Finding Balance in the Writing Life

In spite of our idyllic visions of a quiet cabin in the woods, few (if any) of us "just" write. We juggle jobs, schooling, family life, and health needs while finding spaces and places to work out our words. In this webinar, you will be equipped and encouraged by a panel of writers who have wrestled with this balancing act personally. You will leave with practical tools and tips for how to find balance between your writing life and all the other parts of your life.

About Our Panel:

Catherine McNiel is a chaplain, author, editor, and speaker searching for the creative, redemptive work of God in our ordinary lives. She lives in the Chicagoland area with her husband, three children, and an enormous garden. Catherine holds an MA in human service counseling and is finishing a Master of Divinity at North Park Theological Seminary. Her book Mid-Faith Crisis: Finding a Path through Doubt, Disillusionment, and Dead Ends released June 2025 and she was the project editor for The Message Women's Devotional Bible which released August 2025. Her previous books include Fearing Bravely, All Shall Be Well, and Long Days of Small Things, which was an ECPA finalist for New Author. She's on the lookout for beauty, wisdom, and iced coffee.

Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young is a sought-after speaker, podcaster, former newspaper reporter, and the award-winning author of numerous books, including Chasing God’s Glory (Waterbrok Multnomah/PRH), Create in Me a Heart of Mercy (Revell), and Breathing Through Grief (Ink & Willow/Penguin Random House). Dorina leads as the president of the Redbud Writers Guild and the visionary director for Lead Loved, equipping Christian women leaders. She writes for (in)courage by Dayspring and Proverbs 31 Ministries. Dorina is a remarried widow. She and her husband, Shawn, are raising three daughters to be leaders in Central California.

Nicole Doyley is a podcast host, author, and speaker. She is a safe person to all kinds of people, which allows her to approach complex issues with honesty and grace. Her latest book, What About the Children: 5 Values for Multiracial Families, released in February 2025 (Westminster John Knox). Find her at nicoledoyley.com.

Sarah Driver writes to equip people for the work of justice. She has worked for 25 years at local, state, and international levels on a range of justice issues from education reform and gender equality to human rights and spiritual abuse. Sarah has lived and worked on four continents and holds a master’s degree in social policy and development from the London School of Economics. She loves meeting new people, hiking, scuba diving, and deep conversations. You can find her at www.justicedriver.com, sarahdriver.substack.com, and instagram.com/justicedriver.

This webinar is hosted by Redbud Writers Guild, and all proceeds support our Women of Color Mentoring Program.