here are the events of EACH day OF WRITE ABOUT JESUS...
(scroll down FURTHER to find class titles and descriptions for each day).
WAJ EVENTS ON THURSDAY - OCTOBER 5
1 p.m. - FINAL REGISTRATION AND CHECK IN
2 p.m. - MASTER CLASS CONCERT - WORSHIP CENTER
3 P.M. - WELCOME, INTRODUCTIONS, WORSHIP - WORSHIP CENTER
3:30 - COMPASS GROUPS
4 p.m. - CLASS SESSION #1
5 p.m. - DINNER - C BUILDING
6:15 - GROUP PIC
6:30 - CLASS #2
7:30 - CLASS #3
8:30 - COMPASS GROUPS (30 MINUTES)
9 PM - FINISH
WAJ EVENTS ON FRIDAY - OCTOBER 6
8 a.m. - BREAKFAST - C BUILDING
9 a.m. - WORSHIP/DEVOTION - AL ANDREWS - WORSHIP CENTER
10 a.m. - CLASS SESSION #4
11 a.m. - CLASS SESSION #5
NOON - LUNCH - C BUILDING
1-3 p.m. - SONGWRITING COMPETITION
3:30 p.m. - Class #6
4:30 p.m. - COMPASS GROUPS
5 p.m. - DINNER - C BUILDING
7 P.M. - CONCERT
WAJ EVENTS ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7
8 BREAKFAST - C BUILDING
9 a.m. - WORSHIP LED BY MISSOURI BAPTIST UNIVERSITY CHOIR - WORSHIP CENTER
9:30 a.m. - CLASS #7
10:30 a.m. - CLASS #8
11:30 a.m. - CLASS #9
12: 30 p.m. - FINAL SESSION, WORSHIP CENTER
1:15 p.m. - FINISH
DETAILS ABOUT THE THURSDAY CLASSES!
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 4 p.m.
The Basics of Writing a Great Lyric, Session 1
Jeff Bumgardner
Room 211
What it takes to write lyrics that measure up to those that get cut and earn awards. Whether you’re fairly new to writing for commercial cuts or you need to brush up on the basics, everybody can learn something from this hour.
Writing For the Southern Gospel Market
Joel Lindsey
Room 109
What sets southern gospel apart from other genres, and how do you make sure your ideas, lyrics, melodies, and chord progressions fit where southern gospel is now.
7 Habits of Highly Successful Writers
Bryan Ward
Room 112
Bryan will show you 7 habits that, practiced faithfully, will increase your productivity and spark your creativity.
Writing Great Melodies (The Keyboard Session)
Don Koch
Room 207
Are your melodies starting to all sound the same? Are they un-singable, uninteresting, or worst of all, unsigned and uncut? Let celebrated songwriter Don Koch give you his tips on the way to make them memorable and inspiring instead.
PANEL DISCUSSION: How To Get Your Foot In The Music Business Door
Moderator: Dennis Dearing, Panelists Belinda Smith, Nicole Witt, Cliff Duren
Room 201
If you’ve had trouble meeting and connecting with anyone who can help you take the next step in your songwriting journey, here’s help! The panelists will share what they didthat eventually led to writing deals, #1 songs, and Dove Awards?
Open Critiquing - Rick Shelton
Room 205
Open Critiquing - James Tealy
Room - 213
THURSDAY, 6:30 p.m.
The Live Co-write
Joel Lindsey and Nathan Woodard Room 207
Our live co-write this year promises to be an adventure. Both Joel and Nathan have written across several Christian genres. Joel has also written Broadway-style songs for theater, and Nathan recently wrote the songs for the faith-based film, Running The Bases. If you’ve ever wondered what really goes on the a professional co-write, come and find out.
Structure Matters
Sue C. Smith and Mike Harland
Room 109
Sue is known for crafting great lyrics that start with strong structure. She’ll share some strategies for making your structure strong, while still sounding effortless.
Writing For the CCM Market
Tony Wood, James Tealy
Room 211
Learn the key characteristics of songs that fit these markets. Who should you be listening to both in the Christian world and in the secular arena as well. Discover what is required of the lyric and of the melody in each genre.
Finding Purpose and Peace in Your Writing Journey
Gina Boe 112
You’ve heard the call to write songs. Now what? Some writers’ journeys will lead to publishing agreements, artist cuts, and awards. But what if that’s not your path? What are the many ways to have a fulfilling and purposeful writing life, while navigating the feelings of comparison, disappointment, and frustration that are all too familiar to creatives.
Room
PANEL DISCUSSION: Making the Most of This Weekend
Moderator: Mary Alice Lovelace, Panelists: Dusty Wells, Donna King, Michael Farren
Room 201
You’ve invested a lot to get to Write About Jesus. Now get some tips and hacks for getting all you can from the next 9 class sessions and songwriting competition.
Open Critiquing - Kenna West
Room 205
Open Critiquing - Cliff Duren
Room 207
THURSDAY, 7:30 p.m.
The Basics of Writing a Great Lyric, Session Two
Tony Wood
Room 211
One of Nashville’s most respected lyricists in any genre, Tony’s had 31 #1 songs, and is the winner of 5 Dove Awards. His lyric writing classes are considered some of the very best anywhere. For first-time registrants and WAJ veterans who want to dig deeper with their lyrics.
Writing A Worship Song
Michael Farren
Room 209
What makes a current worship song different from other songs? How do you write a song that invites and encourages people to engage in praise, worship, and surrender? Michael will look at what sets this genre apart from others in its subject matter, lyric approach, melodies, rhythms, and chord progressions.
Writing For The Country Market
Nicole Witt
Room 109
Although Nicole is a first-timer at Write About Jesus this year, she is no stranger to the WAJ faculty who have admired her songs for years! She’s had cuts by country artists like George Strait, Lee Brice, Rodney Atkins, Aaron Goodvin, Terri Clark, and others, and her songs have been cut by Christian artists Ellie Holcomb, Mandisa, and many more. Nicole will share her story with those who want to write for this exciting market.
Chords and Grooves
Cliff Duren
Room 112
It’s easy to get stuck using the same chords on every song you write. The same can be true for tempos and time signatures. In this session, Cliff will offer ideas on how to break out into some new areas musically.
PANEL DISCUSSION: Where To Find Your Next Great Idea
Moderator: Dusty Wells, Panelists: Lee Black, Jeff Bumgardner, James Tealy Room 201
If you’ve ever faced the blank page without an idea, or if you’re finding it harder and harder to go into your co- writes because your idea bank is empty, get some new strategies from our creative dynamos. They face the challenge of constantly generating a steady flow of ideas to develop into great songs.
Open Critiquing - Zane King
Room 205
Open Critiquing - Bryan Ward
Room 213
ALUMNI ONE ON ONES: Holly Zabka, Jaquita Jenkins (Find your contact by going to the WAJ registration desk)
DON'T FORGET THAT COMPASS GROUPS WILL MEET FOLLOWING THE 7:30 CLASS PERIOD FOR 30 MINUTES!
DETAILS ABOUT OUR FRIDAY CLASSES!
FRIDAY, 10 A.M. CLASSES
THE CO-WRITERS
Dave Clark and Don Koch
Room 207
Over the years, this dynamic writing team has been responsible for dozens of hit songs, including “Future Generations,” “Strange Way To Save The World,” “Crucified With Christ,” “Mercy Came Running,”
The Art of Pitching
Kenna West
Room 109
What thought and planning go in to making a pitch to an artist or for a project? Can an unsigned writer pitch songs? How do you know who, when, and how? Kenna is known for her great success in the pitching process.
Writing A Great Melody (The Guitar Session)
Zane King, Jason Cox
Room 211
Why are some melodies moving, compelling, interesting, fresh, memorable, and singable? How can you improve your melodic sense? When should you pick up the guitar, and how do you go about finding a fresh melody with the chords you know?
All About That Hook
Donna King
Room 112
How to develop and use compelling, fresh, and memorable hooks for your songs.
PANEL DISCUSSION: Why You Didn’t Get The Cut
Moderator: Mary Alice Lovelace, Panelists: Jeff Bumgardner, Joel Lindsey, Dusty Wells
Room 201
Every writer and every publisher deals with the disappointment of songs that lose out at the last minute and songs they believe in that sit un-cut. Hear how you can overcome writing mistakes you’re making that doom your songs to sitting on the shelf.
Open Critiquing - Nathan Woodard
Room 205
Open Critiquing - Belinda Smith
Room 213
ALUMNI ONE ON ONES - Dennis Dearing, Joe Dan Cornett, Rick Shelton (Find your contact by going to the WAJ registration desk)
FRIDAY, 11 A.M. CLASSES
Handle with Care: Unpacking the Importance of God’s Word in our Lyrics.
Kenna West and Sue C. Smith
Room 109
We’ll discuss how we approach scripture carefully and how we make choices about how to integrate it into our lyrics in fresh and unique ways.
First Impressions and Lasting Results: The Common Mistakes Writers Must Avoid
Dave Clark
Room 109
Over the years, songwriting veteran Dave Clark has seen a lot of writers create problems for themselves which they could easily avoid. If you’re worried that you’re messing things up, Dave will share helpful advice.
Writing A Musical
Jeff Bumgardner, Cliff Duren, Gina Boe
Room 211
All three of these writers have won Dove Awards for their musicals. They’ll share the big picture items and small details you must pay attention to if you’re writing a musical for your own choir or to capture the attention of a publisher.
Writing the Modern Hymn
Lee Black
Room 207
Lee’s release of a his album of modern hymns last year (Beloved) is the result of his love of this song form and his desire to provide it to local church bodies. If you love new hymns and would like to write them, Lee has great suggestions.
PANEL DISCUSSION: Writer Issues and How to Handle Them
Moderator: Joe Dan Cornett, Panelists: Zane King, Belinda Smith, Jason Cox
Room 201
From cancelled co-writes, to songs that never seem to get finished, to pitching songs and getting no response, to dealing with the ugly issue of songwriter jealousy— there are many dilemmas you will face that will require wisdom, insight, and sensitivity. The way you go about it will matter.
Open Critiquing - James Tealy
Room 205
Open Critiquing - Michael Farren
Room 213
ALUMNI ONE ON ONES: Dennis Dearing, Don Koch (Find your contact by going to the WAJ registration desk)
SONGWRITING COMPETITION, FRIDAY 1-3 P.M.
WORSHIP, GROUP 1
Holly Zabka and Jason Cox
Room 201
WORSHIP, GROUP 2
Michael Farren and Tony Wood
Room 203
CCM, POP, AC, GROUP 3
Don Koch, Dennis Dearing
Room 207
CCM, POP, AC, GROUP 4
James Tealy and Bryan Ward
Room 209
SOUTHERN GOSPEL
Joel Lindsey and Belinda Smith
Room 211
SOUTHERN GOSPEL
Kenna West and Zane King
Room 205
COUNTRY and INSPO COUNTRY
Donna King and Nathan Woodard
Room 213
PRINT AND CHORAL
Cliff Duren and Jeff Bumgardner
Room 112
SPECIAL OCCASION, SEASONAL, NOVELTY, KIDS
Gina Boe and Dave Clark
Room 109
FRIDAY, 3:30 P.M. CLASSES
The Co-writers
Kenna West and Jason Cox
Room 207
Over the past few years, Kenna and Jason have written a succession of number one songs in southern gospel. They’ve written together weekly for over 10 years. Come and find out what it takes to build that kind of co-writing relationship.
Dashboard Poets: Exploring other genres to get new ideas for songs
Belinda Smith
Room 211
Writing For Film and TV
Nathan Woodard
Room 112
This year Nathan wrote the songs for the faith-based film Running The Bases. The film and its score were nominated for a K-Love Award. Let Nathan tell you some of the things you need to know to make headway in this exciting part of the songwriting world.
Making Social Media Your Best Friend Instead of Your Worst Enemy
Mary Alice Lovelace
Room 109
Here’s a class in the basics of when, where, what, why, and how much you should be posting on social media. Learn a little about the platforms available to you and the best ways to use them to increase your visibility as a songwriter, as well as create the impression you want to have on the world.
PANEL DISCUSSION: Co-writing Successfully In Every Situation
Moderator: Rick Shelton, Panelists: Sue Smith, Dave Clark, Tony Wood, Mike Harland
Room 201
These writers write regularly with a wide variety of people. How do they adjust their approach, habits, and writing to fit the demands of the room they find themselves in?
Open Critiquing - Lee Black
Room 205
Open Critiquing - Gina Boe
Room 213
ALUMNI ONE ON ONES - Joe Dan Cornett, Donna King (Find your contact by going to the WAJ registration desk)
DO NOT MISS OUR WRITERS IN THE ROUND CONCERT AT 7 P.M. ON FRIDAY IN THE WORSHIP CENTER. IT IS ALWAYS ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEKEND. IT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. WE WILL TAKE A FREE-WILL OFFERING THAT GOES TO WAJ MISSION WORK!
DETAILS OF OUR SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, CLASSES
SATURDAY, 9:30 A.M. CLASSES
Psalming and Your Worship Songs
Krissy Nordhoff
Room 207
A discussion of how songs can overflow from your personal worship time. How do you get started and how can this habit can grow you as a worshiper and a writer?
Making a Great Demo
Dennis Dearing
Room 112
Whether you have access to a studio or not, whether you play or sing, how can you make a demo that will be effective for pitching to a publisher or artist? As a studio owner and producer, Dennis has vast knowledge of how to get the most for your investment.
Music Business 101
Joe Dan Cornett
Room 109
Every songwriter needs to know the basics of publishing, royalties, licenses, contracts, and all the other things that make the business side of the songwriting life a challenge. Joe Dan will share vital information to every songwriter. Highly recommended if you have not attended a music business class before.
So You Want To Make An Album
Jaquita Jenkins and Dusty Wells
Room 207
If you are a singer-songwriter, or an artist who also writes, let Jaquita and Dusty take you through the process of making your own album, from conception to choosing songs to working in the studio to promoting the finished project. Jaquita is the driving force behind Artist Resource Services, and Dusty is A&R Director for Daywind.
PANEL DISCUSSION: Insights Into the Worship Songs People Love Singing
Moderator: Bryan Ward, Panelists: Jason Cox, Jeff Bumgardner, Mike Harland
Some writers just seem to know some secret about worship songs that become hugely popular. These worship leaders are choosing songs each week for the people they lead. Learn how they decide which songs to use. From there, learn how you begin writing songs that move people in just that way.
Room 201
Open Critiquing - Kenna West
Room 205
Open Critiquing - Zane King
Room 213
ALUMNI ONE ON ONES - Donna King, Dusty Wells (Find your contact by going to the WAJ registration
SATURDAY, 10:30 A.M. CLASSES
Drawing From A Deep Well
Mike Harland
Room 211
Using Paul as the example, we will explore deep wells of theology where rich lyrics can be discovered.
Creative Kickstarts
Lee Black
Room 207
Suffering from writer’s block? Feeling stuck in a rut? Lee offers some practical exercises to jumpstart your creativity - lyrically and musically!
Your Song and Radio
Joe Dan Cornett
Room 109
What makes a song a great choice for radio and how can you make writing choices that get you “the single”?
The Nashville Number System
Bryan Ward
Room 112
Learn how this simple shorthand used by the pros can help you understand chord progressions, melodies, and rhythms, and ultimately help you write better songs.
PANEL DISCUSSION: RE-WRITING: The Difference Between So-so and Great
Moderator: Dusty Wells, Panelists: Gina Boe, Joel Lindsey, Jason Cox
Room 201
It’s said that great writing is rewriting. But do the pros really have to do this? When and why are they asked to re-write? How do they respond? What strategies do they use in the re-writing process?
Open Critiquing - Kenna West
Room 205
Open Critiquing - Tony Wood
Room 213
ALUMNI ONE ON ONES - Jaquita Lindsey Jenkins, Holly Zabka (Find your contact by going to the WAJ registration desk)
SATURDAY, 11:30 A.M. CLASSES
How To Be Your Own Publisher
Zane King
Room 109
More and more these days songwriters are, by choice or necessity, having to navigate the publishing waters on their own. Zane is an expert at what you need to do to function as your own publisher.
What You Have to Know About Genres
Joel Lindsey and Holly Zabka
Room 207
How is the language, the melody, the chord progressions, and the structure different, depending on the genre you’re writing for? Is it really that important to nail the genre?
Writing For Radio
Donna King and Jason Cox
Room 112
What do you need to know about what artists, A&R directors, radio deejays, and listeners are looking for that will help you become a “hit single” writer?
Writing for the Cut
Lee Black
Room 211
Discover some tips and strategies Lee has learned that will help you land those coveted song slots consistently.
PANEL DISCUSSION: Your Next Steps Once WAJ Is Over
Moderator: Mary Alice Lovelace, Panelists: Kenna West, Bryan Ward, Dusty Wells
Room 201
You’ve gone to all the classes, and you’re about to head home. What should you do next week to further what you’ve gained from this weekend? How do the results of the songwriting competition figure in to where you go from here?
Open Critiquing - Kenna West
Room 205
Open Critiquing - Mike Harland
Room 213