Pioneers with Pens meet a few times a year in MASTERMIND FELLOWSHIPS to share what they know and inspire others to grow.
Each meeting zeroes in on a specific topic in the life of a writer, artist, or creative. These topic intensives are designed for small groups of three to eight to hone their own skills as they sharpen others. Whether novice or advanced, God has equipped us all with a unique view and strength that, when brought to the table with other minds, displays the greater glory of God in who He is and who He has called us to be in our writing and creative assignments.
MASTERMIND FELLOWSHIP March 30, 2026
Journaling Foundations for Writers and Creatives
Journaling Foundations for Writers and Creatives
KATHRYN ROSS
Our first meeting hosted a total of seven talented writers and artists in my home. We began with communion, welcoming the true MASTERMIND to sit with us and inspire our conversations. Then, one by one, each shared their unique journaling practices and top tips they've learned to make it useful in their writing journey.
Then--NATURE WALK! A beautiful day coaxed us outside for a stroll near a wooded area where more inspiration in God's creation was to be had.
Lastly, we got some hands on creative art journaling experience with new journals and tons of pictures, magazines, and stickers to sort through.
This particular meeting was held on a Monday. A Saturday encore of this Journaling Mastermind will be scheduled soon for those who would have liked to attend but had to work. Stay tuned for details on that!
If you want to know more about what I shared from my own journaling experience, I updated a blog post originally published for a journaling group I belonged to a few years ago. It can be found on my Miss Kathy Blog HERE: VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF JOURNALING.
Our first meeting hosted a total of seven talented writers and artists in my home. We began with communion, welcoming the true MASTERMIND to sit with us and inspire our conversations. Then, one by one, each shared their unique journaling practices and top tips they've learned to make it useful in their writing journey.
Then--NATURE WALK! A beautiful day coaxed us outside for a stroll near a wooded area where more inspiration in God's creation was to be had.
Lastly, we got some hands on creative art journaling experience with new journals and tons of pictures, magazines, and stickers to sort through.
This particular meeting was held on a Monday. A Saturday encore of this Journaling Mastermind will be scheduled soon for those who would have liked to attend but had to work. Stay tuned for details on that!
If you want to know more about what I shared from my own journaling experience, I updated a blog post originally published for a journaling group I belonged to a few years ago. It can be found on my Miss Kathy Blog HERE: VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF JOURNALING.
Pioneers with Pens Mastermind Fellowship Review
BONNIE CHESTER
I really enjoyed spending time with my God-given writing family. I would love to fellowship with all of you more frequently. I have relearned that I need to write things down when they come to me. If not, then they could be lost forever, unless God graciously gives me a gentle reminder. I learned how each one of ushas their own way of organizing and categorizing their thoughts, ideas of future writing ventures, and writing ventures preciously taken. I just wish I would have taken some notes. I was focusing on what each one of you were saying and didn't pan any good suggestions out by writing them down. In doing so, the golden nuggets of wisdom slipped down stream for now.
I really enjoyed spending time with my God-given writing family. I would love to fellowship with all of you more frequently. I have relearned that I need to write things down when they come to me. If not, then they could be lost forever, unless God graciously gives me a gentle reminder. I learned how each one of ushas their own way of organizing and categorizing their thoughts, ideas of future writing ventures, and writing ventures preciously taken. I just wish I would have taken some notes. I was focusing on what each one of you were saying and didn't pan any good suggestions out by writing them down. In doing so, the golden nuggets of wisdom slipped down stream for now.
LILLIAN BAKER
Thank you again for such an inspiring Mastermind. I truly enjoyed the class and came away encouraged. I even enjoyed our nature walk, it was delightful!
One thing I especially enjoyed was seeing how others journal their ideas and projects. I was especially impressed with Ariel’s journaling Bible, filled with notes, drawings, and pictures. I also picked up a practical tip that I know will help me moving forward: using tabs to separate ideas and topics for me so they are easier to find when needed.
But what touched me most was a little epiphany I had during the class. I found myself thinking that I was not as creative in my journaling because I do not use drawings or artistic elements. But then I realized that the vision board workshops I lead are also a form of journaling. They are visual journaling, helping people express goals, dreams, and direction in a creative way. That shifted something in me and helped me see my own creativity more clearly.
Thank you for creating such a thoughtful and inspiring space for us. Like Bonnie, I too am grateful for my God-given writing family.
Thank you again for such an inspiring Mastermind. I truly enjoyed the class and came away encouraged. I even enjoyed our nature walk, it was delightful!
One thing I especially enjoyed was seeing how others journal their ideas and projects. I was especially impressed with Ariel’s journaling Bible, filled with notes, drawings, and pictures. I also picked up a practical tip that I know will help me moving forward: using tabs to separate ideas and topics for me so they are easier to find when needed.
But what touched me most was a little epiphany I had during the class. I found myself thinking that I was not as creative in my journaling because I do not use drawings or artistic elements. But then I realized that the vision board workshops I lead are also a form of journaling. They are visual journaling, helping people express goals, dreams, and direction in a creative way. That shifted something in me and helped me see my own creativity more clearly.
Thank you for creating such a thoughtful and inspiring space for us. Like Bonnie, I too am grateful for my God-given writing family.
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JENNIFER BAKER
Hello my Pioneer Family! I am truly grateful to be a part of such a wonderful group of creative individuals. I thoroughly enjoyed the mastermind workshop. The heart for the Creator and His purpose in our unique talents is so beautiful to see. Glory to God!
I took something away from everyone’s journaling journey. It was a gleaning of seeds and how we plant them. Some seeds bloom in different soil and that was evident in our nature walk (which always inspires me.)
Here are some observations from our walk:
Hello my Pioneer Family! I am truly grateful to be a part of such a wonderful group of creative individuals. I thoroughly enjoyed the mastermind workshop. The heart for the Creator and His purpose in our unique talents is so beautiful to see. Glory to God!
I took something away from everyone’s journaling journey. It was a gleaning of seeds and how we plant them. Some seeds bloom in different soil and that was evident in our nature walk (which always inspires me.)
Here are some observations from our walk:
- The tiny blue speedwells grow in community and needed full sunlight, yet they only reached an inch off the ground.
- The old oak tree was toward the end of her growth but still inspired with majestic arms lifted high for her photoshoot.
- The bittercress was tucked into the shadowed sideline of the fence but added its individual color and purpose to the landscape.
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ARIEL ALLONARDO
I had a wonderful time yesterday! It was a very refreshing class and a true delight seeing everyone's different types of journals. I am looking forward to many more meetings with this group at Pioneers with Pens. Thank you for being a blessing and inspiration to me. The nature part was my favorite!
I had a wonderful time yesterday! It was a very refreshing class and a true delight seeing everyone's different types of journals. I am looking forward to many more meetings with this group at Pioneers with Pens. Thank you for being a blessing and inspiration to me. The nature part was my favorite!
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SHELLY LYNN
I had such a wonderful time at the gathering and left feeling truly empowered. I thank God for sending this heartfelt group into my life. You are an answer to prayer, as I've been praying to meet other creative Christian women. It has been a long, lonely road but I see God working in my life. I was looking forward to the meeting, however I wasn't sure what I would take away from it since I've never considered myself a writer. I felt God had only blessed me with painting skills, but I am now inspired to write in a journal every day, even if it's just one thought. Thank you all for making me feel so welcomed into the group.
I had such a wonderful time at the gathering and left feeling truly empowered. I thank God for sending this heartfelt group into my life. You are an answer to prayer, as I've been praying to meet other creative Christian women. It has been a long, lonely road but I see God working in my life. I was looking forward to the meeting, however I wasn't sure what I would take away from it since I've never considered myself a writer. I felt God had only blessed me with painting skills, but I am now inspired to write in a journal every day, even if it's just one thought. Thank you all for making me feel so welcomed into the group.
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CHRISTINE STRITTMATTER
First off, it was such a great time fellowshipping with each of you ladies! And, Kathryn, you’re the hostess with the most-ess – thank you for hosting the welcoming event.
I gained something from each of you—Kathryn, Shelly, Ariel, Jennifer, Lillian, and Bonnie. Your journal-sampling was inspiring; I walked away with new ideas that I’ll incorporate into my personal journaling.
Kathyrn, the box idea was one I’ll definitely use to organize quotes from others’ (their phrases in books or one-liner quotes that wow my heart.) I also loved how your journals all have their own different personality – some with written words, others with sketches, … When you encouraged those of us who aren’t necessarily artists to put our pencil to the paper to draw that special something, I knew that word was for me.
Shelly, you’re artwork is lovely! The prints I’ve purchased from you in the past grace the walls in our home – the flamingo will soon grace my sister’s home, too. I also love how the Lord is stretching you as you move into the coloring book project (new territory for you.) I see Him doing that with me, too—taking the next steps forward, whatever those steps look like. So cool!
Ariel, it was amazing to see your Bible and how you’ve journaled on so many of the pages since 2022! I write in the margins of my Bible, but not to the extent you do. This was inspiring. The decorative use with washi tape framing our journal pages was something I’ve not done, but will include in the future!
Jennifer, it was great to meet you and share a few minutes discovering our hearts align with devotional writing. A divine connection. I also loved the idea of creating the pocket within a journal to tuck special somethings inside of it!
Lillian, you encouraged me regarding Shutterfly books. The closest I’ve gotten to the books was a photo calendar I created from 12 memorable pics from the year before. I’d love to see one or more of your books!
Bonnie, I’m so happy to see you moving forward with the children’s book soon to launch. Brava to you! There’s a perfect time for everything. Also, teaching myself to become ambidextrous will be a new sport for me! I’m sure my brain will thank me for it.
Blessings to you all – you’re a beautiful creative group of sisters-in-the Lord.
First off, it was such a great time fellowshipping with each of you ladies! And, Kathryn, you’re the hostess with the most-ess – thank you for hosting the welcoming event.
I gained something from each of you—Kathryn, Shelly, Ariel, Jennifer, Lillian, and Bonnie. Your journal-sampling was inspiring; I walked away with new ideas that I’ll incorporate into my personal journaling.
Kathyrn, the box idea was one I’ll definitely use to organize quotes from others’ (their phrases in books or one-liner quotes that wow my heart.) I also loved how your journals all have their own different personality – some with written words, others with sketches, … When you encouraged those of us who aren’t necessarily artists to put our pencil to the paper to draw that special something, I knew that word was for me.
Shelly, you’re artwork is lovely! The prints I’ve purchased from you in the past grace the walls in our home – the flamingo will soon grace my sister’s home, too. I also love how the Lord is stretching you as you move into the coloring book project (new territory for you.) I see Him doing that with me, too—taking the next steps forward, whatever those steps look like. So cool!
Ariel, it was amazing to see your Bible and how you’ve journaled on so many of the pages since 2022! I write in the margins of my Bible, but not to the extent you do. This was inspiring. The decorative use with washi tape framing our journal pages was something I’ve not done, but will include in the future!
Jennifer, it was great to meet you and share a few minutes discovering our hearts align with devotional writing. A divine connection. I also loved the idea of creating the pocket within a journal to tuck special somethings inside of it!
Lillian, you encouraged me regarding Shutterfly books. The closest I’ve gotten to the books was a photo calendar I created from 12 memorable pics from the year before. I’d love to see one or more of your books!
Bonnie, I’m so happy to see you moving forward with the children’s book soon to launch. Brava to you! There’s a perfect time for everything. Also, teaching myself to become ambidextrous will be a new sport for me! I’m sure my brain will thank me for it.
Blessings to you all – you’re a beautiful creative group of sisters-in-the Lord.
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NOTE: After each Mastermind Fellowship, the review will be seen on this page. Each former review will be reposted in the GOOD NEWS WRITERS BLOG under the BLOG TAB in the menu.