Anabaptist leaders emphasize writing as a sacred trust at Plain Community Writers Workshop

Writing is a gift from God, and writers need to put the gift to work instead of burying it in the ground, Marcus Yoder believes. “When [God] wants to express love, he . . . entrusts us to write,” said Yoder, keynote speaker at the Plain Community Writers Workshop in Berlin, Ohio, March 13-14. The writing conference drew over 250 people for two days of inspiration, practical advice and fellowship. Several Amish groups and other conservative Anabaptists attended, as well as those from nondenominational backgrounds. Publishers and sponsors included The Budget, Plain Communities Business Exchange and The Vendor. Some authors brought books to sell.

“Writing is not a high priority” among Plain communities, said former workshop committee member Reuben Shetler in an interview, but the organizers hope to change this. The event is designed to support beginning writers and to engage more experienced writers in focused three-hour classes, as well as to encourage writers to meet other writers and publishers. The seeds of the conference began in 2019, when Amish writers in Ohio discussed possibilities to create a space to learn more about writing and to talk with each other. The first conference occurred in 2021 at a local home, and presentations were given in Pennsylvania Dutch. The event drew about 100 people.

In 2022, committee members noticed non-Amish people attended the workshop, despite being unable to understand the language, just to spend time with other writers. In 2023, the gathering moved to Dayspring United Mennonite Church, and presentations were given in English. As the years pass, more people attend. Speakers at the 2026 event presented on a wide range of topics. In a plenary session, Elizabeth Lehman of Indiana shared her experiences of self-publishing and traditional publishing. Carita Keim of Ohio encouraged attendees to become good at looking at the world around them and to write from that place, whether it be the outdoor landscape or the laundry room.

Publisher Ray Miller spoke about starting The Vendor, a biweekly magazine in Holmes County, Ohio, that includes editorials, community news, recipes, puzzles and business advertising. David Kline, author of several books, editor of Farming Magazine and workshop committee member, told attendees that to be good writers, they must also be good readers. Read a book the first time for enjoyment, he said. But the second time, read with a pen in hand and take notes on construction of the text: pacing, dialogue, word choice. Breakout sessions allowed attendees to explore specific writing topics and connect with fellow writers.

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