'Word by Word' Writing Workshop

A new space for writers craving inspiration, time to play with craft, and (re)discover the wonder of words [October 30th]

When I think of what writing does, I can come up with an endless list of answers. Writing reveals, connects, moves, heals, inspires, fuels, changes, alchemizes, empowers, and so much more.

I’ve been creating, writing, and painting since childhood, but I can still remember the moment in high school when I fell in love with writing as a craft. It was the moment I realized I could paint with words.

Over the years—especially through seasons of grief and loss—I’ve come to see how empowering and healing the gift of language can be. To think that we can shape the stories we tell and that language can unlock us and set us free still fills me with such awe and delight.

“Writing is the painting of the voice.”

—Voltaire

When I reconnected with my writing life and became a certified writing coach, I began to see that writers benefited from having room for three types of writing in their lives: personal processing, playful crafting, and purposeful publishing. I’ve heard other writers talk about it as writing for catharsis (personal) and writing for craft (publication).

In recent years, while still moving forward on my personal writing projects and pursuing publication, I’ve spent most of my time creating offerings to help others explore the personal, cathartic side of writing—from my journals to my journaling workshops to my monthly Pen & Mend prompts. And I love this work!

This year, I’ve had the joy of attending in-person writing workshops with brilliant writers like Maggie Smith and Anne Lamott. These experiences have nourished my own writing craft and reawakened the former English teacher in me. They’ve rekindled my desire to help others write by focusing on the craft, sharing in the wonder, discovery, and delight of what writing can reveal—word by word.

So, I want to try something new and invite you to join me in this trial!

Introducing: Word by Word: A Creative Writing Workshop

I’m hosting a new kind of writing hour called Word by Word — a one-hour creative writing workshop for prompted inspiration, playful exploration, and powerful discovery.

The session will include:

• short reflection or reading,

• a writing prompt,

• a time of freewriting,

• and optional sharing and supportive feedback.

It’s a time to (re)connect with your writing and encounter the wonder of what unfolds as you write — word by word.

This is for those who consider themselves writers and even those who are still hesitant to—writers of all stages and genres—who want to tap into the joy of the craft. For those who want to reconnect with language and playful discovery, make time to write without the pressure of knowing what to write, and share their writing in a safe, supportive space.

Word by Word will offer you time to:

• Write freely without pressure, performance, or perfection.

• Explore craft through prompts and playful experimentation.

• Receive encouragement and grow in confidence in a supportive community.

• Leave inspired, with a page of new words, glimmering ideas, and a renewed sense of creative momentum.

The first Word by Word workshop will be held next week!

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When & How to Join Word by Word

Thursday, October 30 at 12pm PT / 3pm ET
Live on Zoom | 60 minutes

Pen & Mend paid Substack subscribers can join for free!
If you’re already a paid subscriber, simply scroll to the bottom of this post for the private Zoom link and add the date to your calendar.

If you’re a free subscriber or just visiting here, you can drop into this session for $5 — or consider upgrading your subscription to join future writing sessions and events (plus get access to the archive of prompts, Writing Rooms, and AfterWords conversations, special discounts, and more).

I hope you can make it!

Thank you for being part of this growing community. Whether you join this first Word by Word session or simply read along here, I’m grateful to walk alongside you—writing, healing, and uncovering what glimmers—word by word.

With warmth and anticipation,

—Kristin

P.S. Let me know in the comments if this sounds like something you’ve been needing, are interested in, or plan on joining! If you can’t make this month’s workshop, I do hope to offer this again.

P.P.S. What does writing do for you? What do you love about the art of language and the craft of writing? I’d love to know!