How Do I Become a Writer?
An Invitation to the 2024 GCD Writers' Cohort
Writers’ block isn’t an illness you catch, but a condition that one develops over time. Thankfully, though thousands have diagnosed themselves with “the block” just this past week alone, there are a couple of treatments out there that have worked for so many others, myself included.
The first is by blocking out time to write, and having a goal in mind. Many of the most prolific authors in the world—including Neil Gaiman, Brandon Sanderson, and Stephen King—all use this treatment themselves. Gaiman tells himself every day, “You can sit here and write, or you can sit here and do nothing, but you can't sit here and do anything else.” He finds, as most of us do, that writing is invariably more interesting.
The second is to surround yourself with others who are working towards similar goals. Working together, even being reliant on and accountable to one another, is one of the greatest weapons in a writers’ arsenal1. I met with a friend last week who worried that he had nothing to say. It took me all of ten minutes to disabuse him of that foolish notion, and I did it just by asking him questions.
Here at GCD we recognise how difficult it can be to develop these habits, and the relationships that form their bedrock. In addition, having seen countless submissions and articles over the years, we’ve been able to identify specific struggles common to new writers, as well as coaches specially gifted in speaking into those areas.
Whether you’re sitting on an idea for a manuscript, you’re a new writer looking for some help to elevate your work, or you’ve been stuck in a rut for longer than you can remember, our GCD Writer’s Mentoring Cohort is for you, and cheaper than ever before! We’ve knocked 50% off of the standard price this year, and so there has never been a better time to join.
Over six months you’ll learn to develop a writing habit, be placed in a smaller group with two other writers you can bounce ideas off of, and get tailored teaching from amazing writers like Jen Wilkin, Jonathan Dodson, and Jared C. Wilson.
I’m saying this as someone who has been in your shoes, has been a member of the cohort in the past, and has published around two-hundred articles since I graduated.
Grace and Peace,
Adsum Try Ravenhill is married to Anna and together they are passionate about seeing men and women discipled in the context of the local church. They live in Reading, UK and are part of a church plant that meets in the town hall. Adsum edits the GCD Weekly Newsletter and can be found through his writing at The Raven’s Writing Desk. You can find all of Adsum’s previous articles for GCD here.
Every writer needs a coach…
Someone to guide, challenge, cheer, and show them the paths to making excellent work. Every writer needs a community. A team of committed allies that will help encourage, sharpen, and spur them on in their craft. Every writer needs help.
The GCD Writers’ Mentoring Cohort is just that environment. Over six months, a small cohort of writers will be given access to community and coaching to help shape and sharpen the writer, their process, and their craft. Through six monthly video calls with a small group of writers and high caliber coaches, you will be equipped to write resources that make, mature, and multiply disciples of Jesus.
The cohort involves:
Six monthly video coaching calls with the GCD team and a respected, published writer in the Christian publishing industry.
Monthly feedback and resourcing from the GCD editorial team to help hone and sharpen your voice.
Peer-group community and encouragement from other members of the cohort.
Reading and writing exercises to help you become the writer God intended you to be.
Each cohort is six months in duration and costs $900 $450!
Coaches and Courses
Jen Wilkin: Why Write?
Jared C. Wilson: What Makes for Good Writing?
Barnabas Piper: Writing for the Head
Jonathan Dodson: Writing for the Heart
Hannah Anderson: Writing for the Hands
Drew Dyck: Writing for Publication
New Season Begins September 9, 2024
Schedule: all cohort sessions begin at 3pm Eastern.
September 9 - Why Write?
October - What Makes for Good Writing?
November - Writing for the Head
January - Writing for the Heart
February - Writing for the Hands
March - Writing for Publication
It sits right there next to your pen, and that specific notebook that always gives you a nasty paper cut.