By Lynda Monk, MSW, RSW, CPCC — Director, International Association for Journal Writing Published 25 April 2025 · Updated 14 September 2026 · 14 min read How to journal: choose a notebook and pen you like, set aside 10–15 minutes somewhere quiet, and start with a simple prompt such as “Right now, I feel…”. Write ... Read More >>
I have been part of writing groups and communities for over 30 years. I have been in writing groups that have supported my book writing, a journaling circle that led to the writing of a book (Writing Alone Together), writing critique groups, writing retreats in beautiful places where the whole goal is to take time ... Read More >>
What Is Journal Coaching? A Guide to Writing as a Powerful Helping Tool Have you heard of journal coaching and wondered what it actually is? You're not alone. It's one of those terms that sounds intriguing but rarely gets explained in plain language. Is it therapy? Is it life coaching? Is it journaling with an ... Read More >>
The Quiet Power of Writing Together: Why Community Journaling Matters There's a moment that happens in every Journal Lounge session - right after the prompt is read, right before the first pen touches paper. A kind of collective inhale. And then, quiet. Not empty quiet. Full quiet. A group of people gathered together, all ... Read More >>
One Ball, One Planet by Peter Allan Over the course of the last week I have been thinking about nationhood. Not the dark corrupted face of nationalism, but the bright and shiny positive attributes of humanity organized into countries-an invention that imparts a sense of belonging, shared culture and experience. ... Read More >>
Self-Care Journaling Prompts to Support You to Go To The Page Here are some self-care journal prompts you can play with in the pages of your journal this weekend... What does my mind, body, heart, and spirit most need from me this weekend? What am I carrying from the week ... Read More >>
There is a whole world in a single word! I love using single words as journal prompts. Journaling is a storytelling practice. It's the act of using words, language, narrative, and stories to both capture, and make sense of, our life experiences. In our recent Journal Lounge, which is a quiet journaling time in ... Read More >>
Congratulations to Mark Segal who is our IAJW Member of the Month for March 2026! A message from Lynda Monk, Director, IAJW.org Mark Segal is being acknowledged as our IAJW Member of the Month for his consistent and engaging presence in our journaling community. Mark is one of the few ... Read More >>
Inspire Love with Journaling Journaling is a true anchor, a way to tether to the ground beneath our lives. It is also a way to nourish love. It is a way to come home to the self. We all need that coming home. Yesterday was Valentine's Day, and this inspired these Journaling for Love ... Read More >>
Congratulations to Janice Carello who is our IAJW Member of the Month for January 2026! A message from Lynda Monk, Director, IAJW.org Janice Carello, PhD, LMSW (she/her) is being acknowledged as our IAJW Member of the Month. Janice has been a long-time member of our journaling community and I have ... Read More >>
Of Human Kindness by Peter Allan I was lucky to be born optimistic. I was lucky to find Lynda, my muse and life partner in this big wide world. There is so much that Lynda has taught me, but one of the most powerful lessons from her, was reinforcing the ... Read More >>