I'm Julie.

I’m a writer and a pastor, trying to pay attention and use my words to make meaning, and share hope. 

I offer creative ways to use your words, specializing in writing for healing and wholeness, and learning to write as a spiritual practice. Whatever your experience with writing, you are welcome here.

Let’s write together.

Because your words matter.

Let's get started.

You can begin right now with a free writing prompt, when you join my email list.

After that you’ll get a weekly brief email—usually on Wednesdays—with a creative suggestion to jumpstart your writing, and more tips on using your words to pay attention to what matters most.

*I value your privacy, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

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A Bit about Me

I’ve spent years writing in my work as a pastor—sermons, newsletter articles, curriculum, and endless emails. I love using my words to help illuminate God’s word.

My real soul work, though, is reflective writing. This is writing that helps us discover ourselves on the page, and learn what we didn’t know that we knew. It’s been life-giving and transformative for me, and can be for you too.

For twenty years I’ve been part of a reflective writing group of fellow bereaved mothers, and am certified as a writing workshop facilitator. In my Writing in Company workshops, I use my creative group leadership skills to help you use your own words in powerful ways.

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Let's Work Together

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Writing Workshops with Writing in Company

Join me for upcoming online and in person Writing in Company workshops. I provide opportunities to write on your own and with others. Custom workshops are also available for your group. Add your name to my email list for a weekly writing prompt and inspiration.

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Curriculum Work & Contract Writing

I write curriculum and resources for churches and small groups, through a progressive lens of faith. My focus areas are adults, children, and intergenerational groups. Click below for links to some of my work currently available, and contact me to write for your publication.

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Preaching, Retreats & Consulting

Contact me for preaching and worship leadership, memorable retreats, and faith formation consulting for your congregation. I’m ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and have served in North Carolina for 30 years in churches of all sizes.

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Recent Workshops

I led two workshops on Writing for the Soul for participants of the Women's Connection Conference, where Kate Bowler was the keynote speaker. We wrote using blessings, objects, mirrors, memories and imagination around the theme of being Seen.
I led a 4-week series on Writing for the Soul with online participants. Shannan said, "If you're looking for inspiration and encouragement in your writing life, sign yourself right up. Words are weighty and wondrous; they are luminous when shared in Julie's workshops."
I led a workshop at a conference for faith formation leaders on Writing for Healing. We paused, listened, wrote, read, and gathered some tools for resiliency in the work of ministry, and in life. One participant reflected: "This was just exactly what my soul needed."
I led a day-long workshop on "Paying Attention: Writing as a Spiritual Practice" for a gathering of folks from a variety of churches in Georgia. This was an offering in a series focused on Soul Care and creative spiritual practices.
I led two six-week fall writing workshops on Zoom, with participants from all over the country. One participant wrote: "Julie's workshop is the best! Her prompts have facilitated some of my best writing. I now have invaluable take-away tools to carry my motivation forward."
I led two workshops on Writing from the Heart during the Women's Connection Conference at Montreat. We used poetry, objects, and our memories and imagination to listen to our lives.
I led a six-week workshop on Writing for Remembrance and Healing, sponsored by Faith & Grief. A group from around the country met on Zoom and wrote as a way to process grief, loss, and hope. We are making plans for another writing series with Faith & Grief in the fall.
I led a one-day workshop for a women’s group at First Presbyterian Church, Asheville on Writing as a Spiritual Practice. We held a hybrid class, with some in person and some on Zoom. Wonderful writing together, with some trying it for the first time, and others seasoned journalers.
I led a six-week Fall Writing Workshop on Zoom. Dennis H says: “Writing in Company, the weekly prompts, and hearing the written words of others in the group helped me to slow down in the telling of my stories, and to see the value and beauty of carefully chosen words and phrases.”
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