 "Izumi Shikibu Nikki" was written at the beginning of Izumi's relationship with Prince Atsumichi and continues for about nine months (1003-1004).Written in a third person narrative, the diary contains waka poetry, with over one hundred poems including renga.The "plot" is one of "alternate ardor and indifference on the part of the Prince, and timidity and yearning on the part of Izumi."