Carolina Christian Writers Conference Dates for 2024
March 8-9, 2024
For all writers
March 7, 2024
Special day for pastors and ministry leaders.
Come just for the day or add this on to the conference.
Cost of Special Day for Pastors – $50
PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTION & ENCOURAGEMENT FOR:
Fiction • Nonfiction • Article writing • Humor • Children’s writing • Mechanics of good writing
TIPS & GUIDANCE FOR:
Book Proposals • Social Networking • Pitching to Editors and Publishers
Now is the time to realize your dream of being a published author. If you are a new writer who wants to learn how to break into the publishing world, or an experienced writer looking for new markets and wanting to network with other writers, this conference is for you. All writers can benefit from two days of learning, fellowship, worship, and encouragement.
Everyone has a story and it’s time to tell yours. Learn how to do that with excellence. Join us for two information and inspiration packed days as you spend time with editors, agents, publishers, and professional writers. Let them help you explore ways to share your story with others.
Conference Early Bird price $145 (by Feb 1, 2024)
Conference Regular price $165 (After Feb 1, 2024)
Conference One Day – $100
REGISTRATION WILL OPEN SOON
FACULTY BIOS AND WORKSHOPS
2024 Faculty
SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarship information
Scholarship Application
First Baptist Church, Spartanburg, SC
Deadline to apply for a scholarship is February 1, 2024
Title ________ First Name _________________ MI ___ Last Name _____________________
Address __________________________________________________________________________
City __________________________________________________ State ______ Zip ________
Cell Phone ____________________________________ Website ___________________________
Email _________________________________________________ Date ________________
I have received a scholarship to the Carolina Christian Writers Conference in the past. ___yes ___no
I am ____ published ___ unpublished.
My current project is
My writing goals are
What I am doing to reach these goals
I want to attend this conference because
I need a scholarship because
- Submit your application via email to linda@lindagilden.com. Be sure to put Scholarship Application in the subject line. This is very important.
- Scholarship is for full tuition only. Does not cover the optional Friday morning session or recordings.
- Before applying for a scholarship make sure you will be able to attend.
- Please send application as an attachment if possible.
OPTIONAL FRIDAY MORNING WORKSHOP
Friday morning 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Cost $45 if registered by February 15, 2024, $60 if registered by February 29, 2024.
Friday Morning Workshop to be Announced
Workshop by
Our Friday morning workshop this year is _____________. This is not part of the conference but you are welcome to sign up for it. ________ will be teaching this amazing class, filled with knowledge and instruction and well worth your investment of $45.
Welcome to the Conference Workshop:
Making the Most of the Conference
Attending your first writers conference is exciting, but it can also be a little intimidating and overwhelming. The Welcome to the Conference Workshop will be recorded again for the 2024 conference, it will be available on U-Tube and a link will be emailed to all conferees who have registered for the conference. It is designed to help you learn what you will need for a successful conference. If you are registered for the conference and have not received the email on how to prepare for the conference by March 1, please contact John Gilden at johndgilden@gmail.com
Manuscript Critiques
Critique fee is $35.
Are you interested in taking your writing to the next level? A good way to determine if you are ready for publication is by submitting your manuscript for critique. Some shy away from having a manuscript evaluated, but if you are serious about improving your writing and achieving publication, a manuscript critique is an important step in the process. And it is a great way to learn what mistakes you are making in your writing. We look forward to helping you.
Critique Guidelines
MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUE GUIDELINES
Critique fee is $35.
* Critiques are available for both pre-published and published writers.
* You must register and pay for the conference in order to submit a manuscript for critique.
* The critique fee is $35.00 per manuscript and includes comments on your manuscript and a 15-minute appointment with your critiquer. You will need to request an appointment by e-mailing John Gilden at johndgilden@gmail.com.
* Manuscript format: double spaced, (unless noted below), Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri font, one side of the paper. Do not bold, italicize, or use all caps for emphasis.
* Please submit your manuscript prior to the conference via email to the critiquer of your choice. The list of critiquers will added below by Febuary 15, 2023. You can pay this when you register. You must be registered for the conference in order to request a critique and the critique fee must be paid for. Please revisit this page for the complete list of names and availability and deadlines.
* Submissions must fit the following criteria. If submissions are longer than the specified guidelines, the critique will not extend beyond the amount listed below.
Devotions: (limit of three – no longer than two pages each)
Poetry: three poems or three pages
Articles: up to 1500 words
Nonfiction book: outline and first 10 pages
Nonfiction book proposal: single spaced complete proposal
Novel: single spaced synopsis (no more than two pages) and first 10 pages (a prologue is included in this page count)
Novel proposal: single spaced proposal and synopsis
Short stories (fiction): up to 2000 words
Personal experience story (nonfiction): up to 1500 words
Bible Studies: outline (single spaced) and up to 10 pages
Children’s picture book: entire book
Children’s chapter book: synopsis and up to 10 pages
Speaking Presentations: Include your notes for a speaking presentation double spaced, up to 45 minutes long. Include a brief description of the event. Be sure to include the time limit for the presentation, the age and demographics of the audience (if you know it), and one sentence that describes your goal for your speech. Feel free to include notes about intentional gestures, pauses, as well as other non-verbal dynamics related to your delivery
Manuscripts that include sexually explicit material or profanity will not be accepted for critique.
Deadline for critique submissions is up to the critiquer and will be listed beside his or her name. Most critiquers have limited the number of manuscripts they will critique so you are urged to send your submissions ahead of the deadline.
Below is a list of critiquers and their cutoff dates
| Name | Cut Off | Genre | E-Mail Address |
CCWC WRITING CONTEST GUIDELINES
Deadline: February 1, 2024
The $25 fee for each entry goes to our Scholarship Fund, enabling talented but financially challenged writers to attend the conference. Thus, when you enter the contest, you are investing not only in your own professional growth, but also in God’s plan of provision for others.
Rules, guidelines, and fees are listed below. Please read and follow them carefully so as to ensure a valid entry.
Deadline for this year’s contest is February 1, 2024.
Praying for you as you write for Him!
Melissa Henderson
CCWC Contest Director
View Guidelines
All entries must adhere to the following specifications or risk being disqualified.
Formatting contest entry:
Cover page is crucial.
On the top line of your cover page, center the words CCWC Contest Entry/Genre (Name the specific genre of your writing).
In the middle of the cover page, please include:
• Title of Entry
• Category with subgenre if applicable
• Total number of entry pages (not counting cover page)
At the bottom of the page, please include the following:
• Name
• Address
• Email
• Phone
Your entry pages should be numbered, double-spaced (except for poetry), Times New Roman 12-point font, and have a running title in the header, but no other identifying information.
E-mail contest entry no later than February 1 to:
with CCWC Contest in the subject line.
ENTRY FEE: You may pay for the contest when you register or mail a check to Kay Edwards (see below). Make check payable to CCWC at a rate of $25 per entry.
REMEMBER: Make certain you put CCWC Contest on Memo line of check.
Mail check to the following address:
Att: Kay Edwards
CCWC Contest
First Baptist Church
250 E. Main Street
Spartanburg, SC 29306
You may write your check for the total number of entries. However, please attach only one entry per e-mail. You may enter as many times as you wish as long as you enter only one manuscript per category, or for the novel, per subcategory. Your entry will only be judged if the entry fee has been received on or before February 1, 2024.
Note: If you prefer, contest entry payment may be made on the CCWC website at the same time as your registration for the conference.
Contest winners will be announced at the closing session of the CCWC on March 9, 2024.
Fine print:
• Entries not formatted correctly may be disqualified.
• Critiques will not be given on contest entries.
• Contest entries will not be returned.
• Categories may be combined.
• Judges may decide not to declare a winning entry if level of entries does not meet publishing industry standards.
Contest Guidelines
This part of the contest is limited to attendees whose entries are unpublished and uncontracted for the category entered.
CATEGORY – GUIDELINES
ARTICLES – Submit your nonfiction article (up to 1000 words)
BIBLE STUDY – Submit an outline or table of contents plus first 1000 words.
CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK – Submit entire manuscript without graphics or illustrations.
DEVOTIONS – Submit your best devotion of no more than 300 words, including the accompanying prayer and scripture/quote.
NONFICTION BOOKS – Submit a one-paragraph summary of the book, the Table of Contents, plus up to the first 1500 words.
NOVELS – Submit a one-paragraph summary of the book, plus up to the first 1500 words. Note: In your summary, specify which sub-category your novel fits best. Submissions in the novel category are limited to one per sub-category.
· Contemporary
· Historical/Biblical
· Mystery/Suspense
· Romance
· Romantic Suspense
· Speculative/Fantasy
· Young Adult
POETRY – Submit your best poem, single-spaced, limited to one page
CCWC KUDOS WRITING CONTEST GUIDELINES
Deadline: February 1, 2024
This part of the contest is not limited to registered conference attendees.
Authors whose works have been published between January 2022 and January 2023 may submit a hard copy of the work along with a $25 entry fee payable to CCWC/FBS (Please write KUDOS Contest on memo line).
The fee attached to each entry goes to our Scholarship Fund, enabling talented but financially challenged writers to attend the conference. Thus, when you enter the contest, you are investing not only in your own professional growth, but also in God’s plan of provision for others.
Rules, guidelines, and fees are listed below. Please read and follow them carefully so as to ensure a valid entry.
Praying for you as you write for Him!
Melissa Henderson
CCWC Contest Director
View Guidelines
KUDOS AWARDS for PUBLISHED AUTHORS
CONTEST RULES:
Note: This part of the contest is not limited to registered conference attendees. Authors whose works have been published between January 2023 and January 2024 may submit a hard copy of the work along with a $25 entry fee payable to CCWC/FBS (Please write KUDOS Contest on memo line).
Categories for KUDOS AWARDS:
• Articles
• Fiction
• Non-fiction
These entries should be postmarked no later than February 22 and mailed to:
Melissa Henderson
CCWC Contest Director
3048 Caspian Ct.
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
Contest winners will be announced at the closing session of the CCWC on March 9, 2024.
(Contest Entries will not be returned)
Please include the following information with your entry:
Title of Entry
Category
Name
Address
Phone
Meet Your
2023 CCWC Faculty
Becky Antkowiak
Recording Specialist
She’s been working in children’s publishing for 20-plus years. As the manager of the Kidz Book Buzz blog tour she was privileged to work with best-selling authors such as Jeanne DuPrau, Ingrid Law, and Shannon Hale. Now she represents her own list of bestselling and award-winning authors and she teaches online courses to thousands of students in over 90 countries.
Worshops:
Candy Arrington
Writer, Blogger, and Speaker
Candy gains writing inspiration from vintage photographs, historic architecture, nature, and the application of scripture to everyday life. She enjoys teaching at writing conferences, guiding writers in how to best craft their ideas to experience publishing success.
To learn more, visit CandyArrington.com where you can read and sign up to receive her blog, Forward Motion – Moving Beyond What Holds You Back.
Workshops:
Cheri Cowell
Publisher/Author
Cheri Cowell is the owner/publisher for EABooks. She is both a traditionally and independently published author, is the award-winning author of 365 Devotions for Peace (Zondervan), and Parables and Word Pictures Bible study (AMG Publishers). Her other books include Direction: Discernment for the Decisions of Your Life (Beacon Hill), and the One Story, One Mission, One God Bible study. She’s published over 700 articles and countless devotions. With her experience as an author and as a publisher, Cheri has a unique approach and grace when working with authors to bring their dreams to reality.
Workshop Information to come
Michelle Cox
Author
Michelle Cox is a speaker and the bestselling author of fourteen books. Her newest books are When God Calls the Heart: Devotions from Hope Valley (based on Hallmark’s mega-hit When Calls the Heart and co-authored with Executive Producer Brian Bird) and the When God Calls the Heart Journal.
Michelle’s “Life with a Southern Grandmother” posts run each Monday and Thursday at www.Guideposts.org. She has been the food blogger for Fox News Personality Todd Starnes and has written for FoxNews.com, Focus on the Family, Christian Cinema, Whoa Magazine for Women, Leading Hearts Magazine, and numerous other publications. Michelle is the creator of the Just 18 Summers® brand of parenting products and resources, which will include movies, a documentary, music, books (the Just 18 Summers novel released from Tyndale), and other products. The Just 18 Summers® parenting blog (featuring a staff of writers) has a new post each Monday-Friday. Michelle has been a guest on Home and Family, Hannity, The Harvest Show, Focus on the Family, Babbie’s House, Atlanta Live, and on numerous other radio and television stations.
Workshop Information to come
Workshop Information to come
Jimmie Davis
Author
Workshops:
Lynette Eason
Author
Workshops:
Dr. Edna Ellison
Author
Edna loves to travel. She has been a keynote speaker in London, England; Frankfort, Germany; Panama City, Panama; and other world-class cities. She has spoken and led writing conferences in almost every US state, including Alaska and Hawaii. An award-winning poetry and writing teacher on the high school, university, and post-graduate level, Dr. Ellison is the author and/or co-author of over 40 inspirational books and over 400 blog and magazine articles. A familiar “Chicken Soup for the Soul” writer, her life has been featured also in Focus on the Family magazines, where she has been published numerous times.
A people lover, Edna enjoys teaching Bible studies, editing, and leading prayer retreats—and most of all—playing with her granddaughter, Blakely.
To Contact Edna: www.ednaellison.net or ednae9@aol.com
Workshops:
John Farrell
Digital Content Writer/Editor of Inspiration.org
John is a graduate of Appalachian State University where he has a degree and done graduate work in English. Prior to working at Inspiration Ministries, John worked at Speed Digital, Lionel (Trains and Racing), NASCAR, and SHAPE America, serving in various editorial, writing, and publishing capacities. He lives in Concord, N.C., with his wife Renee and their two sons.
Linda Gilden – Director, Carolina Christian Writers Conference
Author
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
As the award-winning podcast host of Your Best Writing Life, Linda interviews industry experts weekly, keeping her current with all things writing-related. As a coach, she loves helping writers and speakers take God’s next best step to reach their publishing and professional goals.
Linda enjoys drinking frothed coffee with friends, hiking and playing golf with her hubby, and relaxing with family and friends as often as possible. She and Sam, have four adult children and many, many, grandbabies. They live in the Texas hill country with two country dogs.
Workshops:
Lori Hatcher – Chaplain
Author
Workshops:
Melissa Henderson – Contest Director
Contest Director
Tammy Karasek
Author
When not writing Rom-Com or Women’s Fiction, she’s The Launch Team Geek helping authors launch their books and also a Virtual Assistant. Her work was published in a Divine Moments Compilation Book—Cool-inary Moments. She’s also the Social Media Manager for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, Founding President and current Vice-President of ACFW Upstate SC, and Founding President of Word Weavers Upstate SC. She’s a writing team member for The Write Conversation Blog, Novel Academy, MBT Monday Devotions, The Write Editing and others. Connect with Tammy at https://www.tammykarasek.com.
Workshops:
Katy Kauffman
Magazine Editor
At the conference, Katy represents Refresh, and will gather names of potential contributors, provide information about the magazine, and collect articles for the 2023 issues.
In addition to online magazines, her writing can be found at CBN.com, thoughts-about-God.com, and three blogs on writing. She loves to spend time with family and friends, create art with her group My Artsy Tribe, and tend the garden in the morning sun. She makes her home in a cozy suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and www.LighthouseBibleStudies.com/Katy-Kauffman.
Workshops:
Terri Kelly
Author
Instagram: @terri.b.kelly Twitter: @tkellyteaches Facebook: Terri Kelly
Workshops:
Larry J. Leech II
Bold Vision Books Editor in Chief
Find Larry at www.larryleech.com.
Workshops:
Wendy Leech
Registrar
Edie Melson
Author
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
Workshops:
Edwina Perkins
Asst. Director/Managing Editor for Harambee Press
Edwina Perkins is the assistant director of Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She is also the coordinator for Mentoring Moments and the manager for Sensitivity Between the Lines, both with Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Edwina is the managing editor for Harambee Press, an imprint of End Game Press. As a longtime member of Word Weavers International, she now serves as a member of the advisory board. Edwina is an award-winning writer, experienced teacher, speaker, freelance editor, and a sensitivity reader and has been published in numerous publications. One of her passions is to address the need for sensitivity and diversity in the publishing industry. She is also known as Nona to two precious grandchildren.
Workshops:
The Importance of Fiction-Techniques in Non-fiction
The Importance of Fiction-Techniques in Non-fiction
Engage the reader from the first word. A great non-fiction book draws the reader in from the start. We’ll look at how some fiction-writing techniques can create more engaging and impactful nonfiction books.
The Importance of Your Pitch
The Importance of Your Pitch
Pitching your book is one of the most important things you’ll do as an author. A memorable pitch can help a book go a long way in a crowded marketplace. It’s a concise, one or two sentences used to sell your book to an editor, agent, and eventually to readers. This workshop will give tips on how to create a killer pitch.
Debbie Presnell
Author
Debbie has authored four books: Shine! Radiating the Love of God — A Bible Study Designed for Young Women in Middle School and High School, Shining Through the Psalms — A 150- Day Devotional Journey, Shine On! 30 Biblical Principles for Radiant Living, and Shining Through James—Living the Journey that Doesn’t Make Sense. Additionally, her articles have been published in the Divine Moments series. She is a contributor to Crosswalk.com and a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).
Debbie is founder and director of Shine Camp for teen girls, whose mission is equipping middle and high school girls with Biblical principles to embrace their identity in Christ and discover their purpose. Read more about Shine Camp Black Mountain on Facebook and visit Shine Every Day With Debbie, where she vlogs and brings devotions and inspirational messages.
Debbie has been interviewed on Atlanta Live Television, Real Life Television and on 106.9-The Light radio station.
Debbie and her late husband, Alan, have three adult children, two sons-in-love, and two grandchildren. She enjoys hiking, riding her bike, helping coach a girl’s running team, and serves as a substitute teacher in her local school. She loves both the mountains and the beach and spending time with her family—especially coffee time and shopping with her girls. Visit her website at www.debbiepresnell.com. Email her at debbie@debbiepresnell.com.
Workshops:
Molly Jo Realy
Author
Workshops:
Rhonda Robinson
Content Producer (acquiring editor) Focus on the Family Parenting and Youth
For over twenty years, Rhonda Robinson has provided insightful commentary and analysis on the social, political, and parenting issues impacting the family. Beginning in the late 1990s, Rhonda’s work was featured in newspapers as a controversial columnist. Her voice later transitioned to articles and blogs for high-traffic conservative websites, where she established a significant online presence.
In 2015, Rhonda concentrated her expertise into training and guiding writers in the art of creating viral content that met the felt needs of niche audiences. As a managing editor of content marketing company, Rhonda taught writers how to leverage search engine and social media listening strategies to create content that resonates and reaches its intended audience.
Although the vast majority of her career has been spent online with over 1,000 articles, Rhonda has also penned two award-winning books. Nonetheless, Rhonda’s true claim to fame comes from the titles of mother to nine children and grandmother to 35. Currently, she resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado, alongside her high school sweetheart, as they settle into an empty nest.
Workshops:
Mae Frances Sarratt
Author
Her story, Purpose and Time, was featured in the January 2023 edition of All About Seniors Magazine. She has been a guest columnist for her local newspaper, The Gaffney Ledger, in 2022. Her newest project, “The Savvy Senior Connector”, a reference booklet for senior services in Cherokee County, South Carolina, and their families, will be published in 2023.
Mae Frances’ story, Doing it Alone, was featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul’s 2021 summer release, I’m Speaking Now. She has been a contributor to, Getting Old Ain’t for Wimps, by Karen O’Connor, and Candy Arrington’s, Life on Pause. Her article, Our Roller Coaster Ride, appeared in I Ascend magazine 2022.
Mae Frances has been a featured guest on several podcasts, including, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and The A.P. Murray African American Cultural Association Library of Congress. She has been a guest on her local radio stations, 1180 AM, WFGN, and 104.3, WZZQ FM.
Mae Frances is a graduate of Gardner Webb University, with a degree in Human Services, and a retired registered nurse with forty-three years of experience. She is a minister and often speaks at women’s retreats and senior centers.
Workshops:
Cindy Sproles
Author
Workshops: