Vibes and video rule the day on social media. And AI now does many tasks that were once assigned to copy writers. So is writing even needed today? In an age of superficial entertainment and declining literacy, we need good writers more than ever. In this session, we’ll explore how good writing glorifies God and loves our neighbor.

Leaders: Ivan Mesa and Collin Hansen

To write well, you need to have something to say. That means making it a priority to fill up your tank by reading good books, soaking in art and nature, engaging in thoughtful dialogue with others, and making space in your life to think well. Effective writing begins long before you write the first word. In this session we’ll look at some common attributes of great writers, which may not seem to have anything to do with the craft of writing but rather concern the experiences, expertise, curiosity, and community which have fed them over time.

Leader: Brett McCracken

To write well, it’s essential to know who you’re writing to. This will mean talking to people in your church and neighborhood, engaging in real life more than on social media, and asking good questions. In this session, we’ll talk about how to recognize on-the-ground trends, avoid pseudo-events online, and connect with those you’re trying to reach.

Leader: Sarah Zylstra

Great writers often work out what they think about a particular topic as they’re writing. They write in dialogue with research data, literature, history, Scripture, theology and other big ideas. This session will talk about how to interact charitably, humbly, and honestly with outside sources.

Leaders: Matt Smethurst and Andrew Spencer

Great writing is organized writing. This session will focus on crafting a clear thesis (finding an angle, narrowing an idea, and creating a strong reader takeaway) and organizing your thoughts (developing a good introduction, solid points, smooth transitions, and a punchy conclusion).

Leaders: Winfree Brisley and Megan Hill

Great writers want to be edited. They may not always enjoy it, but they embrace it as necessary. Great writers also know how to edit themselves. In this session, we’ll talk about how to improve your writing by prioritizing concision, precision, and variety.

Leader: Jared Kennedy

The best writers have routines. One goes for a run before she writes. Another sits at his favorite coffee shop. Another may carry his Smith-Corona typewriter across Central Park to a library desk each morning. What habits will help you cultivate your writing life? In this session, we’ll talk about writing regularly, building community, getting feedback, and pitching your work.

Leader: Ivan Mesa

You should write because you want to, not because you want to get published. The former will sustain a calling, the latter will fizzle over time. But if you write to serve others, you may eventually want to share your writing broadly. In this session, we’ll talk about crafting a book proposal and cover letter—a process that involves understanding the existing literature on a subject and having a defined thesis, angle, and audience.

Leaders: Jared Kennedy and Ivan Mesa