Guest Author - Lisa Shea

If you are a fan of a movie, a TV series, or even a person, maybe it's time to begin creating a fan journal. You can track the shows you watch, the ways in which your perceptions change over time.

For example, let's say you are a fan of Orlando Bloom, because you see him in the Lord of the Rings series. You would begin by journaling what appeals to you about that character, what scenes inspire you. You might start watching other movies and shows that involve Orlando. As you see him in different roles, your appreciation of him as an actor might expand and change.

Over time, when you go back and re-watch the original movies and scenes, you could find that your interpretation has changed. Your fan journal helps you see those changes, see how your views of the actor and his work have matured over time.

With a series, the information can actually be quite helpful, too. When you're in the 5th year of a series, sometimes it's hard to remember exactly what happened in series 1. Going back through your journal can be an invaluable way to catch up before the new season begins, to refamiliarize yourself with all the specific incidents and situations.