An inspirational, practical & literate guide to starting & keeping a journal - & transforming it into something permanent like a memoir or a novel. Leaving A Trace is a practical guide to keeping a journal successfully & transforming it into future projects. Each chapter features both narrative & tailored exercises for beginning & committed diarists. Beginners will turn first to quick ways to overcome inhibitions, get started & stay on course. Seasoned chroniclers will start diaries with a new slant: they will learn how to trigger inspiration with creative brainstorming exercises; how to note patterns in diaries they already have & how to shape their material.