In 2018 I saw a poster in a bathroom for a mindful writing group with Courtney Zenner. I went to the next meeting and Courtney introduced me to Natalie Goldberg.

They both taught me writing practice. Taught me to sit, set a timer for 10 minutes, keep my pen moving, and go for the jugular.

Writing

Four handmade sketches of trees and abstract designs on brown paper, with handwritten notes and dates, related to a writing retreat in December 2022.

From that practice, I have stacks of journals filled with writing.

Xander's Substack

In 2024 Dr. Brilea implored me to get my journals off the shelves and into the world because he knows of so many patients and people who need the stories.

My dear friend Beth Wittmann read over 1,000 pages and pulled out the pieces that were hot with energy.

You can find some of these writings published in my Substack.

“Three lines
Forgot the rest of the rules
I try anyway.”

— Haiku practice, Xander Peer Keller

Handwritten poem on lined paper expressing admiration, talking about taking the pen from the writer and holding them.

Check out all of Xander’s journal art and more creative pieces!