Are you a journal writer who also dreams of writing a memoir? I am currently in the midst of mining my journals for raw material to help me with writing Surrender: An Adoptee's Memoir. Here are 7 helpful tips to write a memoir from your journals: Know the difference between autobiography and memoir – autobiography ... Read More >>
Ruth Folit, founder of the IAJW, reflects on her past experience with participating in Online Writing Practice What is Online Writing Practice? It's an hour of time spent mid-day, with writers of any shape, size, age, gender, or level of experience. I can imagine that the process may sound odd: people on the phone writing ... Read More >>
Do you like or want to write poetry? Maybe you want to craft a poem in the pages in your journal for the pure joy of it? Perhaps you want to write a poem for publication and sharing with others? Any writing involves a beginning, a way in, a starting place. Sometimes it helps to ... Read More >>
Welcome to our brand new "Ask Our Coach" feature on our IAJW blog! How does this work? Feel welcome to submit a question you have about journal or life writing using our contact form. Simply put "Ask Our Coach" in your message and share your question with us. One of our Journal Council Members will ... Read More >>
Why Write Poetry? Psychologist Rollo May wrote in his book The Courage to Create that: "…if you do not express your own original ideas, if you do not listen to your own being, you will have betrayed yourself. Also you will have betrayed our community in failing to make your contribution to the whole." Although ... Read More >>
The IAJW has re-awakened, has been re-branded, and is ready to inspire and nourish journal writers everywhere. Celebrate with us and listen to Ruth Folit (Founder & past Director) and myself, Lynda Monk (new IAJW Director) as we share an informative and inspired conversation together (watch the video below) where... Ruth provides the founding story ... Read More >>
This is very exciting time for the IAJW - International Association for Journal Writing. This journal writing community was founded many years ago by Ruth Folit. You might remember the IAJW, like myself, you might even have been a past member of this inspiring community. The IAJW had to take an unexpected pause a few ... Read More >>
What was it about my English teachers that was so intimidating? Was it that they expected me to write on demand about whatever subject they chose? Was it the way they wielded their red pens like Zorro brandished his sword? Was it that my English teachers demanded an outline of my essay before I even ... Read More >>
Many mornings I walk around my Florida yard--to see if new transplants are adapting to their new locations, checking on the potted plants that they are sufficiently moist, watering some newly planted bamboo, and visiting my avocado, mulberry, grapefruit and mango trees to make sure that they are happy. It's not a daily routine, but ... Read More >>
This month has been very significant for me. On September 11th, my father passed away. I had the privilege of being with him when he took his last breath, something I will be forever grateful for. Nothing prepares us to say our final good-byes to a beloved parent. My father was in a care home ... Read More >>