Pen & Mend Collective is a private membership for writers who believe writing is both personal and formative — shaping not only their own lives, but the world around them.
This space is for those who journal regularly, draft essays or poetry, work on books, or long to take their writing more seriously.
Some of us write to process grief.
Some of us write to create beauty.
Most of us are doing both.
Each month, we gather to tend to our writing lives with intention.
It's more than a frivolous hobby.
Writing is a thread to creating healing and hope.
you don't have to go it alone
HEre's WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Each month inside the Pen & Mend Collective, you’ll receive a guided space and a steady rhythm to support your writing practice.
Find inspiration and ideas in the Pen & Mend library of over 70 carefully curated journaling prompts to try anytime!
FULL-ACCESS TO THE PROMPT ARCHIVES
plus
virtual writing rooms
Membership Features
WORD BY WORD WORKSHOPS, exclusive discounts on EVENTS, AND substack community features LIKE COMMENTS + THREADS
You don't need to go this alone. Once a month, you'll be invited to join other kindred spirits in a Pen & Mend private, virtual writing room. During this hour, you'll be given space to write whatever words you need to write. Use this time to help you focus and be in community. The time is yours! Maybe you'll want to explore a Pen & Mend journal prompt, write your story, play with poetry, or write a short essay that you want to publish. The writing room functions much like a quiet study or library and is very introvert friendly.
MONTHLY prompts
Facing a blank page can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? How exactly do you tap into the healing benefits of writing and journal in a way that changes things? I've got you! Once a month you'll receive a brand new prompt inviting you into contemplation and reflection. These prompts are designed to help you support your mental, emotional, and spiritual health and healing journey.
JOIN NOW
'AFTERWORDS' CONVERSATION + casual group coaching
Once a month, following Friday's Writing Room, you're invited to stay "AfterWords" for a supportive, conversational group coaching session to ask questions, connect through thoughtful discussion, and find insights and next steps as you write for healing and hope.
With the carefully curated prompts (new each month, plus a library of archived journal prompts and the anticipated rhythm of virtual writing rooms, group coaching calls, and more, you'll receive support and motivation to create a writing rhythm that works for you.
CULTIVATE A LIFE-GIVING
WRITING PRACTICE
If you've ever felt like your voice has been silenced, filtered, dismissed, neglected, or unable to be expressed freely and safely, you'll be able to use writing as a way to recover your voice and find renewal from thoughts and narratives that have held you captive for too long so that you can cultivate an intentional life.
RECOVER YOUR VOICE + FIND RENEWAL
When you join Pen & Mend,
you'll be empowered to...
WRITE IN A WAY THAT CHANGES THINGS
Not every type of journaling or writing is healing. In fact, sometimes it's possible to write in a way that can actually harm us. Pen & Mend resources draw from frameworks and strategies inspired by therapeutic and Christian spiritual practices to help you write in a way that is transformative and effective.
I believe writing can offer healing + hope to anyone - including you.
I'm an artist, writer, former English teacher, and certified writing coach who is passionate about spreading the love of writing and creativity as tools for healing and hope.
I hold a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in education from the University of Illinois, with additional studies in theology, writing, and communication at Yale and Stanford.
I'm the creator of two faith-based journals, Rest: A Journal for Lament and Rise: A Journal for Perseverance, and has contributed to various collaborative writing projects both in print and online.
I created Pen & Mend Collective as an extension of my own healing journey through grief, loss, and spiritual growth. Writing has been a steady companion in my darkest seasons and my becoming.
about your host
Hi,I 'm Kristin.
I'm here to cheer you on and be a compassionate and supportive guide for your writing life
JOIN PEN & MEND on substack
LOUIS DESALVO, WRITING AS A WAY OF HEALING
"It's not what you write or what you produce as you write that is important. It is what happens to you while you are writing that is important. It is
while you write that is important."
who you become
How exactly does the Collective work?
When can I join?
How much does it cost to join Pen & Mend?
Will I have any opportunities to receive feedback on my writing?
You can join any time by upgrading to a paid subscription on Substack.
Will I be expected to share what I write?
From now through May 2026, the current membership fee is $5 a month via Substack. Payments are automatically recurring until you pause or cancel your subscription. You can pause or cancel at any time.
From now through May 2026, Substack serves as our online headquarters: https://kristinvanderlip.substack.com/s/penandmend. You will also receive prompts and event invitations via email. Virtual gatherings take place on Zoom. Offerings and pricing are subject to change.
I don't have much experience journaling. I don't consider myself a writer. Is Pen & Mend for me?
When I refer to writing as spiritual formation or as a spiritual practice, I do so from a Christian faith perspective and this will at times come through within the Collective. However, all faith backgrounds are welcome here. We encourage one another to explore and incorporate spiritual and religious beliefs into our writing and respect one another's beliefs even if we do not agree or align. This collective will be a safe space for every member to express themselves freely as long as to not harm, attack, or shame others.
The Collective is focused on writing for personal growth and healing in a safe, judgment-free space. When you join certain events like Word by Word, you will have an opportunity to share your writing and receive supportive feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nope. Not unless you want to. There will be dedicated times and spaces for sharing meaningful words for those who would like to share.
Yes! No prior writing or journaling experience is required to join or to receive the benefits of this collective. All that's required is a willing and interested heart. The Pen and Mend Collective is the perfect place for someone new to the practice or for someone who has been journaling for years (whether on and off or consistently). You'll have access to all sorts of tools and support to help you cultivate a healing writing practice in your life.
