Hymns come in families—hymns of a generation resemble each other. And many times they “grow up,” changing in one way or another before they come to us. Let’s meet some great hymns and their cousins, in youth and old age.

Have you been writing for years but still feel like your storytelling isn’t as engaging or compelling as it could be? Do you wish you were one of those authors whose readers are so drawn in that they think they are the main character? If so, it might be time to hone your skills in selecting and maintaining a clear point of view.

We’ll focus on arranging still lifes, close-ups, and portraits, using props from nature and everyday life. Learn how sunlight and cropping can enhance the subject. Then we’ll turn that photo into a canvas or gift.

Have you ever stopped mid-sentence, thinking, This doesn’t make sense. What is going on here? This story feels fake. When this happens, the message of the story is damaged. How can we craft our stories to be credible vessels that deliver profound truth?

What was Sanford Shank’s vision when he founded Christian Light Publications in 1969? How has the ministry of Christian Light reached around the world in recent years? Hear and see how God has blessed and guided through many milestones.

Do you have trouble finding age-appropriate models? Are you looking for techniques to age a model or make him or her appear younger? Learn the visual clues that help illustrate the aging process. We will practice these techniques together.

Some poets, being dead, yet speak . . . because we are still listening. Why do we still like to hear and quote poets like Frost, Watts, Whittier, and Shakespeare—what did they more than others? We’ll study the crafting of poetic lines with voices that outlive the poets.

This workshop is a continuation of part 1. How many readers avoid doctrinal articles because they are heavy and dry? Can we present deep truths with simple clarity? And in a way that connects with the reader? Are we guided by God’s Spirit or by our hobbyhorse? Are we personally searching the Scripture or simply regurgitating religious phrases?

What difference does it make that the Lord lives within us? Steve reflects on the power of the word of Christ living in us. He urges us to maintain our confidence in the transforming power of Jesus.

What is creativity? A power given to only the enlightened few? No! Instead, creativity is an acquired skill that takes practice. In this interactive session, we will explore creativity as problem-solving with three components: novelty, relevance, and motivation.

If we are to serve the Lord by writing, design, and art, our basis must be clear: a surrendered life. Steve considers how Christians treat the sins of humanity in their literature and art.

“God said, ‘Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good.’ ” Come to gain hands-on skill in harnessing the power of light to bring your pencil drawings to life! A good class for beginners.

Theme is the glue that holds a story together, but sometimes we get stuck in it. We will examine how and when we identify theme, where we should put it, and why we allow it to sabotage our stories.

Some verses are skimmed and forgotten; others are savored and remembered. Let’s explore the ways vulnerability, pivotal word choice, and author tone transform forgettable rhymes into living poetry that awakens the world, one reader at a time.

Congregational singability requires a melody that delights and harmony that convinces. Concepts and skills for writing successful four-part harmony include chords, cadences, voice leading, and harmonic progression.

Insignificant details need to remain in diaries; worthwhile details go in literature. But how can we decipher between the insignificant and worthwhile when writing about personal experiences? Phyllis will draw from her experience writing her story in No Mistakes.

Have you ever had a story character as a friend? Someone you knew so well you could ask him for advice . . . and get it? Why is it that some characters are so real that they impact the course of your life while others are only cardboard cutouts? And how can we create the life-changing ones?

Having trouble with your drawing? The secret to a better illustration often lies in the behind-the-scenes work of getting good reference photos. In this workshop we will not focus on your camera but will discuss crucial factors in obtaining effective reference photos to work from.

To establish an authentic historical era, a writer must know and use historical details. The reader cannot accurately picture historical scenes unless they are accurately portrayed. Learn how and where to find the details that will bring your characters to life and make their story credible.

We use words to distinguish things, name them, and communicate with others. Writers who command language command the ability to communicate their meaning with clarity and precision. This workshop encourages and enables writers to use specific language.