enjoy the process. Don't take yourself too seriously.

I know of an instance in Australia where a "live journal" was picked up by a publishing house and became a best seller! It's called 'A Fortunate Life' by A.B.Facey. He was an orphan who grew up in rural West Australia. He was immersed in the horrors of WW1 at Gallipoli, lost his farm, lost his son in WW2 and suffered greatly throughout his life. But, to his credit, he maintained a positive attitude throughout.

Of course, most of us will not be as 'fortunate' as Albert Facey in our literary pursuits. But your 'live journal' will be read - by someone.

Leave a legacy - leave a 'live journal'.

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