 The Latest Go-To Newsletter: 
Veronica Smith is giving Winston-Salem spaces to be heard, from group journaling sessions to packed storytelling nights.
August 24, 2026
Meet Veronica
Veronica has always loved writing, but her sobriety journey pushed her to write more as a way to process. It also made her wonder how many other people needed the same outlet?
In 2024, she launched The Healing Pen, guiding others through group journaling sessions to help them heal and rediscover themselves.
- “I’m not a formal storyteller, but I’ve always loved reading the stories of others,” said attendee Freida M. “The Healing Pen gave me the opportunity to share a piece of my own story and… connect with others whose stories are similar to mine.”
The Grackle
The Healing Pen’s journaling sessions taught Veronica that hearing a story lands almost as hard as telling one. That insight became The Grackle — a free communal storytelling night she launched with Ned, co-owner of Lot 63, in April 2026. The debut packed the room.
The name comes from the bird itself: from a distance, a grackle looks like just another crow. Get closer, and it’s iridescent. There’s more to the bird than meets the eye  — much like the storytellers who take the mic at The Grackle.
- What to Expect | The Grackle happens the fourth Thursday of every other month at Lot 63’s Underground, with more frequent dates likely as the crowd keeps growing.
- Former storyteller Devone H. said, “[The audience] laughed, reacted, and connected with parts of my story. I felt like I was sitting in a living room with friends.”
- Smaller Gatherings | Want something more casual? Drop by Lot 63’s patio the third Wednesday of each month for informal story-sharing, or join the conversation in the Facebook group.
- Become a Storyteller | Sign up at a Grackle event, or message Veronica through The Healing Pen’s website. No special qualifications needed; just a story to tell.
