Carolina Christian Writers Conference Dates for 2024  

March 8-9, 2024

For all writers

 

March 7, 2024

Special day for pastors and ministry leaders.

Come just for the day or add this on to the conference.

Cost of Special Day for Pastors – $50

 

 

PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTION & ENCOURAGEMENT FOR:

Fiction • Nonfiction • Article writing • Humor • Children’s writing • Mechanics of good writing

TIPS & GUIDANCE FOR:

Book Proposals • Social Networking • Pitching to Editors and Publishers

 

Now is the time to realize your dream of being a published author. If you are a new writer who wants to learn how to break into the publishing world, or an experienced writer looking for new markets and wanting to network with other writers, this conference is for you. All writers can benefit from two days of learning, fellowship, worship, and encouragement.

Everyone has a story and it’s time to tell yours. Learn how to do that with excellence. Join us for two information and inspiration packed days as you spend time with editors, agents, publishers, and professional writers. Let them help you explore ways to share your story with others.

Conference Early Bird price $145 (by Feb 1, 2024)

Conference Regular price $165 (After Feb 1, 2024)

Conference One Day – $100

 

REGISTRATION WILL OPEN SOON

FACULTY BIOS AND WORKSHOPS

2024 Faculty

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarship information

Scholarship Application
Carolina Christian Writers Conference

First Baptist Church, Spartanburg, SC

Deadline to apply for a scholarship is February 1, 2024

Title ________ First Name _________________ MI ___ Last Name _____________________

Address __________________________________________________________________________

City __________________________________________________ State ______ Zip ________

Cell Phone ____________________________________ Website ___________________________

Email _________________________________________________ Date ________________

I have received a scholarship to the Carolina Christian Writers Conference in the past.  ___yes ___no

I am ____ published ___ unpublished.

My current project is

My writing goals are

What I am doing to reach these goals

I want to attend this conference because

I need a scholarship because

  • Submit your application via email to linda@lindagilden.com. Be sure to put Scholarship Application in the subject line. This is very important.
  • Scholarship is for full tuition only. Does not cover the optional Friday morning session or recordings.
  • Before applying for a scholarship make sure you will be able to attend.
  • Please send application as an attachment if possible.

OPTIONAL FRIDAY MORNING WORKSHOP

Friday morning 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.  Cost $45 if registered by February 15, 2024, $60 if registered by February 29, 2024.

 

Friday Morning Workshop to be Announced 

Workshop by 

Our Friday morning workshop this year is _____________. This is not part of the conference but you are welcome to sign up for it. ________ will be teaching this amazing class, filled with knowledge and instruction and well worth your investment of $45. 

 

Welcome to the Conference Workshop:

Making the Most of the Conference

Attending your first writers conference is exciting, but it can also be a little intimidating and overwhelming. The Welcome to the Conference Workshop will be recorded again for the 2024 conference, it will be available on U-Tube and a link will be emailed to all conferees who have registered for the conference. It  is designed to help you learn what you will need for a successful conference. If you are registered for the conference and have not received the email on how to prepare for the conference by March 1, please contact John Gilden at johndgilden@gmail.com

 

 

 

 Manuscript Critiques

Critique fee is $35.

Are you interested in taking your writing to the next level? A good way to determine if you are ready for publication is by submitting your manuscript for critique. Some shy away from having a manuscript evaluated, but if you are serious about improving your writing and achieving publication, a manuscript critique is an important step in the process. And it is a great way to learn what mistakes you are making in your writing. We look forward to helping you.

 

Critique Guidelines

MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUE GUIDELINES

Critique fee is $35.

* Critiques are available for both pre-published and published writers.

* You must register and pay for the conference in order to submit a manuscript for critique.

* The critique fee is $35.00 per manuscript and includes comments on your manuscript and a 15-minute appointment with your critiquer. You will need to request an appointment by e-mailing John Gilden at johndgilden@gmail.com.

* Manuscript format: double spaced, (unless noted below), Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri font, one side of the paper. Do not bold, italicize, or use all caps for emphasis.

* Please submit your manuscript prior to the conference via email to the critiquer of your choice. The list of critiquers will added below by Febuary 15, 2023. You can pay this when you register. You must be registered for the conference in order to request a critique and the critique fee must be paid for. Please revisit this page for the complete list of names and availability and deadlines.

* Submissions must fit the following criteria. If submissions are longer than the specified guidelines, the critique will not extend beyond the amount listed below.

Devotions: (limit of three – no longer than two pages each)

Poetry: three poems or three pages

Articles: up to 1500 words

Nonfiction book: outline and first 10 pages

Nonfiction book proposal: single spaced complete proposal

Novel: single spaced synopsis (no more than two pages) and first 10 pages (a prologue is included in this page count)

Novel proposal: single spaced proposal and synopsis

Short stories (fiction): up to 2000 words

Personal experience story (nonfiction): up to 1500 words

Bible Studies: outline (single spaced) and up to 10 pages

Children’s picture book: entire book

Children’s chapter book: synopsis and up to 10 pages

Speaking Presentations: Include your notes for a speaking presentation double spaced, up to 45 minutes long. Include a brief description of the event. Be sure to include the time limit for the presentation, the age and demographics of the audience (if you know it), and one sentence that describes your goal for your speech. Feel free to include notes about  intentional gestures, pauses, as well as other non-verbal dynamics related to your delivery

Manuscripts that include sexually explicit material or profanity will not be accepted for critique.

Deadline for critique submissions is up to the critiquer and will be listed beside his or her name. Most critiquers have limited the number of manuscripts they will critique so you are urged to send your submissions ahead of the deadline.

Below is a list of critiquers and their cutoff dates

Name Cut Off Genre E-Mail Address

CCWC WRITING CONTEST GUIDELINES

Deadline: February 1, 2024

Welcome to CCWC writing contest! It is our prayer that through this contest, we encourage authors to confirm their calling. This part of the contest is limited to attendees whose entries are unpublished and uncontracted for the category entered.

 

The $25 fee for each entry goes to our Scholarship Fund, enabling talented but financially challenged writers to attend the conference. Thus, when you enter the contest, you are investing not only in your own professional growth, but also in God’s plan of provision for others. 

 

Rules, guidelines, and fees are listed below.  Please read and follow them carefully so as to ensure a valid entry. 

Deadline for this year’s contest is February 1, 2024.  

 

Praying for you as you write for Him! 

 

Melissa Henderson
CCWC Contest Director

 

 

View Guidelines
CONTEST RULES:

All entries must adhere to the following specifications or risk being disqualified.

Formatting contest entry:

Cover page is crucial.

On the top line of your cover page, center the words CCWC Contest Entry/Genre (Name the specific genre of your writing).

In the middle of the cover page, please include:

• Title of Entry
• Category with subgenre if applicable
• Total number of entry pages (not counting cover page)

At the bottom of the page, please include the following:
• Name
• Address
• Email
• Phone

Your entry pages should be numbered, double-spaced (except for poetry), Times New Roman 12-point font, and have a running title in the header, but no other identifying information.

E-mail contest entry no later than February 1 to:

ahenderson312@gmail.com

with CCWC Contest in the subject line.

ENTRY FEE: You may pay for the contest when you register or mail a check to Kay Edwards (see below). Make check payable to CCWC at a rate of $25 per entry.
REMEMBER: Make certain you put CCWC Contest on Memo line of check.
Mail check to the following address:

Att: Kay Edwards
CCWC Contest
First Baptist Church
250 E. Main Street
Spartanburg, SC 29306

You may write your check for the total number of entries. However, please attach only one entry per e-mail. You may enter as many times as you wish as long as you enter only one manuscript per category, or for the novel, per subcategory. Your entry will only be judged if the entry fee has been received on or before February 1, 2024.

Note: If you prefer, contest entry payment may be made on the CCWC website at the same time as your registration for the conference.

Contest winners will be announced at the closing session of the CCWC on March 9, 2024.

Fine print:

• Entries not formatted correctly may be disqualified.
• Critiques will not be given on contest entries.
• Contest entries will not be returned.
• Categories may be combined.
• Judges may decide not to declare a winning entry if level of entries does not meet publishing industry standards.

Contest Guidelines

This part of the contest is limited to attendees whose entries are unpublished and uncontracted for the category entered.

CATEGORY – GUIDELINES

ARTICLES – Submit your nonfiction article (up to 1000 words)

BIBLE STUDY – Submit an outline or table of contents plus first 1000 words.

CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK – Submit entire manuscript without graphics or illustrations.

DEVOTIONS – Submit your best devotion of no more than 300 words, including the accompanying prayer and scripture/quote.

NONFICTION BOOKS – Submit a one-paragraph summary of the book, the Table of Contents, plus up to the first 1500 words.

NOVELS – Submit a one-paragraph summary of the book, plus up to the first 1500 words. Note: In your summary, specify which sub-category your novel fits best.  Submissions in the novel category are limited to one per sub-category.

·               Contemporary

·               Historical/Biblical

·               Mystery/Suspense

·                Romance

·                Romantic Suspense

·                Speculative/Fantasy

·                Young Adult

POETRY – Submit your best poem, single-spaced, limited to one page

CCWC KUDOS WRITING CONTEST GUIDELINES

Deadline: February 1, 2024

Welcome to the 5th annual Kudos writing contest of the CCWC! It is our prayer that through this contest authors will confirm their calling.

This part of the contest is not limited to registered conference attendees.

Authors whose works have been published between January 2022 and January 2023 may submit a hard copy of the work along with a $25 entry fee payable to CCWC/FBS (Please write KUDOS Contest on memo line).

The fee attached to each entry goes to our Scholarship Fund, enabling talented but financially challenged writers to attend the conference. Thus, when you enter the contest, you are investing not only in your own professional growth, but also in God’s plan of provision for others.

Rules, guidelines, and fees are listed below.  Please read and follow them carefully so as to ensure a valid entry.

Praying for you as you write for Him!

Melissa Henderson

CCWC Contest Director

View Guidelines

KUDOS AWARDS for PUBLISHED AUTHORS

CONTEST RULES: 

Note: This part of the contest is not limited to registered conference attendees. Authors whose works have been published between January 2023 and January 2024 may submit a hard copy of the work along with a $25 entry fee payable to CCWC/FBS (Please write KUDOS Contest on memo line).

Categories for KUDOS AWARDS:

• Articles
• Fiction
• Non-fiction

These entries should be postmarked no later than February 22 and mailed to:

Melissa Henderson
CCWC Contest Director
3048 Caspian Ct.
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466

Contest winners will be announced at the closing session of the CCWC on March 9, 2024.

(Contest Entries will not be returned)

 

Please include the following information with your entry:

Title of Entry

Category

Name

Address

Email

Phone

 

Meet Your

2023 CCWC Faculty

Becky Antkowiak

Recording Specialist

Sally Apokedak owns the Apokedak Literary Agency, a boutique agency specializing in Christian-worldview children’s books aimed at the general market. She currently has two agents onboard, a few hardworking interns, and a select group of wonderful clients.

She’s been working in children’s publishing for 20-plus years. As the manager of the Kidz Book Buzz blog tour she was privileged to work with best-selling authors such as Jeanne DuPrau, Ingrid Law, and Shannon Hale. Now she represents her own list of bestselling and award-winning authors and she teaches online courses to thousands of students in over 90 countries.

Worshops:

Candy Arrington

Writer, Blogger, and Speaker

Candy Arrington is a writer, blogger, and speaker. She frequently writes on the topics of faith, health, personal growth, and methods for moving through, and beyond, challenging life circumstances. Candy’s publishing credits include three nonfiction books: Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B & H Publishing Group), as well as hundreds of articles and devotionals in numerous print and online outlets—Focus on the Family, AriseDaily.com, Inspiration.org, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest.

Candy gains writing inspiration from vintage photographs, historic architecture, nature, and the application of scripture to everyday life. She enjoys teaching at writing conferences, guiding writers in how to best craft their ideas to experience publishing success.

To learn more, visit CandyArrington.com where you can read and sign up to receive her blog, Forward Motion – Moving Beyond What Holds You Back.

Workshops:

Cheri Cowell

Publisher/Author

Cheri Cowell is the owner/publisher for EABooks. She is both a traditionally and independently published author, is the award-winning author of 365 Devotions for Peace (Zondervan), and Parables and Word Pictures Bible study (AMG Publishers). Her other books include Direction: Discernment for the Decisions of Your Life (Beacon Hill), and the One Story, One Mission, One God Bible study. She’s published over 700 articles and countless devotions. With her experience as an author and as a publisher, Cheri has a unique approach and grace when working with authors to bring their dreams to reality.

Workshop Information to come
Workshop Information to Come

Michelle Cox

Author

 

Michelle Cox is a speaker and the bestselling author of fourteen books. Her newest books are When God Calls the Heart: Devotions from Hope Valley (based on Hallmark’s mega-hit When Calls the Heart and co-authored with Executive Producer Brian Bird) and the When God Calls the Heart Journal.

Michelle’s “Life with a Southern Grandmother” posts run each Monday and Thursday at www.Guideposts.org. She has been the food blogger for Fox News Personality Todd Starnes and has written for FoxNews.com, Focus on the Family, Christian Cinema, Whoa Magazine for Women, Leading Hearts Magazine, and numerous other publications. Michelle is the creator of the Just 18 Summers® brand of parenting products and resources, which will include movies, a documentary, music, books (the Just 18 Summers novel released from Tyndale), and other products. The Just 18 Summers® parenting blog (featuring a staff of writers) has a new post each Monday-Friday. Michelle has been a guest on Home and Family, Hannity, The Harvest Show, Focus on the Family, Babbie’s House, Atlanta Live, and on numerous other radio and television stations.

Workshop Information to come
Workshop Information to Come
Workshop Information to come
Workshop[ Information to Come

Jimmie Davis

Author

Jimmie Davis has served as the editorial Ministry Assistant to Dr. Don Wilton at First Baptist Church, Spartanburg, S.C. from 2012 to the present. Jimmie is also the author of Virtual You, the Girls’ Ministry Handbook, and the Girls’ Ministry Idea Book for Lifeway.  She has contributed to several women’s ministry books for Lifeway and has written numerous articles. The highlight of her editing ministry has been assisting in Dr. Wilton’s book, Saturdays with Billy: My Friendship with Billy Graham, published by Thomas Nelson.

Workshops:

Lynette Eason

Author

Lynette Eason is the bestselling, award-winning author of over fifty books including the Women of Justice series, the Deadly Reunions series, the Hidden Identity series, the Elite Guardians series and the Blue Justice series. She writes for Revell and for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line. Her books have appeared on the CBA, ECPA, and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller lists. She has won several awards including the Carol Award, the IRCC award, the Selah, and the Christian Retailing’s Best Award. She placed in the top ten in the James Patterson 2016 co-writer contest. The movie, Her Stolen Past, based on Lynette’s novel with the same title, aired February 2, 2018, on the Lifetime Movie Network. Lynette is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Romance Writers of America (RWA), Mystery Writers of America (MWA), International Thriller Writers (ITW), and Faith, Hope, and Love (FHL) chapter of RWA as well as the Kiss of Death (KOD) chapter. Lynette can be found online at www.lynetteeason.com and www.facebook.com/lynette.eason and @lynetteeason on Twitter.

Workshops:

Dr. Edna Ellison

Author

Edna M. Ellison Ph.D., a humorist, poet, and storyteller known as the “Christian Mentoring Guru,” lives in Spartanburg, South Carolina. A former editor of a national Christian women’s magazine, (Royal Service, now Missions Mosaic) Edna later served as a denominational consultant, a state exec., and speaker in Mississippi, Alabama, and California. She also serves as past president of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association and International President/CEO of the Beautiful Hat Society.

Edna loves to travel. She has been a keynote speaker in London, England; Frankfort, Germany; Panama City, Panama; and other world-class cities. She has spoken and led writing conferences in almost every US state, including Alaska and Hawaii. An award-winning poetry and writing teacher on the high school, university, and post-graduate level, Dr. Ellison is the author and/or co-author of over 40 inspirational books and over 400 blog and magazine articles. A familiar “Chicken Soup for the Soul” writer, her life has been featured also in Focus on the Family magazines, where she has been published numerous times.

A people lover, Edna enjoys teaching Bible studies, editing, and leading prayer retreats—and most of all—playing with her granddaughter, Blakely.

To Contact Edna: www.ednaellison.net or ednae9@aol.com

Workshops:

John Farrell

Digital Content Writer/Editor of Inspiration.org

John Farrell is the Digital Content Editor / Managing Editor for Inspiration Ministries’ website, inspiration.org. He is the author of one book, written while managing NASCAR’s publishing department. In addition to writing articles and interviewing guests for Inspiration Ministries, he is always on the lookout to acquire spiritually focused, biblically based content from authors, publishers, and PR firms in the following categories: Spiritual Life, Finances (including Career and Leadership), Family (including Parenting and Marriage), Health (including Exercise and Nutrition), and Entertainment (including Movies, Music, Sports, and Books).

John is a graduate of Appalachian State University where he has a degree and done graduate work in English. Prior to working at Inspiration Ministries, John worked at Speed Digital, Lionel (Trains and Racing), NASCAR, and SHAPE America, serving in various editorial, writing, and publishing capacities. He lives in Concord, N.C., with his wife Renee and their two sons.

Linda Gilden – Director, Carolina Christian Writers Conference

Author

Linda Gilden is an experienced writer, speaker, editor, and writing coach. Author of the popular Love Notes series, Mommy Pick-Me-Ups, Called to Write, Why You Do What You Do, Words To Live By, and many ghostwritten books, and with hundreds of magazine articles to her credit, Linda Gilden loves to share a great story.

A national speaker on the training staff of CLASSEMINARS, Inc., Linda enjoys helping others discover and grow their communication skills. She teaches at national writers conferences and “Writing to Expand Your Ministry” in the Women’s Ministry Degree Program at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. A wife, mother, and grandmother, Linda’s favorite times are those spent with her family. Linda finds tremendous joy in directing the Carolina Christian Writers Conference and the CLASS Christian Writers Conference in NM. Lindagilden.com

Workshops:

Linda Goldfarb 

Author

Linda Goldfarb is an award-winning coauthor of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personalities series, international speaker, professional actress, podcaster, and audiobook narrator. She is a traditionally and independently published author who holds a board-certified advanced diploma in Christian life coaching. Linda also represents EABooks Publishing as their Audiobook Division Director and Acquisitions.

As the award-winning podcast host of Your Best Writing Life, Linda interviews industry experts weekly, keeping her current with all things writing-related. As a coach, she loves helping writers and speakers take God’s next best step to reach their publishing and professional goals.

Linda enjoys drinking frothed coffee with friends, hiking and playing golf with her hubby, and relaxing with family and friends as often as possible. She and Sam, have four adult children and many, many, grandbabies. They live in the Texas hill country with two country dogs.

 

Workshops:

 

Lori Hatcher – Chaplain

Author

Lori Hatcher is an author, blogger, writing instructor, women’s ministry speaker, and career dental hygienist. She writes for Our Daily Bread, Guideposts, Revive Our Hearts, and Crosswalk.com. Lori’s written five devotionals, including Refresh Your Hope, 60 Devotions for Trusting God with All Your Heart, which released on January 3. Her legacy book, 100 Moments with God for Couples, co-authored with her husband, released this spring. Lori’s a Toastmasters International Contest-winning speaker (ACG, ALB) and has encouraged women’s ministry groups as far away as Mexico and Japan. She and her husband live delightfully close to their four grandchildren in Lexington, South Carolina. Connect with her at www.LoriHatcher.com.

Workshops:

Melissa Henderson – Contest Director

Contest Director

Award winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages sometimes laced with a bit of humor. With stories in books, magazines, devotionals and more, Melissa hopes to encourage readers. Melissa is the author of “Licky the Lizard” and “Grumpy the Gator”. Her passions are helping in community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon and Stephen Minister. Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at https://www.melissaghenderson.com

Tammy Karasek

Author

Tammy Karasek uses humor and wit to bring joy and hope to every aspect in life. Her past, filled with bullying and criticism from family, drives her passion to encourage and inspire others and give them The Reason to smile. She’s gone from down and defeated to living a “Tickled Pink” life as she believes there’s always a giggle wanting to come out!

When not writing Rom-Com or Women’s Fiction, she’s The Launch Team Geek helping authors launch their books and also a Virtual Assistant. Her work was published in a Divine Moments Compilation Book—Cool-inary Moments. She’s also the Social Media Manager for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, Founding President and current Vice-President of ACFW Upstate SC, and Founding President of Word Weavers Upstate SC. She’s a writing team member for The Write Conversation Blog, Novel Academy, MBT Monday Devotions, The Write Editing and others. Connect with Tammy at https://www.tammykarasek.com.

 

Workshops:

Katy Kauffman

Magazine Editor

Katy Kauffman is an award-winning author, an editor of Refresh Bible Study Magazine, and a co-founder of Lighthouse Bible Studies. She loves connecting with writers and working alongside them in compilations, such as Feed Your Soul with the Word of God, Collection 1 which is a 2020 Selah Awards finalist. She also enjoys encouraging writers and giving them tips in her newsletter called The Lighthouse Connection.

At the conference, Katy represents Refresh, and will gather names of potential contributors, provide information about the magazine, and collect articles for the 2023 issues.

In addition to online magazines, her writing can be found at CBN.com, thoughts-about-God.com, and three blogs on writing. She loves to spend time with family and friends, create art with her group My Artsy Tribe, and tend the garden in the morning sun. She makes her home in a cozy suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and www.LighthouseBibleStudies.com/Katy-Kauffman.

 

Workshops:

Terri Kelly

Author

Terri Kelly is the author of Ida Scudder Missionary Doctor and Mary Slessor Missionary Mother. As a writer, she has contributed to multiple compilations, including Divine Moments, Stupid Moments, Additional Christmas Moments, Faith and Family, and Spirit and Heart. In addition to numerous online publications, she has published articles in multiple magazines including, Clubhouse, WHOA Magazine, Kids’Ark Magazine, and Asheville Lifestyles. Terri teaches at writing conferences and is assistant director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Follow Terri at: amazon.com/stores/Terri-B.-Kelly/author/B00JAGAE24
Instagram: @terri.b.kelly Twitter: @tkellyteaches Facebook: Terri Kelly

Workshops:

Larry J. Leech II

Bold Vision Books Editor in Chief

In publishing for more than 40 years, Larry J. Leech II has coached dozens of award-winning authors, published more than 2,300 articles, ghostwritten 30 books, and edited more than 400 manuscripts. Larry teaches at numerous conferences nationwide and can be found online on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Find Larry at www.larryleech.com.

Workshops:

Wendy Leech

Registrar

Wendy Leech has served in the magazine publishing industry for over thirty years. Specializing in managing production and design teams, Wendy is creatively organized. Volunteering at writers conferences is a passion as she delights in helping writers connect and flourish. Wendy has been married to Larry J. Leech II for 20+ years. They recently move to Upstate South Carolina to be close to their son, daughter-in-law and new granddaughter.

 

Edie Melson

Author

Edie

Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers experiencing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking about faith, writing, or social media, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” Her reputation as an online expert is well-deserved. Her blog reaches thousands daily and has been on the Writer’s Digest Top 101 Sites for Writers since 2017. In her role as social media coach she’s worked with clients that range from authors and speakers to business and ministry leaders. Her bestselling eBook on this subject, has been updated, expanded and re-released with co-author DiAnn Mills as Social Media for Today’s Writer. She’s the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, board member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and author of numerous books. She’s quick to remind those she meets about the practical and personal applications of God’s infinite love. Visit her online at www.EdieMelson.com

Workshops:

Beth Patch

CBN

Beth Patch manages and produces CBN.com’s Spiritual Life channel, the inspirational section of the award-winning Christian website. She holds a Journalism Master’s from Regent University and a Communication Bachelor’s from the University of Virginia. She acquires, reviews, and approves all devotionals, Spiritual Life-themed articles, and biblical studies on CBN.com. She promotes the content via subscription emails and social media.

 

Workshops:

Edwina Perkins

Asst. Director/Managing Editor for Harambee Press

Edwina Perkins is the assistant director of Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She is also the coordinator for Mentoring Moments and the manager for Sensitivity Between the Lines, both with Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Edwina is the managing editor for Harambee Press, an imprint of End Game Press. As a longtime member of Word Weavers International, she now serves as a member of the advisory board. Edwina is an award-winning writer, experienced teacher, speaker, freelance editor, and a sensitivity reader and has been published in numerous publications. One of her passions is to address the need for sensitivity and diversity in the publishing industry. She is also known as Nona to two precious grandchildren.

 

Workshops:

The Importance of Fiction-Techniques in Non-fiction

The Importance of Fiction-Techniques in Non-fiction

Engage the reader from the first word. A great non-fiction book draws the reader in from the start. We’ll look at how some fiction-writing techniques can create more engaging and impactful nonfiction books.

The Importance of Your Pitch

The Importance of Your Pitch

Pitching your book is one of the most important things you’ll do as an author. A memorable pitch can help a book go a long way in a crowded marketplace. It’s a concise, one or two sentences used to sell your book to an editor, agent, and eventually to readers. This workshop will give tips on how to create a killer pitch.

Debbie Presnell

Author

Debbie Presnell, whose career has spanned nearly four decades of teaching — from elementary school to higher education, where she trained future teachers—is a member of Gardner-Webb University’s Gallery of Distinguished Alumni, a published author, national speaker, and Bible study teacher. She is also the United States spokesperson for Mukti Mission in India where she partners with Mukti Mission US to bring hope, healing, and life to women and children of India.
Debbie has authored four books: Shine! Radiating the Love of God — A Bible Study Designed for Young Women in Middle School and High School, Shining Through the Psalms — A 150- Day Devotional Journey, Shine On! 30 Biblical Principles for Radiant Living, and Shining Through James—Living the Journey that Doesn’t Make Sense. Additionally, her articles have been published in the Divine Moments series. She is a contributor to Crosswalk.com and a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).
Debbie is founder and director of Shine Camp for teen girls, whose mission is equipping middle and high school girls with Biblical principles to embrace their identity in Christ and discover their purpose. Read more about Shine Camp Black Mountain on Facebook and visit Shine Every Day With Debbie, where she vlogs and brings devotions and inspirational messages.
Debbie has been interviewed on Atlanta Live Television, Real Life Television and on 106.9-The Light radio station.
Debbie and her late husband, Alan, have three adult children, two sons-in-love, and two grandchildren. She enjoys hiking, riding her bike, helping coach a girl’s running team, and serves as a substitute teacher in her local school. She loves both the mountains and the beach and spending time with her family—especially coffee time and shopping with her girls. Visit her website at www.debbiepresnell.com. Email her at debbie@debbiepresnell.com.

Workshops:

Molly Jo Realy

Author

A Southern Belle from Southern California, Molly Jo is a writer, editor, social media ninja, and producer of Aaron Gansky’s Firsts in Fiction podcast. She has been featured in children’s magazines, on blogs and devotional websites, and her short stories have earned her awards and scholarships from nationally acclaimed writing programs. She is the founder of New Inklings Press and author of The Unemployment Cookbook: Ideas for Feeding Families One Meal at a Time and other books available through her website and on Amazon. She offers seminars and personal coaching on self publication and building social media/marketing platforms. Frankly, My Dear . . . is her blog where she shares her thoughts on Faith, Family, Food, and Fun, and her corner of the world affectionately known as Bedford Manor (the lesser known one, of course), named after Bedford Falls because, after all, it is a wonderful life. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and as a regular contributor to several blogs.

Workshops:

Rhonda Robinson

Content Producer (acquiring editor) Focus on the Family Parenting and Youth

For over twenty years, Rhonda Robinson has provided insightful commentary and analysis on the social, political, and parenting issues impacting the family. Beginning in the late 1990s, Rhonda’s work was featured in newspapers as a controversial columnist. Her voice later transitioned to articles and blogs for high-traffic conservative websites, where she established a significant online presence.

In 2015, Rhonda concentrated her expertise into training and guiding writers in the art of creating viral content that met the felt needs of niche audiences. As a managing editor of content marketing company, Rhonda taught writers how to leverage search engine and social media listening strategies to create content that resonates and reaches its intended audience.

Although the vast majority of her career has been spent online with over 1,000 articles, Rhonda has also penned two award-winning books. Nonetheless, Rhonda’s true claim to fame comes from the titles of mother to nine children and grandmother to 35. Currently, she resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado, alongside her high school sweetheart, as they settle into an empty nest.

Workshops:

Mae Frances Sarratt

Author

Mae Frances Sarratt is an author, speaker, writing contest judge, Podcast guest, and Sunday school curriculum developer.

Her story, Purpose and Time, was featured in the January 2023 edition of All About Seniors Magazine. She has been a guest columnist for her local newspaper, The Gaffney Ledger, in 2022. Her newest project, “The Savvy Senior Connector”, a reference booklet for senior services in Cherokee County, South Carolina, and their families, will be published in 2023.

Mae Frances’ story, Doing it Alone, was featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul’s 2021 summer release, I’m Speaking Now. She has been a contributor to, Getting Old Ain’t for Wimps, by Karen O’Connor, and Candy Arrington’s, Life on Pause. Her article, Our Roller Coaster Ride, appeared in I Ascend magazine 2022.

Mae Frances has been a featured guest on several podcasts, including, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and The A.P. Murray African American Cultural Association Library of Congress. She has been a guest on her local radio stations, 1180 AM, WFGN, and 104.3, WZZQ FM.

Mae Frances is a graduate of Gardner Webb University, with a degree in Human Services, and a retired registered nurse with forty-three years of experience. She is a minister and often speaks at women’s retreats and senior centers.

Workshops:

Cindy Sproles

Author

Cindy K. Sproles is an author, speaker, and conference teacher. She is the co-founder of ChristianDevotions.us, dedicated to spreading the Word of God daily through devotions, and offering writers their first writing credits. Cindy is the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference and a co-founder of Write Right Author Mentoring Services. With 20 years of experience under her belt, Cindy is a best-selling and award-winning author and was honored to receive the 2021 Novel of the Year from the Christian Market Book Awards. Proud of her mountain heritage, Cindy spins stories of the Appalachian Mountains where she was born and raised. She has served as a managing editor for two publishing companies and now works as a freelance editor. She travels nationwide teaching and speaking at writers conferences where she loves teaching new writers. Cindy can be reached at www.cindysproles.com or via email at cindyksproles@gmail.com.

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