Writing Religious Trauma

A new workshop from Narratively Academy and the After Purity Project

Spring 2026 is in the books, as we like to say. My shift from semester to summer used to be filled with apprehension. There’s always work to do, but a lack of structure can sometimes trigger my existential angst (which is ever present these days.) But in recent years I’ve found new opportunities around my creative writing that have made the summer break something that offers new challenges and forms of expression.

This summer I am delighted to be teaching my first creative writing workshop with Narratively Academy on Writing About Religious Trauma. We will read Michelle Panchuck’s in-depth, but concise element on the topic to consider how it is being situated within academic analysis. But we will also be reading creative works that grow out of, make use of, or otherwise depict experiences of religious trauma. It’s layers of work that takes careful attention and a practice of self-compassion.

I’m interested in how academic analysis, creative process, and non-religious contemplative practices can serve as the beginning of what my writer friends call CRAFT. That is, how we shape our ideas into stories that tell a truth and engage an audience, even if that audience is just ourselves.

If like me you are an academic who is seeking creative outlets, or a creative who writes about (or wants to!) religion and/or religious trauma, please consider joining me for six weeks to study and practice writing what flows from those experiences. More info below…

New Class: Writing About Religious Trauma