“Write, For These Words Are True and Faithful”: Writing Nonfiction with a Doctrinal Emphasis with Whitney Hemsath

In this course, we will discuss the ins and outs of writing nonfiction with a doctrinal emphasis.
Among the specific topics covered will be:
● Types of nonfiction
● Profit vs. priestcraft
● Defining and cultivating authorial voice
● Defining success
● Avatars vs. audience
● Making old doctrines feel fresh
● Structure, word count, and format expectations
● Fair use and quoting non-scriptural sources
● Tone, wordsmithing, and line edit tips
● Using humor effectively
● Publication paths and opportunities

During this six-week course, participants will:
● Create a profile for their project’s avatar
● Learn how to measure their personal success
● Generate a list of topics for future writing projects
● Craft an outline, synopsis, and/or proposal for their next nonfiction project
● Write a 500-word article on a doctrinal topic
● Learn effective critiquing techniques
● Receive in-class critique on their 500-word articles
● Gain a clearer understanding of which publication route is best for their project and what expectations they should have moving forward with that path
● Find hope and encouragement to pursue doctrinal writing, even if they’re not a general authority or BYU professor.

Whitney Owens Hemsath writes short stories, poems, novels, and more, with works for both children and adults. She is the author of Types, Shadows, and Casseroles: Finding Christ in Your Daily Life and writes regularly for LDSLiving.com.  She is a two-time finalist for the LDSPMA Praiseworthy Awards, holds a BA in screenwriting, and has had her work included in university curriculum. When she’s not writing, she enjoys doing Zumba and 3D printing new items for her business, Fiction & Filament.