I've had relative success with org-mode. I figure that's the emacs mode you're talking about. I have a capture template that automatically catalogs the entry

I've had relative success with org-mode. I figure that's the emacs mode you're talking about. I have a capture template that automatically catalogs the entry to the right date. It comes up in a new window and I just write whatever I'm thinking. It works for me because it's so easy to hit C-c j when I'm doing anything at the computer and then I can write all I want. And if I want to make two entries on the same day, I can. The template has a little area for a title. I've managed to journal a few times a week every week for over a year now.