Writing is not just an activity of the mind (thinking), but rather it involves the heart (emotions), spirit (essence) and the body (physical) parts of the self as well. Allow your whole self to inspire your writing. The urge to create comes from within. John Lee, author of Writing from the Body: For Writers, Artists, and ... Read More >>
I love to keep my journal writing fresh and creative by using various journal writing techniques, tools and prompts. One of my favourite and quickest ways to play in my journal and deepen self-awareness as I write is to use various card decks as prompts for my writing. This photo captures some of my go-to ... Read More >>
Each month we host a Writing Alone Together circle for IAJW members. I have been so inspired by the writing done and shared in our circles that I have decided to start a new feature on our blog called From the Pages of Our Journals, where IAJW members are invited to share their journaling/life writing ... Read More >>
Question: A question that comes up for me is that I need privacy to write freely. Of course the computer resolves this but I do want to write in a physical journal. Might you have any ideas around this? Jan Answer provided by our coach, Joyce Chapman: This is, without a doubt, one of ... Read More >>
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 >>