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Celebrating 25 Years of Brave Writer!
Good Gravy, Brave Writer is 25 years old!
I can’t believe it! How did that happen?
How has Brave Writer been around longer than smart phones?
When I sent out that first message all those years ago inviting people to take a writing class with me via EMAIL (remember email?), I didn’t really expect it to sell out (25 families joined up!). Color me shocked.
When I wrote The Writer’s Jungle and released it in January of 2000, I didn’t think people would actually buy it (they did—at the rate of 3 people per month for the first 4 months—EUREKA!).
A few months later, I got to speak for the first time at a statewide convention. My 40 copies sold out! That’s when I realized: Hey! I’ve got a business! (Made up of a few people willing to lug home a massive three-ring binder!)
And yet, here we are 25 years later!
- Over 250,000 families served (and about a million kids!)
- More than 300 products and classes created
- A staff that fluctuates between 40-50
- An email list of nearly 100,000
- A combined social media community of over 200,000
- A membership community of 17,000+
- So many happy parents and kids who have discovered the joy of writing!
Cheers to a great new year: 2025, named after our 25th anniversary—adorable right?
[Podcast #268] Brave Writer’s 25th Anniversary (Part 1)
It started with editing church materials and swapping advice on 1990s internet message boards. Today, Brave Writer has served thousands of families, helping them transform their relationship to writing and each other.
In this podcast episode, we walk you through the history of Brave Writer!
Take a listen as Julie explains why she started the business and how she grew it. Her story is unique, but similar to many homeschool moms’–discovering knowledge and skills that you didn’t even know you had.
The conversation is full of so many good stories, we decided to do a Part 2 next week!
Show Notes
Ghostwriter
Julie’s first paid writing job was to edit PhD dissertations. Her clients’ advisors had no idea who was behind the remarkable transformations they saw on paper. They certainly wouldn’t have guessed she was a busy homeschool mom without a graduate degree.
Internet Message Boards
As Julie’s writing career evolved into writing and editing for her church, she also discovered internet discussion boards. There, she would swap stories and tips with other homeschooling moms around the country. Eventually, a curriculum company noticed her comments and asked her to create some materials for them.
Collaboration and Growth
When that company’s plans altered, Julie created her own writing manual, The Writer’s Jungle, and started email-based writing lessons through the discussion boards. She almost immediately brought on a second teacher and learned how to file a 1099 at her local library. The rest is history!
Julie’s story is unique, but similar to many homeschool moms. Often you discover knowledge and skills that you didn’t even know you had. Just like Brave Writer serves as a resource for teaching your kids how to write, we hope Julia’s story serves as a resource as you discover your own abilities and ambitions.
Resources
- Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention
- Exciting news: our new Substack: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart is launching soon. We’ll keep you posted!
- Check out the Brave Writer Practice Pages
- Find Julie’s books in the Brave Writer Book Shop
- Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
- Read all Brave Writer class descriptions
- Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!
- Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684
Connect with Julie
- Instagram: @juliebravewriter
- Threads: @juliebravewriter
- Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter
Connect with Melissa
- Website: melissawiley.com
- Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
- Instagram: @melissawileybooks
Produced by NOVA
Off the Hook
I’m letting you off the hook today.
You don’t have to prove to yourself that your kids are learning anything. You don’t have to evaluate or scrutinize or justify what they’re doing.
Instead—leave stuff in their path:
- an old toaster to take apart
- weathered deck chairs to paint any which way
- cookie recipes
- an open door to the backyard
- games and cards
- blocks, LEGO, Tinker Toys, Lincoln Logs
- handcrafts, fabric arts
Or—big trust needed—NOTHING.
Enjoy the day for yourself and do whatever you like. Let your kids waste time.
We all need an unstructured, unjustified day once in a while!
Remember: it takes time to trust invisible learning.
Save and like this post so you can come back when you need a little break.
This post was originally shared on Instagram.
Watch the accompanying reel for more.
Permission Slip
It’s official! Homeschool stops now.
- Bake cookies
- Watch holiday films
- Sip hot chocolate
- Sit by the fire
- Wrap gifts
- Waste time
- Sleep in
Put the school books AWAY until January!
In case you need someone else to tell you that you can be done for the year, here’s your permission slip!
Go be that holiday parent your kids crave! They will cherish the memory of your fun parent energy. Indulge! You’re teaching your kids that traditions and family matter.
Happy Holidays!
This post is originally from Instagram and @juliebravewriter is my account there so come follow along for more conversations like this one!
Friday Freewrite: Two Gifts
Today’s freewriting prompt:
Two gifts (one large and one small) find themselves side by side. Write their conversation!
New to freewriting?
Freewriting is that wonderful key that unlocks the writer within. It’s the vehicle by which we trick our inner selves into divesting the words and ideas that we want to share but are afraid won’t come out right on paper if we do. So, read the freewriting prompt, set the timer for 5-10 minutes then write whatever comes to mind. Just keep the pencil moving!
Need more help? Check out our free online guide.
