Held on the campus of the Mount Academy in Esopus, New York, at the end of June, Plough’s second annual Young Writers Weekend brought together thirty young adults interested in magazine journalism for two days of writing workshops, panel discussions, and fellowship. College students and recent graduates learned about pitching, writing, editing, and being edited from magazine and book professionals from Plough, Penguin Random House, and Cluny Journal. In addition, participants relaxed with summer activities including volleyball, paddle boarding, and barbecue, and joined the Mount Bruderhof community for Sunday worship.

Breyten Neill, a student at Brown University, writes: “I came very unsure of what to expect, mainly because programs for young writers like this are so rare – and the few that do exist tend to be either highly transactional or narrowly professional. What I found instead was a group of thoughtful fellow writers, a team of seasoned pros who were generous in both their guidance and kindness, and an incredibly beautiful setting. I think the part that will stay with me the longest, though, is the time I spent with the Bruderhof. The eager welcome we received and the glimpse I had into this community left a deep impression and served as a lasting reminder that another way of living – one rooted in faith, reflection, and warmth – is not only possible, but real.”

Photograph courtesy of Susannah Black Roberts.

Santiago Vincent, who traveled from Spain to attend, says he has long been searching for a literary community, “so standard a category in literary studies but so rare in my life experience.” Previous encounters along those lines had left him disillusioned. “But,” he says, “because of how the schedule facilitated conversation, as well as the particular kindness of the editors and senior writers, now I must say such communities exist – and no wonder they are the place in which great literary and intellectual changes start.”

The weekend was invigorating for our staff as well. Plough editor Susannah Black Roberts reports: “The process of preparing for and participating in the weekend made me think deeply about why and how we do what we do, the role of journalism in our society, and how to bring the next generation into the adventure and inheritance of this work.” We wish this year’s attendees the best of success in their writing endeavors, and thank our Plough Members and donors for helping to make such events possible.