A private membership experience designed to support you in writing for healing and hope
BECOME A MEMBER ON SUBSTACK
becoming
Writing is a powerful tool that can help you process your life, bring healing and calm to your inner self, and empower you to become who you were created to be.
The Pen & Mend Collective is a monthly membership subscription created to support you as you seek to write for healing and hope in your life no matter where you are on your healing or writing journey.
Writing has helped me endure difficult seasons and deep grief. It has helped me heal inner wounds, recover my voice, and connect with myself and God. I know what research proves to be true: writing and journaling can help make the unbearable parts of life not only bearable but also better and can help mend broken-hearts.
I created Pen & Mend to share what I've learned with you as you seek to use writing as a way of healing + hope in your own life. Whether you consider yourself a writer or non-writer, an avid journaler or reluctant journaler, you'll find inspiration, encouragement, community, and resources to support you.
an invitation to your
the power of writing!
It's time for you to write your way to healing and hope and tap into
With the carefully curated prompts (new each month, plus a library of archived journal prompts, virtual writing rooms, private mentorship conversations, and more, you'll receive support and motivation to create a writing rhythm that works for you.
CULTIVATE A CONSISTENT
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.
Find inspiration and ideas in the Pen & Mend library of over 52 carefully curated writing prompts to try anytime!
a LIBRARY of prompts
plus
private monthly co-writing space
Pen & Mend Offerings
OCCASIONAL BOOK CLUBS, "afterwords" group coaching conversations, exclusive discounts on events and workshops, 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.
EXCLUSIVE 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
“Membership has been a gift that has unlocked writing and reflection as a daily part of my life.
—Rachel
As a Pen & Mend member, with Kristin's gentle leading and her weekly prompts have moved my brain dump journaling into a regular, consistent practice of reflection that is far more than a brain dump. I've been able to use journaling as an intentional tool for growth and reflection in a way that I never have before. Her prompts are more than a single line prompt that then feels like an assignment, but it's her own writing about the prompt itself, and the different ways that it might look for me, that makes it an invitation to explore through words."
“Thank you for the gift of your time and guidance tonight. It was just what I needed, and I didn’t even realize that I needed it...
—Deborah
When I feel anxious, I can feel it in my lungs. It’s like there’s a lion sitting on my lungs, and I can’t get a deep breath. I felt that way for a few days. And I don’t anymore, and I didn’t by about half way through our time tonight… I really really appreciated this time.
I'm a bereaved mother, veteran military spouse, journal enthusiast, and writing coach.
I believe writing can offer healing + hope to anyone - including you.
Grief, depression, and anxiety took their toll on me as a bereaved mother and military spouse. I was desperate for relief and for something to change but felt so stuck and alone. In all that was out of my control, I began to focus on what I could control. I sought help and wisdom from safe friends, wise spiritual mentors, and licensed therapists.
And then I began to write. That was when it all started to change for me. Owning my story, my choices, my emotions, my thoughts, and becoming curious and compassionate about myself and my life through writing brought (and still brings) such healing + hope to my life. I believe you have healing words to write and that you can write your way to hope.
Pick up your pen with me as we seek to mend the broken pieces of our hearts and lives.
about your host
Hi,I 'm Kristin.
former english teacher, bereaved mother, veteran military spouse, writing coach, journal mentor, author, enneagram 4W3
...and a compassionate guide and witness to your journey
JOIN PEN & MEND
MANIFESTO
WE BELIEVE that writing is a source of healing and hope. We believe our pens can mend the broken parts of our stories and the shattered pieces of our hearts. We believe in treating writing as a sacred, spiritual practice. We believe that writing can help us renew our hearts, minds, and spirits. We believe in approaching the page with honesty, curiosity, and compassion. We believe that writing is a way of listening to life and connecting
with the Source of life.
GET THE MANIFESTO
download + make it your own!
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?
Membership is currently $5 a month. Payments will be automatically recurring until you pause or cancel your membership. You can pause or cancel at any time. Discounts available for annual subscriptions.
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.
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 short answer: No. You will not receive any formal critique, feedback, or editing on your writing from myself or the other group members. The Collective is focused on writing for personal growth and healing in a safe, judgment free space. I do offer editing and coaching services as a separate offering if you're interested. Please use the contact form to reach out to me with any questions.
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.
