Meet Your

2024 CCWC Faculty

Becky Antkowiak

Recording Specialist

Becky Antkowiak is a writer, speaker, editor, adoptive homeschooling mom, Compassion sponsor and enthusiastic Grammar Floozy. A lifelong serial extrovert, Becky believes every stranger is a friend she hasn’t met. She founded the 540 Club, a free group for writers focused on sharpening writing skills, studying writing craft, and encouraging each other in the writing journey. Becky earned an English Bible MA from Capital Bible Seminary in 2000. When she’s not writing or finding ways to connect people, you can find her demolishing, rebuilding, and creating alongside Patrick, her best friend and husband of 20 years. You can find her at 540Club.org or via @beckyantkowiak on social media. 

Worshops:

Candy Arrington

Writer, Blogger, and Speaker

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

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

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

Workshops:

Jessica Brodie

Contest Director

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning journalist, author, blogger, editor, writing coach, and devotional writer with thousands of articles to her name. Since 2010, she has served as the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism, which has won 123 journalism awards during her tenure. Her latest book is Preparing Our Hearts: An Advent Devotional to Draw Closer to God at Christmas.

She has won more than 100 writing awards and is a seasoned speaker and frequent contributor to Christianity.com, BibleStudyTools.com, and Crosswalk.com, among many others. She has a weekly faith blog at JessicaBrodie.com and is part of the team at Wholly Loved Ministries, with her work included in many of their devotionals and Bible studies.

 You can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and more. She’s also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

Brodie holds a Master of Arts in English, and she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in communications/print journalism from Florida International University. Born and raised in Miami, Brodie now lives in Lexington, South Carolina, just outside Columbia. She has also lived in Ohio and in the mountains of western North Carolina. She and her husband, Matt Brodie, have a blended family of four teenage children and stepchildren.

Brodie has written several novels and is actively seeking publication through her agent Bob Hostetler of The Steve Laube Agency. Her novel The Memory Garden won the 2018 Genesis contest for Contemporary Fiction from American Christian Fiction Writers, and her novel Tangled Roots won a third place Foundation Award in Contemporary Romance at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in 2019.

Andy Clapp

Author

 

Andy is an author, a pastor, and speaker who loves to shared the message of the cross. As God has proven the power of the cross in Andy’s life, he looks to share that message with a world that is in need of hope, longing for redemption, desperate for life. Andy is the Senior Pastor at Mt. Zion Baptist Church and is represented by Cyle Young of Cyle Young Literary Elite.

 Andy was born and raised in Liberty, North Carolina. After graduating from Southern Alamance High School, he attended the University of Mount Olive, where he played tennis. Andy is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree at Liberty University. He is married to Crystal and has two beautiful daughters, Cheyenne and Autumn, and one son, Brady.

 Andy is a Christian writer, his work having appeared in newspapers, magazines, and online for the past thirteen years. As an author, he wrote a Christian men’s book “Under the Lights: Living Their Faith with Everyone Watching” and a novel, Midnight, Christmas Eve.

Cheri Cowell

Publisher/Author

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

Jimmie Davis

Author

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

Workshops:

Lynette Eason

Author and Agent

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

Workshops:

Dr. Edna Ellison

Author

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 a denominational consultant, speaker, and writer in Alabama, and California. A past president of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Edna has been a keynote speaker in London, Frankfort, Germany, Panama City, Panama, and other world class cities. An honor graduate of Presbyterian College, SC, in BA in British Literature, Converse College, SC a MAT in Teaching; and a Ph.D. From the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa: Ph.D in Education.

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 and co-author of over 45 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 tennis or golf with her granddaughter, Blakely.

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

Workshops:

Linda Gilden – Director, Carolina Christian Writers Conference

Author

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

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

Workshops:

Linda Goldfarb 

Author

Linda Goldfarb is a multi-award-winning author, renowned speaker, board-certified life coach, and host of the popular podcasts “Your Best Writing Life” and “Staying Real About Faith & Family.” With a voice that instantly makes you feel welcome, safe, and understood, Linda is the kind of person you can’t help but be drawn to.

Alongside her husband, Sam, Linda is the proud parent of four amazing children, numerous grandchildren, and one adorable great-grandson. They reside on the outskirts of the picturesque Texas Hill Country with their two loving rescue pups, MeMe and DJ. With over 38 years of adventure-filled marriage, Linda attributes their thriving relationship to a combination of faith, humor, and a deep understanding of personality.

Are you eager to discover your next best step with God? 

Linda is here to provide professional teaching, helping you overcome barriers, amplify your strengths, and achieve the fulfilling life you were destined to live as a writer and speaker.

Workshops:

Lori Hatcher – Chaplain

Author

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

Workshops:

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 show 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 a writer of Romantic Suspense—with a splash of sass. Her debut book, Launch That Book, released in November 2023. She’s published in a Divine Moments Compilation Book—Cool-inary Moments. Also, she’s a writing team member for The Write Conversation, The Write Editing, Blue Ridge Conference Blog, and more.

Known as The Launch Team Geek, she helps authors launch their books. You’ll also find her as a Virtual Assistant for several best-selling authors, the Social Media Manager for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, Founding President of ACFW Upstate SC, and Founding President of Word Weavers Upstate SC. Connect with Tammy at https://www.tammykarasek.com.

 

 

Workshops:

Katy Kauffman

Magazine Editor

Katy Kauffman is an award-winning author, an editor of Refresh Bible Study Magazine, and a co-founder of Lighthouse Bible Studies. She loves connecting with writers, working alongside them in compilations and magazine issues, and hearing about their work.

Although Katy cannot attend the conference in person this year, she will take private appointments via Zoom the week after the conference. She can gather names of potential contributors to Refresh, provide information about the magazine, and collect articles for the 2024 issues. Find the magazine guidelines on this page: https://lighthousebiblestudies.com/for-writers/.

In addition to taking appointments for Refresh, Katy can give feedback on book ideas and brainstorm marketing strategies. You can sign up for her Zoom appointments during the normal sign-up time at the conference. Katy is also available for critiques—for up to three people’s writing. (Deadline is March 5.)

She loves encouraging writers and giving them writing tips in The Lighthouse Connection, a quarterly newsletter for Bible-based writers. Discover more at https://lighthousebiblestudies.com/writers-newsletter/.

 

Workshops:

Terri Kelly 

Author , Manuscript Coordinator and Appointment Scheduler

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

Workshops:

Larry J. Leech II

Bold Vision Books Editor in Chief

Editor-in-Chief at Bold Vision Books and writing coach of award-winning authors, Larry 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 30 books, edited more than 400 manuscripts, and his freelance clients have won more than 70 awards. Larry teaches at numerous conferences nationwide and can be found online on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Workshops:

Wendy Leech

Registrar

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

 

Edie Melson

Author

Edie

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

Workshops:

Beth Patch

CBN

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

 

Workshops:

Edwina Perkins

Asst. Director/Managing Editor for Harambee Press

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

 

Workshops:

Debbie Presnell

Author

Debbie Presnell’s career has spanned four decades of teaching — from elementary school to higher education, where she trained future teachers. She 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 five 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
• Shining Through James—Living the Journey that Doesn’t Make Sense
• Believing God’s perspective, Design, and Purpose for Women, A Six-Week Bible Study Based on Psalm 144:12

Additionally, her articles have been published in the Divine Moments series and on Crosswalk.com. She is a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA). 

Debbie is founder and president of Shine Camp and Conferences, Inc., a 501_c (3) non-profit organization, whose mission is to use biblical principles to encourage women of all ages to embrace their identity in Christ, fulfill their purpose, impact the community, and shine!

Debbie and her late husband have three adult children, two sons-in-love, and three grandchildren. She loves both the mountains and the beach and spending time with her family.

For more information about Shine Camp for teen girls, weekend Shine Conferences for moms, daughters, and grandmothers, or Debbie’s speaking ministry to women, visit her website at www.debbiepresnell.com. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube: Shine Every Day With Debbie. Email her at debbie@debbiepresnell.com.

Workshops:

Rhonda Robinson

Manager, Content Producer, Focus on the Family

Rhonda Robinson is the manager and content producer for Focus on the Family’s Marriage and Parenting website pages. Beginning in the late 1990s, Rhonda’s work was featured in newspapers as a columnist on the social, political, and parenting issues impacting the family. Her voice later transitioned to articles and blogs for high-traffic Christian and conservative websites.

Rhonda’s true claim to fame comes from the titles of mother to nine and grandmother to 37. Currently, she resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with her high school sweetheart, as they settle into an empty nest

Workshops:

Mae Frances Sarratt

Author

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

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

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

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

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

Workshops:

Brad Simon

Author

With a unique blend of storytelling and Bible exposition, Brad Simon has shared God’s Word for over forty-five years. His passion is to inspire and encourage Christians to grow in their faith and walk closer with the Lord. Brad is the author of the Encounters In Scripture devotional series and is the featured Bible Teacher on Monday Morning Inspiration podcast. He is also a frequent contributor to Refresh Bible Study Magazine and BibleStudyTools.com.

Brad is a retired Master Jeweler. He relies on the God-given creativity that won him several national and international jewelry design awards to craft Biblical Narratives and Life Stories that are engaging and thought-provoking. Once a speaker, author, publisher, and trainer for the jewelry industry, now he is putting those skills to work to promote the beauty and appeal of God’s Word.

Originally from Illinois, Brad and his wife Debbie have made Spartanburg, SC, their home for the past twenty-eight years. They are proud parents of two sons (one married) and two grandsons. His one guilty pleasure is being an avid fan of St. Louis Cardinals baseball. Discover his Bible Teaching Ministry at: BWSimon.com

Workshops:

Cindy Sproles

Author

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

Workshops:

Dawn Stephens

Acquisitions Editor and Marketing Coach with EABooks

 

Dawn is an award-winning author and illustrator; first and foremost, she is a Fruit Pot! In other words, she is a vessel through which the Potter has chosen to grow the fruit of the Spirit. It took a long time for her to discover that. She searched for purpose as a teacher, wife, mother, fundraising director, sales manager, and school principal. As God emptied and refilled her with new roles, she believed she had found the one thing He wanted her to be. Each time, she let the things she held define her. Eventually, she realized God was more concerned about what could grow through her. She shares her journey through a children’s book called The Little Pot. Her creator continues to bear fruit through the teacher resources, curriculum, illustrations, blogs, and children’s books, and now as an Acquisitions Editor and Marketing Coach with EABooks. You can learn more at DawnStephensBooks.com and EABooksPublishing.com

Workshops:

Gerry Wakeland

Author