The power of the pen

Jane Bissell says journal writing is a way to get through difficult times.

If you want to make sense of things, try writing it down – that’s the advice that author and cancer survivor Jane Bissell of Arkles Bay will share, along with inspiration and ‘how to get started’ at a journal and life writing workshop in Whangaparaoa.

Jane has kept a journal for more than 40 years, since she was a teenager. On the surface, putting pen to paper is simple, but Jane says the benefits run deep, providing good therapy, total freedom of expression and a way to process things that are going on in your life. “You’ll be amazed what comes out, at times,” she says. “You can see a problem more clearly and assess it once it’s written down.”

She therefore wrote like fury back in 2001 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer and says her journal helped her get through that emotionally challenging and stressful time.

Jane published her first book in 2004, based on the journal she kept while undergoing treatment for cancer. Another book on the same theme, The Pink Party, followed in 2007.

Recently she began taking workshops to help others discover how to begin writing a journal and how the journals can develop into local stories or histories to be shared, or books (fiction or non-fiction).

“All you need to get started is a 25c exercise book, a pen and your time,” Jane says. “Some prefer to work on a tablet or computer – there are no rules – but for me that hand-pen-paper connection is what works.”

Jane’s Writing your Life workshop, part-funded by Auckland Council’s Creative Communities, is on Saturday, April 16 in the Pohutukawa Room at Whangaparaoa Library, 10am–3.30pm. It costs $15 and registering beforehand is essential as spaces are limited. Info/registration: online janebissell.co.nz, email jbissell@xtra.co.nz or phone 428 3385.