Writers' Publishing Workshop and D.Min. Writing Program

Offered in an informal setting, the Writers' Publishing Workshop provides an opportunity for a community of writers to be introduced to the publishing world and have their writing critiqued by peers.  There will be opportunities to explore your capabilities as writers, receive feedback from other writers, and time to work in depth with and receive individual attention from an editor. 

The D.Min. Writing Program runs the week after the Writers' Publishing Workshop. This program is specifically for Gordon-Conwell Doctor of Ministry students who need time away from home to work on their thesis projects and to receive feedback and guidance on their work.

Writers' Publishing Workshop: August 5-9, 2013

A Tranquil Environment for Writers Serious about Their Calling and Craft

• Writing during dedicated times to progress on your project and hone your craft
• Mentoring by encouraging editors
• Connecting with other like-minded, creative people
• Getting fresh ideas and support
• Motivating and encouraging others
• Focusing on God and describing God’s purpose for your writing
• Revitalizing your writing life

Purpose

The purpose of the Ockenga Institute Writers' Publishing Workshop is to provide encouragement, support and useful information for Christian writers who are interested in intensive, hands-on interaction with other writers and from writing and publishing specialists.

Program Highlights:

The Writers’ Publishing Workshop has been designed to allow ample time for writing and feedback throughout the week. Mornings are devoted to roundtable discussions with presenters and other writers, while afternoon sessions focus on fiction, nonfiction, individual writing, or individual comment from  presenters. Evenings are free for writing, relaxing, or sight-seeing.

Writing

• Individual attention from a writing coach/editor; professional help to get you past your next milestone in writing
• Maximum 10:1 ratio of writers to facilitators
• Feedback from other writers
• Insight from published authors about their journey
• Time to write
• Participation in small groups, as you desire

Setting

The workshop takes place on the beautiful campus of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, Massachusetts.  It is near historic Boston, Salem, and the seaport of Gloucester; also near Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont for recreation and shopping.  This setting is ideal for individuals who want time to write and also can be combined as a getaway with a spouse or family.

Activities

• Corporate worship, led by volunteer participants
• Research (library on campus)
• Writing and reading
• Can be combined as a getaway with spouse or family;evenings are free for spending time together and exploring the area

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Writers' Publishing Workshop Schedule

Please note that the schedule is subject to change.

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Writers' Publishing Workshop Facilitators

Linda Triemstra Cook edits trade and academic books, among them twenty-five books that have been nominated for or won awards. Her editorial emphasis is on reference works and commentaries. She currently owns Gold Leaf Editorial Services. Linda’s insight into publishing and a writer’s strengths provides encouragement for next steps in the writing journey.

Susan Graham holds writers’ workshops in various parts of the country, from Vermont to North Carolina. She formerly taught English at Lyndon State College, the College of Lifelong Learning, and Johnson State College. She is designer and managing editor of Women After Christ Quarterly and writes poetry, fiction, and memoir. Her work has been published in several small journals. Susan is skilled at developing creative approaches to writing.

Writers' Publishing Workshop Requirements

All participants are required to submit the following by May 18, 2013:

1. A writing sample of 10-12 pages of one of the following: magazine article, sermon, short story, book chapter or synopsis of an idea or book proposal.
2. A 1-2 page statement of three goals you would like to achieve during the workshop.

Documents in Word format, either hard copy or as an email attachment, should be sent to:

Linda Triemstra Cook
Gold Leaf Editorial Services
272 Elemeda Street, Holland, MI 49424 or email: goldleaf554@gmail.com

The writing sample submission deadline is May 18, 2013. Early application is strongly encouraged.  Submissions after the deadline will be considered only if space is available. Registration is complete after writing samples have been submitted and accepted and the program registration fees paid.

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Writers' Publishing Workshop Details

Date: August 5-9, 2013

Cost: $325/person by April 30, 2013; $375/person after April 30, 2013
         $275 spouse rate with a regular registration

Location: Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Hamilton, MA. For directions, click here.

Public Transportation:
Gordon-Conwell is located near commuter rail stops, however, you must find transportation from the train stop to campus. The closest commuter rail stops are on the Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail Line at North Beverly or Hamilton/Wenham. Click here for a link to the MBTA and train schedule.

Accommodations & Transportation:
Housing during the program is the responsibility of the guest. A room block has been created at the SpringHill Suites in Peabody, MA from Sunday, August 4 - Friday, August 9. Rates are $119/night and reservations must be made 30 days in advance by Wednesday, July 3. Please request the "Gordon-Conwell Writers' Publishing Workshop" room block. Transportation to and from the program are not included and is the responsibility of the guest to arrange.

There are also some rooms available on campus at Gordon-Conwell. You may contact our Housing Office via email at houserep@gordonconwell.edu.

Local Attractions:
There are a number of local attractions in the Northshore of Boston that you may want to explore during your time here. You may reference the Gordon-Conwell "Out & About" for information about local eateries, activities and shopping. Another resource you may find useful is Exploring New England's Spiritual Heritage written by Garth M. Rosell, a self-guided tour book tracing the spiritual heritage of New England. For more information click here.

Confirmation and Cancellations:
You may consider your cancelled check or credit card statement to be confirmation of your registration. Event tickets will not be mailed. Online registrations will receive an email confirmation. Due to the planning involved with the program, cancellations must be received by July 10, 2013 to receive a refund less a $10 processing fee. Cancellations made by July 24, 2013 will be refunded 50%. Cancellations made after July 24, 2013 will not be refunded.

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Writers' Publishing Workshop Registration

Registration Rates: The registration fee for the 2013 program is $325/person until April 30, 2013. Rates increase to $375/person after April 30, 2013.  Your spouse may register at $275 with a regular registration. 

1. Online registration for the Writers' Publishing Workshop is open: CLICK HERE
2. Call 1 (800) 294-2774 for more information.

Writers' Publishing Workshop Brochure

You may download the Writers' Publishing Workshop brochure to print out as a program reference. If you would like us to send you a copy of the brochure, please email us with a request.

• 8.5"x11" Brochure: CLICK HERE

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D.Min. Writing Program- August 12-16, 2013

The Doctor of Ministry Writing Program is held twice a year for current Gordon-Conwell D.Min. students.  You must be a current D.Min. student to participate in this program. The August session runs one week after the Writer's Publishing Workshop.

Purpose

The purpose of the D.Min. Writing Program is to provide one-on-one interaction with editor, Linda Triemstra Cook, to help you with your thesis project. Group sessions are also part of the schedule where basic guidelines are reviewed.  Participants value the time away from home to focus intensively on their writing and also the opportunity to receive feedback on their projects. 

D.Min. Writing Program Schedule

Please find below the schedule for the D.Min. Writing Program. This schedule is subject to change.

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Program Details

Cost:
The cost for the Doctor of Ministry Writing Program is $375/person and includes lunches and snacks during the week. Accommodations, travel and other meals are not covered in the program cost. Due to the high demand for this program and the focus on one-on-one feedback, there are only 14 spots available for this program: first come, first served. If you cannot register due to the program being filled, please contact us at ockenga@gcts.edu to be put on a waiting list or contact list for the January 2014 D.Min. Writing Program.

Time and Location:
The program will take place at the Hamilton campus of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Registration will be held on Monday, August 12, 2013 in Academic Center Room 351. Group and individual sessions will take place in an Academic Center classroom. Snacks are provided throughout the day in the Ockenga Atrium and lunches are provided in the Dining Hall. For directions to Gordon-Conwell, click here.

Public Transportation:
Gordon-Conwell is located near commuter rail stops, however, you must find transportation from the train stop to campus. The closest commuter rail stops are on the Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail Line at North Beverly or Hamilton/Wenham. Click here for a link to the MBTA and train schedule.

Accommodations & Transportation:
Housing during the program is the responsibility of the guest. A room block has been created at the SpringHill Suites in Peabody, MA from Sunday, August 11 - Friday, August 16. Rates are $119/night and reservations must be made 30 days in advance by Wednesday, July 10. Please request the "Gordon-Conwell D.Min. Writing Program" room block. Transportation to and from the program are not included and is the responsibility of the guest to arrange.

There are also some rooms available on campus at Gordon-Conwell. You may contact our Housing Office via email at houserep@gordonconwell.edu.

Local Attractions:
There are a number of local attractions in the Northshore of Boston that you may want to explore during your time here. You may reference the Gordon-Conwell "Out & About" for information about local eateries, activities and shopping. Another resource you may find useful is Exploring New England's Spiritual Heritage written by Garth M. Rosell, a self-guided tour book tracing the spiritual heritage of New England. For more information click here.

Confirmation and Cancellations:
You may consider your cancelled check or credit card statement to be confirmation of your registration. Event tickets will not be mailed. Online registrations will receive an email confirmation. Due to the planning involved with the program, cancellations must be received by July 10, 2013 to receive a refund less a $10 processing fee. Cancellations made by July 24, 2013 will be refunded 50%. Cancellations made after July 24, 2013 will not be refunded.

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D.Min. Writing Program Registration

1. Registration for the D.Min. Writing Program is open: CLICK HERE

2. To register over the phone, call (800) 294-2774

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