Plough Young Writers Weekend

The Plough Young Writers Weekend is a limited-attendance gathering of university students and young professionals (ages eighteen to thirty-five) interested in writing, publishing, and Christian community. Attendees will learn how to pitch, write, and edit from professional writers and editors. They will learn the inner workings of the magazine publishing industry. Over the course of the weekend attendees explore the big questions together: What gives life meaning and purpose? How can we live well together? Attendance, food, and accommodation are free of charge. The gathering is hosted by the Bruderhof, the Anabaptist Christian community that publishes Plough.

Space is limited to thirty people. Apply here and we'll get back to you shortly.

While we prize a variety of viewpoints and convictions at Plough, our common starting point is the magazine’s motto: Another Life Is Possible. 

Schedule

Friday, June 26

• 1:00–2:30 Welcomes, registration, and lunch

• 2:30–5:30 The Making of a Magazine Article: Pitching and Writing

• 6:30 Dinner Conversation: What is the Bruderhof? 

• 8:00 Reception

Saturday, June 27

• 8:30 Breakfast

• 10:00 The Making of a Magazine Article: Writing and Editing

• 12:30 Lunch

• 1:30 Individual Writing

• 2:30 Closing Panel

• 3:30 Afternoon activities

• 5:00 BBQ Dinner

Sunday, June 28

• Breakfast with Bruderhof family

• 10:00 Worship service with Mount Community

• 11:00–12:00 Departures

Location

• The Mount Community is a Bruderhof community where 150 people live in a kind of village by the Hudson River surrounded by fields and woods, with a school, community buildings, family dwellings, a medical clinic, a small farm, and the Bruderhof’s high school.
• To get a sense of the Mount Community, see the Bruderhof website for a brief overview or the website of the high school.

Travel

• For those flying in, the closest airports are SWF Stewart, 40 minutes from the Mount Community. Or use the NYC airports (approximately a 104-minute train ride or 120-minute drive).
• The train connection from NYC is Grand Central to Poughkeepsie, New York (eighteen minutes away), with taxi and Uber options from there to the Mount.
• For those driving or using cab service, our address is: 1001 Broadway, Esopus, NY 12429.
• If you need assistance covering the costs of your travel, please email events@plough.com.

Dress

• Not your typical formal conference attire! Please wear what makes you comfortable for activities outdoors as well as in (including for the dinner and reception). Bear in mind that most indoor spaces on the community won’t be air-conditioned.
• You will be surrounded by friendly Bruderhof residents in modest, informal attire. Please know that guests are not expected to adhere to the Bruderhof dress code. Visitors are welcome as they are.

Lodging

• There are two options for lodging. Attendees are welcome to stay in the dorms at the Mount Community free of charge. Much like in a college dorm, attendees will share public facilities and spaces. Alternatively, attendees can stay at the Hampton Inn in New Paltz.

Food

• Meals will be provided starting with dinner on Friday, June 26, through breakfast on Sunday, June 28.
• Important: Please let us know as soon as possible if you have particular dietary requirements or preferences (vegetarian, gluten free, kosher, etc.).

Questions?

Please feel free to get to us with any questions or RSVP details.

• Email: events@plough.com

Apply

Unable to see the form? Apply here.