The beauty of creative writing is that it can lead us to fun topics like chocolate and it can lead us to difficult topics like grief, and often the two end up related. Writing has a way of going where it wants to when you let it, and I think that’s our subconscious helping us draw connections we didn’t see or explore memo…

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Dear Write Your Life subscribers,

Welcome to August! I’m hoping the rest of summer is cooler and breezier for all. Here are my latest updates:

Classes:

The deadline for submitting applications for the 2026-27 Writing to Heal Immersive Program has been extended until 8/5. If you missed the earlier deadline and had wanted to apply, you still can!

If you’re not quite ready for the Immersive but would like to get started on a Writing to Heal journey, there are two options:

Introduction to Writing to Heal seminar: Friday, 9/25, 10AM-1PM ET

Writing to Heal I: Thursdays from 10/19-11/9, 6-9PM ET

Meetups:

I hope you’ll join me for an August Write Your Life meetup:

Let’s Do a Prompt! Thursday, 8/20, 6-7PM ET

Ask the Author: Tuesday, 8/25, 12-1PM ET

All paid subscribers to Write Your Life will receive the Zoom link for the meetups.

Subscribe now

One-on-one coaching:

I’m really enjoying coaching writing clients through the Grub Street Draft Feedback Program and the Grub Street Consulting Program. To learn more about both options, check out the Work With Me page of my website.

Book events:

I will be speaking remotely with the Ticked Off Lyme Foundation support group on 10/3. If you have a group that would like to do an author talk and Q and A, please get in touch!

That’s all for now. Paid subscribers, keep an eye out for my latest original piece, as well as writing recommendations, dropping soon!

Yours,

Jennifer

(A sign above my kitchen sink)

Students in my writing classes sometimes feel overwhelmed by their own stories. So much has happened to them; where do they possibly begin? How do they know which parts to tell? How do they figure out the structure of an essay or even a book?

Before art becomes a polished, shaped product, it has to start messy. We read the published book, see the finished sculpture, and hear the produced album. We don’t see the cross-outs, the ideas that hit the cutting room floor, the first and second and third drafts, the days of writer’s block and the nights of angst. We don’t see the pieces that eventually become the whole.

Just as the journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step, a work of art starts with a single piece or idea. Former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins says, “If you want to write about a topic that’s rather large, choose an image as a point of entry, rather than taking on the topic in a frontal way.” He illustrates this idea beautifully in his poem “The Lanyard”:

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Dear Write Your Life subscribers,

I hope summer is bringing you some open space to relax, rejuvenate, and create. I’ve been enjoying time on my paddleboard, traveling (a trip to Washington state included time with author of The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, Rebecca Wells, as well as time with fellow writers and dear friends from both college and graduate school)—and, of course, teaching and writing.

Here are some updates including upcoming classes, my latest GLA blog post, updates to the mental health website I’m working on at Harvard Health Publishing, and dates for July Let’s Do a Prompt! and Ask the Author meetups:

Classes:

I’m looking forward to reading applications for the 2026-27 Grub Street Writing to Heal Immersive Program. For those who are newer to the Writing to Heal process, I’ll be offering a three-hour Introduction to Writing to Heal seminar in early fall, as well as a four-week Writing to Heal I class on Monday nights starting 10/19. Stay tuned for registration information, or check the Grub Street website. My latest classes are also always listed on my website.

Global Lyme Alliance blog posts:

I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Brian Fallon, Director of the Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Research Center at Columbia University, to learn about his study on vagus nerve stimulation for persistent Lyme disease symptoms. Curious what the vagus nerve is and how stimulating it might help Lyme symptoms? Check out my latest blog post.

Mindscape: Helping Young Minds Thrive:

One of the many hats I wear is Senior Writer and Patient Experience Representative for Harvard Health Publishing, where I worked on the Lyme Wellness Initiative and now help to write content for Mindscape: Helping Young Minds Thrive, a website with mental health resources for young people ages 11-21 and their caregivers. Mindscape was recently named an Official Honoree at the 2026 Webby Awards (the “Academy Awards” of websites) in the Health & Wellness category. The website has information, resources, and tools on everything from practicing self-care, to finding a therapist for yourself or your teen, to navigating challenging social situations. Please share it with anyone in your network who may benefit!

We’ve recently added several new pages to the site, as well a new video created exclusively for the site: Your Brain is Changing: Here’s What’s Happening. Have you ever wondered what it really means when someone says “their pre-frontal cortex isn’t fully developed” or why, biologically, your teenager is acting so…teenagerish? Check out this two-minute video for a simple and fun explanation!

July meetups:

A paid subscription to this Substack is the best way to join upcoming meetups. For just $8/month or $80/year, you get unlimited access to all of the monthly meetups. If you prefer to sign up for the meetups piecemeal, you can register through my website for $5/session. Zoom links will be provided for all paid Substack subscribers and session registrants.

Let’s Do a Prompt! 7/15 from 12-1 PM ET. Join fellow writers for a 15-minute prompt followed by the option to share aloud, as well as a process journal if time permits.

Ask the Author: 7/23 from 6-7 PM ET. Come talk shop with me and fellow writers. I’m here to answer any questions you have about writing or publishing.

I’m really enjoying connecting with writers through these meetups, and hope to see you at one or both of the July sessions!

Warmly (literally, from 100 degree Concord, MA),

Jennifer

A few weeks ago, as spring burst into bloom, I went for a walk in my neighborhood. I smiled as the sun warmed my cheeks. I admired dogwood blossoms that had seemingly popped overnight. I noticed little pink buds itching to join the fun. I saw kids etching hopscotch boards, heard the “see-saw” call of chickadees, and smelled fresh mulch that bled onto th…

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Dear Write Your Life subscribers,

Happy June! I’m excited to share my latest updates in all things writing and teaching, including information on how you can join upcoming meetups to deepen your own writing practice.

Classes:

The next Writing to Heal Workshop, running six Thursdays from 6-9PM ET, starts 6/11. The class is currently fully, but if you’re interested, please add your name to the waitlist—spots sometimes open up at the last minute.

Applications for the 2026-27 Writing to Heal Immersive Program are due 6/30. I hope to read yours!

Global Lyme Alliance blog posts:

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Kristen Harris, Director of GLA’s Peer to Peer Support Program. In my latest blog post, learn all about Kristen, the program, and how you can get involved.

Next up will be a feature on GLA’s Ambassador Program. I’ve also been interviewing some of the greatest leaders in today’s Lyme disease research who are working on various studies for the Clinical Trials Network supported by GLA. Stay tuned for links!

June meetups:

A paid subscription to this Substack is the best way to join upcoming meetups. For just $8/month or $80/year, you get unlimited access to all of the monthly meetups. That’s a $15 value for the month of June! If you prefer to sign up for the meetups piecemeal, you can also now register through my website for $5/session. Zoom links will be provided for all paid Substack subscribers and session registrants.

Ask the Author: 6/16 from 12-1PM ET. Come talk shop with me and fellow writers. I’m here to answer any questions you have about writing or publishing!

Let’s Do a Prompt! 6/23 from 6-7PM ET. Join fellow writers for a 15-minute prompt followed by the option to share aloud, as well as a process journal if time permits.

One Tick Stopped the Clock book discussion: 6/29 12-1PM ET. Have you read One Tick Stopped the Clock but can’t attend a formal book event near you? Join me for a remote book talk! I’ll read some passages and answer all of your questions.

Other ways to work together:

I continue to offer draft feedback and custom consulting through Grub Street’s programs. I love working with previous students as well as getting to know new writers through these programs. Check out the new Work With Me page on my website for details.

Many thanks to Jessi Vultaggio for continued updates on my website, and many thanks to all of you for following the Write Your Life journey. The next paid subscriber post will drop in just a few days. Subscribers will receive writing tips, Zoom links for all meetups, and an original piece called “I’m Just Going to Leave This Here.” Curious what it’s about? Upgrade today!

Subscribe now

Yours,

Jennifer

Dear Write Your Life Subscribers,

Our Write Your Life community is 100 members strong—and growing! Thank you for being part of the journey.

Some of you have asked some common questions, including when the June meetups will be.

I say meetups plural because in addition to unlimited access to Let’s Do a Prompt! sessions, paid subscribers are now also receiving unlimited access to two other meetups: Ask the Author sessions and One Tick Stopped the Clock book discussions. Individually, these sessions would otherwise be $5/each ($15 total), but paid subscribers receive them all—plus a monthly original piece and writing tips and recommendations—for just $8/month or $80/year.

Below, I’ll outline what each meetup entails. First, let me answer some FAQs.

When will you hear from me?

Free subscribers will hear from me once a month with a newsletter that lists all of my latest publications, book events, and classes. The newsletter will come out at the start of each month.

Paid subscribers will receive the monthly newsletter and will also receive a separate post with an original piece of writing, writing tips and recommendations, and dates and Zoom links for that month’s meetups. Paid subscriber posts will come out within a few days of the newsletter. I will likely send a quick reminder post right before each meetup to give you the Zoom link one more time so you’ll have easy access.

Will the meetups follow a regular schedule?

Eventually, yes. For now, I am alternating times to accommodate different scheduling needs and figure out what works best for everyone. As we get into a rhythm, I will send out a more long-term schedule so you can plan ahead.

When are the next meetups?

Let’s Do a Prompt! Tuesday 6/23 from 6-7PM ET

Ask the Author: Wednesday 6/16 from 12-1PM ET

One Tick Stopped the Clock book discussion: Monday 6/29 from 12-1PM ET

What do the meetups entail?

Let’s Do a Prompt!: Join other writers for a monthly meetup focused on a theme, craft element, or inspirational text with a related prompt. You’ll have 15 minutes to write, and the option to share aloud only if you would like to. If time allows, we'll do a brief process journal at the end of the session.

Ask the Author: Come talk shop with me (and other writers!) during these monthly meetups. Bring any questions you have about writing or publishing.

One Tick Stopped the Clock book discussions: If you’ve read One Tick Stopped the Clock and want to discuss it with me, come for an informal book talk, during which I’ll read some passages aloud and answer your questions. These meetups will occur every couple of months.

How can you sign up?

If you’re already a paid subscriber, you’re all set. Everything you need will come right to your inbox. If you’re a free subscriber who would like to join a meetup or get other paid subscriber perks, upgrade to a paid subscription today!

Subscribe now

I look forward to connecting with you in early June, if not before via Notes or Chat.

Warmly,

Jennifer

Friends,

First, I want to thank our inaugural members who attended the first Let’s Do a Prompt! session yesterday. I loved leading these writers in community, and I’m excited for our next session on Tuesday, 6/23 from 6-7PM ET. Upgrade to a paid subscription—just $8/month or $80/year—to receive the Zoom link and join us!

And…bonus! I’m adding Ask the Author sessions to the monthly subscription. Each month, join me to ask any burning questions you have about writing or publication. The first Ask the Author session will be Tuesday, 6/16 from 12-1PM ET.

Subscribe now

Next, as promised, I’d like to share updates in all realms of my writing and publishing life:

Book events:

My next book event is this coming Monday, 5/18 at the Abbott Public Library in Marblehead, MA. Please register to join me!

Podcasts:

My interview on Debra Rafson’s “What’s Her Problem?” drops TODAY! Subscribe to Debra’s Substack to hear our conversation about Lyme disease, chronic illness, and writing to heal.

Blog posts:

My latest Global Lyme Alliance blog post is a follow-up to my last about the process of writing and publishing my book; this one provides tips for starting your own wriitng journey. While it’s called “Tips for Writing Through—Or About—Your Own Lyme Journey”, the blog post is geared toward anyone looking to write through anything—or to just write, period! I hope it’ll inspire you and that you’ll consider joining the next Let’s Do a Prompt! session to continue your practice together with others.

Classes:

Ready to join a class and workshop your material? There is one spot open in my next Writing to Heal Workshop, running six Thursdays from 6-9PM ET starting 6/11. Who will grab it first?

I will be leading a free remote Open House/Info Session for the Writing to Heal Immersive Program on Thursday, 5/21 from 6:30-7:30PM ET. Please register to join me and past graduates to learn all about the program.

Applications for the 2026-27 program are now open, due 6/30. I hope to read yours!

Thank you for reading, following, and being part of the Write Your Life community.

Warmly,

Jennifer

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Friends,

I’ve always said that this Substack would be free, and would only load your inbox once a month with my latest publications, book events, and classes.

That’s still true! Free subscribers to this Substack will continue to receive that promised material at no cost.

But I have an exciting update.

I am now offering a paid subscription option to this Substack, newly renamed Write Your Life. For just $8/month or $80/year, paid subscribers will receive the same updates as free subscribers plus:

• An original piece of writing by Yours Truly

• Writing tips and recommendations

• Access to my Let’s Do a Prompt! creative writing meetups, which will happen once a month over Zoom.

• Access to my Ask the Author sessions, which will happen once a month over Zoom.

Why the change?

Some of you have said to me, “I love getting your updates, but I want to read your writing, too.” I will continue to share links to my published work, which mostly focuses on chronic illness. But I want to write about other things, too—life beyond chronic illness, an object or experience that gives me pause, stories of human connection that make me smile or laugh or ponder. This new, original content, available only for paid subscribers, might take different forms: a blog post, a poem, or…who knows? The page is wide open, and my creative juices are flowing.

I love nothing more than helping others hone their creativity, too. Everyone has the ability to write and a story to tell. Sometimes people want to do this in a class setting where they get to read and respond to other people’s work and receive in-depth feedback on their own writing. Other times, they want to work one-on-one with a writing coach to develop and publish an essay, an op-ed, or a memoir. I’m here for all of that with my teaching and coaching options.

But what if you’ve just finished a class, and you’re not quite up for another workshop just yet? What if you don’t have the bandwidth for a full course, but you still want to write in community? What if you want to start or continue a writing practice, but you’re not sure where to begin?

That’s where Let’s Do a Prompt! creative writing meetups come in. Once a month, I will offer a one-hour remote session where you can come together in community to respond to a writing prompt. Each meetup will focus on a theme or craft element with a related prompt. You’ll have 15 minutes to write, and then will have the option to share aloud only if you would like to; simply writing together and holding space for one another is completely fine, too. If time allows, we’ll also do a brief process journal at the end of each session.

The first session will be Thursday, May 14th from 12-1PM ET. All paid subscribers will receive a Zoom link for the session.

I will alternate lunchtime and evening sessions to determine the best meetup time for subscribers. You’ll have access to every session, but you can attend as many or few as you like. Want to come every month for accountability? Fantastic. Busy with a work meeting or a vacation and can’t make a session? No problem. We’ll be here the following month!

In between sessions, you’ll receive some general writing tips and/or recommendations as part of the monthly newsletter. You’ll also have unlimited access to my monthly Ask the Author sessions. Join me via Zoom to ask me anything you’d like about writing or publishing!

I hope you’ll consider joining me on this journey. My first original piece will come out for paid subscribers in the next week or two, so grab your subscription now to make sure you don’t miss it.

In the meanwhile, here are my latest updates:

Global Lyme Alliance blog posts:

I’m grateful to Global Lyme Alliance not just for giving me a platform to write about tick-borne illness for more than a decade and running, but also for recently giving me the chance to reflect on what it was like to write One Tick Stopped the Clock. Check out Writing About Lyme: Jennifer Crystal’s Experience Writing Her Story.

Classes:

The 2025-26 Writing to Heal Immersive Program is drawing to a close, which is always a bittersweet ending. Please join me in celebrating this year’s cohort at their Graduation Showcase on Friday, May 1st at 6:30PM ET at Grub Street Headquarters. Register to hear these extraordinary students read their work aloud. Food and drink will be provided, too!

The next Writing to Heal Workshop runs for six weeks starting Thursday, June 11th from 6:00-9:00PM ET. The class is currently full, but feel free to add your name to the waitlist, as spots do sometimes open up.

Looking to learn about the Writing to Heal Immersive Program? Please join me for a remote Open House on Thursday, May 21st at 6:30PM ET.

Ready to apply for the 2026-27 program? Applications are now open! They are due by June 30th.

Book events and discussions:

My next author talk and book signing of One Tick Stopped the Clock will be at the Abbott Public Library in Marlebhead, MA on May 18th at 6:30PM. Join me!

I was recently interviewed by Debra Rafson for the What’s Her Problem? Interview Series. Please check out Debra’s Substack and stay tuned for our conversation, which will air on May 15th.

Though we’re just inching into spring in this corner of the world, I’m already planning events for summer and fall. On October 3rd, I’ll be joining the Ticked Off Lyme Foundation’s remote support group session to talk about my book and my experience.

I’d love to join your support group, too, or to do a talk at your library, bookstore, or organization. Please get in touch!

If you’ve made it to the end of this long post, thank you! I hope to see you for the next installment of the Writing Your Life journey.

Be well,

Jennifer

Friends,

Happy April! We’ve had a lot of rain here in MA, but I know April showers bring May flowers. With the hope of spring comes some exciting updates:

New Draft Feedback Program Through Grub Street!

Looking to get direct, one-on-one feedback on that essay or book chapter? Grub Street Creative Writing Center has a new Draft Feedback Program, in which I’m a participating instructor. You can submit 10, 15, or 20 pages of work and will receive in-depth written feedback from me—including in-line comments and a letter, just like you would get during a class workshop—within two weeks, plus an optional 30-minute video conference. This is a great program if you’re finishing up a class with me and want to continue working together, if you’ve previously taken a class with me and would like feedback on new or revised work, or if you’ve never taken a class with me but would like to get feedback on your writing from a seasoned instructor and writing coach. I’ve already met two new writing clients through this program, and am excited to work with more!

As always, if you’d like to work with me one-on-one in a different capacity—say, to get feedback on a shorter piece like an op-ed, to consult about the writing and publication process, or to work with an ongoing writing coach, please reach out and I’d be glad to talk about collaborating.

All Things Writing to Heal:

I’m looking forward to the next remote Introduction to Writing to Heal seminar this Friday 4/10 from 10AM-1PM ET. The class is full, but spots sometimes open up at the last minute, so it never hurts to put yourself on the wait list if you’re interested.

There are still a few spots left in the next remote Writing to Heal Workshop, which runs six Thursdays from 6-9PM ET starting 6/11. I hope you’ll consider joining!

The 2025-26 Writing to Heal Immersive Program is winding down. It’s always bittersweet for me to launch students at the end of our program, but I’m looking forward to celebrating their achievements at the Graduation Showcase on 5/1 at the Grub Street (50 Liberty Street, Boston) from 6:30-8:30PM ET. The registration link for this free event will be available soon—please check the Grub Street website if you’re interested in joining us.

Attending the Graduation Showcase is a great way to learn about the Writing to Heal Immersive Program. You can also learn about the program at the remote Open House on 5/21 from 6:30-7:30PM ET.

I’ll also be joining the following general info sessions for Grub Street Intensive Programs:

• Monday, April 6th, 12:30 to 1:30pm ET

• Tuesday, April 28th, 6:30 to 7:30pm ET

• Tuesday, May 19th, 6:30 to 7:30pm ET

You can also always find all the information you need about the Writing to Heal Immersive at the program website.

Feeling ready to apply? Applications for the 2026-27 program are now open, and are due 6/30. I hope to read yours!

Book events:

If you’re local to MA, please join me for an author talk and book signing of One Tick Stopped the Clock at the Abbott Public Library on 5/18 from 6:30-7:30PM ET.

I’m also excited to be interviewed by Debra Rafson for the “What’s Her Problem?” Interview Series Podcast airing 5/15. Stay tuned!

Interested in hosting a book event at your library, community center, or support group? Please get in touch!

Global Lyme Alliance Blog Posts:

For my latest GLA blog post, I had the opportunity to sit down with Center for Lyme Action’s Executive Director Meghan Bradshaw to learn about the recent CLA Advocacy Day. Read all about it and learn three easy ways you can join the cause for better research and funding for tick-borne illness!

Advocacy Day helped bring visibility to an illness that can still sometimes feel invisible for some patients. Another recent blog post is Lyme Disease Isn’t Rare, So Why Does it Still Feel Invisible?

My next blog posts will focus on my own writing journey, and ways you can start your own. I hope to connect with you and read some of your work soon!

Be well,

Jennifer

Friends,

It was 60 degrees in New England today, and the sun is just beginning to set at 6:30PM. As my grandfather used to say, “It’s a little lighter later lately.” I hope this message finds you looking toward literal or figurative spring, with a bit more light peeking in.

Here are some writing and teaching updates from my corner of the world:

Classes:

There are two spots left in my next Grub Street remote Introduction to Writing to Heal seminar. Register to join us on April 10th from 10AM-PM ET.

The next Writing to Heal Workshop will run six Thursdays from 6-9PM ET starting June 4th. Register here.

Both of these classes are great feeders—though not prerequisites—for the Writing to Heal Immersive Program, which runs from September to May. Applications for the next round will open later this spring and will be due on June 30th. I hope to read yours!

Blog posts:

Looking to write a love letter? Not that kind—the kind that helps you appreciate and celebrate yoruself. Learn more in my latest blog post for Global Lyme Alliance.

Though spring is around the corner, we’re not quite out of the woods when it comes to winter illnesses. Explore tips for navigating flu season with chronic illness and Lyme disease.

Book news and events:

I’m excited to announce that One Tick Stopped the Clock recently won the Independent Publishers of New England (IPNE) Silver Award for Creative Nonfiction! All new copies will come with the IPNE seal on the cover. Congratulations to all other winners—I’m honored to be among them!

My next book event is at the Abbot Public Library in Marblehead, MA on Monday, May 18 from 6:30-7:30PM. Please join me for a reading from plus discussion and Q and A.

I’m setting up some book talks with online Lyme and chronic illness support groups, and would love to talk with yours. Please get in touch if you are interested in an event!

That’s all for now! Wishing you light.

Jennifer

Friends,

Happy New Year!

Despite the chaos around us, I hope 2026 is personally off to a good start for you. I have some updates to share:

Podcast interview:

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Ali from the Tick Chicks on The Lyme Time podcast. What I loved most about this interview was how much I got to talk about Writing to Heal--something that can be useful for anyone in trying times. Have a listen here.

Classes and writing retreat:

If you’re interested in Writing to Heal in community, it’s not too early to sign up for my next remote Grub Street seminar, happening Friday, April 10th from 10AM-1PM ET.

If you’re MA-based and looking for something sooner, I hope you’ll join me for a day of writing at the Eustis Estate on Monday, January 19th. This retreat offers lots of time for personal writing in a historic space. I’ll be talking about how to give a personal story universal appeal, and will be available to meet with writers one-on-one. I will also be signing copies of One Tick Stopped the Clock, which has been short-listed for the Independent Publishers of New England Book Award. Details on the Eustis Estate retreat are available here.

Blogs:

In case you missed it, my latest GLA blog features a top 10 list of holiday gifts for chronic illness patients--many of which can be applied throughout the year.

Website:

I want to give a special shoutout to my website designer and photographer Jessica Vultaggio, who has launched a new business as an Author Brand Designer. She’s building websites, doing headshots, and creating brands specifically for authors. If you’re an author looking to launch your work, I can’t recommend Jessi highly enough!

Finding peace amidst the chaos:

Last night, I was able to come together with other writers as I led the monthly Health Story Collaborative creative writing meetup. Our theme was finding peace in chaos, and participants wrote prompts based off the inspiration of Wendell Berry’s “The Peace of Wild Things”. I offer that poem to you in closing:

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

Peace be with you,

Jennifer

Friends,

Yesterday was the Winter Solstice. My late friend Patrick Kelly, who plays a significant role in One Tick Stopped the Clock, used to say that December 21st is the day the world starts to turn toward the light. It’s been a dark December around the world, and a dark year for many. I’m wishing light, joy, and peace for all of you as we soldier through the winter and turn towards the dawn of a new year.

2025 has been an exciting year of book events, and I’m hoping to keep the momentum going in 2026. Do you have a book club, local library, or chronic illness/Lyme support group that would be interested in an author talk? Please get in touch!

My first event of 2026 is a writing retreat at The Eustis Estate in Milton, MA on Monday, January 19th. If you’re local, I hope you’ll join me!

Whether you’re local or not, you can join me remotely for a six-week Writing to Heal Workshop on Thursday nights from 6-9PM ET starting January 8th. There are only three seats left, so grab yours today!

Thank you for your readership and support in 2025. I’m looking forward to connecting in the new year with more blogs, events, and classes. Wishing you and yours a happy holiday season!

Warmly,

Jennifer

Friends,

I hope you’re staying warm and cozy as darker days settle upon us. It’s the perfect time of year to cuddle up with a book or attend a book event! If you live in the tri-state area, I hope you’ll join me this Thursday, 11/6 at the Desmond Fish Public Library in Garrison, NY at 6PM. This event is really special to me because I’ll be in conversation with Kendra Ekeleund, my stalwart support and Ya-Ya sister—who you know from the book! Register to join us and meet the star herself!

Here are a few other updates:

Global Lyme Alliance blogs:

Recently, when editing an essay someone had written about their onset of Lyme disease in the late 1990s, I came across the term “brain fog”. I wondered if the author had known that term at the time or if it was their older, wiser voice inserting their current knowledge into the scene. I, too, was bitten by a tick at that time period and experienced brain fog and other symptoms, but I didn’t yet have the vocabulary—not to mention an accurate diagnosis—to put words to symptoms like a molasses-feeling in my head (brain fog); burning and tingling in my extremities (peripheral neuropathy); or light-headedness, dizziness, and a racing heart beat (POTS).

Now, I have a deeper understanding of what these symptoms are and why Lyme and other tick-borne diseases can cause them. But I realize these terms can still be confusing for people who are newly diagnosed or those who are suffering but are not yet diagnosed. If you’d like to learn more, check out my latest blog: Clearing the Clouds: Coping with Brain Fog from Lyme Disease.

Podcasts:

I was recently interviewed by Ali from The Tick Chicks for The Lyme Time podcast. We talked about Lyme, of course, but also about the healing power of writing, and steps you can take to get started writing through an experience. Stay tuned for the link!

Classes:

I may be biased, but I think one of the best ways to write through an experience is in community. Consider joining me for my next remote Writing to Heal workshop, running six Thursdays from 1/8-2/12/26 from 6-9PM ET.

Website updates:

I’d like to give a shoutout to my photographer and website designer Jessi Vultaggio, who keeps my website up-to-date and fresh. Check out the newly updated Events & Interviews page with new gallery photos and separate tabs for book events, podcasts, and interviews. Somewhere on the website, there’s also a new photo of me discovering my book in a little library—can you find it?

Happy searching,

Jennifer

Friends,

I hope you are enjoying fall! I have a few updates to share. First, I may be adding content options to my Substack, since I’ve gotten feedback that some readers may be looking for more than just logistical updates—stay tuned on that. For now, I’ll continue to share updates on what’s happening in the various corners of my world:

Book events:

My next book event is at the Desmond-Fish Public Library in Garrison, NY on November 6th at 6PM. This is going to be a really special event because I’ll be in conversation with none other than Kendra Ekelund, my dear Yaya sister from the book! Join us for an evening discussing Lyme, chronic illness, support, friendship, and anything else that may come up! Books will be on sale.

If you aren’t able to attend the event and would like to get a copy of One Tick Stopped the Clock, you can do so through your local bookseller or through various online options including Amazon and bookshop.org. As always, online reviews are greatly appreciated!

Podcasts:

It’s been great to do so many podcasts about the book, and I’m excited to announce the latest, a conversation with Global Lyme Alliance’s Kenzie Vath for the Lyme + podcast. Have a listen to The Voice of the Patient: Jennifer Crystal on Writing, Healing, and Living with Lyme Disease.

GLA blog posts:

Tick season is still upon us—be sure to do checks after jumping in leaf piles or taking fall walks! One scary tick-borne disease that’s on the rise is Alpha-Gal Syndrome, which causes serious allergy to red meat. Learn more in my latest blog post.

Classes:

There are just a few spots left in my upcoming Writing to Heal I class, which runs four Mondays from 6-9PM ET starting October 20th. Grab yours!

That’s all for now.

Be well,

Jennifer

Friends,

Happy September! I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing with a few fall updates:

Book events:

My next author talk is next week! Please join me at Silver Unicorn Bookstore in Acton, MA on September 16th at 7:00PM ET.

I’m continuing to set up book events for fall and winter. Please reach out if you’d like to set up a virtual or in-person event with your bookstore, book club, support group, library, or other outlet!

Blog posts:

Did you hear the news? Justin Timberlake has Lyme disease! I’ve sent a copy of my book to his publicist because…who knows? I’ve also written a response to his diagnosis, which talks about how Lyme can distort public perception of performers.

Even before JT’s diagnosis, Lyme disease has been a hot topic this summer, which is good news for Lyme awareness. Read more in my blog post “Rise in Ticks, Rise in News: The Impact on the Lyme Community”.

Classes:

Please join me for one or both of my upcoming Writing to Heal options (remote):

Introduction to Writing to Heal seminar : Friday, 10/3, 10AM-1PM ET

Writing to Heal 1: 4 Mondays from 10/20-11/10, 6-9PM ET

That’s all for now!

Be well,

Jennifer

Friends,

I hope everyone is staying cool this summer (or warm, depending where you are in the world!). I’m writig with a few updates:

Podcast interviews:

I was interviewed about One Tick Stopped the Clock by Dr. Richard Horowitz for the Dr. Talks podcast. Check it out on Spotify!

I also did an interview on Lyme and More with Tanya. Have a listen!

Book events:

My next author talk is at Silver Unicorn Bookstore in Acton, MA on September 16th at 7:00PM ET. Please join me if you live locally!

I’m beginning to set up book events for fall and winter. Please reach out if you’d like to set up a virtual or in-person event with your bookstore, book club, support group, library, or other outlet!

Classes:

Applications for the 2025-26 Writing to Heal Immersive Program are now complete, and decisions will be sent out soon. I look forward to working with this year’s cohort!

If you’re interested in trying out Writing to Heal, consider one of my shorter Grub Street classes:

Introduction to Writing to Heal seminar : Friday, 10/3, 10AM-1PM ET

Writing to Heal 1: 4 Mondays from 10/20-11/10, 6-9PM ET

Blog posts:

My latest blog post for Global Lyme Alliance is on Elimination Diet for Lyme Disease.

Website updates:

Many thanks to Jessi Vultaggio who has continued to update my website with her keen eye for design. Check out the Events page for updated photos of book events (scroll right through the carousel) and links to upcoming talks!

That’s all for now, folks! Hope to see you in class or at a book event.

Be well,

Jennifer

Friends,

I hope you are staying cool and dry this summer! I’m writing with a few updates:

Podcast interviews:

I was recently interviewed by Dr. Michael Karlfeldt for the Integrative Lyme Solutions podcast. Tune in to hear our conversation about my Lyme journey, my book, and the message I hope to impart to others who are suffering.

I was also recently interviewed for the Lyme and Beyond with Tanya podcast. Stay tuned for that link when the episode airs!

Global Lyme Alliance blog posts:

Check out my latest Dear Lyme Warrior…Help! column for answers to questions about testing, recovery time, and opportunities to chat with me about One Tick Stopped the Clock.

Grub Street Writing to Heal Immersive Program:

Applications for the 20205-26 Grub Street remote Writing to Heal Immersive Program are due a week from today: Wednesday, July 16th at 11:59 PM ET.

Curious to learn more about the program? Click here.

Thinking about applying, but worried about how much you’ll have to share? Check out the blog post I wrote addressing that common concern.

Ready to apply? Click here.

I hope to be in touch soon, or to read your Grub Street application!

Be well,

Jennifer

Friends,

I hope you are doing well! Here are some brief updates in my writing and teaching worlds:

Book events:

This coming week, I will travel to Delaware for an author meet & greet and book signing. The event is at Bethany Beach Books on June 19 at 6:30PM. If you’re local to the area, I’d love for you to join me! Feel free to invite the Bidens, too.

Grub Street Writing to Heal Immersive Program:

Applications for the 2025-26 Grub Street Writing to Heal Immersive Program are open until July 16. Are you thinking about applying but worried about how much you’ll have to share? Check out this blog post in which I address that common concern and outline what to expect in the program.

Global Lyme Alliance blog posts:

I’ve been writing for GLA since 2013. If you’ve been following my blog posts all that time (thank you!), you may be wondering, how am I doing now? My latest post offers a status check.

Thank you, as always, for reading and sharing!

Be well,

Jennifer