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Cover of Wreck this journal

Wreck this journal

224 pages

A tactile, rule-breaking invitation to destroy your way into uninhibited creativity.

What it feels like

This is not a book you simply read; it is an experience you actively dismantle. The pace is brisk and entirely driven by the reader, fueled by subversive prompts that demand physical interaction rather than passive consumption. The mood is liberating and intentionally messy, replacing the quiet intimidation of a pristine blank page with the energetic joy of poking holes, spilling coffee, and defacing photos. Its tone is deeply encouraging yet delightfully rebellious, acting as a playful guide through the true, often chaotic nature of the creative process. Written in direct, instructional bursts, it is the perfect companion for anyone paralyzed by perfectionism, offering a tactile, hands-on escape into the freedom of making mistakes.

Mood
  • liberating
  • messy
  • tactile
  • energetic
Tone
  • subversive
  • encouraging
  • playful
  • unconventional
Pace
brisk
Themes
overcoming perfectionism · the creative process · destructive creation · escaping the blank page
The writing
Direct, instructional, and playfully subversive, relying on brief prompts rather than traditional narrative.
The arc
Moves from the hesitation of facing a pristine blank page to the liberating joy of uninhibited, messy creation.
Who it's for
Anyone who struggles with perfectionism or wants a hands-on, unconventional way to jumpstart their creativity.

About the book

For anyone who's ever wished to, but had trouble starting, keeping, or finishing a journal or sketchbook comes Wreck This Journal, an illustrated book that features a subversive collection of prompts, asking readers to muster up their best mistake- and mess-making abilities to fill the pages of the book (and destroy them). Acclaimed illustrator Keri Smith encourages journalers to engage in "destructive" acts-poking holes through pages, adding photos and defacing them, painting with coffee, and more-in order to experience the true creative process. Readers discover a new way of art and journal making-and new ways to escape the fear of the blank page and fully engage in the creative process.

Description from Open Library.

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