From the Source: Journaling for Self-Knowledge and Creativity
with Amy Bonnaffons
June 10, 2026
Length: 6 weeks
Open to AllText and Live Video
Zoom meetings Wednesdays at 7 PM Eastern
Original price was: $445.00.$380.00Current price is: $380.00.
Original price was: $445.00.$380.00Current price is: $380.00.Enroll Now
Journaling is a surefire way to get to know ourselves better. It’s also a wellspring of creativity, and we can easily learn to transform journal material into publication-ready pieces.
In this fun, generative course, you will be introduced to several different styles of journaling—allowing you to experiment with fresh ways of recording your experience, exploring your inner landscape, and connecting with your creativity. Throughout the course, you will keep a daily journal, using one of several techniques introduced in the first class.
In the first four class sessions, we will explore generative writing activities designed to turn journal material into publishable writing (there will be optional time for sharing at the end of each session). The final two class sessions will be devoted to sharing and workshopping student work. Students will be invited to post excerpts from their journals and evolving creative pieces on the class platform and request feedback from the instructor and/or their peers.
In addition to the journaling and writing exercises, weekly readings will provide inspiration for how the raw material of a journal can translate into literature: new works of creative writing ready to refine for publication.
Who This Course is For:
- This course is for everyone! It’s open to all skill levels and all genres, and there are no prerequisites.
- Specifically, the course is designed with several groups in mind: those who want to write but don’t know how to get started; those who enjoy writing but struggle with setting up healthy writing habits and maintaining a daily practice; seasoned writers who feel blocked and want to access new ways of approaching their creativity; and those who simply want to use writing as a tool for wellness, self-knowledge, and fun.
Learning and Writing Goals
Learning Goals
In this course, you will:
- Learn four different styles of journaling.
- Generate many pages of raw material with the potential to turn into polished creative pieces.
- Learn exercises and techniques for turning the “raw material” of journaling into a more formal piece of writing.
- Share writing with peers and receive affirming, encouraging feedback (and, if desired, suggestions for turning journal material into formal pieces).
Writing Goals
In this course, you will:
- Produce dozens of pages of raw material from journaling exercises.
- Turn at least three drafts of “raw material” into creative pieces.
- Complete and receive feedback on at least one finished piece.
Zoom Schedule
We will meet on Zoom on Wednesdays from 7-9 PM Eastern.
Weekly Syllabus
Week 1: Introduction to Journaling Techniques
We’ll get to know each other a bit and try out two styles of journaling: Julia Cameron’s Morning Pages and Lynda Barry’s one-page journal.
In-class readings/resources: excerpts from Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way and Lynda Barry’s Syllabus
Homework reading: excerpts from Heidi Julavits, The Folded Clock; Ross Gay, The Book of Delights; Sarah Vap, Winter
Week 2: Questions
We’ll ask questions that put us in dialogue with the journaling self. In class, I’ll give an introduction to two new practices–dream journaling and daily divination.
Reading: excerpts from Sheila Heti, Motherhood; Toko-pa Turner, Belonging; Linda Hogan, Dwellings; Roz Chast, I Must Be Dreaming; Sabrina Orah Mark, Happily
Week 3: Image and Dream
We’ll work to identify and expand upon potent images that have arisen in our journaling over the past week, with a particular focus on dream imagery.
Readings: Lynda Barry, One Hundred Demons; Sheila Heti, Alphabet Diaries; Joe Brainard, I Remember; Gloria Anzaldúa, Borderlands/La Frontera
Week 4: Memory
We’ll use our journals as a springboard for accessing and working with vivid memories.
Readings: student work
Week 5: Workshop Week 1
Students will share creative work and receive real-time feedback from the instructor and their peers.
Readings: student work
Week 6: Workshop, Wrap-up and Celebration
Students will share creative work and receive real-time feedback from the instructor and their peers. We’ll also celebrate and reflect on our journey together!
Why Take a Journaling Course with Writers.com?
- We welcome writers of all backgrounds and experience levels, and we are here for one reason: to support you on your writing journey.
- Small groups keep our online writing courses lively and intimate.
- Work through your weekly lectures, course materials, and writing assignments at your own pace.
- Share and discuss your work with fellow writers in a supportive course environment.
- Award-winning instructor Amy Bonnaffons will offer you direct, personal feedback and suggestions on every assignment you submit.
Original price was: $445.00.$380.00Current price is: $380.00.Enroll Now
Student Feedback for Amy Bonnaffons:
June 10, 2026
Length: 6 weeks
Open to AllText and Live Video
Zoom meetings Wednesdays at 7 PM Eastern
Original price was: $445.00.$380.00Current price is: $380.00.
Original price was: $445.00.$380.00Current price is: $380.00.Enroll Now
