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 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 $130 (by Feb 17, 2023)
Conference Regular price $150 (After Feb 17, 2023)
Conference One Day – $100
REGISTRATION is now OPEN!
FACULTY BIOS AND WORKSHOPS
2023 Faculty
SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarship information
Scholarship Application
Carolina Christian Writers Conference
First Baptist Church, Spartanburg, SC
Deadline to apply for a scholarship is February 15, 2023
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I am ____ published ___ unpublished.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.
Thursday, March 9, 2023
Special Day for Pastors and Ministry Leaders
Schedule Subject to Change
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9:30 – 10:00 |
Registration |
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10:00 – 10:45 |
Opening – Introduction. of Faculty – Explanation of Appointments and Sign-up |
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10:45-11:30 |
What to do If You Don’t Know What to Do |
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11:35 – 12:20 |
Lunch |
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12;20 – 1:00 |
Rhett Wilson |
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1:15 – 1:45 |
Self-Publishing, Indie Publishing, Traditional Publishing – What’s the Difference |
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1:45 – 2:15 |
Self-Edit Before You Send It |
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2:15-2:45 |
Copyright
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2:45-3:15 |
Tackling Tough Topics |
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3:15-3:30 |
Articles – An Important Part of Your Career |
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3:30-4:00 |
How to Encourage Your Audience in Cyberspace |
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Questions and Answers, Exchange Cards, etc. |
| Friday, March 10, 2023 |
Schedule Subject to Change
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9:30 – 11:30 |
The Anatomy of a Book |
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10:30 – 11:30 |
Prearranged Appointments |
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1:00 – 1:25 |
Registration |
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1:30 – 2:30 |
Welcome and Instructions |
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Staff Introductions |
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2:30 – 3:00 |
Appointment Sign-Up and Networking |
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3:00 – 3:55 |
Workshop 1 |
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Self Editing |
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What Makes an Article Irresistible to Mag Editors |
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Using Fiction Techniques in a Non-Fiction Article |
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In’s and Outs of Social Media for Today’s Writer |
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Storytelling for Speakers and Writers |
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Strong Foundation, Strong Fiction |
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Do You Market Like Jesus? |
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Amazon Boot Camp |
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Top Writing Life Hacks – How to Work Better, Faster, Smarter |
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4:05 – 5:00 |
Workshop 2 |
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Poetry is Dead? No, It’s Alive and Growing! |
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Blogging for Yourself and for Others |
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Articles, Articles, Articles! |
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Do I Really Need a Launch Team? |
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Deep POV Made Easy |
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Why Writers Must also be Speakers |
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Writing Bible Studies that Shine |
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Creating Characters that Count in Fiction Writing |
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5:00 – 6:30 |
Dinner – on your own |
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6:30 – 6:45 |
Praise and Worship |
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6:45 – 7:10 |
Explanation of Genre Groups |
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7:15 – 8:00 |
How to Tell it Funny
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8:10 – 9:00 |
Interactive Genre Groups |
Saturday, March 11, 2023
Schedule Subject to Change
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8:30 – 9:00 |
Registration |
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9:00 |
Opening |
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9:15 |
Praise and Worship |
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9:30 – 10:15 |
Panel What Editors are Looking For |
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10:25 – 11:20 |
Workshop 3 |
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Email Demystified |
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Amazon Advertising Mastery |
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Podcasting: The Benefits and Business of Podcasting |
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Questions to Ask When Your Novel is Done |
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Why this Book? Why Now? |
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Go Network – Say What? The Storyteller in You
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11:30 – 12:00 |
Panel Publishing Trends |
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12:10–12:50 |
Lunch with Faculty |
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1:05 – 1:55 |
Lightning Learning |
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2:05 – 3:00 |
Workshop 4 |
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The Power of Story in Non-Fiction |
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Writing Christian World View into the General Market |
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Audiobooks: Let Your Book Speak for Itself |
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Let’s Get Emotional |
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Determining a Book Idea’s Feasibility |
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Using Your Story as a Springboard for Sharing the Gospel |
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Planning a Fiction Series for Publication – One Author’s Insights |
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3:10 – 4:00 |
Closing Session Your Publishing Plan |
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4:00 – 4:20 |
Contest Awards |
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4:20 – 4:30 |
Closing Worship |
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OPTIONAL FRIDAY MORNING WORKSHOP
Friday morning 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Cost $45 if registered by March 1, 2023, $60 if registered by March 9, 2023.
Anatomy of a Book
Workshop by Karen Porter
Our Friday morning workshop this year is “The Anatomy of a Book.” This is not part of the conference but you are welcome to sign up for it. Karen Porter will be teaching this amazing class, filled with knowledge and instruction and well worth your investment of $45. This is particularly valuable in helping you create a plan for your book and understanding how to best use your knowledge to make a sale. Karen and George, the owners of Bold Vision Books will answer any questions you have and thereby increase your chances of publication. Bring your manuscripts, your ideas, all of your questions and enjoy a morning of unforgettable learning.
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 has been changed for the 2023 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
Friday Morning Workshop
Anatomy of a Book by Karen Porter
Karen Porter will be teaching this amazing class, filled with knowledge and instruction and well worth your investment of $45. This is particularly valuable in helping you create a plan for your book and understanding how to best use your knowledge to make a sale. Karen and George, the owners of Bold Vision Books will answer any questions you have and thereby increase your chances of publication. Bring your manuscripts, your ideas, all of your questions and enjoy a morning of unforgettable learning.
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 |
| Candy Arrington | March 9 | nonfiction book proposals, devotionals, blog posts, articles (10 submissions) | cnansptbg@aol.com |
| Lori Hatcher | March 1 | Devotions, Non-Fiction, Speaking Presentations | LoriAHatcher@gmail.com |
| Cindy Sproles | March 3 | novels, devotions | cindyksproles@gmail.com |
| Terri Kelly | March 4 | manuscript critiques | terri.davinci@gmail.com |
| Tammy Karasek | March 1 | Novel (Women’s Fiction, Romantic, Romantic Suspense) Personal Experience Story, Nonfiction Book, Devotions | t.karasek@yahoo.com |
| Les Stobbe | None | Any kind of non-fiction | Lhstobbe123@gmail.com |
| Katy Kauffman | Feb 15 | Devotions | adventurewriter@hotmail.com |
| Edie Melson | Feb 25 | nonfiction, spec fiction, social media evals, blogging evals | ediegmelson@gmail.com |
| Larry Leech | Mar 10 | Memoir, fiction, nonfiction | larry@larryleech.com |
| Mae Frances Sarratt | Mar 3 | Contemporary women’s fiction and contemporary fiction | mae564@bellsouth.net |
| Eva Marie Everson | Mar 1 | Fiction, no dystopian/spec/horror | pennhnd@aol.com |
| Edna Ellison | Mar 1 | Poetry, Devotions | ednae9@aol.com |
| Karen Porter | Mar 1 | Christian Living and Devotional and Prescriptive (HOW TO) books. Any article. | kaeporter@gmail.com |
CCWC WRITING CONTEST GUIDELINES
Deadline: February 22, 2023
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 22, 2023.
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 22 to:
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, 2023.
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 11, 2023.
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 22, 2023
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 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).
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 11, 2023.
(Contest Entries will not be returned)
Please include the following information with your entry:
Title of Entry
Category
Name
Address
Phone
Professional Headshots
Sharon Brisken Photography, will be on site Friday and Saturday as your headshot photographer
Headshot Information
Sharon Brisken Photography
Perhaps it is time for a new professional headshot/portrait for your book jackets, business cards, advertising, social media, promotional releases, blogs and websites. Carolina Christian Writers Conference is pleased to provide an opportunity for you to do just that.
Once again, Sharon Brisken Photography will be available during the CCWC to meet your headshot and portrait needs. Sharon has been our on site photographer for a number of years and ministers to her clients by providing professional headshots at a reasonable price. Sessions run for 30 minutes, providing at least 10 full resolution headshots with different poses and backgrounds, for $50.00. Within your session time, clothing changes are acceptable, as are props. Sharon does ask that if you are including clothing changes and props, you let her know at the time of scheduling your photo session. Payment will be at the time of your session.
Don’t wait to sign up! Sessions will fill up quickly. Contact Sharon at sabrisken@me.com to schedule your session or to ask any questions.
Meet Your
2023 CCWC Faculty
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:
The Power of Story in Nonfiction
The Power of Story in Nonfiction
Do you think powerful stories only apply to fiction? Think again. Whether you are writing a devotional, personal essay, article, or book, a well-told story enhances your nonfiction. By employing the power of story, your writing captures and holds readers’ attention. In this workshop, learn where to start your story, how to weave story into other information, when to use segues, and how to self-edit for a powerful story.
Pastor's Conference - Tackling Tough Topics
Tackling Tough Topics
Do you feel compelled to write about a difficult life circumstance? If so, you have the opportunity to reach those who are hurting, feel alienated and alone, and are searching for ways to heal their pain. But if you are writing from personal experience, it’s important to make sure you are ready to write and not still processing your experience. Also crucial is how to structure your content, what to include and what to omit. In this workshop, learn methods to craft your tough topic and write with a level of transparency that touches hearts and inspires hope.
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:
Self-Editing
Self-Editing
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.
Pastors Conference - 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 Advertising Mastery
Amazon Advertising Mastery:
Is it possible for a first-time author to have their book listed alongside the perennial bestsellers? How about ranking first for a competitive search term? With Amazon Advertising it is. In this workshop, we’ll be discussing how to set up and optimize your first Amazon Advertising campaigns, to get your book in front of thousands of new readers. Both first-time and seasoned authors will learn new practices to help boost their sales, increase their readership, and gain lifelong fans.
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.
Patricia Durgin
Marketing Expert and Coach
Patricia Durgin is a recognized marketing expert, certified writer & speaker coach, a faculty member at Christian writer and speaker conferences around the country, a professional interviewer, and she contributes monthly articles to Almost An Author, Write Life Workshops, The Write Conversation, and Arise Daily Devos.
As a marketing coach, Patricia serves both new and award-winning Christian writers and speakers committed to serving their audience through clear messaging, reader-focused blog posts, results-oriented emails, and interviews designed to grow their platform.
Patricia hosted over 500 (60-minute) interviews when Facebook Live was a new thing. Her program–seen every weekday for two years–included interviews, annual 30-day summits, and periodic mini-conferences, each featuring leaders in the Christian communicator’s fields.
She lives in Richmond, Virginia with her high school sweetheart. She and her husband have two daughters and sons-in-law, all in full-time ministry, and they enjoy three delightful grandchildren.
Find out more about Patricia Durgin at MarketersOnAMission.com.
Workshops:
Do You Market Like Jesus?
Do You Market Like Jesus?
Marketing gets a bad rap because poor examples abound. We feel must market that way, too. Not so!
We don’t have to dress up in a chicken suit or send spammy emails to get attention. We can get attention—and grow our audience—when we market like Jesus.
He spells marketing S-E-R-V-I-C-E. As we follow His example and serve in His name, the Holy Spirit draws our audience to our message (which is really God’s message in us).
Changing your mindset in three key areas will change how you grow your author platform.
No matter your topic, this session will help you reframe your marketing approach.
Email Demystified: How It Works and How to Make It Work for You
Email Demystified: How It Works and How to Make It Work for You
Everyone says, “You need to use email to grow your author platform!” That’s true, but no one tells you HOW.
The tech seems complicated. How does adding a new subscriber’s name and email to your email “list” help you sell books, anyway? And once someone’s signed up, what in the world do you say to them in your regular emails?
See the step-by-step graphic showing the behind-the-scenes tech process, and learn how to create tantalizing titles, write story-based emails (the best kind-yum!), reactivate a dormant list and get answers to the basic questions all new e-mailers ask.
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:
Poetry Is Dead? No, It’s Alive and Growing!
Though you’ve noticed this planet has suffered from pandemic-sized issues, such as Covid-19 (including SARS, a pre-”super bug,” and more “after-variants” than we can count)—not to mention the other prominent respiratory diseases like the flu, and other anti-immune varieties flaming into their annual episodes—the last three years have provided markets in surprising new arenas for writers and poets. Follow others into this workshop, which focuses on poets who want to take advantage of the “long-haul” symptoms of loneliness and emotional trauma and touch the hearts of your audience in novel ways.
Surfacing from the pile of dead bodies and left over “junk” we’ve seen with our own eyes (“Shingles, anyone?” Who would think the chicken pox from long ago would attack us now!), this group will help you find Zoom and several different avenues of sharing and marketing your poetry. Our aim is to bring fresh life to the community and celebrate living ideas for the growth of variants in poetry.
Bring a page of your own poetry to share with others in the group. (Feel free to bring extra copies.) Jump in and learn from handouts of information, where you can glean new ways to highlight your talent. Open your heart to a hurting world and open your wallet to hold your added income.
Eva Marie Everson
Author
Eva Marie is a CBA best-selling and multiple award-winning author and speaker, including a Christy finalist, a Silver Medallion winner, a Carol, several Maggie and Golden Scroll awards, and an Inspirational Retailers Choice Award. She is one of the original five Word Weavers members, which began in 1997. She served first as the original president (2000-2007) and is now CEO of Word Weavers International, Inc., which serves writers primarily as a national and international group of critique and educational chapters.
Eva Marie served as a mentor for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild for several years and has taught at a number of writers conferences nationwide. During the 2010-2011 school year, Eva Marie served as an adjunct professor at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. She describes it as one of the best times she ever had while working. Eva Marie also serves as director of Florida Christian Writers Conference and the contest director for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She also enjoys working as a private writing coach and editor.
In 2022, Eva Marie was awarded the Yvonne Lehman Legacy Award and the AWSA Lifetime Achievement Award. Receiving both, she said, was among the highlights of her career.
She is a graduate of Andersonville Theological Seminary and The Tzemach Institute. Her theological focus has always been the tie between the Testaments with a greater understanding of Christianity’s Jewish roots. Born and reared in Georgia, Eva Marie and her husband make their home in Central Florida where they are owned by one very spoiled cat and two hearts full of grandchildren.
Workshops:
Deep POV Made Easy
Deep POV Made Easy
Deep POV can be one of the most difficult things for fiction writers to understand, but it really boils down to a simple solution. Join Eva Marie in this fun, informative, and hands-on workshop designed to take you deeper into deep point-of-view. Your characters (and your readers) will thank you.
Questions to Ask When Your Novel is Done
Questions to Ask When Your Novel is Done
There are all kinds of questions we ask before we write our novel, but what are the questions we ask after the writing is “done”? Because, truly, it’s not done-done until you ask (and answer) these vital questions. Join Eva Marie for a workshop sure to raise all sorts of answerable questions.
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:
Pastors Conference - Articles, an Important Part of your Career
Pastors Conference – Articles, an Important Part of your Career
Learn the basics of magazine article writing in this information-packed class. Topics addressed will be 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, making the most of your interview time, 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.
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 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:
Podcasting: The Benefits & Business of Podcasting
Podcasting: The Benefits & Business of Podcasting
Is podcasting your next best step? Before you step behind the mic, gain an insider’s insight into the world of podcasting—shorten your learning curve before investing your finances. This workshop helps the attendee decide if podcasting is their next best step. And if it is, they receive steps to begin the process.
Linda is a 10-year talk-radio veteran and current host of the award-winning podcast, Your Best Writing Life.
Podcasts – the New Radio for Writers.
- How podcasts benefit you as a writer?
- Is it time to host a podcast?
- Is podcasting your next best step?
- When should you own a podcast?
- Necessities for new podcasters.
This workshop will cover all aspects of podcasting up to creating your own show.
Audiobooks: Let Your Book Speak for Itself
Audiobooks: Let Your Book Speak for Itself
Audiobooks sales are on the rise. The question is, “Could your book benefit you and your audience as an audiobook?” Before investing your finances, gain an insider’s insight into the world of audiobooks.
- Why Consider Audiobooks?
- What Genre works Best for Audiobooks?
- Who’s the Best Voice for Your Book?
- What’s the Best Way to Market Your Audiobook
Pastors Conference - Traditional, Independent, or Hybrid Publishing. What’s the Difference?
Pastors Conference – Traditional, Independent, or Hybrid Publishing. What’s the Difference?
Choosing which publishing path to take can be overwhelming and confusing. In this workshop, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of traditional, independent (self), and hybrid publishing, and the differences between them so you can decide which option is best for you and your project.
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:
Top Writing Life Hacks - How to Work Better, Faster, Smarter
Top Writing Life Hacks – How to Work Better, Faster, Smarter
Every profession has its collection of tips, shortcuts, and pearls of wisdom. The writing world is no exception. In this nuts-and-bolts workshop, Lori Hatcher will share the trade secrets of successful writers and editors to help you work smarter, not harder.
Why Writers Must Also Be Speakers
Why Writers Must Also Be Speakers
Most writers prefer the solitary confines of their writer’s cave, emerging only occasionally for family dinners and social gatherings. “I’m a writer, not a speaker,” they say, and retreat to the safety of their own company. Unfortunately, times have changed. Today’s increasingly public society requires that writers must also be speakers if they hope to have successful careers. From the elevator pitch, to the agent interview, to the speaking invitation that follows your book publication, writers must be prepared. This workshop will share nine reasons why writers must be speakers.
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!
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:
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 240 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 tips 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 cards! 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
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:
What Makes an Article Irresistible to Magazine Editors and What Makes them Cringe
What Makes an article Irresistible to Magazine Editors and What Makes them Cringe.
Expand the reach of your Bible-based writing by submitting to magazines. But how do we make our devotions, Christian Living articles, and Bible studies irresistible to magazine editors? In this workshop, a seasoned magazine editor will give you insights to irresistibility in seven essentials for creating “Wow!” content and in seven no-no’s to avoid in your writing and submissions. She will also give you a list of magazines and websites that are receiving submissions. Encourage your readers and build your platform with this great ministry-building strategy!
How to Quote Scripture & Stay Out of Copyright Jail (Pastors’ Conference)
How to Quote Scripture & Stay Out of Copyright Jail (Pastors’ Conference)
Writing about God’s Word is both a privilege and an adventure, but how can we quote Scripture without getting in trouble with copyright rules? Come to this straightforward workshop, and gain four primary insights for quoting and citing Bible verses. We’ll cover:
- How much of a Bible translation you can share without having to get permission
- How you can easily verify the wording of most any translation and find its copyright info
- When to quote Scripture with either italics or quotation marks, and when to use both
- How to format Scripture quotations in running text (normal paragraphs) or block quotes
The rules for using the Bible in church differ from using the Bible in our writing. So come ready to hear these tips and see examples that you can take home with you for future reference. (And then the copyright police will have no reason to come find you!)
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
Author, Editor and Writing Coach
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:
Strong Foundation, Strong Fiction
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.
Let’s Get Emotional
Let’s Get Emotional
Emotion in a manuscript is what helps readers make a connection with a character whether that person is the hero or the villain. Tapping the emotional button is one of the most important, although tricky, aspects of great writing. In this workshop, attendees will learn:
- Why emotion is needed to enhance a story.
- How to touch the emotional button instead of punching the reader in the face.
- Key words to describe emotion without using “felt.”
Your Publishing Plan
Your Publishing Plan
Those entering publishing often shiver, quiver, and shake their heads 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. 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.
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:
Ins & Outs of Social Media for Today's Writer
Ins & Outs of Social Media for Today’s Writer
In this workshop, Edie gives you the tips you need to stay on track in the ever-changing landscape of social media. Included are dos and don’ts for popular social media sites like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. She also shares how to choose where to focus your time and the foundational approach that keeps your social media in line with ministry and keeps you from burning out.
Blogging For Yourself and For Others
Blogging For Yourself and For Others
Blogging is still a great way to connect with your reading audience—and you DON’T have to have a personal blog to get the benefit. In this workshop Edie shares what makes an effective blog post, how to be a great blog guest, and some of the dos and don’ts that will make your posts reach the audience you’re aiming for.
How to Encourage Your Audience in Cyberspace (Pastors Day)
How to Encourage Your Audience in Cyberspace
God is using believers all over the world to encourage others online. While this digital place gets darker and darker, it’s more important than ever to be a light. As well as insight and encouragement, Edie will share practical tips for scheduling, content creation and focus, as well as options with different networks to help streamline the process and connect on a more meaningful level.
Karen Porter
Publisher
Author/Speaker
Karen Porter is an international retreat and seminar speaker and a successful businesswoman. She is the author of ten books including I’ll Bring the Chocolate, If You Give A Girl A Giant, and Make Your Heart a Manger.
Karen spends much of her time coaching writers and speakers and training thousands of communicators across the globe.
Karen is a frequent guest on regional and national radio and TV programs. She contributes to national magazines such as Leading Hearts, Focus on the Family, Discipleship Journal, and American Taste. She has also written curriculum for Lifeway Resources.
Trainer/Mentor Ministry, Certified Coaching
As a certified coach, Karen helps aspiring writers learn the craft of writing and helps speakers in her Amplify! program, refine content, stage presence and storytelling.
Business/Professional
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) contribute to the richness and depth of her writing and speaking.
Karen and her husband, George, own Bold Vision Books, a Christian publishing company and Stone Oak Publishing. She is founder and owner of kae Creative Solutions.
Karen serves on numerous national boards including First Place 4 Health and Body and Soul. She is president of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.
Personal
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. 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.
Workshops:
Storytelling for Speakers and Writers.
Storytelling for Speakers and Writers.
The best advice I ever heard from a writing/speaking coach was, “story it up!” Stories teach truth and get the point across. Stories relate to your audience more than dull facts, boring statistics, complicated logic, or hi-stakes sales pitches. Learn how to craft a story and about the story ARC and discover what makes a good story. Story structure is critical to fiction and even more important in non-fiction. Learn where to find good stories because every life situation is ripe with story. For speakers, fiction and non-fiction writers, bloggers, podcasters, and anyone with a message that needs more pizazz. They may never remember your bio, but they’ll never forget your story!
How to Tell it Funny
How to Tell it Funny.
Discover how to add wit, humor, and winsomeness into your writing and speaking. 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.
Pastors Conference - Self-Edit it Before You Send It
Self-Edit it Before You Send It.
This workshop is a practical and hands-on class on how to spot areas in your manuscript that need to be edited—before you send it out. Discover how to find passive voice, wordy sentences, incorrect punctuation, split infinitives, and so much more. Learn how to use the tools in your computer programs to eliminate problems. Your writing will be forever changed for the better.
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.
Workshops:
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:
Writing Bible Studies that Shine
Writing Bible Studies That Shine
Are you enthusiastic about studying the Bible? Do you enjoy sharing with others the powerful lessons you learn in Scripture? Are you excited when others get excited? You might want to write Bible studies that encourage others on their faith journey. In this workshop we’ll discuss Bible study methods and strategies to make your study shine with a light that draws people into a closer relationship with Jesus.
Using Your Story as a Springboard for Sharing the Gospel
Using Your Story as a Springboard for Sharing the Gospel
The Bible tells us, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (NKJV) As CS Lewis said, “Don’t shine so that others see you. Shine so others see Him.” Learn to share your story in a compelling way so that others see (and want) your Jesus.
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:
Using Fiction Techniques in a Non-fiction Article
Using Fiction Techniques in a Non-fiction Article
Have you read an article that was so bland it was like a sedative? This workshop, will show how to put zing and spice in your nonfiction, using fiction techniques. Your readers will look forward to the delightful flavor of what you have to say.
Why this book? Why now?
Why this book? Why now?
What is your why behind your book? Is your timing right for your niche? Timing is everything. Traditional publishing can take up to two years before releasing a book. In this workshop we will cover timeless, and niche subjects.
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.
Workshops:
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.Author of God Moments in My Publishing Life and How God Works: God Moments that Transform, a Bible study guide.
His website is at www.stobbeliterary.com
Workshops:
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.
Aaron Zook
Author
Aaron M. Zook, Jr.—an award-winning author and speaker—entertains with a purpose in his books and presentations. He’s thrilled thousands of readers through his YA Christian mystery/adventure Thunder and Lightning series about two inquisitive brothers and their dogs who solve one crisis after another around the world.
Aaron’s books include The Secrets of the Castle, The Salt Mines Mystery, The Phantom of the Fortress, The Isle of Intrigue, The Crashin’ Coaster Mystery, and The Elimination Games Enigma. He’s working on book number seven in the series, tentatively entitled The Fool’s Errand Mystery, in preparation for a Fall 2023 release. Aaron has also produced one non-fiction biography for a fellow retired Army chopper pilot, called Our Dad The Hero.
Aaron is a retired U.S. Army Colonel and lives with his wonderful wife, Joyce, in Holly Lake Ranch, TX. He loves being a husband, father of their two married sons, and grandpa to four incredible grandchildren.
Workshops:
Creating Characters that Count – Fiction Writing
Dive into character development with me – a critical part of any novel. How should you model your characters? Should you use real people you know, characters from other non-fiction sources, or synthesize your own? What kind of personality shapes your character? Learn how to use the LINKED system in this process. What traits create consistency? Find out how to develop striking actions and behaviors consistent with your choices and goals. Delve into emotional and psychological issues and backgrounds that create spice and infuse tension into your story. This workshop provides several techniques to kindle the fire in the reader’s heart and mind for your characters and bring them back for more.
Planning a Fiction Series for Publication – One Author’s Insights
Writing a series involves many pitfalls that good planning strips away. Fighting through the ups and downs of a long-run series can take imagination and perseverance, especially when your characters might want to take you down a rabbit trail. Learn some tricks of the trade to stay on track throughout the entire series, closing at the perfect conclusion.