Write for Life
The Healing Power of Your Pen
18–20 September 2026
Essinge Church, Stockholm
Second Edition – International Expressive Writing Conference
Your voice matters. Your story matters. Your writing can change lives, starting with your own.
🎟️ Early Bird Tickets Now Available
Write for Life
The Healing Power of Your Pen
18–20 September 2026
Essinge Church, Stockholm
Second Edition – International Expressive Writing Conference
Your voice matters. Your story matters. Your writing can change lives, starting with your own.
🎟️ Early Bird Tickets Now Available
A Space for Reflection, Healing and Growth
Emelie Hill Dittmer, Lassbo Akademi and Västermalms församling are proud to present three-day gathering that brings together leading voices in the field of writing for wellbeing from across the world. Through talks, workshops, and shared reflection, participants will explore how writing can support healing, foster clarity, deepen self understanding, and encourage personal growth.
Rooted in the belief that writing can be both a creative and restorative practice, the conference offers a welcoming space for professionals, practitioners, and anyone curious about the transformative possibilities of the written word. Together, we will explore how writing may help us navigate life’s challenges, access inner resources, and cultivate resilience, meaning, and connection.
What is write for life?
Write for Life is more than a conference, it is a lived experience. Born out of over twelve years of dedicated work within the field of expressive and reflective writing, Write for Life offers Sweden’s first international meeting place for those who write for the process, for life, and for deeper understanding.
It is a unique space for anyone who wishes to explore life stories, memories, and existential questions through writing and to use the written word as a tool for wellbeing, clarity, and strength on the path ahead.
Write for Life is for those who:
Feel drawn to explore their inner voice through writing
Wish to reflect on their life story and personal experiences
Are curious about their memory archive and what it may hold
Seek greater wellbeing, clarity, or emotional resilience
Want to use writing as a resource for personal growth and health
Long for meaningful connection with others in an expressive writing community
Over three immersive days, you will be invited to:
Deepen your personal writing practice
Take part in guided workshops and shared reflection
Discover new ways of engaging with writing for self-understanding
Gain practical tools to support your continued writing journey
Connect with others who share an interest in writing as a process
This is not about performance or perfection. It is about expression, reflection, and being witnessed in the act of writing.
Join us and discover what becomes possible when you begin to write from where you are.
Who is this for?
“ The shared silence when pens move across the page can be more powerful than any conversation.”
- Judy Reeves
Write for Life welcomes anyone who feels curious about exploring their life story, memories, and inner longings through writing. You may be at the beginning of your journey or already using writing as part of your personal or professional life.
Perhaps you are:
A coach or facilitator
A therapist or psychologist
A professional working in care
An aspiring or published writer
A journal writer or personal development seeker
A creative exploring your next chapter
An executive with a curiosity for new perspectives.
You do not need to be a “professional writer.”
You need curiosity, openness, and a willingness to grow.
If you feel called, you belong here.
Welcome into the warmth of the expressive writing space.
Imagine leaving the conference with:
1
A clearer connection to your authentic voice and writing direction. Renewed creative confidence and trust in your own process.
2
Tangible progress on a personal or professional writing project. Practical tools to support reflection, healing, and self-expression.
3
Greater clarity around your next steps creatively and professionally. A deeper understanding of writing as a resource for wellbeing and resilience.
4
Meaningful international connections with like-minded participants. A sense of belonging within a growing expressive writing community.
Writer. Facilitator. Creative visionary
Meet Emelie The Founder
Emelie Hill Dittmer is a therapeutic writing facilitator, journalist, and author of Write to Heal – The Healing Power of Writing (Lassbo Walaan) and The Therapeutic Writing Toolbox (Grens Bokskog). She is the founder of the Write for Life, The Healing Power of Your Pen conference.
Her journey into the world of therapeutic writing began during her more than 15 years living in England, where her background in journalism gradually evolved into a deeper exploration of writing as a tool for healing and self-understanding. As a third-generation Holocaust survivor, her personal story has been a driving force in exploring inherited trauma through writing, as well as in researching her own family history.
Over the years, Emelie has facilitated healing writing processes in both England and Sweden, working with groups and offering individual guidance. She teaches at Österlen Community College and Sundsgården Community College, where she founded the therapeutic writing training programme Skrivterapeuterna. She also facilitates peer support groups through municipalities across Scania and serves on the council of the International Association for Journal Writing.
Write for Life was born from one core belief:
When we dare to write honestly, we change our lives and the lives of others. “Healing writing is the adventure and driving force of my life” says Emelie, warmly welcoming you into a writing space full of possibilities.
Learn from 7 - 8 International Speakers
We are inviting renowned voices from around the world to share their expertise, experience, and personal journeys within the field of expressive and therapeutic writing.
Each speaker will lead either:
A keynote session
A practical workshop
A deep-dive masterclass
A taster or introductory session
Topics May Include:
Writing for transformation and personal growth
Expressive poetry therapy
Trauma-sensitive writing practices
Positive and resilience-based writing
Autobiographical and life story writing
Writing for wellbeing and emotional regulation
Storytelling, identity, and self-understanding
Writing as a reflective and contemplative practice
Creative discipline and sustainable writing habits
10th
Experience
Meet Our International Speakers
Emelie Hill Dittmer
Write to Heal – Expect the Unexpected
Emelie Hill Dittmer is a therapeutic writing facilitator, journalist, and author of Write to Heal – The Healing Power of Writing. (Walaan) and The Therapeutic Writing Toolbox (Grens Bokskog). She is the founder of the Write for Life – The Healing Power of Your Pen conference.
Mark Matousek
The Story of Your Life: Making Sense of the Past and Present
Mark Matousek is the award-winning author of eight books, including Sex Death Enlightenment.
The founder of The Seekers Forum, an online community for self-inquiry through expressive writing.
Dr Megan Hayes
The Inner Toolkit: Writing Our Resources
Dr Megan Hayes is a writer-researcher-facilitator and author of five books including The Joy of Writing Things Down (Greenfinch, 2021) and the memoir Glimmering: Healing in 21 Wild Swims (Seren, 2026).
Charmaine Pollard
Hope in Her Hands
Charmaine Pollard is a British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) registered counsellor with over 26 years’ experience. She is also a coach and a certified poetry therapist, accredited with the International Federation for Biblio/Poetry Therapy in the USA.
Julia McGuinness
Between Starshine and Clay : A Journalling Workshop on Hope
As a former English teacher and therapeutic counsellor turned writing practitioner Julia McGuinness has forged a life round words and nurture. She is the author of 5 non-fiction books, including Writing our Faith and her most recent publication Writing the Journeys We Never Wanted to Make.
Ida Sundén
Reflective Writing in Professional Life: A Tool for Sustainability and Presence
Ida Sundén is a trained journalist, author, social worker, and writing facilitator, with many years of experience in various forms of social work.
Her debut novel Tillsammans är vi två was published in 2021.
Elin Malmberg
Reflective Writing in Professional Life: A Tool for Sustainability and Presence
Elin Malmberg has a background as a high school teacher and works as a writing facilitator.
She has personally used writing to process difficult life experiences and is now passionate about sharing the transformative power of writing with others.
Marusha Mozolovskaya
Pages Of Possibilities: Finding hope between the lines
Marusha is the founder of the Barcelona Journaling Festival, International Journaling Community, and Girls Who Write. She is a book writing mentor and journaling guide who helps writers move from self-doubt to clarity and complete their work.
What’s Included in Your 3 Day Conference Pass
What is included
Full access to all keynotes and workshops
Interactive writing sessions
Guided exercises
Networking opportunities
Lunch, coffee & refreshments during breaks
Conference materials
Access to presentation slides (where permitted)
Not included:
Accommodation
Travel
Meals outside scheduled breaks
EVENT SHEDULE
Friday - Opening & Inspiration
Registration & Welcome
Opening Keynote
Writing Activation Session
Evening Connection Gathering with surprise
Saturday - Deep Dive & Expansion
Morning Keynote
Thematic Workshops
Panel Discussions
Guided Writing Labs
Community Networking
Joint dinner for those who wish to attend
Sunday - Integration & Forward Movement
Masterclass Session
Reflection & Integration
Closing Ceremony
Detailed schedule will be released in June 2026.
Get Direction to the Event Hall
Venue
Held in Stockholm, Sweden
Essinge Church and Parish Hall (Essinge församlingshem)
Address
Essinge Kyrkväg 15B, 112 65 Stockholm
Website
A Glimpse of the Venue
Held in Stockholm, Sweden
The Venue – Essinge Church, Stockholm
The Write for Life conference takes place at Essinge Church and Parish Hall in Stockholm - a much-loved retreat centre over the past five years, where healing writing and bibliotherapy have found a natural home. Set on the island of Stora Essingen, this welcoming space offers a calm and restorative atmosphere that feels both grounded and intimate - an oasis in the heart of the city.
Surrounded by water and greenery, yet easily accessible from central Stockholm, the venue provides a peaceful environment for reflection,creativity, and meaningful connection.
Venue Highlights:
Comfortable and welcoming indoor spaces
Beautiful garden for outdoor sessions and walks
Dedicated breakout rooms for workshops and reflection
Friendly and engaged staff
Easy access to public transportation
Nearest airports:
Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)
Stockholm Bromma Airport (BMA)
Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO)
Public transport available from the city centre On-site facilities provided
Recommended Accommodation
We recommend booking your accommodation early, as availability in the area may be limited.
Conference participants are welcome to stay at Scandic Alvik.
A fresh and comfortable hotel located within walking distance of the venue. The hotel offers modern rooms, a generous breakfast buffet, and an on-site restaurant making it a convenient and welcoming place to stay during the conference.
Exclusive 15% Discount for Write for Life Participants:
All Write for Life participants receive 15% off their stay at Scandic Alvik when booking using the dedicated conference discount code.
More information and booking:
Discount Code: PRO15SE
Choose Your Ticket
Early Bird Ticket
Sek 4500
Available for a limited time or first 50 seats
Includes full 3-day access
Regular Ticket
Sek 5000
Only 150 seats available in total
This is an intimate event by design
Why Attend In Person?
Write for Life is a live, in-person experience and will not be recorded.
Participants from last year’s conference described stepping into a warm sense of belonging, where every voice is welcomed and the freedom to explore through writing is gently encouraged. A unique writing community takes shape when we gather to write alone, together, sharing silence, presence, and reflection in the same room.
Over the course of three days, you will be joined by some of the leading international voices in the field of expressive writing, in an environment that honours process over performance and curiosity over perfection.
Being physically present allows for:
Deep focus and sustained reflection
Meaningful conversations and shared insight
Unexpected encounters and creative exchange
An immersive atmosphere that supports your writing process
There are no recordings.
There is no replay.
There is only the room and what becomes possible within it.
In a world that often feels uncertain and unsettled, spaces for authentic connection, warmth, and curiosity are more important than ever. This unique gathering is an invitation to pause, reflect, and write together.
Quite simply, this is something you do not want to miss.
Reflections from participants who joined us at last year’s Write for Life conference:
“Thank you so very much for a truly magical conference. I had such a wonderful experience, it felt as though something in me opened up, both on a personal and professional level (I work as a coach and psychotherapist). As I looked back at some of my writing, I found myself wondering, ‘Who wrote that?’ while at the same time recognising that it was very much me, perhaps a more honest voice than I’ve been able to bring forward in quite some time.”
“Write for Life, Sweden’s first conference in expressive writing, left me feeling tired yet replenished and with a warm heart after so many encounters with people who openly shared stories from their lives. Returning to our writing to reflect to notice patterns, question our own truths, and explore which thoughts and feelings our words awaken within us is one of the cornerstones of expressive writing, and part of what makes it so powerful. More than one person shared during the conference: ‘Writing saved my life.’”
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to take part in Sweden’s first conference in reflective writing. I sincerely hope this opportunity will return in the future, and if it does, I wholeheartedly recommend joining this moving and wonderful writing journey. Thank you to Emelie Hill Dittmer and her colleagues for creating this weekend.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Write for Life conference?
Write for Life is a three-day international conference focused on the healing and transformative power of expressive writing through talks, workshops, and shared reflection.
Who is this conference for?
It is open to anyone curious about exploring life, memories, and personal growth through writing—professionals, writers, coaches, therapists, and beginners alike.
What language is the conference held in?
English.
Is there a refund policy?
Policy details to be added
Can beginners attend?
Yes. This event welcomes all levels.
Will sessions be recorded?
No, this is an in-person immersive experience.
Are meals included?
Lunch and coffee breaks included. Dinner Saturday evening is available as an add-on.
September 18–20, 2026 - Sweden
By the power of your pen
Make your voice heard. Honour your story.
Join the healing transformation.
Write for Life.
Secure Your Seat Today
(Limited to 150 Participants)
Write for Life
Write for Life – The Healing Power of Your Pen is a three-day international expressive writing conference taking place in Stockholm, Sweden, from 18–20 September 2026. A welcoming space for reflection, creativity, healing, and meaningful connection through writing.
Privacy
We respect your privacy, read our full GDPR policy here.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the conference, tickets, or participation, feel free to reach out.
Adress:
Essinge Church and Parish Hall
Essinge Kyrkväg 15B, 112 65 Stockholm
Sweden
All rights reserved by Write for Life © 2026