Do you desire to light up your message with the sparkle of storytelling?
Find the training and mentorship you seek to grow in the craft of writing and thrive as a Christian communicator.
Going it alone doesn’t get you very far. You gather tools and resources along the way, but how do you put it all together with confidence that you’re on the right path? Companionship is in short supply, and it’s difficult to find your people. That’s why the FlourishWriters Academy gathers communicators from all genres to focus step-by-step on the skills needed to flourish in the writing life.
Blythe Daniel
"FlourishWriters is not just a name, it's a powerful network of writers equipping and encouraging each other toward the calling of writing. From the leadership to the participants, I've seen the authenticity and professionalism in keynotes, workshops, and the empowering that occurs in these. I'm very honored to be a part of a team that weaves integrity and excellence into all they do. It is a great space to invest your time whether you are a new author or a published author - you will be glad you did!"
LET'S LIGHT UP YOUR MESSAGE WITH THE SPARK OF STORY
We’re just like many of you.
We’re friends who met years ago at a Bible study.
We’re moms of four boys and a sweet girl.
We’re wives to two wonderful husbands.
We’re in need of grace daily, and we mean daily.
We’re obsessed with encouraging women. We’re like writing midwives, birthing your words from your heart to the page.
We started Flourish with a passion to share our God stories, real-life tales of Jesus’ faithfulness in our every day.
Hello there! We’re Mindy & Jenny.
We created FlourishWriters on one simple premise: to empower and equip aspiring and working writers with practical how-to guidance and nurture for the writer's heart, helping you flourish one story at a time.
Kate Motaung
"FlourishWriters is a wonderful resource that I've recommended to a number of writing friends. I appreciate the way that Mindy and Jenny understand the challenges that many writers face - practically, emotionally, and spiritually - and the way they are committed to providing resources that will help community members overcome those challenges. They serve this community well, with grace and joy. Any writer who is looking for a supportive community and guidance in the writing life would find a welcome home at FlourishWriters."
You’re Called to Share the Message on Your Heart, and You Want the Telling to Draw People In.
Introducing
Stories appeal to the senses: wooing readers, removing resistance, and building trust. Far more compelling than facts and data alone, stories attract your audience to your message and leave a lasting impression. Stories stick!
You’re invited to join our three-month fall Academy session for a deep dive on The Art and Craft of Storytelling where you’ll gain the tools, techniques, and understanding needed to craft stories that captivate your reader, engage the imagination, and leave a lasting impression.
FlourishWriters guides you step by step.
We’ve created the path to flourishing in your writing journey.
BECOME A MASTER STORYTELLER
CONNECT WITH
YOUR READER
CRAFT STORIES
THAT STICK
✔
✔
Let’s show you the way!
✔
The fall Academy is in session. The Art and Craft of Storytelling teaches you how to craft compelling, engaging, and emotionally resonant stories as a fiction or nonfiction writer . . . or both!
"All writers need a community to come alongside them and help them grow. While most organizations focus almost entirely on craft or productivity, Mindy and Jenny have created a unique gathering where your artistry will blossom, your soul will thrive, and your writing will flourish . . . one story at a time. FlourishWriters provides the tools, the clarity, and the community to take your book idea from dream to reality."
Allen Arnold
Linda Cobourn
The FlourishWriters Academy semester was refreshing and amazing! It's was a safe and supportive place for me to spread my writing wings and fly. Mindy and Jenny provided practical tools and resources I could use immediately to craft stories that sparkle and connect with readers at a heart-level. It also helped me to understand in a greater way how we write "with" God, not just "for" God.
Felicia Harris-Russell
Flourish Academy does exactly that; it allows a writer to flourish. Writing is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor and the offerings from Flourish allow each writer to choose what will best suit the current work in progress. It is a warm and supportive community, not only from Mindy and Jenny, but from the members who are all involved in writing the messages God has given to us.
Tanya Onu
FlourishWriters is a space that delivers what they promise: a place where writers at any skill level can flourish. The conversational teaching style and community involvement at an affordable price keep me coming back. My first year in the Academy, I published the book that had been on my heart for more than fifteen years, I just didn’t know it. Once I felt the call to share my story, FW was the only community I wanted to be in on that journey. I believe I have at least one more book waiting to be written, and I know that FW can help me get that story on the page.
LaKrisha Compton
Three months with Flourish Writers Academy propelled me significantly in my writing. The three Workshops on Crafting Stories were led by experts who offered not general information that everybody already knew but enlarged my horizons. Allen Arnold's session had a beyond-writing effect on me--I was drawn closer to the Lord through that. I loved the pace, the atmosphere, the community. The main thing is I want to do it again :) Thank you, FlourishWriters.
WRITERS MAKING
PROGRESS
Are you looking for fresh
creativity, community
craft?
and a place to grow in your
During each Academy session, we curate workshops that focus on building out your writer’s toolbox with the practical skills you need to grow in mastery. Academy workshops present guided how-to instruction with easy-to-follow examples. You gain competency to incorporate the lessons into your writing life where they become your own. With Jenny and Mindy and Academy mentors at your side, you’ll gain proficiency in the Art and Craft of Storytelling.
Writer's workshops
1
2
CRITIQUE EDITING GROUP
Writers grow through the critique process, and FlourishWriters is a safe place to put yourself out there for feedback. In the Critique Editing Group, Mindy gives focused editorial attention to students' writing projects. She provides a live edit of 500 words or less, which may be part of a larger manuscript. We welcome submissions from various writing genres: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, devotional, email series, marketing copy, blog post, social media post, etc.
3
book club
Our Academy book club teaches us to read like a writer and learn from the craft of contemporary authors. With one meeting each month, Jenny leads us through The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox, a dual-time story where Ivy Rose and Harvey James uncover truths about identity, belonging, and the healing power of connection. We’re excited to welcome Amanda for a live Q&A where she’ll share insights into her writing process, the inspiration behind the story, and the craft choices that shaped this unforgettable novel..
4
writer's challenge
The Writer’s Challenge activates the storytelling skills you gain during the Fall Session. We guide you step-by-step to develop, write, and refine an original story project—fiction or nonfiction—using tools and techniques of compelling narrative. Every participant will have the opportunity to share their completed work for consideration in Stewarding the Stories You’re Meant to Tell, the next FlourishWriters anthology, where selected stories will be chosen for publication.
5
prayer support
You’re looking for meaningful ways to connect with other writers. You desire community and support in all aspects of the writing life. Prayer support is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. FlourishWriters stands out as a community dedicated to prayer. Staying close to the heart of God enables us to hold fast to hope no matter what the next three months reveal. You’re invited to join us for monthly live online meet-ups to support one another through the power of prayer.
Lynda Kelly
Kathy Dye
"If you're considering the FlourishWriters Academy, don't second guess it. That's the Lords, still small voice whispering to you. This is the path to take. This is the place to be in to write what He has called you to write."
"I love all the friends I've gained at FlourishWriters. The camaraderie, the encouragement, and the knowledge that I am gaining. But, most of all I'm not doing this alone."
Jackie Scott
"This year. I was able to follow through on my plans. I was able to get a book published a self-published book and I'm just very grateful to the Lord for that. "
"After I joined the Academy, everything changed. I learned the steps of taking those outlines and then planning and organizing and all the way to marketing."
Becky Myerson
Kathy Dye
"I have finally gotten the words that God put on my heart onto paper. I can't wait to hold my book in hand. I love the FlourishWriters Community with so much support from other writers. "
" I really thank FlourishWriters for the encouragement and the motivation that kept me going. FlourishWriters helps motivate and encourage the best in our habits and writing."
"Instead of believing that my story didn't matter, they said, ' There's a place for you here. Come share your story'. Thank you FlourishWriters for helping me see the story what God has given me and bring it to life."
"Being part of the Academy, you get a plan, you make a plan for the year and you review your goals whether you meet them or not, there's no pressure and it's fun. It's been a great learning experience."
Cynthia Staudt
Virginia Heslinga
Sarah de Orlando
Claire Davies
"In one of the classes, we were encouraged to say, "I am a writer." And I can say that now with some assurance because the Academy has helped me. It's given me confidence. It's made me believe that what I'm doing is the right thing."
"In one of the classes, we were encouraged to say, 'I am a writer.' And I can say that now with some assurance because the Academy has helped me. It's given me confidence. It's made me believe that what I'm doing is the right thing."
"I found support and instruction through workshops and masterclasses. As I learn the world of writing, I have a whole new group of friends"
"I found support and instruction through workshops and masterclasses. As I learn the world of writing, I have a whole new group of friends who encourage me, pray for me, and inspire me. I’m so grateful for the
FlourishWriters Academy."
Becky Myerson
Lynda Kelly
WHAT'S THE ACADEMY STUDENT EXPERIENCE?
Curated workshops to help you become a master storyteller
In this workshop with best-selling author Sarah Sundin, we’ll explore ways to draw readers into our stories so they become the characters, so they live in the setting, and so the plot fully engages them. Also, we’ll look at how to describe the story world without overwhelming the reader with details.
September 2026:
Making Fiction Come to Life
October 2026:
What Makes Memoir Work
Short-form writing is a laboratory for your bigger ideas as you test your message, break complex concepts into digestible pieces, and refine your voice through repetition. Learn from Ann Kroeker how frequent publication builds your writing confidence and gathers audience insights. A side benefit? Shorter pieces train you to make every word count.
November 2026:
The Creativity Glitch
Do you struggle with knowing what to say or do on social media? Join us for this workshop by Tiffany Jo Baker where you will learn how to create storytelling snippets and mix them with today's trends and techniques to help you get more traction online. You will come away with ideas in hand that you can use to help spread your message and mission to a world that needs to hear it.
One-on-one coaching provides the encouragement, accountability, and expert feedback you need to keep moving forward..
Don't just learn the craft
I Am Ready! Sign Me Up!
What’s included with the coaching add-on:
- Developmental review of your short fiction or nonfiction story to strengthen structure, characters, and storytelling impact
- Editing critique with practical feedback to help refine your writing
- Midway group coaching call for encouragement, questions, and support as you bring your story to life
Add One-on-One Coaching to Your Academy Experience
a WORD from our community
Join the FlourishWriters Academy Winter Session and receive our
Tell Your Story Bundle & a digital copy for the Writer's Life Planning Guide
instantly upon registration.
Winter Session Bonuses
I Am Ready! Sign Me Up!
Tell Your Bundle
Story
We believe in the power of story as a profound path to connect your message with the heart and mind of your reader. Your story deserves to be told, but stories can be difficult to handle. That’s why we created the Tell Your Story Bundle to help you tell stories that communicate your message and hold the attention of your readers.
The bundle is designed to help you grow in the art and craft of storytelling. Eight authors and writing coaches provide instruction on best practices so you get your questions answered with the right information at the right time.
We help you identify the tools you need in your storyteller's toolbox. What are those tools, how do they work, and when do you use them? This curated bundle of resources will help you clarify the message you wish to communicate and become a master storyteller who connects with the heart of your reader.
The FlourishWriters planning guide is key to finding clarity in your writing life. This digital book makes your planning easy with all your goals and action steps organized in one place. The guide walks you step-by-step to help clarify your vision for the year and set goals each quarter. With clarity on your vision and goals, you set monthly action steps and weekly to-dos. The cycle is complete each month as you review and celebrate progress.
The Writer's Life Planning Guide (Digital Copy)
How Do I Join
The FlourishWriters Academy?
✔ Academy Access September - November 2026
✔ Monthly Writer's Workshops
✔ Q&A with Academy Mentors
✔ Monthly Book Club Meetings
✔ Writer's Challenge
✔ Critique Editing Group
Summer Session Academy
$127
USD
one time
✔ Academy Access September - November 2026
✔ Monthly Writer's Workshops
✔ Q&A with Academy Mentors
✔ Monthly Book Club Meetings
✔ Writer's Challenge
✔ Critique Editing Group
✔ One-on-One Coaching
Summer Session Academy +
Coaching
$227
USD
one time
“I’M READY TO
MAKE PROGRESS!”
“I’M ALL IN!”
Register & pay in full
Register & pay in full
pay with payment plan
Pay with payment plan
As a mentor for The FlourishWriters Academy, I witnessed the nurturing environment Mindy and Jenny have built. They've created a space where writers feel seen, supported, and inspired. Their blend of practical tools, heartfelt encouragement, and a clear roadmap makes it easier for writers to tackle their goals. If you're ready to invest in your writing journey, I recommend exploring The FlourishWriters Academy.
Ann Kroeker
The Academy has provided me with knowledge, instruction, and encouragement. It also has been the tool the Lord used to direct my path for this season of my life.
I came into the Academy knowing nothing as a writer! They have been what God used to shape my vision and clarify my calling as a teacher and a writer. Currently, I am ministering weekly to an ever-growing email list. I am working on a memoir and a Bible study.
I have vision--but not only vision--I have stepping stones laid down for me to get there. I love the Academy and all that they humbly pour into those seeking direction in writing what God is birthing in their hearts in whatever form for the waiting world out there.
Lynda Kelly
Still not sure?
We were there not so long ago. Just like you, we had a vision, but we weren’t sure how to pursue it. We were confident in the calling, and we knew it would take trust and obedience, but we also had to figure out how to move forward. Goodness, first we had to figure out what questions to ask. We. Knew. Precious. Little. But we knew the One who would guide us.
We also had each other. Companionship gets you through hard times, confusion, self-doubt, and despair. When one of us wanted to give up, the other rushed in with support.
You don’t need to languish alone. Get into community. Find your village, faithful people you can trust, reliable information you can count on.
Think of the power in partnership: Ruth and Naomi, Mary and Joseph, Paul and Timothy . . . Batman & Robin, Rocky & Bullwinkle, Christopher Robin & Pooh.
The FlourishWriters Academy is our gift of friendship to you. We daily encounter writers who are lonely, confused, or despondent. It breaks our hearts because this does not need to be a writer’s story.
We want to share what we have with you. We invite you to join the FlourishWriters family. You belong. You are worthy. Your message matters. Your dreams are valid.
You want to be certain this is the right step for you. It may feel like a big risk. If we could go out for coffee, this is what we’d say. . .
Welcome home.
I'M Ready! Sign Me Up!
We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If you have any doubts about the value of the FlourishWriters Academy, if you’re prone to buyer’s remorse, if you purchase the Academy and then a financial crisis throws your budget into a death spiral, you have 7 days after purchase to ask for a refund, and we’ll give your money back without hesitation. We’ll be sad, but we understand. Life happens.
But if you stick around and make FlourishWriters your home, we’ll be here for you, through all that life brings this year. We are a family. We commit to you through the ups and downs of your writing journey. So after the initial 14 days, we will no longer offer a refund. Instead, we’ll get to work making your writing dreams come true.
If you’re ready for a change, we’re ready to come alongside you. The FlourishWriters Academy is like nothing you’ve experienced. We’d love to see you truly flourish.
Kelly Shoemaker
This is not my first FlourishWriters class or workshop, and I have never been let down. The content is presented concisely and consecutively and holds your hand through the process. This was the first time that I was able to keep up with the schedule and finish the writing challenge. I enjoyed the three-month semester option. I am super excited to see what I learn and how I grow during the upcoming Summer semester!
Cindy Bradshaw
The community of writers, both seasoned authors and beginners like me, have grown into my biggest encouragers. After two years in the Academy, I was curious about the change to a semester-long course instead of a year-long course. After completing the Winter Academy, I loved the new format! It is a more manageable time commitment, more laser-focused on the theme, and every event on the calendar is beneficial.
Kimberly Lee
"Thanks so much for this Academy. It has been helpful. I actually self published my book not long ago. I enjoy the coaching calls and workshops. The collaboration is awesome. There are so many things about self publishing that I would not have known about if I would not have been in the Academy. I feel like being in Academy gives me the 'inside scoop.' Thank you FlourishWriters!"
Shemeca Richard
"Academy" might sound like an exclusive, almost unattainable group -- but this is a welcoming community in which we're all learning together. Mindy and Jenny have helped me begin to overcome perfectionism and learn to love writing again, in a spirit of trust and companionship with our Lord.
WRITERS MAKING
PROGRESS
FAQ's
HOW LONG DOES THE FLOURISHWRITERS ACADEMY LAST?
The Academy runs for three months from June-August of 2026.
WHEN DOES THE FLOURISHWRITERS ACADEMY START?
June 2026
HOW MUCH TIME WILL I NEED TO COMMIT EACH WEEK?
This will be determined by how much time you commit to your writing goals. Engaging with the Academy requires about 1-2 hours each week.
WHAT IF I CAN’T ATTEND LIVE? WILL I GET A REPLAY?
Yes, you have a learning portal with your personal login. All core content is stored in one place, organized nicely, with easy access from any device. You won’t miss a thing, and you can go back and review the content again and again.
WILL I WORK ONE-ON-ONE WITH MINDY AND JENNY?
Mindy & Jenny are hands on in the Academy so you’ll engage with them on a regular basis. You have access to them for questions and engagement during live events, in the private community space, and via email. They are sure to answer your questions in a timely manner.
WHAT IF I DON’T USE FACEBOOK?
Our live events take place on Zoom and in our private community space on Circle.
WHAT KIND OF WRITERS SHOULD JOIN THE ACADEMY?
Writers of all genres are served in the Academy. We attract faith-based writers, but the messages they share are not always overtly spiritual in nature. Our expertise is nonfiction. Much of what we work on in the Academy applies to both fiction and nonfiction; however, our examples are largely nonfiction since that’s what we write. We have experienced community members writing fiction, and we bring on board other fiction writers who weigh in on specific questions that we need answered.
IF I’M A BEGINNER, WILL I FEEL OUT OF PLACE?
The material we present assumes that you’ve accepted the call to write and you want to grow in your writing skills. If you’re still not sure, you can join the Academy to find out, or you can continue to enjoy our free resources as you decide if writing will feature prominently in your life.
IF I'M MORE EXPERIENCED, WILL I FEEL OUT OF PLACE?
Since writers come from every walk of life with a wide variety of skills gathered from a thousand different places over the years, we each naturally have our own set of strengths and weaknesses. The result? Sometimes we don’t know what we don’t know—we need help to identify the gaps in our knowledge base. We teach the information we’ve tested with a focus on practical, doable, step-by-step processes. We serve a wide scope of skill-levels with high-value offerings and an engaged, enthusiastic community ready to help out wherever you have need.
WILL YOU OFFER THE ACADEMY AGAIN IN 2026?
We may be back in the Fall of 2026!
IS THIS LIKE AN ALL-ACCESS PASS GIVING ME ACCESS TO ALL YOUR PRODUCTS?
No, The FlourishWriters Academy give you access to the items listed. If you want any of the other products we offer throughout the year, you can purchase those resources a-la-carte. And of course, we'll offer plenty of free content too.
IF I DON'T JOIN THE ACADEMY, WILL I LOSE OUT ON ALL THE COMMUNITY AND FREE CONTENT I'VE ENJOYED AT FLOURISHWRITERS TO DATE?
No, you're welcome to hang out with us. We'll still be here supporting writers with our signature let's-make-it-easy-step-by-step approach, but we will invest most intentionally with those in the Academy. When a writer chooses to invest in themselves and commit to us, we reciprocate with our lavish attention.
IS THERE A PAYMENT PLAN?
YES! We offer a convenient split pay option. When you register, you commit to one additional payment of $65, 30 days from date of registration.
WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND?
We do not offer refunds after 7 days from the date of registration.
IS FLOURISHWRITERS FAITH-BASED?
Yes, we are a Christian ministry, but you do not need to be working on spiritual writing to feel right at home in the Academy. We support writers in many different genres.
IS FLOURISHWRITERS FOR WOMEN ONLY?
We focus primarily on women, but we have some men who join us for the excellent resources and awesome value.
I HAVE ONE MORE QUESTION.
If we haven’t answered all of your questions here, please email us at info@flourishgathering.com We’ll get back to you asap.