Journal 29 Hints & Tips

make sure you assign the right values to each letter, make sure you're measuring the gaps between in the same way that the first and last sample show you.
Add and subtract until you've got an answer.

A -> C = 1
A -> D = 2
D -> A = -2

Perhaps there is an alternating pattern..?

So, write down the english alphabet on a paper. Now give the numbers to the letters, a=1, b=2.... now write the key 17 word on the top of the page and word from key 18 on the bottom of the page. Now you look at the first letter on the top , that is the first letter of key 17, and take the paper where you wrote your alphabet, now take a look what happens when you start counting from the first letter of the key 17 to the first letter of the key 18. It might be not the acctual difference your brain is used to, but this set the rules. So this is now your rule. Make the same with the last letters in key 17 and key 18, so you will understand what the number -14 means. Make that for all 8 letters now and there you have it. Obviously it is a number you are searching for, check the bottom of the page - add them.

Count the letters between. If it's going backwards, it's negative