Diaries ~

Fanny Kemble 1834

Authors often draw on diaries or journals when writing books.  British actress, Fanny Kemble, published eleven volumes of memoirs as well as her poetry and plays.
In the bookshop we are intrigued with the stories we hear ~ family histories, local tales.  "I could write a book," is a common pronouncement and often the information indeed is worth recording.

Published books are obviously not every one's calling.  However, jotting down facts in a scribbler ~  information, anecdotes, personality traits ~ facts that will fill in blanks for future generations or even amateur historians is a worthwhile past time.  Journals don't require great writing skills.

~ Reference:  A Book of One's Own People and Their Diaries, Thomas Mallon
Fanny Kemble (1809 - 1893) Portrait:  Wikipedia