Here's what distinguishes it:
* Nonfiction: The content is based on real events, people, places, or experiences. It's not a story made up by the writer.
* Prose: It's written in continuous sentences and paragraphs, rather than in short, fragmented entries like a typical diary might be. It strives for a more developed and structured style.
* Journal: It's a record kept over time, usually with entries logged regularly, allowing for the observation of changes, developments, or insights over a period.
Examples of what might be written in a nonfiction prose journal:
* Detailed observations of nature during a hike.
* Reflections on a historical event after visiting a museum.
* Notes on a research project, including methodological details and preliminary conclusions.
* Accounts of personal experiences with a particular skill or craft as it develops over time.
* A running commentary on current events, analyzed from a specific perspective.
Essentially, it's a tool for recording and processing factual information and personal reflections in a well-written, structured format. It's often used for personal growth, research, or creative non-fiction writing.