Question 1

I can’t handle a two-hour Zoom – it would wear me out.

Accepted Answer

Try a taster event and see how it feels. This isn’t a  seminar or lecture, and you often write for only 5 minutes at a time. We alternate explanations, prompts, quiet writing time, and occasional questions or discussion.

People often say time passes quickly, and that they feel more relaxed, relieved, or refreshed after Zooming.
Zooming from your own space, you are free to snack, stretch, and move around - just mute your mic and don’t disturb others. If we're writing when you return, your can read the prompt on the screen to catch up with what to do.

If you have trouble with auditory processing, note that Ruth provides slides that summarize the essential instructions and prompts. If you prefer to zone out and use her voice as background music while you read the prompts, that usually works well. You can also use Chat in Zoom to privately text a question  you might not want to ask in the open circle.

The advantage of two hours rather than one is that it gives you enough time to relax, settle, and write several prompts. Using different modes in one sitting often helps people move through emotions, sift alternatives, find more clarity, and feel satisfied with their work.

For the Zoom time, Ruth sets up an arc that helps you open an area, explore it, and wrap up. And if you feel finished for the week, you don't need to write between Zooms.

Question 2

I’m not a group-y person - and “sharing” gives me the creeps.

Accepted Answer

This isn’t a support group or a critique group. People in the writing circle don't give feedback to each other.

During each event there are chances to speak - but that is always an invitation and never an obligation. "I'll pass" is always an acceptable response.

People may trade tips about methods, or what they’ve noticed about the process of writing a prompt. No one – including Ruth – EVER needs to hear or see the content of what you write.

When the floor is opened for sharing and questions, Ruth moderates and responds – you have no responsibility to comment, intervene, or steer discussion back to the topic. And sharing is a small part of the session time.

Question 3

I’m worried about my privacy.

Accepted Answer

Ruth has one unbreakable rule: EVERYTHING YOU WRITE IS PRIVATE.

We’ll talk about ways to protect (or destroy) what you write, in case that’s important for your safety or your peace of mind.

It helps Ruth to see whether people are (still) writing, but you can aim your video camera away from your face, or turn it off  if you prefer.

Your email address and phone (for texting) won’t be shared with other participants.

If you don’t want your name or face to EVER appear on screen, then please take time before your first class to create a personal profile on Zoom. (a) You can set that up your profile to display any nickname or pseudonym. (b) You can also set your controls to NOT automatically turn on your camera when you join a meeting. (c) You can supply any avatar or image for your on-screen still photo.

If you display your name on Zoom for other kinds of meetings, you can open your profile and change your screenname at any time, including before you click on the link to join a journaling event,

Question 4

Why write in a group setting?

Accepted Answer

Having an appointment to meet can help you make time to write. Being given a series of short, structured prompts can be surprisingly helpful, especially if you struggle with writer's block.

Sharing a facilitator is much less expensive than private time, so a two-hour session probably costs less than you’d pay for a haircut.

Many neurodivergent people have discovered the trick of “body doubling”– quietly sharing space with a friend, while you both work on your own tasks.  It can be easier to settle in and focus when you're aware that other people are working alongside you. You may find that it's a helpful support for you, as well.

Other people in the writing circle may have tips or ideas that you'll want to try. Even if you never speak in the sessions, you'll discover that there's room for many different practices and reactions. That helps affirm that there is no "one best way" to approach journaling - only you can decide from your own experience what methods serve you best.

Question 5

The course sounds good  – but I'm too busy to commit to 7 weeks.

Accepted Answer

Lots of people who get value from structured journaling have complicated lives and lots of responsibilities. To make the course more accessible, Ruth teaches the same session on two different days each week – a weekend afternoon and a weekday evening. That gives you an alternate time slot if your usual time runs into a conflict. If neither slot works that week, you also have the option of dropping in when the next course reaches that class.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or tired when class time arrives, consider showing up just for the first ten minutes. We always begin with a “5-minute sprint,” so you can sit down and take just a few minutes to focus and write. If that’s all you feel like doing, then peace out and make up that session another time. People often find that once the sit down and pick up their pen they feel like settling in. You are always the best judge of how the work feels.

Question 6

Do you offer payment plans? Can I get a discount?

Accepted Answer

For the 7-week Journal to the Self Course, you can reserve a spot for $50, and be invoiced to pay the balance when the course begins. Other spaced payments can be arranged (with a surcharge to cover additional transaction fees).

A few scholarships for the course may be available.

Discount codes are available for taster events if you have never written with Ruth.

Please use the CONTACT form on this website to email Ruth and discuss your request.

Question 7

I prefer live, in-the-room events.

Accepted Answer

Most years Ruth offers at least one live, public workshop at the Arkansas Pen Show. The 2025 Show will be March 21-23. Time slots and other details will be posted in February on this website and at the Show website, https://www.arpenshow.com/

To inquire about arranging other live events, use the CONTACT form to email Ruth.

FAQ