Carolina Christian Writers Conference Dates for 2023
March 10-11, 2023
For all writers
March 9, 2023
Special day for pastors and ministry leaders.
Come just for the day or add this on to the conference.
Cost of Conference – to come
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 to come.
Conference Regular price to come
Conference One Day – to come
EABooks Publishing
Offers a Compilation Book Publication Opportunity
Anchor in the Storm
Extended Deadline – Midnight March 19, 2022
Publication Opportunity
Writers who meet deadlines, follow submission guidelines, and submit to the editing process will be chosen for inclusion in a book titled, Anchors in the Storm, published by Living Parables, an imprint of EABooks Publishing. Authors will be able to purchase books at a reduced rate and keep the profit from their sales.
View Guidelines
Guidelines
Publication Opportunity
Writers who meet deadlines, follow submission guidelines, and submit to the editing process will be chosen for inclusion in a book titled, Anchors in the Storm, published by Living Parables, an imprint of EABooks Publishing, making them “published” authors. Authors will be able to purchase books at a reduced rate and keep the profit from their sales.
Guidelines
- For unpublished authors (can have articles, blogs, or online content published either paid or unpaid, but not a book for which royalties were paid)
- Only those who follow the full submission guidelines will be considered
o One submission per person registered for the conference
o Can submit a short story, article, devotional, poem, or prayer with 1500-word limit
o Include a 50-word bio at the end of your submission written in third person, a title to your piece, and your name with contact information (email, address, and phone number) at the top of the first page of the submission (none of this is included in submission word count total)
o Standard manuscript format (Times New Roman, 12 pt font, double-spaced, 1-inch margins, Microsoft Word doc or docx)
o The submission should tie in to the theme of the book
o Submissions must be submitted via email attachment to contests@eabookspublishing.com by midnight (we’ll insert deadline later) and your conference name or initials in the subject line.
• Those that best reflect the theme, who meet submission guidelines and represent the best writing of new authors, will be chosen for inclusion in the book. Winners will be announced during the conference.
The 2022 Book: Anchor in the Storm
When storms come in life, we often turn to anchors the world promotes—success, relationships, our own abilities, and even food, drugs, and alcohol. But soon we discover these anchors don’t hold and we drift further out to sea. The stories, poems, and devotions in this collection point us to the one anchor that holds no matter the storm—Jesus! He’s the only anchor we can trust, and in reading them we hope you are encouraged to hold tight to Jesus in your own storms.
Meet Your
2022 CCWC Faculty
Candy Arrington
Author
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
Worshops:
To Blog Or Not to Blog
To Blog, Or Not to Blog – Answers to Your Questions about Starting and Maintaining a Blog
Are you thinking of starting a blog, but don’t know how to begin? Or did you start a blog, but abandoned it because your posts were unfocused, and you couldn’t attract an audience? Blogging is a crowded arena, so your blog needs to be more than an online journal you occasionally add to. To have a successful blog, you need to think through your purpose and focus and then lay a good foundation before beginning. In this workshop, we’ll discuss how to select a blog topic you can sustain for the long haul, consistently produce engaging content, navigate the basic framework for blogging, discover how to garner an audience, and learn how to promote your blog.
Organizing and Fleshing Out Your Nonfiction Book Ideas
Organizing and Fleshing Out Your Nonfiction Book Idea
Do you have an idea for a nonfiction book? An idea is the seed, but you need to be able to build a framework and then flesh out the book bones to successfully produce book-length nonfiction. In this workshop, we will discuss book titles, overarching themes, producing an annotated outline, and adding structure, story, and content. Come with your idea and we will brainstorm some potential paths for creating an attention-grabbing nonfiction book.
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.
Worshops:
Self-Edit Like a Pro
Self-Edit Like a Pro
After you have let your creative juices flow to write your manuscript, you feel a great sense of accomplishment. But hold on a minute! That is only the first draft. A good writer will edit multiple times focusing on specific areas each time before sending a manuscript to a publisher. Why? Editors don’t have time to rewrite your whole manuscript. A busy editor can determine if he or she has time to edit and publish your book by reading the first few pages. Jimmie will share essential tips for self-editing. You will learn to create a captivating manuscript, and look like a pro every time.
From Pulpit to Print - What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do
From Pulpit to Print – What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do
Probably hundreds of sermons are audio recorded in your church’s media department. As a pastor, you have outlines and possibly manuscripts of the many sermons you have preached through the years. Often people ask if they can have a copy of your sermon because it was life changing for them. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to take those sermons and compile them into books that could change lives for eternity? Maybe you have no idea how to accomplish this task. Join us as Jimmie focuses on how to get started in taking your sermon from the pulpit to print. Jimmie has served as an editorial assistant for Dr. Don Wilton for the past ten years.
Vincent Davis
Author
Vincent B. Davis II is an author, entrepreneur, speaker, and soldier. After graduating from East Tennessee State University, he quit his day job and decided it was as good a time as any to follow his dream. With a shoestring budget and no platform to speak of, he’s now published six historical fiction novels, three of which have become Amazon International Best Sellers.
He is passionate about helping authors learn the marketing and advertising tactics he used to succeed. Focusing primarily on the intricate algorithms of Amazon, he loves making the complex simple so that authors can build up their platform and increase their sales.
Workshops:
Amazon Marketing Solutions for Every Author
Amazon Marketing Solutions for Every Author:
This class is for every author. Whether you’re traditional or indie published, a beginner or a best seller. Amazon is where books are sold, and it’s important that every author have a dedicated strategy to take advantage of America’s largest book retailer. In this class, we’ll be discussing the options available to every author to build up a platform on Amazon that’s built to
Amazon Bootcamp
Amazon Bootcamp:
Amazon is where books are sold. Nearly 80% of all eBooks are sold on Amazon, and upwards of 40% of paperbacks are sold there as well. But if other online stores feel like barren deserts, sometimes Amazon can feel like attempting to sell in shark-infested waters. But there are tools and tricks available to all authors to improve their visibility on Amazon, and in this course we’ll be discussing some of the very best. We’ll go over the basics of metadata (keywords and categories), price points and price promotions, and the benefits of Amazon exclusivity. Whether you’re a bestseller or a first-time author, this course will give you additional tools to help your book become more discoverable on the world’s largest bookstore.
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.
Worshops:
All Things Mentoring
All things Mentoring: Do you want to be a mentor? Do you need a mentor? Are you wondering how to find a mentor? Are you curious what a mentor can do for you? Not sure what to do about any of those things? Come join Lynette Eason who will discuss various topics related to mentoring and answer all questions related to mentoring.
Hit and Run Suspense
Hit and Run Suspense: Are you interested in learning what makes a great suspense story? Come join Lynette for a “hit and run” hour of learning what goes into making a suspense story stand out from all the rest.
Dr. Edna Ellison
Author
Dr. Edna Ellison, a humorist, poet, and storyteller known as “the Christian mentoring guru,” lives in Spartanburg, SC. Former editor of a national Christian women’s magazine, Royal Service, she later served as a denominational consultant, speaker, and writer in Alabama and California. Currently Edna is a past president of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.
Edna has been a keynote speaker in London, Frankfort, Panama City, 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, college, and post-graduate level, Edna is the author of 40 books and over 400 magazine articles. Her life has been featured in a Focus on the Family magazine, where she has also been published. A people-lover, she also loves 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
Worshops:
"Oops and Uh-Oh" Something New in Poetry
“Oops and Uh-Oh!” Something New in Poetry
Contrary to public opinion in the twentieth century, poetry sales are booming. Every book store, local or online, has hundreds of new books in fresh poetic genres. Could one of them be yours?
Bring your bongo drums and join us for this workshop to soak up training for writing poetry for twenty-first-century readers. We’ll have fun in these areas: Sounds: from Assonance to Onomatopoiea. Rhythms: from Iambic Monometer to Spondaic Octameter. Order: from Found Lines and Shakespearean Sonnets to Figures of Speech.
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
Worshops:
Articles, Articles, Articles!
Learn the basics of magazine article writing in this information-packed class. Topics addressed will include how to break in to the magazine market, where to find marketable ideas, how to study the markets to find a perfect fit for your manuscript, contemporary article format, and much more. Discover how to make the most of your research by repurposing it for other articles and books. Find out how to give editors what they want so that your work stands out from the slush pile. Network with other writers for research as well as for encouragement and fellowship and use article placement as a successful marketing tool.
Linda Glaz
Agent
Linda S. Glaz is an experienced editor, reviewer and writer, has been a proofreader for two publishers, an editorial assistant to for Hartline becoming an agent four years ago. She has worked as a professional reviewer for a romance site, and just loves anything to do with books. She’s extremely active in the judging community and speaks at conferences nationwide. She is also a member of AWSA, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association which takes her speaking from libraries to ladies teas, churches, and conferences. Linda understands writers, because she IS a writer.
linda@hartlineliterary.com http://hartlineliteraryagency.blogspot.com
Worshops:
Deep, Deep, Deep Deeper POV
Deep, deep, deep deeper POV
Authors stumble and stammer when trying to write solid deep POV. And that’s to be expected when there’s confusion about what deep POV even means. Let’s have some straight talk about ways to write deep POV correctly and to understand when it is and when it isn’t necessary.
Can we go any deeper, and why should we?
Checking nooks and crannies for obvious signs that we are “telling” the story
What do Editors and Agents Want?
What Do Editors and Agents Want?
It’s all so confusing. We read on blogs and agency sites that first this is wanted and then that. But what can really make us stand out as seasoned authors when approaching agents and editors? Or will we “stand out” in negative ways? Some hints and tips that will push your letter to the top of the slush pile and help you to navigate the industry like a pro instead of a rookie.
I’m SO confused!
Looking professional right from the start
Learning the tricks to let them know you mean business from page one to publication
Linda Goldfarb
Author
Linda Goldfarb is an award-winning author 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.
As the podcast host of Your Best Writing Life, Linda interviews industry experts weekly, keeping her current with all things writing related. Linda works with EABooks Publishing as the Audiobook Division Director, an Acquisitions Editor, and Voice Professional. She loves helping writers and speakers take God’s next best step to reaching their publishing goals and beyond.
As a coach, Linda helps her clients recognize God’s next best step for their personal, relational, and professional lives. She and her hubby, Sam, have four adult children and many, many, grandbabies. They live in the Texas hill country and enjoy hiking, playing golf, and relaxing with family and friends as often as possible.
Worshops:
The Benefits and Business of Podcasting for Writers
The Benefits and Business of Podcasting for Writers
Podcasts – the New Radio for Writers.
- How does listening to podcasts benefit you as a writer?
- Why host a podcast?
- When should you own a podcast?
- Necessities for new podcasters.
This workshop will cover all aspects of podcasting up to creating your own show.
Linda is a 10-year talk-radio veteran and current host of the podcast, Your Best Writing Life on iTunes and numerous podcasting platforms. Before you step behind the mic, gain an insider’s insight into the world of podcasting—shorten your learning curve before investing your finances.
Writing Bios that Bring Business and Blessing
Writing Bios that Bring Business and Blessing
Bios are not one size fits all! This class helps you discover the must-have content and the toss-out content to make your bio work for you professionally. If you have a multifaceted business as a writer, speaker, podcaster, photographer, and coach, etc. this class will help you skillfully weave who you are into what you offer each audience without coming across as splattered in your career choice.
Tessa Hall
Author
Tessa Emily Hall is an award-winning author who wrote her debut novel when she was sixteen. She is now a multi-published author of both fiction and non-fiction inspirational yet authentic books for teens, including her latest release, LOVE YOUR SELFIE. Tessa’s passion for shedding light on clean entertainment and media for teens led her to a career as a Literary Agent at Cyle Young Literary Elite and a YA Acquisitions Editor for Iron Stream Media. She is a regular writer for Crosswalk.com, and her works have been published in multiple publications, including Devozine, Guide Magazine, Broken But Priceless Magazine, Fervr.net, and more. When Tessa’s fingers aren’t flying 128 WPM across the keyboard, she can be found speaking to teens, teaching at writing conferences across the country, and acting in inspirational films. Her favorite way to procrastinate is to connect with readers is on her mailing list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: www.tessaemilyhall.com.
Worshops:
YA Christian Fiction: What Teens Really Want to Hear - and What They Don't
YA Christian Fiction: What Teens Really Want to Hear—and What They Don’t
Books are powerful tools when it comes to reaching lost youth. However, teens aren’t searching for a sermon when they pick up a novel; they’re seeking a story and escapism. In this workshop, Tessa will discuss how you can deliver a story that appeals to the heart of youth, all the while avoiding major pitfalls that YA Christian fiction writers tend to make.
Lori Hatcher – Chaplain
Author
Lori Hatcher is a women’s ministry speaker, author, editor, blogger, minister’s wife, and healthcare professional. She shares an empty nest in Lexington, SC with her husband, David, and her vast collection of books.
Lori served as the editor of South Carolina’s Reach Out, Columbia magazine for more than a decade. She’s authored three (soon to be five) devotional books, including Refresh Your Faith, Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible (Our Daily Bread Publishing) and the 2016 Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year, Hungry for God … Starving for Time. Lori writes devotions for Our Daily Bread and Guideposts projects including All God’s Creatures, Evenings with Jesus, and God Knows Her. Her feature articles and devotions have been published by Proverbs 31 ministries, Revive Our Hearts, The Upper Room, War Cry, Today’s Christian Living, and Christian Living in the Mature Years. A contest-winning Toastmasters International speaker (ACG, ALB), Lori loves to use stories to impart spiritual truth. Connect with her at (www.LoriHatcher.com).
Worshops:
Confirming Your Calling, Charting Your Course
Confirming Your Calling, Charting Your Course — Has God called you to write? How do you know? If He has, how do you know what you’re supposed to write? How do you handle the mind games that threaten to discourage and defeat you? We’ll address Insecurity, Doubt, and Competitiveness, walk through a five-step personal analysis, and craft a personal mission statement that will focus and direct the course of your writing life.
10 Insider Tips to Getting Your Articles and Devotions Published
10 Insider Tips to Getting Your Articles and Devotions Published
Why do editors say yes to some submissions and no to others? This workshop climbs inside magazine editors’ heads to discover the reasons behind their decisions. As a magazine editor and a freelance writer, Lori knows that simple things charm editors and increase a writer’s chance of success. She’ll share ten suggestions, complete with real-life examples in this fun, interactive workshop.
Melissa Henderson – Contest Director
Contest Director
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!
She’s the Social Media Manager for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, Founding President and current Vice-President of ACFW Upstate SC, Founding President of Word Weavers Upstate SC. She’s a writing team member for The Write Conversation Blog, Novel Academy, and MBT Monday Devotions and others. Her work was published in a Divine Moments Compilation Book—Cool-inary Moments. When not writing, she’s The Launch Team Geek helping authors launch their books and a Virtual Assistant for authors.
Connect with Tammy at https://www.tammykarasek.com.
Worshops:
Do I Really Need a Launch Team?
Do I Really Need a Launch Team?
I have been a participant, helped an author or ran successful teams on more than 200 Launch Teams since 2011. I’ve loved it so much, I now run Launch Teams regularly for authors.
This presentation will draw on my experience beginning with the explanation of the difference between a Beta Reader, Street Team and a Launch Team. Also when, or if, you need any of them. Hint – yes!
I’ve been on teams that were very successful and some that were not. We’ll look at hints and ideas on how to choose what fits for you to make your team as successful as possible.
Go Network—Say What?
Go Network—Say What?
Been to a Writers Conference or Workshop and heard the instructor say go out there and Network to build your Platform? Was your response either out loud or to yourself, Say What?
When I first started writing and heard someone tell me to Go Network, I almost quit before I wrote the first paragraph. I thought I just needed to write the book. But I was wrong.
In this workshop I will give you tips on how you can boldly go out into the world and network by first giving you several key points to get you started—hint: it’s not just passing out your business card! I’ll give you suggestions that you can tweak and make your own, but give you the steps to move forward while doing so.
Whether you are an extrovert like me who loves to talk or an introvert who has already started to break out in hives, I’ll help you see that you really can Network effortlessly and efficiently. It’s not just about being able to talk. It’s knowing why you need to talk and what the goal is in your conversations everywhere.
Let me help you conquer the fears and give you confidence to connect without the stress.
Katy Kauffman
Author
Katy Kauffman is an award-winning author, an editor of Refresh Bible Study Magazine, and a co-founder of Lighthouse Bible Studies. She graduated from Luther Rice Seminary with a BA in Religion (2004), and she has taught the Bible to women and teens. Katy loves working with writers on Refresh and compilations such as Feed Your Soul with the Word of God, a 2020 Selah Awards finalist. At the conference, she represents Refresh, and will gather names of potential contributors, provide information about the magazine, and collect articles for the 2022 issues. She contributes to three blogs on writing.
Worshops:
I Have My Main Idea, Now What?
I Have My Main Idea, Now What?
As rushing waters flow from the top of a waterfall, our writing plan should flow from our main idea. In this workshop, we will look at 2-3 main ideas and work in class to develop a writing plan for each idea. We will draw from a list of over 25 “ingredients,” such as Scripture, examples, steps, encouragement, cause and effect, and more. This strategy should work for any Scripture-based writing, including your blog.
Terri Kelly
Author
Terri Kelly is the author of Mary Slessor: Missionary Mother. As a writer she has contributed to several books, including Divine Moments, Stupid Moments, Faith and Family and Spirit and Heart. Terri has published articles in Kids’ Ark Magazine, Clubhouse, WHOA Magazine, Asheville Lifestyles, and numerous online publications. She is a teacher at writing conferences and assistant director of Asheville Christian Writers Conference in Asheville, North Carolina. Terri helps teachers survive and thrive the classroom at terribkelly.com.
Worshops:
How to Write Narrative Non-Fiction
How to Write Narrative Non-Fiction
Do you want to know how to take true facts and write a dazzling magazine article, engaging blog post, or “can’t-put-it-down” book?
In this class, you will learn five tips on how to dazzle readers using the key elements of fiction, and create a compelling story that will enlighten and impact readers. As an added bonus, learn what to keep and what to delete, how to select and organize helpful resources.
High Gear Writing: How to Unlock Your Thinking
High Gear Writing: How to Unlock Your Thinking
Every writer confronts days when they’re unfocused, uncreative, and unproductive. In this workshop, we’ll learn to unlock our minds from original thinkers like entrepreneurs, inventors, and artists to focus and stay productive.
Discover how to stoke creativity, deal with procrastination, and tweak habits to meet your writing goals. This class is appropriate for writers of all genres.
Turn your thoughts into actions and write.
Larry J. Leech II
Author and Senior Editor at Iron Stream Media
Writing coach of award-winning authors and a senior editor at Iron Stream Media, Larry J. Leech II has spent more than 40 years working with words. After a 23-year journalism career that began in 1981 and 2,300 published articles, Larry moved into freelance writing and editing in 2004. He has ghostwritten nearly 30 books, edited more than 300 manuscripts, and written back cover copy and press releases for numerous publishers. Larry teaches at numerous conferences nationwide and can be found online on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Find Larry at www.larryleech.com.
Workshops:
Industry Standards, Guidelines, and a Roadmap
Industry Standards, Guidelines, and a Roadmap
Those entering publishing often shiver, quiver, and shake their head because there’s so much to learn in so little time. Fret not. In this workshop, we’ll equip you with necessary knowledge to keep you on the road to a successful career as an editor. We’ll discuss how to establish contacts and grow a freelance business, maintain a healthy editing schedule and regularly make deadlines, and properly and quickly research information, as well as discuss a few editing shortcuts.
Strong Foundation, Strong Fiction
Every builder will tell you that a strong foundation is needed to build. In fiction, that means correct use of POV, character arc, story arc, emotion, setting and description. Knowing when and how to use each will lay the perfect foundation on which to build your story. Even if you feel you have a grasp on these, come see if you have the right mixture in your foundation so your story won’t crumble.
Wendy Leech
Appointment Coordinator
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.
Nancy Lohr
Author
Nancy Lohr is a freelance editor who works for clients worldwide on books in many genres for a variety of readers. Nancy has over twenty-five years of experience in book publishing and was an educator and children’s librarian before moving to publishing. She loves to teach about the art and craft of writing and has written historical novels for children as well as curriculum stories and articles for the youth market and numerous book reviews and articles for parents and educators. She is an avid reader who reads widely in both the youth and adult markets, and she happily agrees with C.S. Lewis who said, “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.
Tight Writing
Tight Writing – Writing the rough draft is where the process begins, but self-editing is a necessary task for every author. We will look at categories of edits that every author should be working through either daily in small bites or at the completion of the full rough draft or maybe both.
Publishing is a Team Sport
Publishing is a Team Sport – When the manuscript is ready to prepare for publication, what should the author expect? What stages remain and who is responsible for each of those? We will look at flow charts and breakdowns of the polishing and preparation that takes a raw manuscript and makes it reader ready both in the traditional publishing world as well as in self-publishing or indie publishing.
Edie Melson
Author
Edie Melson—author, editor and blogger—Find your voice, live your story…is the foundation of Edie Melson’s message, no matter if she’s writing for fiction readers, parents, military families, fiction readers or writers. As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives.
She’s a leading professional within the publishing industry and travels to numerous conferences as a popular keynote, writing instructor and mentor. Her blog for writers, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands each month and is consistently chosen as a Writer’s Digest Top 101 Websites for Writers. She’s the Director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and the Mountainside Marketing Conference, as well as Vice President of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association and the Social Media Director for Southern Writers Magazine. In addition, she’s a regular columnist for Guideposts.org, Just18Summers.com and PuttingOnTheNew.com. Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.
Worshops:
Social Media and Platform Building for Writers in 2022
Social Media & Platform Building for Writers in 2022
Social media is continuing to evolve and change. The one thing that’s not changing is the necessity of writers to be able to reach readers. In this workshop Edie will share how to use social media to build real connections and build your email list. Included will be
- Tips for working with platform algorithms
- Up to date information on scams & tips to stay safe online
- How building an email list is enhanced by a growing social media presence
- Which new platforms should be on the radar for writers & authors.
Soul Care for Writers
Soul Care for Writers
Just like it’s not possible to pour water out of an empty bucket, a writer can’t serve an audience effectively when the spiritual well is empty. Edie will provide practical tips to keep your connection with God strong while sharing insight on how to weather the difficult challenges found writing in the midst of a pandemic. Included will be:
- A list of Biblical Affirmations for Writers
- How to keep writing when the mood disappears
- 12 promises all writers must make to themselves
- Writing in the bits & pieces of time
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.
Worshops:
Write Devotions People Love to Share
View your days with the lens of a devotional reader and you can become a treasured devotional writer. Get your Rx for your new lens in this workshop. Turn ordinary days into meaningful insights for others.
Karen Porter
Publisher
Karen Porter is an international retreat and seminar speaker and a successful businesswoman. She is the author of seven books, including If You Give a Girl a Giant…Fighting for Your Life; I’ll Bring the Chocolate: Satisfying a Woman’s Cravings for Friendship and Faith; and Amplify!
Karen is a frequent guest on regional and national radio and TV programs. She writes a regular leadership column for Leading Hearts Magazine and has contributed to national magazines such as Focus on the Family, Discipleship Journal, and American Taste. She has also written curriculum for Lifeway Resources.
Business/Professional
Karen and her husband, George, own Bold Vision Books, a traditional Christian publishing company. The two also own Stone Oak Publishing, a hybrid publishing company, and Kae Creative Solutions, a communications consulting firm.
Karen served as Vice President of International Marketing of a major food company in Texas for more than 30 years. She traveled around the world and her varied experiences (including dinners with Fidel Castro and other heads of state) contribute to the richness and depth of her writing and speaking.
Trainer/Mentoring Ministry/Certified Coaching
As a certified coach of speakers and writers, Karen helps aspiring writers learn the craft of writing, as well as editing and developmental book doctoring. Karen coaches speakers in her Amplify! program, helping speakers refine content development, stage presence, and storytelling.
Karen served on the board of CLASSEMINARS, INC, as well as lead trainer on the national staff. She also serves on the board of First Place 4 Health, one of the nation’s top health and nutrition programs, and she is president of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.
Personal
Karen is a people person, plain and simple and you will love to laugh with her and maybe even cry a little as she shares her joys and struggles. Karen says her marriage to George is her greatest achievement, but she’d love to talk to you about her five grandchildren! In her spare time, Karen continues her life-long quest to find the perfect purse.
Worshops:
Strike Out
In this workshop, Karen will show you 30 words and phrases that you need to strike out of your writing vocabulary. Tighten and strengthen your writing style to reach your readers and make editors notice your writing.
Uncover the Humor
No one can make you funny, but you can learn to lighten up, and this workshop will help you discover the methods that will add a new dimension to your communication. The humor, wit, and fun are hidden in your manuscript or presentation. In this workshop, you will uncover it.
George Porter
Publisher
George Porter is a brother, husband, father, and grandfather who loves God. As a science teacher for more than 23 years, George bring the scientific world to life in his presentations, Bible teaching, and writing as he helps his audiences embrace the God who made us all.
George is co-owner of Bold Vision Books, an independent, Christian publishing company. George serves as general manager, acquisitions editor, and publisher.
As a teacher in both public and private schools, George served as curriculum team leader and on campus site-based committees. He judged Science Olympiads, implemented pilot curriculum on drug awareness in cooperation with Baylor College of Medicine, and coached tennis teams.
George is a graduate of Texas A&M University and has done graduate work in physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, and cell biology at Baylor College of Medicine. He served as a combat medic and paratrooper in Vietnam and as a bacteriologist in the Surgical Research Unit at Brooke Army Medical Center in projects involving the treatment of burn patients.
George is married to Karen and has two children. He makes his home in Texas.
Worshop:
10 Platform Secrets that Make a Publisher Notice You
Social media numbers aren’t’ all a publisher considers when looking at your platform. You will discover the sometimes-surprising ways a publisher evaluates your marketing potential. Learn the unexpected secrets with publisher, George Porter.
Rhonda Robinson
Author
Rhonda Robinson is an award-winning author, Director of Marketing at EABooks Publishing, and the owner/founder of ScribeTribe™ The Marketing Membership of Christian Authors.
Her passion for future generations pours into her commentary on the social, political, and parenting issues impacting the family. Rhonda’s publishing credits range from viral blog posts, print and online columns, hundreds of articles on influential conservative sites and books.
Like many authors, Rhonda’s writing journey has taken her down unexpected paths. Her love for marketing was first cultivated as the managing editor for a multi-million-dollar content marketing company where she taught and led teams of writers and editors to create high traffic, viral content, and social media management.
Aside from the late Rush Limbaugh reading Rhonda’s work live on air, her greatest accomplishment was gaining 574 pounds and losing 500 to win the grand prize of nine children with an unexpected bonus of 34 grandchildren. As an off-the-wagon political junkie, she restores her barefoot soul in the hills of Tennessee with her high school sweetheart and two sets of muddy paws.
Worshops:
Unlocking the Mystery of Key Words: There is no Magic, Only Power
Unlocking the Mystery of Keywords: There is no magic, only power.
Whether you are writing the description of your book for Amazon, your back cover copy, blog posts, or online articles, keywords are how your readers find you. Understanding the algorithms of search engines, what they are searching for will allow you to be found when your readers don’t yet know your name.
In this workshop you will learn how to use keywords effectively. As a bonus, you will learn how to discover the felt needs of your readers through the keywords they are using and utilize the terminology into your writing.
Turn Your Memoir into Christian Living
Turn your Memoir into Christian Living
God has done miraculous work in your life. Now he’s called you to tell your story. In today’s market, readers– and publishers are looking for books with real life stories that has Christian application.
In this workshop you will learn how to transform the story of your life, and the lessons God has taught you to write your memoir as a Christian Living book.
Mae Francis Sarratt
Author
Mae Frances Sarratt is an author, speaker, writing contest judge, Podcast guest, and Sunday school curriculum developer.
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 Life on Pause, by Candy Arrington. Her article, Our Roller Coaster Ride, is due to be released in the next edition of I Ascend magazine.
Mae Frances has been a featured guest on several podcast, including, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and The A.P. Murray African American Cultural Association Library of Congress.
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.
Mae Frances has been married to Willie Dean Sarratt for forty-nine years. They have two children and four grandchildren. She loves to spend time with her family and decorate when she is not reading or writing.
Worshops:
Key Ingredients to Make Your Story Stand Out for Chicken Soup
Key Ingredients to Make Your Story Stand Out for Chicken Soup
Eight key ingredients to make your story stand out to Chicken Soup for the Soul for publishing.
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.
Worshops:
The Storyteller in You
The Storyteller in You
In this class, we will explore the five important factors that make a writer and storyteller come together. Every good storyteller is not a good writer and vice versa, but they can be. The two must intertwine and work together to make a product where the reader can be fully immersed. We will discuss these five elements and show how to incorporate them into a great novel that draws the reader in and won’t let them go.
Writing Christian World View into the General Market
Writing Christian Worldview into the General Market
In this class, we will discuss what Christian World view is and the decline of this in our nation. We will broach hard subjects and show ways we can stop preaching to the choir and step out into the general market, bringing solid messages that gently show Christ to a world that is quickly forgetting. This class will go against the grain of the average Christian writer but the tools held within will help you write to a larger market and introduce them to God. It’s different. It’s scary. But it’s a must if we are to continue to spread the news of Christ to a failing world.
Les Stobbe
Associate Acquisitions Editor for Elk Lake Publishing
An active Literary Agent for 25 years, Les Stobbe now helps writers as writing coach on non-fiction books and as ghostwriter. He started his writing and editorial career as founding editor of the weekly Mennonite Observer in Winnipeg. He became selling floor manager of the Moody Bookstore in Chicago. He then served as editor of Christian Bookseller Magazine, then editorial director of Cambridge Publishers in Winnipeg. In 1970 he moved back to Chicago to become editorial director of Moody Press. Since then he has been book club vice-president, president of Here’s Life Publishers, curriculum managing editor at Scripture Press, vice president of marketing and communications at Evangelistic Association of New England, Journalist in Residence at Gordon College. Along the way he has written curriculum, journalism lessons, 14 books and hundreds of magazine articles. His website is at www.stobbeliterary.com
Worshops:
Determining a Book Idea’s Feasibility
Drawing on 25 years as literary agent and decades as mentor of writers at conferences, Les will identify key factors that determine whether an agent or editor will become interested in your book project. His experience includes identifying publishable book ideas in a 15-minute interview with numerous struggling writers.