welcome

I’m so happy you’re here!

So you’re interested in journaling. Well, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re a newbie or a veteran, this site has everything you need for guidance on how to journal, including over 50 inspiring journal prompts.

Allow me to give you the grand tour (right after this awesome quote from Peter DeVries that I’ve had hanging over my writing desk since I was eleven).

“I only write when I’m inspired, and I see to it that I’m inspired by 9 AM every morning.”
~ Peter DeVries

My mission: to transform your life through journaling

Do you know why you get out of bed in the morning?
I do. I want to put pen to paper daily and create high quality content to help you do the same. I want to show you how to leverage your own brilliance in building the life and relationships you’ve always wanted, and the creativity you deserve.

Journaling Saves was born on January 1, 2010. Since then, the site has grown in scope and depth, with more original articles, ebooks, podcasts, videos, workshops, and newsletters. I create everything you encounter on this site unless expressly credited otherwise. During this growth, the site’s mission has never wavered.

My goal is still to guide you in enriching your journaling practice or beginning a new one.

I believe journaling is one of the most powerful tools in existence for personal development and creative growth. It has changed my life – and at times, saved it. I want you to harness that power to affect change in your own life.

Because although we’ve just met, I already like you. In fact, I think you’re pretty fabulous.

Journaling my way is remarkably eye-opening. I’ll guide you through the process using straightforward lessons, actionable journaling tips, and stimulating journal prompts – illustrated by my own personal experience.

what can journaling do for YOU?

Click below to learn more about each benefit:

Still curious whether journaling is for you? Check out Why Journal? for more details on the benefits you can gain through a regular journaling practice.

You don’t have to consider yourself “creative” in order to grow tremendously through journaling. (Though I believe if you can make a sandwich you are, by definition, creative.) A daily practice is magical in its ability to shed light on your life, develop your insight, and connect you with your dreams.

Believe it or not,

You DO have enough time to journal: 20 Ways to find 20 Minutes to Journal
You ARE creative enough: 100% Crayon-free Creativity
You’re NOT doing it wrong: 7 Ways to Attain Imperfection

Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to your essential journaling questions.

get to know me

I’m Kristin Renée and journaling saved my life.

I’ve been journaling daily for more than three decades. I created this site so everyone can enjoy the benefits of this amazing practice.

I live and write in New York. When I’m not journaling, I like to read social psychology books, play with my tortie-point Siamese cat Starlee, and ride my Vespa scooters in the sun. If you’re curious, you can learn more on the about page.

Always feel free to drop me a line and say hi or ask a question. I read all the emails I get, and I do my best to get back to you even if it takes a bit.

Let’s start journaling!

Let’s get you started with your new journaling life.

Before we dive in, make sure you’re on my mailing list so you can receive my encouragement and tips to keep you journaling!

how to journal

My guide How to Journal in 10 Simple Steps is the perfect way to get started. This section of the site is a friendly introduction to the nuts and bolts of keeping a journal. The guide includes a step-by-step process for creating your own journal practice. It will also direct you to other helpful posts on the site for further exploration.

journaling resources

The Journaling Resources area of the site is chock full of helpful articles to help you start or grow your journaling practice. Pick a category, or head straight there and use the “search” function to find your specific question or topic.

Here’s a guide to the journal resources categories:

Journal Prompts: A crowd favorite, this category features over 50 different prompts to jumpstart your writing, spark your creativity, and dig deep into your personal growth. Many prompts include a personal story that illustrates how the prompt came to be, or how to leverage it in your own life.

How to Journal: All the essentials in one place. This category is a great place to start when you want to journal but you’re not sure how to get started. It will help you get squared away on the basics and form the foundation of your journaling practice.

Writing Life: Dispatches from life on the page. Evidence of the powerful effects of journaling and interviews with other journalers.

Product Reviews: I’m obsessed with notebooks, stationery, planners and pens. Occupational hazard. You will find reviews of these items, as well as journaling tools like cards and books. I only review items I have first-hand experience with, and I only recommend products I love and use.

For a personal touch and insight into my process:

The Blog: My musings, personal stories, site news and more can be found on the blog.

let’s connect!

I feature other journalers on this site with interviews showcasing their journaling experience and photos they’ve provided. If you’re interested in participating in an interview, just reach out through the contact form. Put “INTERVIEW” in the subject line to keep it nice and visible in my inbox. 😀

Questions? Drop me a line and I’ll see if I can lend a hand.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope to see you around the site again soon!

Yours in journaling,

Kristin