Jessica Maggie Brophy
I am a teaching artist, HSP, poet with a port wine stain birthmark, and builder of she-shed.
I believe every women deserves a quiet place to create, be, and dream.
The Writing Shed
What is it?
The Writing Shed is a journaling group in Albuquerque, NM that offers journaling workshops for women who want to unwind, reinvent, and sweep out the clutter. It is inspired by the principles of the she-shed movement, which encourages a woman to build her own quiet place, use it for her personal interests, and capitalize on her solitude.
In The Writing Shed, we come together to journal because we heal in community. When we are with other women who take care of themselves, we feel seen and heard. But we recognize that we are all unique. No two sheds from the women in our community would look alike, and no two stories would be told exactly the same way!
Above all, we journal in The Shed for emotional ease, authentic expression, pleasure, and creative living.
Why journal writing?
Journal writing lets you write about exactly what you want and supports you as you daydream about creating a life you love. Journal writing brings delight to you and you alone, whether you write about travel getaways, the relationships that bring you joy, or the next creative pursuit that is calling your name.
In order to track and change our thought patterns, I guide the group as we journal about why guilt is sometimes a first response when we choose ourselves instead of our families or work obligations.
The Writing Shed’s flagship methods are from the internationally acclaimed Journal to the Self© (JTTS) workbook. It offers 18 different tools. They stimulate both left and right brain activity and are geared towards a variety of temperaments and personalities.
The JTTS set of tools helps you see that journaling:
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- offers you a simple and effective way to connect with yourself
- provides a refuge of calm and comfort
- encourages you to be free of distractions and attentive to what matters to you.
How do I get involved?
Sign up below to receive my newsletter to get updates about the next journaling workshop. Read more for details about upcoming workshops!
My Story
since 2015
Expressive Writing Facilitator
I gently guide clients through the process of journaling, whether that is writing poems, making art, or scribbling letters to your 5 year old self. I love this work because expressive writing is proven to be effective for personal healing, creative expression, and professional development. Trained at the “Harvard for journaling” school–The Center for Journal Therapy in Denver, CO–I get to share how journaling saved me! Learn more about what to expect at a women’s journaling group here.
SINCE 2004
Teacher
I have taught academic and creative writing for over 20 years at the college level. I experience strong feelings of joy and belonging when I get to help writers build their portfolios, practice their craft, and flex their inner artist muscles.
Since 2001
Author
As a poet and researcher, creative expression is the most authentic way I know how to connect with myself and others. Being an author fills me with pride and hope. It means I want to connect with you, I want to make you feel something, and I want us to have a conversation.
Want 5 Simple Journal Writing Tips?
Reach out to me and let’s start the conversation! Maybe you have questions about the Journal to the Self tools or the healing benefits of expressive writing? Or maybe you are curious about how journaling helps you find refuge or connect to your creative pursuits?
For your action of connection, I’m happy to share 5 simple journal writing tips!