Full Faculty List Coming Soon Below are faculty members from 2010MICHELLE ADAMS
Michelle Medlock Adams is an Indiana University Journalism School graduate, an award-winning newspaper and magazine writer and the author of 43 books, earning first-place merits from the Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Hoosier State Press Association to name a few. Michelle’s Christian Living book, “Living the Love Chapter” earned her the title of “Writer of the Year” at the 2001 Write-to-Publish Conference in Wheaton, Illinois. And, her picture book, “Conversations On the Ark” earned her the “Barnes & Noble Texas Author of the Month” honor in May 2003. This year, Michelle’s two latest children’s books, “Hooray for Easter!” and “Counting Cows” will be released by Ideals Children’s Books. When not working on her own assignments, Michelle ghostwrites books, articles and web copy for some of today’s most effective and popular ministers. She is also a much sought after teacher at writers’ conferences and universities around the nation, and she loves speaking to women’s groups, youth groups, and congregations, encouraging others to follow after God and discover their destiny in Him. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Jeff, and they have two teenage daughters, Abby and Ally, and three miniature long-haired dachshunds. The Adams family resides in Bedford, IN., where they cheer on the Bedford North Lawrence Stars, the Indiana University Hoosiers and the Indiaapolis Colts with great enthusiasm. www.michellemedlockadams.com
From Rejection to Publication. (Workshop)
After being in this business for more than 18 years, Michelle has enough rejection letters to wallpaper most of her home. But, that's all a part of the process. In this session, she encourages writers to keep on keeping on by helping them "read between the lines" of their rejection letters; use the letters to their advantage; and finally, turn that rejection slip into a contract.
Making It as a Magazine Writer. (Workshop)
When the well runs dry, how can writers generate articles that will sell? How can they tap into new markets? How can they re-market what they've already written? Those are just some of the questions she addresses in this practical session.
Children's Writing 101. (Workshop)
As the author of 28 children's books that are already in bookstores and several more that will be released next year, Michelle shares some tips that have taken her out of the slush pile and into the editors' hands.
If This Is What Being a Writer Is, I'd Rather Have Chocolate! (Workshop)
If you're feeling discouraged and confused, wondering if God can ever use your writing skills for Him, join Michelle Medlock Adams for this session. The life of a writer isn't always an easy one, but it is definitely worth it! If you need to be reminded that God uses imperfect people (even writers with lots of rejection slips and no best-selling books), join her for this inspirational session. This session is guaranteed to put the pep back in your step! (And, she will have chocolate for all who attend!)
10 Tips to Double Your Freelance Income. (Workshop)
When Michelle quit her 9-to-5 magazine writing job in 2000 and entered the world of full-time freelance writing, she learned (through trial and error) how to earn consistent cash. Come to this session and discover how to double your fun and finances as a freelance writer! This is always a writers' conference favorite!
The Query Clinic (Workshop)
Come to this 75-minute session for some quick query letter tips and some hands-on query letter editing. We'll go over the basics of a query letter and then dissect several actual query letters that have been submitted to magazine editors I know. Should be fun! Come to this workshop and learn to craft your own killer query!
JANET BENREY
Janet Benrey brings an unusually diverse background – including experience as editorial director of a small press, executive recruiter, and a novelist – to book development. She and her husband Ron have co-authored three mystery novels published by Broadman & Holman, two cozy mysteries published by Barbour Books, and four cozy romantic mysteries for Steeple Hill. Janet is an independent literary agent; she operates her own agency: Benrey Literary. Janet earned her degree in Communication (Magna cum Laude) from the University of Pittsburgh. She is also a graduate of York House College in Kent, England, where she studied commerce and languages. Janet will be co-teaching some of her workshops and classes with Ron Benrey (see bio below).
First Lines, First Pages: How to get Fiction Editors to Beg for More. (Continuing Class)
Agents and Editors need to be drawn into your work during the first few lines or they will quickly lose interest. We'll examine the start of your novel or work in progress. We'll discuss what works and what doesn't work. We'll take a look at voice, point of view, setting, and characters. The goal is to make your opening sparkle so that editors and agents will beg for more.
RON BENREY
[Updated]
Ron Benrey is a highly experienced writer who has written more than a thousand bylined magazine articles and nine published non-fiction books (including “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Writing Christian Fiction,” published by Penguin Group).. He and his wife Janet have co-authored three mystery novels published by Broadman & Holman, two cozy mysteries published by Barbour Books, and four cozy romantic mysteries for Steeple Hill. Ron holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a master’s degree in management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a juris doctor from the Duquesne University School of Law. He taught advanced business-writing courses at the University of Pittsburgh. He recently joined Benrey Literary Agency as an agent.
The Perfect Pitch (Continuing Class)
It’s tough out there. Whether you want to find an agent, land a book contract, or help sell a self-published book, you need to “pitch” your work effectively and confidently. Experienced novelist and non-fiction author Ron Benrey will show you how. This continuing course will cover the basics of good pitching, from zeroing in on the most salable aspects of your work, to developing compelling “elevator speeches,” to writing irresistible query letters. Several practice sessions will teach you to display the proper demeanor and body language when you talk to agents, editors, and other key gatekeepers.
Strategic Thinking for Writers (Workshop)
So you want to write a book that will be published in today’s challenging marketplace. How will you go about it? How do you increase the likelihood that your novel or non-fiction book proposal will capture the interest of agents and editors? This workshop, led by experienced novelist and non-fiction author Ron Benrey, will teach you how “strategic thinking” can help you take control of your publishing destiny. You’ll learn proven techniques for creating a personal strategy (a writing game plan for you) that will set your work apart from the competition and make it more likely you’ll rack up a sale.
Cost Cutting for Writers (Workshop)
You can cut costs in our dodgy economy without eviscerating your writing tools, resources, and learning experiences. Ron Benrey -- novelist, non-fiction author, and occasional skinflint -- will show you how to have a state-of-the-art writer’s computer on the cheap. (Did you know that many fabulous programs are free! and that technology to help you write better and more productively doesn't have to cost a fortune). We’ll also look at ways to allocate limited money most efficiently -- and how to save bucks on society memberships, writers’ conferences, and other major investments.
SUE BROWER
Sue Brower is Executive Editor for Fiction at Zondervan. She has the pleasure to work with such bestselling authors as Karen Kingsbury, Terri Blackstock, Robin Jones Gunn, Don Brown, and many others. Prior to taking on this role, Sue was Sr. Director of Marketing for Fiction and Inspirational product for over thirteen years. Fiction is business as well as pleasure for Sue as she is an avid reader of both inspirational and mainstream novels. Early in her career with Zondervan, Sue's focus was on book and Bible research and store research for Family Christian Stores. Sue is on the Advisory Board for the Christy Awards and a member of ACE (Academy of Christian Editors. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with husband, Todd, and "kidz", Pepper and Shep.
The Next Step in Character Development (Workshop) Without characters, there would be no story. Character development is what engages readers and editors alike. This class takes the student to the next level in understanding character dynamics. Executive editor Sue Brower will help you enhance your characters and do so from an editors perspective.
What Every Writer Needs to Know about Professionalism (Workshop)
Writing is an art. It is also a business that requires professionalism and people skills. Experienced editor Sue Brower will help you understand the twists and turns of publishing and how to be the professional every writer needs to be.
DON BROWN
Don Brown is the author of Treason, Hostage, and Defiance, three thrilling novels about the Navy JAG Corps. His fourth novel, Black Sea Affair, released in June of 2008, predicted the 2008 war between Russia and Georgia. His fifth novel, Malaccan Conspiracy, is due out in the spring of 2010. Don’s breakout novel, Treason, which some have said predicted Fort Hood, rocketed to number 1 on the amazon.com bestseller list for fiction in late November of 2009. On Thanksgiving Day of 2009, four of Don’s novels were in the top ten on the amazon.com bestseller list, where they remained for a period of ten days. Don credits his initial literary mentor, Alton Gansky, for helping him break into the writing business, and even throws an assist to fellow Blue Ridge faculty member Chip MacGregor.
Don spent five years in the U.S. Navy as a JAG Officer, where he gained an exceptional vantage point of both the Navy and the inner workings of "inside-the-beltway" political operations as an action officer assigned to the Pentagon. He left active duty in 1992 but remained in the reserves through 1999, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He and his family live in North Carolina, where he practices law and pursues his passion for penning novels. He recently agreed to a three-book contract with Zondervan for a three-book geo-political series entitled the “Pacific Rim Series.”
Fiction as a Weapon in the Culture War (Continuing Class)
Don Brown, attorney, novelist, and BRMCWC alumnus shows the power fiction has to influence culture. The course includes Case Studies on Fiction That Made a Difference; Writing to Influence Cultural Thought.
LINDA CANUP
Linda Canup is the Assistant Editor for In Touch magazine, a publication of In Touch Ministries with Dr. Charles Stanley in Atlanta, Georgia. Her responsibilities include evaluating query letters and manuscript submissions in addition to writing and editing articles. Recently, she joined an exciting new initiative to develop an online version of In Touch for the Internet. Linda also enjoys teaching others about writing and has had the honor of serving on the faculty of several national Christian writers’ conferences. When she’s not working, Linda enjoys listening to great books on CD and supporting her husband, Glenn, in his work as a full-time minister.
Marks of a Professional Writer (Workshop)
Do you want to be more than just another name in a long list of submissions in the Editor’s inbox? Join us to find out the traits Editors value in their writers and simple ways you can improve your chances of getting published—and eventually having Editors coming to you to for more.
Writing the Christian Article (Workshop)
What makes an article specifically Christian? In this class, we’ll analyze the characteristics of the Christian article and how we should—or should not—go about writing one. We’ll consider the best ways to use Scripture, the most effective language to use when describing spiritual concepts, and how to use our personal experiences and observations to make an impact in the lives of our readers.
Lessons from Rejection Letters: What to Do When All You Want to Do Is Cry (Workshop)
“Thanks,” but “No thanks.” That’s the gist of most rejection letters and it’s utterly unhelpful. But here’s your chance to get a peak inside the editor’s mind. During this class we’ll discuss the most common reasons query letters and manuscript submissions get rejected and what to do about it. You’ll leave the class encouraged and empowered with the skills to learn from your rejections—and hopefully receive fewer of them in the future.
Jonathan founded Wheelhouse Literary Group (www.wheelhouseliterarygroup.com) in January 2010, after running The Nashville Group’s literary and licensing division for five years, helping writers communicate their souls and passions to the masses. He loves coffee, music, (this is beginning to sound like an online dating bio), and the ever elusive well-crafted sentence. Therefore, you may just find him at the nearest trendy coffee shop, multitasking on his laptop, conducting client meetings, reading manuscripts, and well … grooving to the latest tune. Jonathan prefers not to "drop names", but has worked with some of the more influential types within the entertainment and publishing worlds through the years. Always willing to listen to a pitch, or read a manuscript, you won't meet a more approachable agent. Just don't forget the coffee.
Jonathan Clements, Founder Wheelhouse Literary Group [Updated] JONATHAN CLEMENTS
Jonathan Clements has worked in the entertainment industry for over 15 years, calling Nashville home for the full term. Although he has an extensive background in the music business, including artist management, development and career consulting, he found his true calling in 2005, beginning working with authors as a literary agent.
Getting a Bigger Picture: Writing with More in Mind (Workshop)
Writing is more than putting words on a page. The contemporary writer must also deal with multiple platforms, new and established forms of media, professionalism, and more. Today's writer must not only focus on the words but on how to deliver those concepts. Literary agent Jonathan Clements brings his unique expertise to show you how to be a "big picture writer.
The Care and Feeding of Your Agent (Workshop)
Literary agents are valuable partners in the literary business, providing guidance, sharing wisdom, and using their experience and connections to help writers achieve their goals. Such relationships require professionalism and wisdom. Jonathan Clements reveals the behind-the-scenes workings of writers and agents.
MICHELLE COX
Michelle Cox sometimes feels like the poster child to prove God has a sense of humor. She was quite happy being a mom, working for the family business, and dabbling in politics, but God had other plans, and she is now in serious contention to become the rejection queen of the writing world.
She is the author of six books, has been published in multiple publications at Focus on the Family, and has written content for Cracker Barrel and The Buntin Group. She teaches webinars for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild and has written scripts and designed book trailers for Tentmakers Entertainment.
Michelle has been a guest on numerous radio and television programs, including the Harvest Show and Focus on the Family. She is a speaker affiliated with the Advanced Writers & Speakers Association, a member of Women in Christian Media and the Writer’s View, and serves on the advisory board for Kathy Carlton Willis Communications.
She’s been married to her favorite (and only) husband, Paul, for almost 36 years. They have three grown sons, one perfect granddaughter, and a grandson on the way. Michelle is planning to wallpaper her office with rejection letters but hopes that publishers do not feel obligated to contribute to that cause.
Visit her at www.michellecoxinspirations.com and www.simplelittlewords.com.
Maximize Your Conference Experience (Workshop)
You’ve registered for the conference, booked the hotel, and made your travel arrangements. Next you’ll pack your clothes and your dreams as you head to Ridgecrest—but are you really ready for the conference? Join me for “Maximize Your Conference Experience” for tips on talking with editors, maximizing publisher appointments, choosing classes, and other suggestions that will make your conference experience fun and productive.
Promotion & Marketing Can Be Fun! (Workshop)
I’m one of those crazy people who love promotion and marketing. How about you? Does promoting and marketing your books sound as exciting as a root canal or an IRS audit? Are you clueless about what to do? Publishers have limited resources for promotion and you’ll soon discover that much of the responsibility will fall on you. Join me for this session and learn valuable tips and skills that will put you ahead of your peers. Even beginning writers will benefit as you discover how to wow pub boards and editors with the promotion and marketing section in your proposals. Join me and maybe you can become crazy too.
EVA MARIE EVERSON
Eva Marie Everson is the author of both fiction and nonfiction award-winning books including Reflections of God's Holy Land; A Personal Journey Through Israel (Thomas Nelson), The Potluck Club series (Baker/Revell), and Sex, Lies and the Media. She has written for numerous periodicals and ezines, is a freelance editor, and speaks at writers and women's conferences both nationally and internationally. She is a seminary graduate (and is back at it again), a mentor for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild, the past president of Word Weavers, past president of AWSA's Steering Committee, and a member of a number of organizations for writers and speakers. In 2009 Eva Marie was a guest speaker at Israel Ministry of Tourism VIP breakfast at NRB in Nashville, TN. There she met Joe Diaz, Atlanta representative for IMOT. Together (and along with best-selling Israeli author Miriam Feinberg Vamosh) they planned and organized the most unique writers tour ever for IMOT. Then, in November 2009, Eva Marie and Joe escorted five other writers to the Land of the Bible where they were met by Miriam and from there embarked on the most amazing journey of their lives. For more information about Eva Marie, go to: www.evamarieeverson.com
Nonfiction Practicum (Clinic)
What can be learned about self-editing in group critique? What are the most common mistakes or oversights in self-editing? How important are first pages ... titles ... outlines and chapter-by-chapter breakdown? In this 9-hour hands-on workshop, Eva Marie Everson will discuss elements of self-editing (including top mistakes writers make) as well as lead the group in critiquing/dissecting/fleshing out individual works including using Scripture properly, using dialogue in nonfiction works, getting quotes and references and listing them properly. Conferees must sign up in advance and the class is limited to the first ten. Class participants should bring ten copies of their first 2500 words as well as the chapter-by-chapter breakdown of their work, and should be ready to discuss concept to completion ideas, title ideas, and possible avenues for publication.
ALTON GANSKY
Alton Gansky is a full time writer, director of BRMCWC, and founder of Gansky Communications. He is the award winning author of 30 books. In addition to his own writing, he consults with publishers and writers. Through Gansky Communications he aids nonprofits, business, publishers, agents, and authors in producing the best in written communications. He has also written scores of videos, radio and television ads and other business productions. Prior to turning to fulltime writing, he was the senior pastor of a Southern Baptist church. In addition to his writing, he speaks to writers groups and church organizations.
It’s All About the Little Things (Workshop)
The difference between great writing and mediocre writing is in the little things. Alton Gansky, writer and freelance editor, reveals the tiny things that separate the professional writer from the amateur. Calling on a decade and a half of writing, Al shows how to make the little things work for you.
Why Manuscripts are Rejected (Workshop)
Alton has served as a reviewer for publishers suggesting which books to accept and which to reject. In this class, the student learns why one manuscript is rejected while others are accepted.
Public Speaking for Writers (Continuing Class) More and more, public speaking is becoming a part of the writer's life. Alton Gansky takes the students step by step through speech writing and presentation.
As the author of more than 25 books, including works of poetry, short stories, scripts, prayers, inspiration, devotions, fantasy, curriculum and fiction he is one of the most versatile authors in Christian publishing. With a Masters of Arts degree in Storytelling (ETSU, 1996), he has taught writing and creative communication throughout North America as well as in South Africa and India. His thrillers are published in both the CBA and the ABA through a joint publishing agreement between Revell and Penguin Putnam. More than 250,000 copies of The Bowers Files thrillers (including The Pawn, The Rook, and The Knight) are in print and the eight book series continues to expand with the release of The Bishop in the summer of 2010. The Rook won a Christy as best suspense in Christian publishing and Suspense Magazine named The Knight one of the top ten books of 2009, with John Raab, the editor, writing, "Steven James sets the new standard in suspense writing." Steven lives near The Blue Ridge Mountains with his wife, three daughters, a cat and a python. How to Write Thrillers, Action, and Suspense (Continuing Class)
DAVID FESSENDEN
Author, editor, teacher, songwriter. Dave is the managing editor at CLC Ministries, Int'l. He is the former managing editor at Christian Publications and has over 30 years experience in writing and editing. He has published four books, including a Christian education volume entitled Teaching with All Your Heart (Cook Communications). In addition, he has produced the study guide sections to two books by A.W. Tozer: The Attributes of God and The Attributes of God II. Dave and his wife, Jacque, have two adult sons.
Rolling through the Writing Cycle (Continuing Class)
A book-length project can be a daunting task. This workshop breaks the process down into simple, manageable steps, and helps you keep on track, through to a final manuscript that is ready for submission.
The Writer/Editor Relationship (Workshop)
Writers and editors sometimes have a love/hate relationship — but it doesn't have to be that way. This workshop covers what an editor looks for in a writer, and how you can be the kind of writer editors love to publish!
A Fly on the Wall in a Publishing House (Workshop)
This seminar takes you on a "fly's-eye-view" of how publishing decisions are made, and gives you some tips on what you can do to get your material off the slush pile.
SUZANNE HADLEY GOSSELIN
Suzanne Hadley Gosselin lives in Colorado Springs, Colo. and is the editor of Focus on the Family Clubhouse Jr. magazine. She is the author of Faithgirlz Handbook: How to Let Your Faith Shine Through and has written hundreds of articles for periodicals, including Boundless Webzine and Focus on the Family magazine. She is a regular contributor to the Line, a blog for Christian young adults. This year, Suzanne married Kevin Gosselin. The couple, who met at Starbucks, shares a passion for children’s ministry, improv comedy and a good cup of coffee.
Begin and End with a Bang (Workshop)
"Rodney was a carrot, and unhappy carrot." Find out why this lead became infamous as one of the worst childrens' story submissions of all time, and learn how you can avoid a similar fate. Leads and endings can make the difference of whether an editor selects your piece or not. Learn tricks for writing leads that sparkle and conclusions that leave the reader wanting more.
The Dos and Don’ts of Children’s Writing (Workshop)
These 20 do’s and dont’s will take your children’s writing to the next level and make your articles sparkle. Find out what works and what doesn't with a young audience. Also, find out what children's magazine editors, particularly those at Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr., are looking for.
ANDREA GUTIERREZ
Andrea Gutierrez is an associate editor for Thriving Family magazine and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Technical Journalism from Colorado State University. She has also been a staff editor for the “Focus on Your Child” newsletters, Focus on the Family magazine, and worked as an editorial assistant for Breakaway magazine. Andrea lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado with her husband, Josh, and two daughters, Carmen and Margo.
Featuring the Feature Article (Workshop)
(Beginning to Intermediate Writers) Have you ever submitted an article that is long enough to be a feature, but it was cut to a smaller word count and made into a department or column article? Do you know why this happened? Learn the differences between columns, features and departments—beyond word counts and pay rates. Get editorial insight into and insider information about what separates a feature article from other articles.
Targeting Magazines (Workshop)
(Beginning to Intermediate Writers)
Why don’t magazine editors accept your manuscripts? What are you doing wrong? Get the answers you need by learning to dissect a magazine. Once you study a publication and learn more about its audience, focus and style, you will have the insight you need to submit manuscripts that editors will love.
ANGELA HUNT
Christy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With nearly four million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 100 works ranging from picture books to nonfiction books, to novels. Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. Also in 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree. She completed her doctorate in 2008 and was accepted into a Th.D. program in 2009. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences.
The Sophisticated Novelist (Continuing Class)
Angela Hunt takes aspiring and already-published novelists through every aspect of story and craft, from “Big Picture” theories to the details that will help your writing rise above the ordinary. Bring your questions and your work in progress—and be prepared to write.
Getting Things Done (Workshop)
At times it seems the world has one purpose: to keep us from writing. There are a thousand things to distract us from our purpose and project. Angela Hunt shows us not only how to get it done, but get it done right. Learn the organizational tricks of the trade.
STEVEN JAMES
This eye-opening seminar will reveal subtle secrets to crafting better fiction, improving the flow and pace of your story, and writing clearer, more vivid scenes. We’ll focus on writing high-octane thrillers, suspense, and gripping action. Come prepared to participate in writing exercises that will help you develop better overall structure for your novel, handle flashbacks, and plot your novel through understanding the casual nature of fiction. This seminar will be most helpful for people with some fiction writing experience, although all writers are welcome.
Dusting Off your Memories: Four Steps to Crafting Personal Experience Stories (Workshop)
Learn how to foster poignant memories, search for connections, develop structure and write yourself out of the spotlight. Writing personal experience stories is a process of editing your life—shaping, shifting, crafting and piecing together seemingly unrelated events into meaningful stories. The best personal experience stories have a character we can relate to, an intriguing problem or struggle, vivid details that help us envision the story and emotion that impacts our lives. As you unclutter your memories and use these four steps to share your stories, you will help others discover the lessons God has woven into their lives as well.
2008 Storytelling Skills for Speakers (Workshop)
Learn how to make your talks and speeches more gripping, attention-getting, and impactful. Gain confidence in your ability to tell stories effectively. Seven secrets to successful storytelling. Develop storytelling skills (such as voice, gesture, and pacing) and sharpen the storytelling and listening skills you already have. Your instructor, Steven James, has a Master’s Degree in Storytelling and speaks hundred of times each year around the country. A handout will be provided.
How to Write the Worst Dialogue in the World (Workshop)
JERRY B. JENKINS
Dr. Jerry B. Jenkins, former vice president for publishing and now chairman of the board of trustees for the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, is the author of more than 175 books, including the 70,000,000-selling Left Behind series. Jerry Jenkins has been awarded four honorary doctorates from Bethel College (Indiana), Trinity International University (Illinois), Colorado Christian University, and Huntington University (Indiana).
Jerry will release Matthew's Story (with Tim LaHaye) in February 2010. This will be the fourth and final book in the acclaimed Jesus Chronicles series. Book 3, Luke's Story, is available in stores everywhere. In 2009, Jerry wrote Joe Gibbs’s Game Plan for Life, which became an instant bestseller.
Tough-Skinned Manuscript Critique Workshop (Workshop)
A hands-on, hard look at the first pages of your manuscript. Learn what’s missing and what should be removed. Learn to appraise your own writing from a man with 175 books to his credit.
TERRI KALFAS
Terri Kalfas has been with Hensley Publishing for 20 years. Before that she worked as a journalist, and as a freelance writer and editor. Her goal is to publish Bible studies that convince people they should be reading the Word and not only reading books about the Word.
Writing Bible Studies for Publication (Continuing Class)
If you’re thinking of writing a Bible study, or if you’re already writing your own studies for your church or small groups, this session is for you. While you don’t need a doctorate in order to get yours study published, you do need to know certain principles and concepts before you pitch your project or send off your manuscript. Learn what to include in your study, how to put your message on paper, who your market really is, and what editors consider as they evaluate your work.
Do you want to produce writing with such sparkle and verve that it will knock the socks off editors? Do you want them to be falling all over themselves to publish your submission and then clamoring for anything you might intend to write in the future? That's what this class in advanced writing is all about. These sessions will describe and illustrate the essential elements of style for excellent writing in any genre with specific requirements fro writing devotionals. Participants will come away with not only specific requirements for writing devotionals, but also concrete tools for self-editing to produce polished works that will attract both readers and editors.
SUSAN KING
Susan King, assistant editor of The Upper Room daily devotional guide, also teaches English at Lipscomb University and functions as a seminar facilitator in leadership and group dynamics. Formerly she taught English and feature-writing classes at Biola University, served as book editor for The Institute of Scriptural Psychology, and wrote magazine features as a freelance writer.
Right from the Start (Continuing Morning Class)
If you can write great devotionals, you can write anything.
YVONNE LEHMAN
YVONNE LEHMAN is an award-winning, best-selling author of 48 novels. She directed the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference for 25 years, is now director of the October Blue Ridge “Autumn in the Mountains” Novel Retreat (www.lifeway.com/novelretreat), co-director with Ann Tatlock of the Honored Authors of the Gideon Media Arts Film Festival (www.lifeway.com/gideonmediaarts), and mentor with the Christian Writers Guild. Her latest releases include a three-novel collection, North Carolina Weddings, three devotionals in Daily Devotions for Writers, and a three-book series of historical Hawaiian novels for Heartsong Presents: Aloha Love, Picture Bride, and Love from Ashes were released in 2010. She earned a Master’s Degree in English from Western Carolina University and has taught English and Creative Writing. www.yvonnelehman.com
Class limited to 20. Those interested may send the beginning of your novel for discussion in class. ylehman@bellsouth.net
Beginning Novel Writing Clinic (Continuing Class)
This class will cover what you need for the right start to your story.
What’s the big idea and how do you develop it? You will discover into which genre your idea or work-in-progress fits. There is a process to finding and developing your ideas. In the first few pages of your story, the groundwork is laid for the entire book. We will talk about setting, characters, descriptions, conflict, theme, plot and faith. You’ll discover how to be aware of those ingredients and include as many as possible in that all-important-first sentence, first paragraph and first page.
Picture Your Story. Is a picture really worth a thousand words? Discover when a storyboard can be more valuable to a writer than an outline. Learn how and why to make storyboards for four different kinds of books: 1. Mainstream 2. Women’s Fiction 3. Inspirational Romance 4. Books to write Later - Learn the purpose and value of having pictures all around to inspire you as you write.
What makes a story inspirational? You will learn how to identify, develop, and incorporate the faith element into your story that will minister to the reader in a unique way.
Raising the Stakes: Creating and Maintaining Tension (Workshop)
The stakes are the meat or the heart of the story. The stakes are what captures the editor’s attention, keeps the reader interested, and makes your book a page-turner. We’re told that we need to raise the stakes in our writing. We have no story without stakes (plural!) In this workshop we will define what is not, and what is at stake. You not only need to establish the stakes in your novel, but discover what is at stake for you, the author, and what is at stake for your reader.
Writing the All-Important Query Letter and Back-Cover Blurb (Workshop)
Limited to 15. Send to ylehman@bellsouth.net.
CHIP MACGREGOR
Due to a scheduling conflict, Chip has had to withdraw from this year's faculty.
DEBBIE MARRIE
Debbie Marrie is now in her tenth year as an editor at Strang Communications. Her current title is imprint editor for Strang Book Group and she oversees acquisitions and editing for their Siloam health imprint and Realms fiction imprint. Before working in the book division, she spent five years as a project editor, managing CharismaLife and KIDS Church curriculum projects. During this time she also freelanced as an editor and writer for Charisma magazine and SpiritLed Woman. She and her husband, Mike, share their home near Orlando, Florida, with two teenagers and two yorkies.
Non teaching faculty.
EDIE MELSON
Edie Melson is a writer with a passion for life’s stories. She has 16 years experience as a freelance writer, speaker and editor. She began her formal writing career in the 80’s as a technical writer for Leisure Arts, Inc. After taking time off to raise her family, she moved from this aspect of writing into freelance writing, a perfect fit for someone who loves new challenges. Numerous articles, including those for Focus on the Family and Crosswalk.com, devotions for Inspiredmoms.com and Bible studies have flowed from her pen to her audience. She also has numerous copy writing clients and frequently teaches how to write for the internet with an emphasis on SEO/keyword formatting. Her love of stories has continued to drive her as she tackles the craft of fiction writing.
In 2001 Edie began sharing her knowledge of the writing industry with other writers by starting a local writer’s group The Christian Writer’s Den with colleague, Vonda Skelton. They have also co-directed and taught an annual writer’s retreat since 2002 and are members of a weekly, fiction writers critique group. Edie is currently a member of several professional writing organizations, including The Christian Writer’s View I and ACFW, where she serves as the Editor for the Southeast Zone Newsletter and staff reviewer for Afictionado Magazine.
Married 29 years to husband, Kirk, they have raised three sons. Their oldest currently serves in the Marine Corps as a Lance Corporal and has just returned from his second tour in Iraq.
Writing for the Web (Workshop)
Writing for the web takes a different set of skills. What works for books and magazines does not always work for the Web. Edie unveils the tips and techniques for writing for the world’s most read medium—the Internet.
Tools of the Trade (Continuing Class)
Ever trade has tools. Writing is no different. In this continuing class, Edie takes us through the basic tools used by every writer. Classes include: 1) Verbs Can Change the World; 2) Terms Every Writer Needs to Understand; 3) Every Writer Needs a Bio.
DIANN MILLS
Award-winning author, DiAnn Mills, launched her career in 1998 with the publication of her first book. Currently she has over 45 books in print and has sold more than 1.5 million copies.
DiAnn believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” DiAnn Mills is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels.
Six of her anthologies have appeared on the CBA Best Seller List. Three of her books have won the distinction of Best Historical of the Year by Heartsong Presents. Five of her books have won placements through American Christian Fiction Writer’s Book of the Year Awards 2003 – 2007, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005 and 2007. She was a Christy Awards finalist in 2008.
DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope and Love, and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is also a mentor for Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writer’s Guild.
Dialogue Clinic (Workshop)
(Advanced) This workshop is for the advanced novelist who is seeking to deepen his/her skills in writing dialogue. The session begins with a brief discussion of Witty Dialogue. Participants are invited to submit one page of dialogue to be critiqued prior to the session.
Goal: For the writer to learn the purpose and techniques of writing witty dialogue. Also for the writer to learn the importance of critiquing and helping each other deepen their craft.
The Prize Winning Proposal (Workshop)
Published novelists understand the importance of putting together a prize winning proposal. Often the question of what goes into a proposal is a little scary! This workshop focuses on how to make sure the writer’s submission catches an agent’s or reader’s eye. The following will be discussed: The critical first three chapters; How to condense a 300 page novel into a 2 ½ page synopsis; What is a marketing plan? How do I write an author bio when I’m not published? What’s the difference between a query and a cover letter? Why novels are rejected.
Writing Romance that Sells (Continuing Class)
Christian romance is a blend of emotions, truth, a crafted plot, memorable characters, and a dynamic setting, but the love story is the central theme. Topics include: Creating Credible, Colorful, Compelling Characters; Plots that Dance Across the Reader's Heart; The Keys to a Runaway Romance Novel .
DEB RANEY
DEBORAH RANEY is at work on her 19th novel. Her books have won the RITA Award, HOLT Medallion, National Readers' Choice Award, Silver Angel, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. Her first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title. Almost Forever, first in her new Hanover Falls Novels series, will release in May from Howard/Simon & Schuster. Deb and her husband, Ken Raney, enjoy small-town life in Kansas. They are new empty nesters with four grown children and two precious grandsons, all of whom live much too far away.
Ideas and Inspirations (Workshop) In this workshop, Deb will take a look at a wide variety of resources for sparking creative story ideas; and more importantly, she will reveal secrets for getting––and staying––inspired to write once you have an idea nailed down. This session includes a hands-on exercise that will send conferees home with at least one “killer” book idea.
Out of the Slush Pile (Workshop)
Simple fixes for five common writing problems that make the difference between a powerful manuscript and one that lands in the slush pile: (1) abusing adverbs & adjectives, (2) point-of-view mistakes, (3) telling instead of showing, (4) talking heads, (5) starting the story in the wrong place.
The Business End of Writing (Workshop)
A flourishing career as a writer necessitates a business-like approach to your work. Beginning with tips for an “attitude adjustment,” Deborah will reveal some basic steps that can help you move from dabbling as a hobby writer to being a successful working writer. Topics for discussion include scheduling writing time, organizing office space, record keeping, perfecting the craft, self-promotion and a Q&A session to answer your specific questions (NOTE: This is not a business accounting or tax law class.)
How to Develop a Speaking Ministry to Women (Continuing Class) Teaching Children Biblical Truth through Secular Fiction Writing for Visual Media
Are you interested in documentaries, feature films, or maybe even how to create and pitch a television show? Come with your questions and we'll tackle all your want-to-know questions to help you take the first steps to alll forms of visual media.
Yes, Men Read: How do Christian Writers Reach Them? (Continuing Class)
Contrary to popular belief, men in fact do read and they read both nonfiction and fiction in most genres. Growth in Christian fiction in recent years is encouraging and can give us direction for the future. In these classes we will look at the kind of fiction men read and how to reach them to both entertain and establish loyalty to how to deliver solid biblical content to reach nonbelievers and encourage believers. For over five years, Terry was an acquisitions editor in the book divisions of David C. Cook and Howard Books and is a former literary agent. Now Terry is a Vice President and Publisher at Intermedia Publishing Group. On a regular basis, he blogs about the Writing Life. Terry and his wife, Christine, live in Scottsdale, Arizona.
RAMONA RICHARDS
Ramona Richards, an award-winning editor, speaker, and author, started writing as a child and sold her first story in her 20s. After 25 years as an editor, she returned to writing fiction, and her first three Steeple Hill novels, including The Taking of Carly Bradford, received 4 ½ stars from Romantic Times magazine. Her next two novels, Field of Danger and House of Secrets (2010), take readers deep into the murder and mayhem of a small town in Tennessee. Ramona lives with her daughter Rachel near Nashville, and she occasionally escapes by scuba diving, hiking, dancing, and going to movies and bookstores.
Hai Karate: Smashing the Toughest Writer’s Blocks (Workshop)
Sooner or later, almost every writer gets stuck in a muddle. Some blocks last fifteen minutes; some can last years. This workshop looks at tips and writing exercises designed to break even the toughest block. From showing writers how to draw strengths from their own weaknesses to asking them to create a complete short story in 50 words or less, the workshop is a hands-on experience in making a breakthrough in your writing.
It’s Not Rocket Science, But It’s Close: Editing Popular Non-fiction Before Submission (Workshop)
Presenting any important subject to a lay audience in a manner that will intrigue readers, not to mention editors, is a gift—and one that’s too easily sabotaged by the very authors who know the topic best. This workshop presents tips on organizing a non-fiction book, presenting it to an editor, developing an understanding of the audience, and controlling an insider’s vocabulary while remaining in-depth and fascinating.
“But I Did Not Shoot the Deputy”: How Secondary Characters Can Make or Break a Novel (Workshop)
The easiest way to lose an editor’s attention is for your story to be confusing or annoying. By the time you introduce, describe, and give a life history to the twentieth secondary character, an editor is going to be both. This workshop provides tips on controlling your supporting cast: how different levels of characters should be revealed and built into the plot, explanations of how flat secondary characters can kill a sell, and tips on how to layer your characters in order to build interest and curiosity without taking over a book.
Deconstructing Paul: What God’s Apostle Can Teach Writers About Writing (Workshop)
A workshop that shows how Paul’s passion for his subject, his attention to details, and his awareness of his audience can be a primer for excellent writing. The class will focus on the four Ps of Paul’s letters: Passion (Love your art); Perfection (Know your craft); Pitch (Know your audience); Persistence (Never give up)
JAMES RUBART
James L. Rubart is a professional marketer whose Jr2 Marketing company clientele has included ABC, AT&T/Cingular, and Clear Channel Radio. He is also a professional speaker, writes recurring columns for Christian Fiction Online Magazine and Christian Women Online, and is on the board of the Northwest Christian Writers Association. Jim and his wife and their two teenage sons live just outside Seattle, Washington.
Marketing 101-401: A crash course on avoiding marketing kryptonite (Continuing Class)
The 12 essential skills every author must learn in order to develop super powered marketing for their writing career.
How To Write Web Copy & Press Releases That Will Make Readers Stand Up And Do The Cha Cha (Workshop)
Proven methods for writing Web site copy and press releases that will be read, make an impact, and burn your brand into the recipient's mind.
Marketing Yourself in Every Moment (Workshop)
Two hundred to four hundred conferees. Do you know how to stand out? Be remembered by every editor and agent at the conference? Do you know how to make yourself memorable to readers, and friends on Facebook and Twitter? You'll learn seven marketing techniques to make yourself unforgettable, even if you're the shyest person in the room.
Web Sites & Blogs: What Flies and What Dies (Workshop)
Designing Web sites/blogs and writing them is a bit different than designing and writing books. Okay, way different. Jim will teach the nine elements writers must have on their sites and the three things they have to leave off (that most authors don't). Jim will examine specific Web sites and blogs that work, ones that don't and explain why.
NANCY RUE
Because her name is easy to mistake with that of a certain blonde amateur sleuth in a little blue roadster, Nancy Rue often finds more name recognition than she expects. This is somehow fitting, because it was partly her childhood admiration for Nancy Drew – in the days when she read everything she could get her hands on – that made her dream of becoming a writer.
Rue has become a successful, best-selling author of books for ‘tweens and adults. Over her career she’s written more than 100 books. Nancy travels the country speaking and teaching at schools, churches, home school groups, and for groups of ‘tween girls and their moms. She lives in Tennessee with her husband, Jim. Their daughter, Marijean, and son-in-law, Brian, live in nearby Nashville. The Rues’ two Lab puppies share (and eat) Jim and Nancy’s home.
Nothing But the Truth: Writing Non-Fiction for Young People (Workshop)
The CBA Kids’ Market: Where It Is, Where It’s Going (Workshop)
Getting Some of It On You: Writing Fiction for Kids 8 to 16 (Continuing Class)
KAREN SCHURRER
Karen is an editor in the Adult Fiction department at Bethany House, a leading publisher of Christian fiction. She has worked with authors in a wide variety of genres and particularly enjoys working with new authors and growing with those authors as they continue to write.
Non teaching faculty.
VONDA SKELTON
Vonda Skelton is a speaker and the author of women’s non-fiction, tween fiction, magazine articles, and plays. Her latest novel, Bitsy and the Mystery at Hilton Head Island, was nominated for a SIBA book award. Her articles have appeared in HomeLife, Clubhouse, ParentLife, Christian Single, New Man Magazine, and many others. Vonda is a frequent instructor at writers conferences, and loves encouraging writers through her Christian Writer’s Den blog. She is a playwright and lyricist, and enjoys performing in church and community theater. Vonda and her husband, Gary, have been married all their lives, and are still happy about it! www.vondaskelton.com
Do you have a desire to share your experiences of life with other women? Do you have a message that will encourage, edify, or exhort? If so, perhaps God is calling you to start a speaking ministry to women. Come and explore the possibility of sharing your message of hope and healing through the spoken word. If desired, you may present a three-five minute program to the class on the last day.
How to Have Magazine Editors Calling YOU! (Workshop)
Hate writing query letters? Don't want to wait years to see your name in print? Writing magazine articles can be a quick, dependable way to earn a monthly income. Follow this formula for writing top-notch articles and you'll soon have magazine editors begging you for more!
The Non-Fiction Book: Concept to Contract (Workshop)
You’ve got the idea. Now what? Here’s how to move your idea from the brain to the bookshelf.
It may surprise you to know your children’s book can teach biblical standards, even in public schools. Vonda has spoken to about 20,000 kids—primarily in the public school setting—filling an educational need for teachers, while offering positive, God-honoring books to students. Come and learn how to write the books kids want and give them the message they need.
TODD STARNES
Todd Starnes is a best-selling author and network news reporter for Fox News Radio — based in New York City. He is also an evangelical Christian and has been a lifelong Southern Baptist. He’s covered a number of high profile stories – from Pope Benedict’s visit to the United States to the economic turmoil on Wall Street. He covered the 2008 presidential campaign from start to finish – spending the final months as an embed reporter on-board President Obama’s plane. His interviews ranged from pop culture icons like Fifty Cent to Miss California Carrie Prejean.
Todd is an award-winning journalist — earning one of his profession’s highest honors — the Edward R. Murrow Award and the Associated Press Mark Twain Award for Storytelling. His work is heard on more than 750 radio stations around the nation. He also hosts a religion podcast called, “FOX on Faith.”
He is also a long distance runner — having completed the 2007 NYC Marathon and a number of half-marathons. Todd is currently training for the 2010 Ironman Triathlon in Louisville, KY.
His first book, “They Popped My Hood and Found Gravy on the Dipstick” is a best-seller. It’s a humorous collection of stories about his open heart surgery in 2005 and subsequent 150-pound weight loss. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee wrote the foreword and the book is endorsed by Southern Baptists like Dr. David Dockery, president of Union University; Will Hall, executive editor of Baptist Press; and Jonathan Falwell, pastor of Thomas Road Church. His second book, “Dispatches from Bitter America,” will be published in the fall.
He was a presenter at the 2009 Gospel Music Association DOVE Awards and is a frequent speaker in churches and on university campuses.
LES STOBBE
Les Stobbe is a literary agent, the editor in chief of The Christian Writers Guild and one of its mentors, and former Journalist in Residence at Gordon College, Wenham, MA. He also serves as Director of International Christian Writers.
The founding editor of the Mennonite Observer in Winnipeg, Les Stobbe served as editor at Christian Life Publications, editorial director of Cambridge Publishers (Canadian business magazines), Moody Press Books, Christian Herald Books and Book Clubs, and Here's Life Publishers Ltd., and managing editor of curriculum for Scripture Press. For seven years he served as president of Here's Life Publishers. His most recent full-time position was as Vice President of Communications and Marketing at the Evangelistic Association of New England (now Vision New England). He is author or co-author of 14 books and has written more than 700 published articles. Recipient of Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference award for probably having published more first-time authors than anyone else. Recipient of the Partnership Award from The Word Guild of Canada for his significant contributions to Canadian writers who are Christian and The R.A. Torrey Award for Outstanding Service as a Publishing Pioneer.
The Article: Grabbing and Holding the Reader (Workshop)
A basic introduction to the different kinds of articles, complete with diagrams, with major focus on writing the lead, providing motivational content and wrapping up the article with a memorable conclusion. Illustrated from one issue of Christianity Today.
Expanding Your Role as Writer (Workshop)
Many writers fixate on article writing, others on books. This workshop will explore the many opportunities to turn writing skills into evangelizing and discipling not only their world but that of the nation. Participants will work on the basic skills foundational to this expanded role as a writer—and then learn how to adapt these skills for a wide variety of publication opportunities. The goal will be to become a writer of influence well beyond one’s home community.
In Praise of the Story (Workshop)
Ten reasons why the story is always superior to expository writing in effecting life change—complete with story illustrations.
CECIL STOKES
Cecil Stokes founded Tentmakers Entertainment in 1999. He has executive produced and/or produced more than 1250 television shows for the networks such as A&E, Court TV, DIY Network, ESPN, Fine Living, Food Network, HGTV, History Channel, the Travel Channel and Turner South. For his Television programming, Cecil has won Cable Ace, Communicator, New York Film Festival, and TElly awards. He also won an Emmy for his work on the show "Blue Ribbon." Cecil executive produced two award winning documentaries A MAN NAMED PEARL and CHILDREN OF ALL AGES. He has created comercials for BMW, Cadillac, Hyundai, the State of California, Sara Lee, and Kohler.
ANN TATLOCK
Ann Tatlock is a novelist, an annual faculty member of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, and a co-director, along with Yvonne Lehman, of the Honored Authors of the Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival. Her books have received numerous awards, including the Christy Award and the Silver Angel Award from Excellence in Media. Most recently, her novel “The Returning” was named one of Library Journals Best Books of 2009. Ann lives with her husband and daughter in Asheville, NC.
Telling the Truth: Christian Writing in a Postmodern World (Continuing Class)
In postmodern America, we are experiencing one huge compassionate love-fest on the deck of the Titanic. With the loss of absolute truth and the rise of relativism, people are celebrating diversity and a myriad of custom-designed paths to God--even as the ship is rapidly sinking. How did this come about and what are the philosophies behind postmodernism? What’s the connection between this cultural phenomenon and New Age spirituality? How is this cultural shift affecting the church? Who is the audience that we as Christian writers are speaking to in America today? Come and find out answers to these questions, and learn how you can speak out boldly for the truth of the Gospel. This class is for both beginning and advanced writers of fiction and non-fiction.
DONN TAYLOR
Donn Taylor is a poet and novelist who holds a PhD in Renaissance literature and has more than 20 years’ experience teaching poetry. His poetry has appeared in Christianity and Literature, The Lamp-Post (Journal of the California C. S. Lewis Society), and other journals, as well as general audience publications such as the Presbyterian Record (Canada). His poetry collection Dust and Diamond: Poems of Earth and Beyond was published in 2008. His fiction includes a suspense novel, The Lazarus File, and a light-hearted mystery, Rhapsody in Red. He has also published essays on writing, literary criticism, ethical issues, and U. S. foreign policy. In a prior incarnation, he served in two wars with the U. S. Army.
Getting Started Writing Poetry (Workshop)
Do you want to write poetry but don't know where to start? This session provides several specific aiming points to get you from the blank page to the completed first draft. The same fundamentals can be used to evaluate your draft after it is complete. Although oriented toward the beginning poet, the discussion also presents fruitful concepts for those more experienced.
Writing Poetry Outside the Box (Workshop)
Many poems written today have a sameness that makes one look much like another. What, then, can make a poem stand out in the flood of submissions each editor receives? This session describes and illustrates five techniques that will make your poems strikingly different from most that editors will see. These techniques will help novices and experienced poets alike.
Broader Horizons in Poetic Technique (Workshop)
Poetry is poetry because it communicates more intensely than ordinary language. As some have said, it "speaks in higher voltage." Designed for beginners and experienced poets alike, this session illustrates how the use of certain poetic structures can "raise the voltage" of your poetry while deepening its meaning.GARY TERASHITA [Updated]
Gary Terashita is the executive editor of Fidelis Books launched in 2009, an imprint of B&H Publishing Group in Nashville, Tennessee. In this capacity he has the honor of working with Oliver North, Fidelis's commanding editor and lead author. The new line has quickly added several other top-level authors, U.S. Senator Jim DeMint, Chuck Norris, Bob Hamer (FBI ret.), Lt. Gen. William Boykin, and Ralph Reed to name a few. Gary and his wife, Kim, live i Heritage, TN.
JAMES WATKINS
Jim wears more hats than his Aunt Luella! He is:
• author of fifteen books and over two thousand articles
• acquisitions editor for Wesleyan Publishing House
• conference speaker throughout North America and overseas
• editorial advisor for ACW Press
• instructor at Taylor University and
• child of God
Jim has won awards for his books (Campus Life "Book of the Year" and "Retailers Choice Award") and writing and editing (four Evangelical Press Association awards) as well as an "Amy" award for writing in the general market. He's a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University (1974), an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church, and has done graduate work at Ball State University's School of Journalism and Purdue University's School of Communications. Most important, he's married to the Rev. Lois, who serves as a pastor, has two married children and four adorable grandchildren.
Writing with Banana Peels (Continuing Class)
Learn to write humor.
Communicating to Change Lives (Continuing Class)
TERRY WHALIN
W. Terry Whalin understands both sides of the editorial desk–as an editor and a writer. He worked as an editor for Decision and In Other Words. His magazine articles have appeared in more than 50 publications including Writer's Digest, The Writer and Christianity Today. He is the creator and webmaster for Right-Writing.com.
Terry has written more than 60 nonfiction books and one of his recent books is Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams, Insider Secrets to SKYROCKET Your Success. For more than 12 years Terry was an ECPA Gold Medallion judge in the fiction category. He has written extensively about Christian fiction and reviewed numerous fiction books in publications.
Success Leaves Traces (Workshop)
Learn eight characteristics of successful writers. Terry has interviewed more than 150 bestselling authors and distilled some of the common traits of these authors. He will teach you these key characteristics during his session.
Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams (Workshop)
Many people have dreams and desires about getting into print but they have no idea where to begin or how to create a plan. In this workshop, Terry provides a list of key steps along with seasoned advice for any writer. Whether the writer is a beginner or a seasoned pro, this workshop is certain to stir their imagination and plans in a fresh way long after the conference.
Ebooks That Sell, Three Keys to Success (Workshop)
There is some bad information floating around the marketplace about how Ebooks don’t sell. At the other information extreme, marketers are saying you have to attend high-priced “Internet Marketing Boot Camps” which cost thousands of dollars in order to find the “secret” for success. Neither story is the truth. This workshop will explain three elements that you need to be successful with your Ebook to raise your visibility in the marketplace and take your writing career to a higher profile.
CARLA WILLIAMS
Carla Williams enjoys working with writers and editors as Editorial Director for WinePress Publishing. As Publicity Director, she helps authors build their promotional platforms and marketing plans. Her husband, Timothy Williams, is Executive Publisher for WinePress. Together, along with founder Athena Dean, they have worked hard to raise the standard and integrity in self publishing. Carla has authored or co-authored of over 24 books and has writing credits in articles, devotions, games, curriculum, and more carla@winepressgroup.com She continues to have her own writing and speaking ministry through The Spiritual Mom and is a co-blogger on Christian Momlogic (Time Warner).
Self Publishing: Should it be your first choice? (Workshop)
Publishing trends today indicate that self-publishing is now more the norm than the exception, but the last thing you want is to look is “self-published.” Learn your many options and important things to avoid. Find out the answers to your publishing questions from a reliable “custom publisher" with twenty-year experience.
Masterpiece Marketing Plans (Workshop)
Discover the M & M’s of an effective marketing and promotional campaign. In this hands-on workshop attendees create a convincing marketing message, identify their target market, and pinpoint methods that will work specifically to reach their goals.
The Organized Writer (Workshop)
Love to write, but hate the business side of it? Want those piles to become files? Learn about an online program for tracking your submissions. Discover some proven systems for keeping your business, writing, and life organized.
