Writing Beyond the Academy June 23, 2016 By Collegeville Institute Leave a Comment 2016 Writing Beyond the Academy workshop participants: Matt Bloom, Laura Fanucci, Jane Patterson, Christine Ondrla, Bonnie Miller-McLemore, Cassandra Nelson, John Lewis, Dorothy Bass, Jeff Tribble, Diane Millis, Michael N. McGregor (writing coach), Eileen Campbell-Reed. A group of academic writers met last week at the Collegeville Institute for independent, unstructured work as part of the writing workshop Writing Beyond the Academy. Workshop members, many of whom participate in the Collegeville Institute’s Research Seminars, explored writing for a broader audience, which included theology and other disciplines as well. They received writing coaching from workshop leader Michael N. McGregor. One participant reflected: “There were lots of specific insights into how to write that I found incredibly valuable (e.g., trust the power of stories and personal investment) but the most important learning for me was a renewed sense of direction with my writing and research in general. I’m enthused again about what I’m working on. That’s huge.” Another participant shared this feedback about workshop facilitator Michael N. McGregor, “I’ve never had a writing coach, but I’m sold on the benefits of it now. Michael had the perfect demeanor. I didn’t feel pressured to ask for advice or to set up appointments with him, just welcome to do so if and when I needed it. And what everyone says is true: he has a way of quickly sizing up a piece of writing, and in very few words, giving insight into exactly what changes need to be made to fix it. I’m usually pretty reluctant to show anyone my writing until I feel like it’s done, but I would be happy to have Michael’s feedback on works in progress.” Like this post? Subscribe to have new posts sent to you by email the same day they are posted.
