Personal Greeting from Lynda Monk, IAJW Director

Lynda Monk, MSW, RSW, CPCC

Lynda is the Director of the International Association for Journal Writing, fondly known as the IAJW.  Lynda is a long-time journal writer, a Registered Social Worker, a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach and an expert in writing for wellness and personal growth. She regularly writes, speaks, and teaches about the healing power of expressive writing and storytelling.

She has authored many articles, courses, coaching programs and resources on the healing and transformational power of journaling, including Life Source Writing: A Reflective Journaling Practice for Self-Discovery, Self-Care, Wellness and Creativityas well as co-authored a book called Writing Alone Together: Journaling in a Circle of Women for Creativity, Compassion and Connection. She co-edited, along with Eric Maisel, a NEW book entitled The Transformational Power of Journaling for Coaches, Therapists and Clients: A Complete Guide to the Benefits of Personal Writing (Routledge, 2021).

Lynda loves facilitating our monthly IAJW Member Writing Circles and Telechats. Experience her signature Transformational Writing for Wellness Salon, a six week group coaching program that guides you into the art and heart of writing for wellness and personal growth in a fully supported way.

Her dream is to lead and grow, along with others, the IAJW.org into the largest learning, inspiration and membership community for journal writers worldwide.  She believes we can live well with journaling. Journal writing makes a difference!

Meet Our Team

Ruth Folit

Ruth Folit

Ruth Folit is the founder and former director of the International Association for Journal Writing (www.IAJW.org) where she brought together journal experts and journal writers from around the world to deepen, enliven, and enrich their lives through journaling.

Ruth is still involved with IAJW, not only as a Journal Council Member but also as a mentor and informal adviser to Lynda.  She started the Journal Council many years ago to bring together journaling experts from around the world.

Ruth hosted the Telechats from 2009 to 2014, so you’ll hear her voice as she interviews journal experts during those years.

Ruth and Lynda co-authored How to Journal: Your Complete Guide to Getting Started with Journaling 

Peter Allan, BA

Peter was educated as an art historian and is a practicing artist. His journaling has been typically associated with the phenomenon known as the travel diary, but he has seen the devotion and inherent power of the journaling practice of his life partner Lynda Monk.

As the IAJW Client Care Manager, Peter values supporting members and visitors of the IAJW.org association and website. In this role, he likes to think of himself as a “concierge” who can help members get the most out of their connection to the IAJW and the many offerings, resources and courses.

You will also hear Peter’s inspiring voice on our new IAJW Journaling Muse Podcast which will launch in 2021. He is also a regular contributing writing to our IAJW Museletter.  You can also find some of his inspiring articles on our Journaling Blog.

About the IAJW

The International Association for Journal Writing exists to provide inspiration, information and connection for journal writers worldwide.  After many years of experience, writing, reading, researching and working together with thousands of journal writers, we know what many journal writers want:

  • to write consistently, deeply, and authentically
  • to keep journaling fresh and enjoyable
  • to be inspired to journal without hesitation or resistance
  • to explore your inner life and make changes to their outer lives
  • to gain greater self awareness and personal growth
  • to get the most out of journaling

Today, whether you are a novice, a casual or an experienced and dedicated journal writer, I invite you to become a member of the International Association for Journal Writing and get started right away. I’ll introduce you to  Journal Council Experts who will:

  • offer you ideas, prompts, techniques and tips,
  • interact with you through our various offerings to enrich and enhance your journaling and
  • help you keep a journal that will change your life.

Meet this group of over 20 of the best-known journal writing experts offers real solutions and practical guidance. We know how to help you enrich your life with journaling!

Your journaling matters!  You matter.  Thanks for being here.