HERE IS THE SCHEDULE FOR OUR 2021 WORKSHOP.
2021 CLASS SCHEDULE
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5
7-8 PM
WELCOME TO THE WORKSHOP MEET AND GREET
Drop by Zoom Classroom A for an informal “meet and greet” with Sue and members of the Write About Jesus faculty and staff. This is a great opportunity if you’re new to Zoom for you to get comfortable with how it works. New to Write About Jesus? Come join us and let’s get acquainted! Coming back to the workshop again? Show up and we’ll give you a virtual hug because we’ve missed you!
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6
6 PM - Welcome - Sue C. Smith
Worship - Zane and Donna King
Devotions - Dave Clark
7-7:50 PM
CLASS SESSION ONE
Elements of a Great Lyric - Tony Wood
One of Nashville’s most respected lyricists in any genre, Tony’s had 31 #1 songs, and is the winner of 5 Dove Awards. His lyric writing classes are considered some of the very best anywhere. Highly recommended for first-time registrants.
Jumpstarting Your Creativity - Belinda Smith
Start generating dozens of new ideas and turn that little spark of creativity into a roaring inferno. Creativity expert Belinda Smith will share the secrets with you.
How To Get Your Foot In the Door— And Stay! - Sue C. Smith
You’ve invested in yourself and your songwriting by coming to Write About Jesus. Now get some practical advice for how to make the very most of the time you're here and every interaction you have.
OPEN CRITIQUING - Kenna West
8-8:50 PM
CLASS SESSION TWO
Elements of a Great Melody (Keyboard) - Don Koch
You play an instrument, but it takes more to write a fresh, inspiring, HIT melody. Make your melodies emotionally compelling, memorable, and singable with advice from Don.
Writing Across Genres - Joel Lindsey
A unique look into the differences between writing a song that works in the CCM world, in southern gospel, in a worship setting, or for print. If you’ve been told your song doesn’t fit into any genre, this class is perfect for you.
Why Great Structure Still Matters — Gina Boe
Gina has decades of experience with building songs with great structure. He’ll share some tips for writing songs that are timeless, beautiful, and impacting. It all begins with great structure.
OPEN CRITIQUING - Bryan Ward
Sign up during registration to another song critiqued at one of our Open Critiquing sessions, which will be going on throughout the workshop. Take your song on a cd and a printed copy of your lyric to this informal session.
9 PM
Write About Jesus After Hours with Dave and Cindi Clark
Dave Clark and Cindi will host this special event once the workshop ends each evening—an after-hours session where you're invited to bring any questions that you didn't get answered in the regular classes to be fielded by Dave. Dave is a writer, publisher, producer, videographer, speaker, and mentor.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7
6 PM - Welcome, Worship, Devotions, Announcements
Worship - Krissy Nordhoff
Announcements - Sue Smith
Devotions - Dave Clark
7-7:50 PM
CLASS SESSION THREE
What I Look For In A Worship Song - Holly Zabka and friends
Hear from Holly and some special guests about what draws them to a worship song from the viewpoint of the publisher, the worship artist, and the worship leader.
Where To Find Your Next Great Idea - Joel Lindsey
Joel will explore ways to keep a steady stream of ideas filling up your songwriter’s notebook.
Target Writing and How To Hit the Bulls-eye Every Time - Kenna West
How to use your knowledge of the artist, the project, the market, and the audience to write songs that consistently hit the mark.
OPEN CRITIQUING - Dennis Dearing
8-8:50 PM
CLASS SESSION FOUR
Co-writing - Being The Best You Can Be In Every Co-writing Situation — Sue C. Smith
What are your strengths and weaknesses as a co-writer? How can you minimize your weaknesses and capitalize on your strengths to turn yourself into a highly sought-after co-writer.
Crafting Worship Songs For The Church - Krissy Nordhoff
Krissy’s songs are in use in churches throughout the country. Hear about her approach to songs that lead congregations into God’s presence. Inspiration as well as practical advice about ideas, use of Scripture, language, song forms, melodic hooks, chord progressions, and much more.
What I’ve Learned About Staying Inspired - Dave Clark
Struggling to stay motivated? Have writer’s block? Find it hard to come up with fresh ideas to write? Here’s how to keep the creative juices flowing.
OPEN CRITIQUING - Belinda Smith
9 PM
Write About Jesus After Hours with Dave and Cindi Clark
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8
5 PM
CLASS SESSION FIVE
Elements of a great melody (guitar) - Zane King
Why are some melodies moving, compelling, interesting, fresh, memorable, and singable? How can you improve your melodic sense? When should you pick up the guitar, and how do you go about finding a fresh melody with the chords you know?
The Organized Songwriter - Simon Hawkins
How to make your writing time more productive and your songs better. How do you know where to put your effort so you get the best results?
When Bad Things Happen to Good Songwriters - Gina Boe
Trials and suffering may be inevitable as we journey through life, but that doesn’t mean we have to put “pause” on our creativity during difficult seasons. When placed in the hands of a ready writer, those hard times can actually be fertile ground for our most impactful songs to grow. This class will offer ideas on how to walk through hard times and still thrive creatively.
OPEN CRITIQUING - Krissy Nordhoff
6 PM
CLASS SESSION SIX
Making It Southern Gospel - Kenna West, Joel Lindsey
Joel and Kenna have many 100s of southern gospel cuts because they are experts in what the genre sounds like and what the artists are looking for. They give valuable insights into the language, melodies, and themes of this genre.
Writing CCM - Don Koch, Tony Wood
Learn the key characteristics of songs that fit these markets. Who should you be listening to both in the Christian world and in the secular arena as well. Discover what is required of the lyric and of the melody in each genre.
Where Country Music is Headed and How To Go Along - Donna King and Zane King
Can a Christian songwriter successfully cross over into writing country songs? Is the lyrical and musical language of country different from Christian music? How can you have a foot in both worlds and maintain your integrity?
OPEN CRITIQUING - Joe Dan Cornett
7 PM - Worship Cliff Duren, Glenn Green
WRITERS IN THE ROUND CONCERT
Coming to you LIVE from Daywind Studios in Hendersonville, TN, our clinicians will each be singing one of their own songs. Join us for what’s sure to be one of the highlights of the weekend!
9 PM
Write About Jesus After Hours with Dave and Cindi Clark
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9
9 AM
WORSHIP - Bryan
ANNOUNCEMENTS - Sue C. Smith
VIDEO TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF JOHN SMITH
PRAYER - Dave Clark
10 AM
Group1 - Worship - Holly Zabka, Cliff Duren
Group 2 - Worship - Krissy Nordhoff, Bryan Ward
Group 3 - CCM - Don Koch, Tony Wood
Group 4 - Southern Gospel - Joel Lindsey, Joe Dan Cornett
Group 5 - Southern Gospel - Kenna West, Belinda Smith
Group 6 - Country/Inspirational Country - Donna King, Zane King
Group 7 - Print/Choral - Dave Clark, Simon Hawkins
Group 8 - Special Occasion/Kids/Seasonal - Gina Boe, Sue Smith
NOON
BROWN BAG BUSINESS LUNCH
Grab your sandwich and log in to Classroom A for information that EVERY SONGWRITER needs to know about the basics of the music business and what to do if you don't have a publisher for your songs.
How To Be Your Own Publisher - Zane King
If you're an independent songwriter without a publisher to take care of registering your copyrights to demo-ing, to pitching, to collecting your royalties, how can you learn what you need to know to do it all for yourself? Zane knows how the system works and will help you figure it out.
Music Business 101 - Joe Dan Cornett
Every songwriter needs to know the basics of publishing, royalties, licenses, contracts, and all the other things that make the business side of the songwriting life a challenge. Joe Dan will share vital information to every songwriter. Highly recommended if you have not attended a music business class before.
1:30 PM
CLASS SESSION SEVEN
Writing for the Worship Choir - Cliff Duren
How do songs change when you are writing and arranging them for a worship-driven choir. Cliff is a Dove-Award winning arranger as well as the worship leader at Woodstock Baptist Church just outside Atlanta.
Making A Demo That Sounds Like A Hit — Dennis Dearing
Whether you have access to a studio or not, whether you play or sing, how can you make a demo that will be effective for pitching to a publisher or artist?
Digging Deeper: Going To Next Level With Your Lyrics - Q&A with Sue C. Smith, Tony Wood, Joel Lindsey
From choosing the right “language” for your song to fresh ideas for developing your idea, these lyricists will give you examples of starting with the seed of an idea and building it into something powerful.
OPEN CRITIQUING - Don Koch
2:30 PM
CLASS SESSION EIGHT
How To Write A Musical - Gina Boe, Dave Clark
If you have a desire to write more than a stand-alone song, this session will be filled with valuable information on writing the songs, developing scripts and narrations, and making sure the production can succeed.
How To Pitch Your Songs And Start Getting Cuts - Kenna West
What thought and planning go in to making a pitch to an artist or for a project? Can an unsigned writer pitch songs? How do you know who, when, and how?
Come With Nothing, Leave With Hooks - Belinda Smith
Start generating dozens of new ideas and turn that little spark of creativity into a roaring inferno. Belinda will share secrets developed over more than 4 decades of professional songwriting.
OPEN CRITIQUING - Donna King
3:30 PM
CLASS SESSION NINE
Making Social Media Work For You - Bryan Ward
How your social media footprint impacts your brand, your reputation, and your future. Learn how to use social media to give your writing a wider impact.
What You Should Do After Write About Jesus Ends - Holly Zabka
What are some goals you should set, things you should think about, and steps you should take once the dust of Write About Jesus settles?
WAJ Veterans With Advice On Taking the Next Step in Your Journey - Janice Crow, Gene Ezell, Jerald Hill, Eva Wilson
Hear from four writers who collectively have come to Write About Jesus for over 45 years! All four regularly get songs recorded by top artists as well as having them placed in musicals sung in churches throughout the country.
OPEN CRITIQUING - Simon Hawkins
4:30 PM
FINAL JUDGING
5:30 PM
AWARDS AND THANK YOU’S - Zoom Classroom A
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5
7-8 PM
WELCOME TO THE WORKSHOP MEET AND GREET
Drop by Zoom Classroom A for an informal “meet and greet” with Sue and members of the Write About Jesus faculty and staff. This is a great opportunity if you’re new to Zoom for you to get comfortable with how it works. New to Write About Jesus? Come join us and let’s get acquainted! Coming back to the workshop again? Show up and we’ll give you a virtual hug because we’ve missed you!
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6
6 PM - Welcome - Sue C. Smith
Worship - Zane and Donna King
Devotions - Dave Clark
7-7:50 PM
CLASS SESSION ONE
Elements of a Great Lyric - Tony Wood
One of Nashville’s most respected lyricists in any genre, Tony’s had 31 #1 songs, and is the winner of 5 Dove Awards. His lyric writing classes are considered some of the very best anywhere. Highly recommended for first-time registrants.
Jumpstarting Your Creativity - Belinda Smith
Start generating dozens of new ideas and turn that little spark of creativity into a roaring inferno. Creativity expert Belinda Smith will share the secrets with you.
How To Get Your Foot In the Door— And Stay! - Sue C. Smith
You’ve invested in yourself and your songwriting by coming to Write About Jesus. Now get some practical advice for how to make the very most of the time you're here and every interaction you have.
OPEN CRITIQUING - Kenna West
8-8:50 PM
CLASS SESSION TWO
Elements of a Great Melody (Keyboard) - Don Koch
You play an instrument, but it takes more to write a fresh, inspiring, HIT melody. Make your melodies emotionally compelling, memorable, and singable with advice from Don.
Writing Across Genres - Joel Lindsey
A unique look into the differences between writing a song that works in the CCM world, in southern gospel, in a worship setting, or for print. If you’ve been told your song doesn’t fit into any genre, this class is perfect for you.
Why Great Structure Still Matters — Gina Boe
Gina has decades of experience with building songs with great structure. He’ll share some tips for writing songs that are timeless, beautiful, and impacting. It all begins with great structure.
OPEN CRITIQUING - Bryan Ward
Sign up during registration to another song critiqued at one of our Open Critiquing sessions, which will be going on throughout the workshop. Take your song on a cd and a printed copy of your lyric to this informal session.
9 PM
Write About Jesus After Hours with Dave and Cindi Clark
Dave Clark and Cindi will host this special event once the workshop ends each evening—an after-hours session where you're invited to bring any questions that you didn't get answered in the regular classes to be fielded by Dave. Dave is a writer, publisher, producer, videographer, speaker, and mentor.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7
6 PM - Welcome, Worship, Devotions, Announcements
Worship - Krissy Nordhoff
Announcements - Sue Smith
Devotions - Dave Clark
7-7:50 PM
CLASS SESSION THREE
What I Look For In A Worship Song - Holly Zabka and friends
Hear from Holly and some special guests about what draws them to a worship song from the viewpoint of the publisher, the worship artist, and the worship leader.
Where To Find Your Next Great Idea - Joel Lindsey
Joel will explore ways to keep a steady stream of ideas filling up your songwriter’s notebook.
Target Writing and How To Hit the Bulls-eye Every Time - Kenna West
How to use your knowledge of the artist, the project, the market, and the audience to write songs that consistently hit the mark.
OPEN CRITIQUING - Dennis Dearing
8-8:50 PM
CLASS SESSION FOUR
Co-writing - Being The Best You Can Be In Every Co-writing Situation — Sue C. Smith
What are your strengths and weaknesses as a co-writer? How can you minimize your weaknesses and capitalize on your strengths to turn yourself into a highly sought-after co-writer.
Crafting Worship Songs For The Church - Krissy Nordhoff
Krissy’s songs are in use in churches throughout the country. Hear about her approach to songs that lead congregations into God’s presence. Inspiration as well as practical advice about ideas, use of Scripture, language, song forms, melodic hooks, chord progressions, and much more.
What I’ve Learned About Staying Inspired - Dave Clark
Struggling to stay motivated? Have writer’s block? Find it hard to come up with fresh ideas to write? Here’s how to keep the creative juices flowing.
OPEN CRITIQUING - Belinda Smith
9 PM
Write About Jesus After Hours with Dave and Cindi Clark
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8
5 PM
CLASS SESSION FIVE
Elements of a great melody (guitar) - Zane King
Why are some melodies moving, compelling, interesting, fresh, memorable, and singable? How can you improve your melodic sense? When should you pick up the guitar, and how do you go about finding a fresh melody with the chords you know?
The Organized Songwriter - Simon Hawkins
How to make your writing time more productive and your songs better. How do you know where to put your effort so you get the best results?
When Bad Things Happen to Good Songwriters - Gina Boe
Trials and suffering may be inevitable as we journey through life, but that doesn’t mean we have to put “pause” on our creativity during difficult seasons. When placed in the hands of a ready writer, those hard times can actually be fertile ground for our most impactful songs to grow. This class will offer ideas on how to walk through hard times and still thrive creatively.
OPEN CRITIQUING - Krissy Nordhoff
6 PM
CLASS SESSION SIX
Making It Southern Gospel - Kenna West, Joel Lindsey
Joel and Kenna have many 100s of southern gospel cuts because they are experts in what the genre sounds like and what the artists are looking for. They give valuable insights into the language, melodies, and themes of this genre.
Writing CCM - Don Koch, Tony Wood
Learn the key characteristics of songs that fit these markets. Who should you be listening to both in the Christian world and in the secular arena as well. Discover what is required of the lyric and of the melody in each genre.
Where Country Music is Headed and How To Go Along - Donna King and Zane King
Can a Christian songwriter successfully cross over into writing country songs? Is the lyrical and musical language of country different from Christian music? How can you have a foot in both worlds and maintain your integrity?
OPEN CRITIQUING - Joe Dan Cornett
7 PM - Worship Cliff Duren, Glenn Green
WRITERS IN THE ROUND CONCERT
Coming to you LIVE from Daywind Studios in Hendersonville, TN, our clinicians will each be singing one of their own songs. Join us for what’s sure to be one of the highlights of the weekend!
9 PM
Write About Jesus After Hours with Dave and Cindi Clark
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9
9 AM
WORSHIP - Bryan
ANNOUNCEMENTS - Sue C. Smith
VIDEO TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF JOHN SMITH
PRAYER - Dave Clark
10 AM
Group1 - Worship - Holly Zabka, Cliff Duren
Group 2 - Worship - Krissy Nordhoff, Bryan Ward
Group 3 - CCM - Don Koch, Tony Wood
Group 4 - Southern Gospel - Joel Lindsey, Joe Dan Cornett
Group 5 - Southern Gospel - Kenna West, Belinda Smith
Group 6 - Country/Inspirational Country - Donna King, Zane King
Group 7 - Print/Choral - Dave Clark, Simon Hawkins
Group 8 - Special Occasion/Kids/Seasonal - Gina Boe, Sue Smith
NOON
BROWN BAG BUSINESS LUNCH
Grab your sandwich and log in to Classroom A for information that EVERY SONGWRITER needs to know about the basics of the music business and what to do if you don't have a publisher for your songs.
How To Be Your Own Publisher - Zane King
If you're an independent songwriter without a publisher to take care of registering your copyrights to demo-ing, to pitching, to collecting your royalties, how can you learn what you need to know to do it all for yourself? Zane knows how the system works and will help you figure it out.
Music Business 101 - Joe Dan Cornett
Every songwriter needs to know the basics of publishing, royalties, licenses, contracts, and all the other things that make the business side of the songwriting life a challenge. Joe Dan will share vital information to every songwriter. Highly recommended if you have not attended a music business class before.
1:30 PM
CLASS SESSION SEVEN
Writing for the Worship Choir - Cliff Duren
How do songs change when you are writing and arranging them for a worship-driven choir. Cliff is a Dove-Award winning arranger as well as the worship leader at Woodstock Baptist Church just outside Atlanta.
Making A Demo That Sounds Like A Hit — Dennis Dearing
Whether you have access to a studio or not, whether you play or sing, how can you make a demo that will be effective for pitching to a publisher or artist?
Digging Deeper: Going To Next Level With Your Lyrics - Q&A with Sue C. Smith, Tony Wood, Joel Lindsey
From choosing the right “language” for your song to fresh ideas for developing your idea, these lyricists will give you examples of starting with the seed of an idea and building it into something powerful.
OPEN CRITIQUING - Don Koch
2:30 PM
CLASS SESSION EIGHT
How To Write A Musical - Gina Boe, Dave Clark
If you have a desire to write more than a stand-alone song, this session will be filled with valuable information on writing the songs, developing scripts and narrations, and making sure the production can succeed.
How To Pitch Your Songs And Start Getting Cuts - Kenna West
What thought and planning go in to making a pitch to an artist or for a project? Can an unsigned writer pitch songs? How do you know who, when, and how?
Come With Nothing, Leave With Hooks - Belinda Smith
Start generating dozens of new ideas and turn that little spark of creativity into a roaring inferno. Belinda will share secrets developed over more than 4 decades of professional songwriting.
OPEN CRITIQUING - Donna King
3:30 PM
CLASS SESSION NINE
Making Social Media Work For You - Bryan Ward
How your social media footprint impacts your brand, your reputation, and your future. Learn how to use social media to give your writing a wider impact.
What You Should Do After Write About Jesus Ends - Holly Zabka
What are some goals you should set, things you should think about, and steps you should take once the dust of Write About Jesus settles?
WAJ Veterans With Advice On Taking the Next Step in Your Journey - Janice Crow, Gene Ezell, Jerald Hill, Eva Wilson
Hear from four writers who collectively have come to Write About Jesus for over 45 years! All four regularly get songs recorded by top artists as well as having them placed in musicals sung in churches throughout the country.
OPEN CRITIQUING - Simon Hawkins
4:30 PM
FINAL JUDGING
5:30 PM
AWARDS AND THANK YOU’S - Zoom Classroom A