Teaching Writing through Journaling
August 20, 2026 — Kathleen Volk Miller explores the powerful and transformative impact of writing and journaling in her book Teaching Writing through Journaling. Writing, she believes, helps students navigate their emotions and express themselves, while also increasing academic performance. Her book dives into the benefits of using journaling as a tool in classrooms and how instructors may use these techniques to help students overall well being and success. Volk Miller is a longtime Collingswood resident and book festival attendee. She has had the chance to experience the event not only as an author and reader, but as an active member of the local literary community.
“I run the Painted Bride Quarterly, and most years (before we went online only) we had a booth! Now I help out a lot at the poetry tent,” she tells us.
She cherishes the ability to be able to reach audiences who might not otherwise explore the world of literature.
“I love turning people on to what a literary magazine even is---a street fair is quite different than conferences and book festivals that are ‘preaching to the choir.’”
The idea for Teaching Writing through Journaling started with a talk that Volk Miller gave on “Healing Through Writing” inspired by an essay she had published in the New York Times titled Modern Love.
“I began to research the science behind that concept and my deep dive lasted for about five years! I developed a course called ‘Writing and the Brain’ and one day just sort of realized that I had enough material for a book,” she says.
The book emerged from something the author herself practiced. Journaling became a new way of thinking for Volk Miller and her students.
“I always journaled and encouraged students to journal as a way of thinking. The results and responses from students has been my own ‘study’ of the ramifications.”
The value of journaling is not simply in its ability to produce better essays or develop stronger technical skills. Volk Miller sees it as a tool to process the world around you.
“They will become stronger writers because writing itself will become a natural way of thinking, understanding, learning, and seeing.”
The impact of Volk Miller's practices has extended well beyond the classroom.“I could compile a second book of things people have told me after taking a class or workshop. It sounds hyperbolic but I’ve lost count on how many people have told me that a writing practice is life changing.”
Kathleen Volk Miller will be in attendance at this year's festival, where readers, writers and curious passersby alike can come together to explore these ideas. The festival is not only a celebration of books, but an invitation to discover something new. For Kathleen Volk Miller, it is also a chance to continue sharing the meaningful truth behind writing and journaling as alive and transforming practices.