Authors
Everything is Eastern Time
Continuing Sessions
Thursday & Friday: 11:15 – 12:15 and 3:15 – 4:15
Saturday, 11:15 – 12:15
Beatrice Bruno 
Speaker, Author, US Army Veteran
Drill Sergeant of Life
Beatrice is the author of 6 books, and counting—Christian Living, Motivational/ Inspirational, and Fiction. She is the ghostwriter of 11 books for various clients, has been a contributing author for several books, and is an editor and book reviewer as well.
In the current season, Beatrice has learned more than she desired to know on the topic of Widowhood. She is looking for her new normal . . . if there is such a thing . . . after losing her beloved husband. Discovering what grief is all about and what it entails, Beatrice lets her audiences know, “You don’t have to traverse the path alone.”
The founder and leader of Writer, Thou Art Loosed! Writers’ Conferences, Beatrice helps seasoned and potential writers, Write On for the Glory of God! She is also the leader of POWWOW—Prophetic, On-Watch Warriors of Worship and War—conducting conferences and daily prayer calls Monday through Friday to stand on the walls of our families, communities, and world.
The Drill Sergeant of Life’s mission is to empower you to be all you care to be on the Battlefield of Life.You can be a Commander in Life! Be Bold and Courageous! God’s Got You . . .You’ve Got This!
Keynote – “For Such a Time as This” (Wednesday, 2:00 pm)
This season, God is elevating the gifts and talents He has placed within us, especially as writers, to address the challenges we currently face. The latest horrific event in Shreveport shows that the times are worsening. People are looking for a word. Many of them will not turn to the Bible, the Word of God. They come to us as writers, looking for a word that will hopefully make sense of everything we see happening. You, as writers, were created . . . for such a time as this! Take advantage of the gift and talent God has placed inside of you to write as never before. Time is short!
Sara Brunsvold
Award-winning Author
Sara is the Christy Award-winning author of The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip and The Atlas of Untold Stories. She creates stories that boldly engage contemporary issues through the lens of hope and unshakable faith. Her passion is to connect with readers first through books, then through meaningful conversations. She lives with her family in Kansas.
Workshop 5G – Five Things That Surprised Me About Traditional Publishing (Saturday, 2:00 – 2:50)
The learning curve for traditionally published debut authors is steeper than they can anticipate. From financial considerations to understanding sales and royalties to managing a new set of expectations, newbie authors face numerous adjustments—some of which are rarely discussed at writing conferences. Multi-published author Sara Brunsvold shares five of the biggest surprises she encountered after signing her first contract. The insights she shares will help you understand what the first years of a traditional publishing career are really like.
Dianne E. Butts
Award-winning Author and Screenwriter
dianneebutts.com
Dianne has been writing professionally since 1989. Her articles have been published in Great Britain, Bulgaria, Poland, Canada, and Korea. She has also contributed to more than 20 books. She authored the 3-book nonfiction series Prophecies Fulfilled in the Birth of Jesus, Prophecies Fulfilled in the Death & Resurrection of Jesus, and Prophecies Fulfilled in the Life of Jesus. While those books are out of print, she is currently rewriting these to get them back into print, published independently.
Deliver Me, a collection of more than 50 true stories of unplanned pregnancy and the sometimes inspiring, sometimes devastating aftermath, was awarded Nonfiction Book of the Year in 2012 by the Christian Small Publisher’s Association.
Dianne has published numerous Kindle e-books for writers and on biblical topics. She has also written and independently published more than 25 fiction novellas, both historical and contemporary romance, under the pen name F. Tilly Brownne.
Also a screenwriter, her screenplays have placed as a finalist in the Kairos Prize for Spiritually Uplifting Screenplays and a quarterfinalist in Faith & Family Screenwriting Awards Winter 2026, among others. She has also produced and directed award-winning short films.
Dianne has served on the board of directors of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) and on faculty at several writers’ conferences. When she is not writing, she enjoys gardening and riding her motorcycle with her husband, Hal.
Learning Lab – Call to Action: The World Needs Your Writing (Wednesday, 3:45 – 6:00)
Are you aware what is being published these days? We will look at what publishing at large is putting out that influences America and what we, as writers for Him, can do about it.
After the martyrdom of Charlie Kirk, tons of people of all ages and from all backgrounds are buying Bibles and reading them for the first time. They need help to grow in the Lord.
The world needs your fiction and nonfiction books, children’s books, articles, blog posts, newsletters, podcasts, and more. Whether you can find an agent, a traditional publisher, choose a hybrid publisher to help you, or choose to publish independently, people need what the Lord is calling you to write.
We can’t afford to have you discouraged or wondering if you are a “good enough” writer. The Lord brought you here to the WHA conference because your writing is needed—now.
Continuing Session – Going Indie? You CAN Publish Your Book Professionally
Session 1: Publishing independently means making a lot of decisions—so let’s get informed. It’s best to create a book proposal or business plan for yourself first. We’ll discuss the two competing worlds of books: Amazon vs. IngramSpark. Why and how it’s best to publish in both, separately and simultaneously.
Session 2: Write the best book; get it written. Ways to self-edit before seeking an editor. Copyright registration. Then, Print books and Ebooks. Print: Formatting with Atticus, Vellum, Kindle Create. Ebooks: Kindle Unlimited exclusivity vs. going Wide. Draft2Digital. Kobo. Libraries.
Session 3: Book covers: where to get them at a decent cost for both print books and ebooks. ISBNs and barcodes. Prime real estate: back cover copy. Formats for Amazon and IngramSpark. IngramSpark vs. D2D Print. Barnes & Noble print.
Session 4: What you will need to upload: Blurb/descriptions, keywords, price (vs. cost). Decisions you’ll make while uploading—options, best practices. Additional options: Hardcovers, large prints, audiobooks, translations.
Session 5: Marketing: before and after you publish. Blogs and podcasts. Images for social media. Ads: Amazon, Facebook, Bookbub. Paid newsletters. Hybrid publishers that will do some or all of this for you and wise questions to ask.
Emily Parke Chase
Award-winning Author
emilychase.com
An award-winning author, Emily has written six nonfiction books on relationship issues (these include Help! My Family’s Messed Up and What Do I Say to a Friend Who’s Gay?) and two historical novels (The Flame and The Idol, about Matthew and Mark writing their gospels). All these books address difficult topics and use biblical characters to illustrate God’s faithfulness.
Emily was originally trained as an archaeologist and still enjoys digging up truth in Scripture. She formerly worked with Wycliffe Bible Translators and taught Bible at Messiah University. She is currently retired and lives in Mechanicsburg, PA.
Workshop 2I – Defusing Hot Wire Topics (Thursday, 5:15 – 6:05)
When readers are fired up about hot issues like gay rights or abortion issues, how do you encourage them to listen to a different viewpoint? This workshop will use the power of humor to defuse resistance and open ears to hear alternative perspectives.
Damola Curtis
Freelance Writer
Substack Contributor
Damola is a lifelong church girl with 30+ years in ministry, including worship teams and children’s ministry. A former journalist, she now writes daily with a raw, honest voice that blends Scripture with personal reflection. She shares her work daily on Red Confessional and lives in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Workshop 4F – Idea to Impact: Starting Your Substack Now (Friday, 5:15 – 6:05)
You don’t need a master plan, just a clear message and the willingness to start. In this workshop, you’ll get a simple, proven framework for launching your Substack newsletter and using it as a tool for ministry and message. Whether you’re writing devotionals, reflections, or creative nonfiction, you’ll walk away with a blueprint, three solid post ideas, and the clarity to stop overthinking and start writing. Come with a rough idea, you’ll leave with a path forward.
Mike Dellosso
Author
Ghostwriter
Mike has been writing for over 20 years. He has traditionally published a dozen books (mostly suspense/thriller but also a couple dramas), self-published another half-dozen, and has ghostwritten 10 books to date. Publishing credits also include short stories, magazine articles, newspaper feature articles, and newspaper columns. Currently, Mike is focusing on ghostwriting, helping authors write their memoirs and business books. He has also coached several authors, one of whom landed a multi-book contract with a traditional publisher.
Workshop 2C – Tapping into the Emotions of Your Characters (Thursday, 5:15 – 6:05)
How do we attach genuine emotions to our characters if we’ve never experienced them? How do write authentically about an emotionally saturated experience when we’ve never personally navigated that experience? Whether you’re writing fiction or memoirs or biographies, getting the emotional template right is often a challenge. In this workshop, we’ll discuss the power of empathy to tap into those emotions to write authentic scenes and create real characters.
Critique Group – Thursday, 5:30 – 5:10 – Genre Fiction: suspense, thriller, fantasy
Round Table – Thursday, 6:30 – 6:55
Victoria Dorshorn
Author, Editor
victorythroughlight.com
Award-winning Screenwriter
Vicki is the author of Victory through Light: How to Overcome the Growing Cultural Darkness; Victory through Voice: How to Speak Truth When the Culture Demands Silence; and a short allegory, Called into Light. She has also published a novel and a collection of poetry under her maiden name. Vicki has won screenwriting awards and garnered official selections and nominations in many festivals, both international and local. She has worked on three short films that have won awards. She teaches composition at Southern Wesleyan University, edits scripts and books, and converts books to film. She has judged for ICVM and Write of Passage.
Workshop 5I – Writing to Victory (Saturday, 2:00 – 2:50)
We are in danger of losing our children and grandchildren to identity confusion. Families divide over sexual rebellion. And our nation is in grave danger over the misinformation, deception, excused crime, and destructive rioting which is rampant. Explore how your writing can influence your loved ones and others in this battle for a return to biblical principles in home and in society. Consider how your genre can bring victory to others as you write what God has called you to write.
Round Table – Thursday, 12:30 – 12:55 Editing and screenwriting
Michael K. Gantt
Pastor, Author, Speaker
Radio Host, Monday Mornings with Mike
mkgantt.com
Michael has served the same community for fifty-three years and preached in the same pulpit for the last forty-four years. In 2017, he released the leadership of Agape Christian Fellowship into the capable hands of his oldest son, who now serves as lead pastor. God has called Michael to dedicate the remaining years of his productive life strengthening the church at large, mentoring young ministries, and especially working to restore the family as the center of the kingdom of heaven on earth. He has written several books, including Makutano, Cry Mercy, and Old Paths and Ancient Markers.
Keynote – The Power of His Presence (Saturday, 9:40 am)
Everything in the Word of God points to the importance of the presence of God in our lives. Death came because sin drove Adam from God’s presence. Jesus called His disciples to His side saying, “Come, be with me” (MKG version). On the Day of Pentecost, we focus on the wind, the fire, and the language; but, we miss what is perhaps the most important message of the day. The tongues of fire sat on “each of them.” Until that moment, the fire of the Presence of God was contained behind a veil in a tent, and later in a stone building. Now, the fire of His Presence rested upon each of the 120 persons gathered in that upper room. The Presence of God can no longer be confined to a sacred structure, but has been loosed to reside in men. We spend far too much effort pursuing God’s “presents,” not understanding that it is the “presence” of the Father that will bring power to our work—and our words.
Dr. William A. Gray
god-nods.com
Educator, Author
Bill has studied, presented, and written comparisons of major worldviews for 45 years. He is currently preparing Training Manuals to defend your Christian Faith and Biblical Theism worldview [apologetics] and to stand up to attacks by mockers [polemics]. His spiritual memoir describes God Nods (how God orchestrates events and people to benefit them and fulfill His purpose, based on Romans 8:28). In his God Nods Trilogy, main characters address contemporary issues to satisfy different desires (God Nods on True Love is completed; God Nods on Truth and God Nods on Destiny are overviewed at god-nods.com).
Workshop 3I – Good News versus Bad News: Why Christian Theism & Islam Impact Culture So Differently (Friday, 2:00 – 2:50)
Learn how Muhammad and Islam promote “Bad News” while Jesus and Christian Theism promote “Good News.”
How Muhammad and Islam’s Holy Books encourage jihadist violence and political domination to impose anti-democratic Islam; promote hate of all infidels; view females and non-Muslims as inferior; require surrender to a god (Allah) and strict obedience to hundreds of Sharia Laws; worship a god who is transcendent and impersonal, unloving and judgmental; never know if “good deeds” outweigh “bad deeds” to gain Paradise; promotes theocracy (Caliphate dictatorship), not democracy.
How Jesus and Christian Theism promote peace and a non-political Kingdom of God; emphasize loving God and others (including enemies) as the two Great Commandments; elevate females and the down-trodden; attract whosoever chooses to be Followers of Jesus; promote a personal relationship with Jesus as Savior and Lord to gain access to God the Father (grace and forgiveness) and to the Holy Spirit (spiritual gifts and fruit); ensure eternal salvation hereafter and present salvation here (set free from worldly enslavements); promotes democracy, not theocracy.
Round Table - Thursday, 12:30 – 12:55
Krysten Lindsay Hager
Author of Clean & Wholesome Fiction 
for the YA Market
krystenlindsay.com
Krysten writes young adult contemporary, new adult, and middle grade fiction. Her stories follow characters through the pivotal moments of growing up—from high school hallways to their first year of college.
She is an award-winning author, blogger, and podcast guest host for Michigan Avenue Media. She is the author of True Colors, Best Friends...Forever?, Next Door to a Star, Landry in Like, Competing with the Star, Dating the It Guy, Can Dreams Come True, In Over Her Head: Lights, Camera, Anxiety, Cecily in the City, Stars in the City, Falling for a Star in the City, When Stars Collide in the City, Summer of Possibility, and her latest, Wishing on a Star in the City.
Krysten’s work has been featured in USA Today, The Flint Journal, the Grand Haven Tribune, the Beavercreek Current, the Bellbrook Times, Springfield News-Sun, Grand Blanc View, Dayton Daily News, and on Living Dayton. She is a frequent guest host on the Michigan Avenue Media podcast. She received her BA in English and master's degree from the University of Michigan-Flint.
Workshop 4C – Writing New Adult Novels (Friday, 5:15 – 6:05)
What are readers looking for in the New Adult genre? We’ll go over how to pick topics, themes, and the differences between Young Adult and New Adult books. We’ll also discuss writing New Adult romances that are sweet and clean when the market is known for spicy/steamy New Adult books.
Faith Ijiga
Author
Podcaster
Faith Is a Nigerian author of political and military thrillers that explore themes of terrorism, justice, and faith. She is the author of several books, including Jungle Justice and The Silent Protest, and has also written numerous short stories for magazines and anthologies. Faith is the founder of the Christian Writers and Readers Club, an online community launched on January 9, 2020, that has connected Christian writers and readers from more than nine countries. She is also the host of the Christian Readers Community Podcast. Her work and voice on issues such as terrorism in Nigeria have been featured on major radio stations and in magazine interviews. In 2021, she placed first runner-up in her first writing competition.
Workshop 1C – Writing Hard Themes in Thriller Fiction (Thursday, 2:00 – 2:50)
Thrillers often explore dark and difficult realities—terrorism, war, persecution, and moral conflict. For Christian authors, writing about these hard themes can raise important questions: How do we portray evil truthfully without glorifying it? How do we address real-world suffering while still pointing readers toward hope and redemption? In this workshop, I will share how thriller writers can approach difficult subjects—such as terrorism, persecution, and violence—with courage, authenticity, and spiritual sensitivity. Drawing from my experience writing stories inspired by real-world events in Nigeria, participants will learn how to craft gripping thrillers that confront darkness honestly while reflecting a Christian worldview.
Workshop 5H – How to Make the Most of a Podcast Interview (Saturday, 2:00 – 2:50)
Podcast interviews have become one of the most powerful ways for authors to reach new readers. Many authors go on podcasts hoping it will help promote their books, but they miss the opportunity by giving vague or guarded answers to questions listeners genuinely want to hear. As someone who has been in the podcasting space for four years, I will share what actually works. In this workshop, I’ll talk about how authors can reach out to podcasters, how to present themselves as strong guests, and how to prepare for interviews that connect with listeners. We will also discuss why honesty and vulnerability matter. When listeners hear the real story behind your book, they are far more likely to become readers.
Susan A. Massey
Author, Educator, Speaker
susanamasseyrevivalist.com
Susan is a saved by grace servant of Jesus who loves His church. As an author, speaker, and academic librarian with master’s degrees in divinity and library science, she has been a leader in multiple ministries and professional organizations. Author of Dross on Fire: Authentic Revival for End Time American Christians, she now devotes her writing and speaking skills to delivering a biblical perspective on church revival. Her calling is to ignite believers with a renewed passion for God.
Workshop 6I – Writing for Revival (Saturday, 3:45 – 4:35)
How do we connect with the heart of God to awaken spiritual renewal in people? As Christian writers, we want our words to transform the lives of our readers. Writing to inspire growth in our audience starts with our own inner journey. In this workshop we’ll explore the essential qualities of real revival, ways to deepen our own relationship with God, and how to become a prophetic voice that can change the world. Learn to Write His Answer with a strong sense of purpose for your message.
Janet McHenry
Bestselling Author
Speaker, Coach, Editor
janetmchenry.com
Janet is an inspirational speaker and the author of 27 books—including the bestselling PrayerWalk and her newest, Praying Personalities, which was a 2025 Christian Book Award finalist. She loves speaking at writers’ conferences around the country, coaching writers, editing books, and hosting the twice-annual Sierra Valley Writers Retreat.
Continuing Session – Build It! Writing Nonfiction Books That Matter
Novelists and memoirists may write by the seat of their pants, but nonfiction writers carefully structure their books. This continuing session will teach you how to design a Christian living book, devotional, Bible study, gift book, and memoir—from the big picture idea right down to paragraph structure—so that your book(s) will change others’ lives.
Thurs 11:15 - 12:15 CS - Part 1
Thurs 3:15 - 4:15 CS - Part 2
Fri 11:15 - 12:15 CS -Part 3
Fri 3:15 - 4:15 CS - Part 4
Sat 11:15 - 12:15 CS - Part 5
Round Table - Friday, 6:30 – 6:55
Critique Group – Saturday, 3:00 – 3:40
DiAnn Mills
Bestselling Author
diannmills.com
DiAnn is a bestselling author who invites readers to expect an adventure—where heart-pounding suspense meets unforgettable romance and faith shines through every challenge. Known for crafting gripping plots and richly layered characters, DiAnn believes every breath we take unfolds a story waiting to be told—so why not make it thrilling?
Her novels have appeared on the CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists and have earned numerous honors, including the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol Awards.
DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and serves as Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She is also active in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA), Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. Passionate about helping others succeed, she invests in writers through mentoring, book coaching, editing, and dynamic workshops she teaches across the country.
A self-proclaimed coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She makes her home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.
Connect with DiAnn for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively conversations at diannmills.com, or on Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, BookBub, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Pre-conference Opportunity: Practice Your Pitch (fiction)
June 4, noon You’ll get the URL for this Zoom session when you register.
Learning Lab – Mastering Plotting (Wednesday, 3:45 – 6:00)
Plotting is an art, a skillful expression of a writer’s creativity and imagination that sends a protagonist on an adventure. It is aesthetic, evocative, and invokes powerful emotions through the actions of three-dimensional characters who strive to achieve a goal. This two-hour, hands-on lab shows how to plot from the first sentence to the last, no matter whether you’re a new or experienced writer.
The character’s goal thrives on wanting something so badly that the protagonist or antagonist will venture to any lengths or depths to possess it. A want becomes a need when the character plods ahead to obtain it, and nothing exceeds prominence in the character’s life but reaching the goal or solving the problem. The characters incorporate sacrifices—physical, mental, and/or spiritual—in their quest. It becomes a holistic process that fuses scenes and sequels with every novel-writing technique to create a thrilling story. The protagonist accepts the challenge of the hardships and potential victories ahead and secures some skills along the way.
Workshop 4H – How to Attract Book Clubs (Friday, 5:15 – 6:15)
Writers love to have their books featured by book clubs. We’re excited, passionate, and long for them to enjoy a new adventure. We might think that should be enough for readers to jump onboard our book-baby, but we can thrill them even more by offering ways to enjoy the book privately or within a book club. This workshop shows the writer where to find book clubs, how to approach them, and tried and proven ways to make your presentation shine. This is one of my favorite workshops because it’s fun!
Round Table – Friday, 12:30 – 12:55
Critique Group – Saturday, 3:00 – 3:40
Charles Patricoff
Author
Historian
Charles has over 50 years of various writing experiences, encompassing a broad spectrum of audiences, including over 45 years of professional technical writing. His creative writings include Destination Hope, a Christ-centered, five-book series of historical fiction set before, during, and after the American Civil War, which has been his personal study passion for over 60 years. The President’s Piano is a Gospel intensive, dystopian novel that provides a reasonable explanation how the enemies of God never surrender their desire to destroy His gifts of life and liberty.
When asked why he wrote the Destination Hope series, he responded, “I hope it was God’s idea. Like something Abraham Lincoln said long ago, I write to preserve life and liberty, because by writing to provide freedom for others, we preserve freedom for ourselves.”
Charles holds a BA from Florida International University and a MA from Colorado Christian University, where he taught Technical Writing, Political Science: Forming the United States Constitution, and The American Civil War.
Charles served as a career Regular Officer in the United States Air Force. Since leaving the service, he has worked in the aerospace industry for over 45 years. A Jewish follower of Yeshua, he often speaks at Pro-Life and Conservative rallies about our Godly American Heritage. He began attending “Write His Answer” Christian Writers’ Conferences in 2008 and has been invited to speak at several conferences since 2015.
Keynote – Is Artificial Intelligence Replacing God? (Saturday, 4:45 pm)
I enjoy playing with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. I would go so far as to say I have fun with AI tools. Every follower of Jesus I know personally uses at least one AI tool. My wife has a friend we both consider to be a mature believer. She asks the ChatGPT application on her phone to provide answers for every issue for which she is unclear.
Approximately 1.5 to 2 billion people are using or interacting with AI tools globally as of March 2026. If the 2 billion number is accurate, then approximately 25% of the world’s population are using AI tools.
Mathematically speaking, the probability of nefarious actors using AI tools to advance evil is high. If we apply a biblical world view to the condition of humanity, we would be correct in concluding AI, a tool created by sinful humans, has inherent dangers. As followers of Jesus and Christians who desire to Write His Answer to a lost and dying world, we must pay close attention to our LORD’s repeated admonition as expressed in Mathew 24:4,3 “Take heed that no one deceives you” (NKJV).
Ava Pennington
Author, Bible Teacher
Writing Coach, Freelance Editor
AvaPennington.com
Ava is an author, speaker, and Bible teacher with a Bible Studies Certificate from Moody Bible Institute and an MBA from St. John’s University. She is a freelance editor and certified coach for Christian writers and speakers, and a mentor with Word Weavers Int’l.
Ava’s newest book is Flourish: Grace-Centered Practices to Protect and Grow a Fruitful Life in Christ (Kregel). Other books include the devotional, Reflections on the Names of God (Revell), endorsed by Precepts founder Kay Arthur. Ava’s articles have appeared in Christian magazines, and she has also contributed to 40 anthologies, including 31 Chicken Soup for the Soul books.
When she’s not writing, Ava teaches a weekly Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class of 200+ women, and is also an inspirational speaker for church groups, community organizations, and writers’ conferences.
Keynote – Flourish by Sharing the Fruit of Your Writing (Friday, 9:45 am)
Identify the characteristics of a fruitful writing life and how to share this fruit with your readers. When your writing flourishes, so do they!
Marti Pieper
Author, Collaborative Writer
Editor, WHAC Team
martipieper.com
Marti Pieper holds a B.S. in Dental Hygiene/Education from The Ohio State University and an M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She has a long career in collaborative writing, book editing, and conference teaching. Marti has also written and edited for both print and digital publications and currently serves as editorial director for the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida. Her most recent book project is Heroic Faith from Voice of the Martyrs. Marti was married to Tom, a pastor, professional musician, and worship pastor, for 41 years before God delivered him from young-onset dementia by taking him to heaven in August 2024. She continues to write and speak about their dementia journey.
Workshop 3F – The Genuine Article: From Idea to Acceptance (Friday, 2:00 – 2:50)
In her years of experience as both writer and editor of thousands of nonfiction articles and cover stories, Marti has learned how to take an idea, concept, or assignment and turn it into an article that not only sells but leaves a lasting impact. This workshop includes tips on brainstorming, identifying your target audience, focusing your idea, self-editing, and more. Learn to make editors smile and leave your audience asking for more.
Sandy Kirby Quandt
Award-winning Writer
sandykirbyquandt.com
Sandy is a follower of Jesus with a passion for history and travel. Passions that often weave their way into her blog, stories, devotions, and articles. She writes articles, devotions, and stories for adult and children’s publications. She is a regular contributor to Guideposts devotional books, as well as a conference speaker. Sandy has won multiple awards for her writing, including several years in the Young Adult category of the Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition. Looking for words of encouragement or gluten-free recipes? Then check out her blog at sandykirbyquandt.com.
Workshop 6F – Writing for Guideposts Devotional Books (Saturday, 3:45 – 4:35)
Dream of seeing your byline in a Guideposts devotional book? Then join me as we explore various elements Guideposts editors look for. We’ll discuss how to share a first-person anecdote that draws readers into a spiritual takeaway, without being preachy. We’ll discuss ways to take everyday moments and pull spiritual lessons from them in a relatable way. We’ll discuss how to tell a compelling story with a spiritual takeaway in 300-375 words. You’ll leave with a better understanding of what Guideposts looks for in their devotional books.
Penny Reeve
Award-winning Author
Speaker, Workshop Leader
Conference Presenter
pennyreeve.com
Penny is an award-winning Australian author of more than 25 books for children. Writing as Penny Reeve, Penny Jaye, and Ella Shine, she writes picture books, junior fiction, children’s Bible studies, and young adult fiction, always striving to empower young people to respond to the complex, fascinating, and sometimes difficult world we live in.
Penny has a Master of Arts in writing and literature and is undertaking her doctorate research on spiritual questioning in young adult fiction. She was a 2022 ADM Senior Research Fellow, has delivered keynotes at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, and teaches Writing for Children at Tabor University, Australia. An experienced speaker, workshop leader, and conference presenter, Penny has a particular interest in equipping Christian children’s writers.
Some of her published work includes the picture book Can God See Me? (illustrated by Shannon Melville), the Pet Sitter series of chapter books (collaboratively written with Cecily Paterson under the pen name Ella Shine), and a gripping novel for upper YA, Out of the Cages.
Keynote – Searching for Sunrise: A Writer’s Call to Hope (Friday, 7:00 pm)
In a world that aches for Jesus’ return, Christian writers have a unique responsibility to be watchers and heralds of hope. Drawing on John 1:5, Penny encourages writers to consider how searching for the light of Christ in our writing lives can shape not only what we write, but who we write for and how. Spiritual, practical, and real, this keynote will encourage writers to keep Christ’s light central to the motivation for their work.
Learning Lab – Writing Faith in Children’s Fiction (Picture Book to Young Adult) (Wednesday, 3:45 – 6:00)
Take a deep dive into the world of children’s literature with award-winning Christian children’s and YA author, Penny Reeve. In this Learning Lab intensive, we’ll discuss the five rules for writing books for young people and analyze how the Christian worldview impacts “what,” “how,” and “why” we write for kids. Whether you’re writing picture books, middle grade, or young adult novels, for the Christian or general markets, this lab will help you write faith in children’s fiction without boring, patronizing, or beating your reader over the head with the spiritual truths of your story.
Workshop 4E – Picture Book Editing Intensive (Friday, 5:15 – 6:05)
You’ve written a picture book and now it’s time to revise and edit. In this intensive, experienced children’s book author Penny Reeve, introduces writers to the steps and stages needed to turn a PB draft into story ready for submission/illustration. Topics covered include language and imagery, word count and page turns, storyline and sub-themes, perspective and voice. To prepare for this class, please bring a picture book work-in-progress.
Tim Riter 
timriter.com
Author, Pastor, Speaker, Teacher
Tim is an accomplished author, pastor, educator, and conference speaker with a career spanning several decades across multiple disciplines. The author of 14 published books with combined sales of over 115,000 copies, Tim continues to inspire readers with works such as More God, Motorcycles, and Open Roads (released December 6, 2024), which reached #75 in Motor Sports; Outdoor Adventures, Sacred Trails: Poems of a Traveling Man (August 22, 2022), which ranked #125 in Kindle Christian Literature and Art; and God, a Motorcycle, and the Open Road: A Biker’s Devotion (April 2019), which debuted as Amazon’s #1 new release in Motorcycles.
In addition to writing, Tim has served as a pastor for over 20 years, bringing deep insight and compassion to congregational life and community ministry. As an educator, he taught for 16 years at universities such as Azusa Pacific University, Hope International University, and Oxnard College, specializing in composition, communication, and argumentation at both undergraduate and graduate levels. His passion for teaching also extended to high school, where he taught English full time for 11 years.
A sought-after conference speaker, Tim has delivered approximately 30 keynote addresses and workshops at major conferences. In total, he has presented at nearly 100 speaking engagements nationwide.
Continuing Session – Growing Your Craft: How to Increase Your Impact
Four aspects of craft allow writers to be heard amongst the millions of options to read. In this continuing session, Tim will focus on Changing Minds, or persuading your readers; Knowing the Rules to understand the basics of grammar and conventions; Breaking the Rules to transcend the boundaries; and Audience Orientation and Clarity to sharpen the focus of your writing. You can expect your more skilled and powerful writing will draw in your readers.
Thurs 11:15 - 12:15 CS - Part 1
Thurs 3:15 - 4:15 CS - Part 2
Fri 11:15 - 12:15 CS -Part 3
Fri 3:15 - 4:15 CS - Part 4
Sat 11:15 - 12:15 CS - Part 5
Lori Stanley Roeleveld
Award-winning Author
Speaker, Certified Writing Coach
loriroeleveld.com
Lori is an award-winning author, speaker, certified writing coach, and disturber of hobbits. She’s authored 7 traditionally published books including Graceful Influence and God’s Abundant Mercy: 40 Days Living in His Compassion and contributed to 17+ more. Lori’s books have been awarded a Selah, Golden Scrolls, and Director’s Choice awards, including Golden Scrolls Christian Book of the Year 2024.
Through Take Heart! Coaching and Freelance, Lori has coached over 250 Christian writers toward their goals. Though she has degrees in psychology and biblical studies, Lori learned the most from studying her Bible in life’s trenches. From her Rhode Island home, she delivers humor and biblical truth at loriroeleveld.substack.com and manages her coaching/freelance business at takeheartcoachingandfreelance.com.
Keynote – Writing Truth in Times of Deception (Thursday, 7:00 pm)
Two truths to remember and three things to forget to write the truth freely in times of deception and division.
Workshop 2A – Seeking Publication After 50 (Thursday, 5:15 – 6:05)
Stop asking if you’re too old to be a writer. Instead, learn what you need to know to start (or start again) writing at your age. If you’re nearing or over fifty and wondering if you’ve missed your chance, this workshop will answer your questions and prepare you to act wisely and well as you pursue God’s purpose for your words.
Robert N. Ruesch
Award-winning Author
Speaker, Chaplain, Humorist
robertnruesch.com
Robert has been writing since the mid-1960s, with his first venue being Bethany Press. He has written for several newspapers, Franklin Evening Star, Colorado Christian News, Estes Park NEWS, among a few. Among his four books, The Long Road Home: A Family’s Journey Through Addiction is a finalist in an international contest. As a 5-star writer, Robert has presented workshops and seminars for over two decades including at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference and Rocky Mountain Writers Conference. Robert has helped launch several authors over the last few years. He lives in Colorado with his wife and vows to never retire from writing.
Workshop 3B – Writing from a Broken Heart (Friday, 2:00 – 2:50)
We all have had challenges and tragedies in our lives. The worst nightmare for a parent is to see their children become a living train wreck from addiction. Robert witnessed his daughter’s decline because of her addiction to alcohol and a wide range of drugs. Twice, she was placed in a federal prison. However, God was protecting her every step of the way, even when she overdosed and came close to death. Robert and his daughter wrote an award-winning book about this journey of recovery. This workshop will be a raw and unfiltered look at how you place emotion on paper so that others may be helped and can turn tragedy into triumph. Robert has written three other books and articles for various newspapers, locally and nationally. He has taught at writers’ conferences for the past two decades.
Laura Shaffer
Blogger, Daily Bible Prayer
Author, 40 Day Prayer Guides
Speaker
Laura writes and speaks to equip others to pray more intentionally and consistently to empower their prayer lives and deepen their relationship with God. Her biweekly devotional blog encourages you to listen for how God may be speaking to you through prayer, His Word, His creation, and your circumstances.
Workshop 6A – TIME - Got a Minute? (Saturday, 3:45 – 4:35)
I’m trying to number my days, but I keep losing count! How about you? Don’t fall for satan’s lies that you have plenty of time, or that you work better under pressure, or that busy-ness is close to godliness. Let’s ask and listen to the Lord, not the world, for our priorities.
Evening Prayer Fellowship – Join Laura Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evening. (9:45 pm)
Jim Watkins
Author, Book Doctor
jameswatkins.com
Jim spent forty years as an editor, acquisitions editor, and editorial director with two publishing houses as well as an award-winning author, international conference speaker, and writing instructor at Taylor University. He has lived on both sides of the desk, so he offers practical advice from his experience. He is currently a book doctor at jameswatkins.com. He is the author of twenty traditionally published books and over 3,000 articles. Most of all, he is a beloved child of God, husband, dad, and “Papaw” to eight grandchildren.
Keynote – Keeping Your Dreams Alive (Saturday, 5:45)
The good news/bad news of “Joseph’s Great Big Ginormous Super Deluxe Dream” as the dream is received, refined, resized, and realized.
Workshop 5B – Things I’ve Learned in 40 Years of Writing and Publishing (Saturday, 2:00 – 2:50)
If you’re sensing exhaustion in your drive and desire to succeed in your work or ministry, you need this workshop that addresses how to relax in your identity, motivation, goals, and desires.
Peggy Sue Wells
Award-winning & Bestselling Author
Writing Coach, Collaborator
Independent Publishing Strategist
PeggySueWells.com
PeggySue is the award-winning USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of more than 100 books: 60 titles written for clients, and nearly 50 titles of her own, including the mystery suspense title of the year, Unnatural Cause. Known for her captivating novels across action and adventure, romantic suspense, military romance, and cozy mystery genres—such as Chasing Sunrise, Homeless for the Holidays, and The Patent—she also empowers readers with practical nonfiction like The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make. A prolific writing coach, collaborator, and independent publishing strategist, PeggySue’s mission is to fill the world with stories and guides that take readers to places they’ve never been before.
Continuing Session – Writing Fiction: Learn the Craft that Keeps a Story Afloat
Writing fiction is less like following a map and more like sailing the high seas—full of unexpected currents, hidden reefs, and the occasional buried treasure. In this continuing session, you’ll learn the craft that keeps a story afloat: creative characters, pivotal plots, sensational settings, and dynamic dialogue that carry readers from the first page to the last. Consider this your chart and compass for the journey ahead.
Thurs 11:15 - 12:15 CS - Part 1
Thurs 3:15 - 4:15 CS - Part 2VF
Fri 11:15 - 12:15 CS -Part 3
Fri 3:15 - 4:15 CS - Part 4
Sat 11:15 - 12:15 CS - Part 5
Pivotal Plots and Creative Characters – Plot is what happens to the characters in your story. Weave your unique spin on the nine original plots involving characters as memorable as Scrooge, Jack Sparrow, Katniss Everdeen, Harry Potter, Frodo Baggins, and Scarlett O’Hara. Create your own larger-than-life, believable personalities who live beyond the end of the story.
Sensational Settings and Point of View – From nearly invisible to as active as a main character, setting is a story’s time, place, mood, and nuance. A three-dimensional backdrop combined with point of view is the difference between a character being a killer or a king.
Well Said – Great dialogue is quoted for generations. Here are the do’s and don’ts of effective dialogue including styles of speech, clue words, transitions, what to do with profanity, and what words should never appear in your dialog. Fill your story with conversations that are clever, concise, and crucial.
Workshop 5D – Your Story: Someone’s Missing Piece (Saturday, 2:00 – 2:50)
Internationally recognized author and storytelling expert PeggySue Wells reveals how personal narratives create bridges of understanding in an increasingly fragmented world. Drawing from her experience as the author of more than 100 books and her personal journey as a single mother of seven, PeggySue demonstrates how intentionally shared stories transform silence into wisdom, disconnection into legacy, and judgment into empathy.
Karen Whiting
Certified Writing/Marketing Coach, AWSA
Award-winning Author
International Speaker
karenwhiting.com
Karen writes to help families thrive and loves to let creativity splash on the pages she writes. She’s a certified writing and marketing coach, international speaker, former television host, and award-winning author of more than 30 books for women, children, military, and families. She’s sold more than 1,000 articles to more than 60 periodicals. She writes for The Write Conversation blog and crosswalk.com, and serves as a researcher for documentary biblical archeology filmmaker Tim Mahoney. She’s also a grandma and loves adventure. As a writing/marketing coach, Karen helps writers move forward in writing books and helps them develop unique plans for marketing their books.
Pre-conference Opportunity: Developing a Great Nonfiction Pitch (June 9, 2:00 pm AND June 10, 8:00 pm)
You’ll get the URL for this Zoom session when you register.
Make the best pitch to not only grab an editor’s attention to help get a contract but to start developing a marketing plan. Karen is the author of 27 traditionally published books. She will provide individual help to polish each person’s pitch. An effective pitch will, in thirty seconds:
- Define the target audience
- Share the book’s unique value (take-away) that reveals the big concept
- Share the features/stye
- Include a memorable and engaging title.
Continuing Session – How to Grow Your Writing Career
Adapt great systems, effective strategies, and develop new ideas to expand what has worked for you. Discover how to leverage your successes and continue growing as a writer. You’ll learn how to:
1. Raise your professional level and profile. Practice what professional authors do differently. Adapt systems to track submissions, marketing, opportunities, and more. Use best practices to position yourself for agents, editors, media, and influencers
2. Network to create momentum, build relationships, increase speaking engagements, and open doors.
3. Create the best social media bulk messages in minutes on Canva to schedule a month+ ahead.
4. Transform rejections and setbacks into strategic progress.
5. Build an article platform that helps garner book contracts, increase visibility, and sell more books.
This continuing session will help you move from simply writing to building a clear path toward publication, visibility, and long-term success.
Thurs 11:15 - 12:15 CS - Part 1
Thurs 3:15 - 4:15 CS - Part 2
Fri 11:15 - 12:15 CS -Part 3
Fri 3:15 - 4:15 CS - Part 4
Sat 11:15 - 12:15 CS - Part 5
Round Table – Writing for tweens can be like writing for another whole world. Right? Join expert Karen Whiting to talk about the tweens market: how to understand trends and develop winning manuscripts that engage tweens!