Register for the 2026 Writing Workshop
June 11- 14 | Learn from experts, improve your writing, submit your story of faith!
The Center for Public Humanities at OU has created the 2026 Summer Writing Workshop (June 11-14 at Christ Church Cranbrook) for anyone looking to grow their skills in writing from experts in the field including Emily Bernard. Emily is an award-winning author and Yale-educated scholar whose acclaimed essays and books, including the LA Times Isherwood Prize winner Black is the Body, explore the complexities of American identity. Currently a professor at the University of Vermont and an Andrew Carnegie Fellow, her work is frequently featured in prestigious publications like The New Yorker and Harper’s.
About the Conference
Thursday, June 11: Opening Keynote
- Workshop Introduction with The Rev. Dr. William Danaher and Oakland University Professor Kathy Pfeiffer
- Opening Keynote with Emily Bernard followed by Q&A
Friday, June 12: Craft & Theology
Morning: Foundations
- Craft Talk and Q&A with Emily Bernard,
- Exploring the "Theology of Renewal" with Fr. Bill.
Afternoon: Workshops & Industry Insights
- Community lunch and book signing with 27th Letter Books,
- Intensive workshop with Billy Mark
- "Behind-the-curtain" roundtable featuring our Journal Editorial Board, offering tips on how to get your work published.
Saturday, June 13: Intensive Study & Revision
Morning: Writing Workshops
- A focused morning featuring two back-to-back workshops led by acclaimed authors Susan McCarty and Mark Stryker.
Afternoon: The Art of Revision
- Community Lunch
- Faculty will gather for a deep-dive panel discussion on the practicalities of revision—sharing their best advice for polishing your personal story of faith.
Sunday, June 14: Community Voices
Afternoon: Participant Reading & Closing
- The workshop concludes with a celebratory reading. Attendees are invited to share their own writing or a brief selection that inspires them.
- Our time together closes with a final blessing from Fr. Bill.