Start young and stick with it.
This is our defining motto at the Young Writer. We believe that the world needs more well-written stories that inspire readers to seek light and truth in the midst of a broken world. Which is why our mission is to raise up the next C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien by 2050.
But Lewis and Tolkien didn’t come out of nowhere. These writers who peaked in their 40s and 50s first started taking their writing seriously as teens. Our goal is help young writers pursue their dreams, from as small as conquering writer’s block and finishing that chapter, to as big as signing your first book contract and building the foundation for an author career.
Because you never know who a young writer may become when they finally have the right support.
Learn More About Our Mission
In this address at the 2025 Young Writer Retreat, Brett unpacks our mission to raise up the next Lewis & Tolkien and how we’re doing so.
Leadership Team

Brett Harris
Co-Founder & CEO

Kara Swanson
President

Josiah DeGraaf
Director of operations

Diana Crowe
Director of Finance
Workshop Team

Jaquelle Ferris
Co-Founder

Sara Willoughby
Content Director

Anna Rose Johnson
instructor

Millie Florence
instructor

Rachel Scheller
community manager

Valari Westeren
Group coordinator

Rebecca Washburn
Fellowship coordinator

Cassie Porath
community assistant

Sam Sheridan
IT Director

Mariposa Aristeo
social media manager
Honors Academy Team

Jen Lindsay
Head instructor

Sarina Louise
Jr. instructor

Brianna Tibbetts
Jr. Instructor
“Brett Harris and Jaquelle Crowe are doing some wonderful work: encouraging, inspiring, and teaching young writers.”


