We’re Raising the Next Generation of Christian Storytellers

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.

Learn More About Our Programs

Leadership Team

Brett Harris

Brett Harris

Co-Founder & CEO

Kara Swanson

Kara Swanson

President

Josiah DeGraaf

Josiah DeGraaf

Director of operations

Diana Crowe

Diana Crowe

Director of Finance

Workshop Team

Jaquelle Ferris

Jaquelle Ferris

Co-Founder

Sara Willoughby

Sara Willoughby

Content Director

Anna Rose Johnson

Anna Rose Johnson

instructor

Millie Florence

Millie Florence

instructor

Rachel Scheller

Rachel Scheller

community manager

Valari Westeren

Valari Westeren

Group coordinator

Rebecca Washburn

Rebecca Washburn

Fellowship coordinator

Cassie Porath

Cassie Porath

community assistant

Sam Sheridan

Sam Sheridan

IT Director

Mariposa Aristeo

Mariposa Aristeo

social media manager

Honors Academy Team

Jen Lindsay

Jen Lindsay

Head instructor

Sarina Louise

Sarina Louise

Jr. instructor

Brianna Tibbetts

Brianna Tibbetts

Jr. Instructor

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

Carolyn McCready

Zondervan Executive Editor

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