An inspirational, practical and literate guide to starting and keeping a journal - and transforming it into something permanent like a memoir or a novel. Leaving A Trace is a practical guide to keeping a journal successfully and transforming it into future projects. Each chapter features both narrative and tailored exercises for beginning and committed diarists. Beginners will turn first to quick ways to overcome inhibitions, get started and 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 and how to shape their material. Alexandra Johnson is the author of The Hidden Writer, which won the PEN/Jerard Fund Award for non-fiction. Her writing has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times Book Review, and The Nation. She currently teaches at Wellesley College and the Harvard Extension School, where she won the James E. Conway award for distinguished teacher of writing.