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MARLA GOES NORTH
Carving out calm between worlds
Marla Goes North began as a record of leaving full-time life in the U.S. in 2021. It continues to evolve, as I do, becoming a space to explore belonging, curiosity, and community.
It’s part travel journal, part creative project, and part reflection on what it means to build a life rooted in two places.
Here you’ll find:
Mixtapes — seasonal updates from my life in Norway, with what I’m reading, listening to, and inspired by.
Field Notes— snapshots of people, places, and stories that offer a closer look at Norwegian life and culture.
Journeys — travel stories from Oslo, Stavanger, Denmark, and beyond.
Life Stories — personal essays drawn from my own experiences and reflections.
Subscribe to receive new Mixtapes and Field Notes as they’re published.
📅 Upcoming dates:
Sunday, December 21 at 1:00 pm CT
Sunday, January 25 at 1:00 pm CT
How it began
As the seasons change and the days grow shorter, I’d been thinking about ways to stay connected to ourselves and to each other.
In early September, an email from Suleika Jaouad titled “Introducing Journaling Club” arrived at just the right time. Her guide, inspired by her book The Book of Alchemy, encouraged others to gather and write together, creating space for both solitude and community.
That idea became the spark for this virtual Journaling Club, an evolving and welcoming space shaped by the people who show up each month. Each gathering offers a quiet pause in the rhythm of everyday life, a chance to write, reflect, and share in good company across time zones.
Whether you’re brand new to journaling or it’s already part of your rhythm, read on to learn more, and feel free to reach out if you’d like to join us.
How it works
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Monthly Zoom gatherings (60 minutes)
The meeting link and outline are sent in advance. -
Writing prompt to get you started
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Quiet journaling time together
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Optional sharing (read a line, a word, or simply listen)
After signing up, you’ll receive a welcome email with details about how the club works and what to expect.
Between gatherings, participants receive:
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A mid-month note with a reflection or short check-in prompt
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A two-day reminder with the link + outline for the next gathering
What you need
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Notebook, journal, or paper
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Pen or pencil
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Quiet spot, anywhere you are
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Zoom access (computer, tablet, or phone)
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The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad
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An open mind and sense of curiosity
Nothing fancy is required here. The goal is to create space for writing, reflection, and community.
FAQ
Who can join? Anyone, anywhere. All are welcome.
Experience required? Not at all. Prompts are simple and open-ended.
Do I need to share? No. Sharing is optional.
Is there a cost? Other than the 'What you need' items, there is no cost.
Do I need to attend every time? No. Each gathering stands alone.
Structured or casual? Guided but relaxed.
Resources + inspiration
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Introducing Journaling Club (Jaouad on Substack)
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Journaling Club Guide (Jaouad)
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How to Start and Keep a Journal, New York Times
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Is Journaling Club a Brilliant Way to Make Friends?, Cup of Jo
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Journaling Changed Suleika Jaouad’s Life. Here Are Her Tips for Getting Started — and Sticking With It., Wirecutter
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Journaling for Well-Being, Center for the Advancement of Well-Being at George Mason University
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Paper-and-Pen Diaries Are Forever, Lily Koppel, The New York Times
Connection and reflection continue Between the Lines, a dedicated space for Journaling Club participants.
"The biggest hurdle to journaling is getting started. One of the most common barriers Jaouad hears about is that people don’t have time. Although that sentiment is understandable, Jaouad counters, 'To anyone who says that, I would suggest that they look on their phone at the number of hours they’ve spent on their social media app of choice. What I would say is that you make time for the things that you value.'”