2012 Keynote Speakers
Torry Martin
Keynote
Torry Martin is a screenwriter, humor columnist, actor, comedian, speaker, author, storyteller and teacher. He is a member of the Christian Comedy Association and a two-time Christian Artists Gospel Music Association Grand Prize Winner for his acting and writing abilities. Most recently he was awarded the Grand Prize for creating the best “Life Lessons” commercial for The Learning Channel (TLC). Torry has written for the Adventures in Odyssey radio program produced by Focus on the Family and is the creator of Wooton Bassett, a popular character in the series. He additionally writes a regularly featured humor columnist for Christian periodicals Clubhouse, On Course, and Enrichment Journal.Martin has also had the great pleasure of co-writing several screenplays with his good friend Marshal Younger.
Torry travels nationally speaking and performing stand up comedy at a variety of Christian events.
Susan May Warren
Keynote
Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of thirty-five novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Book of the Year. A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!
She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.
A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at: www.susanmaywarren.com.
Yvonne Lehman, Founder, BRMCWC
Keynote
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), director of the August Blue Ridge "Summer in the Mountains" Novel Retreat held along wtih the Gideon Media Arts Conference (www.gideonfilmfestival.com), co-director with Ann Tatlock of the Honored Authors of Gideon, and mentor with the Christian Writers Guild. Her latest release is three historical Hawaii novels, Aloha Love, Picture Bride and Love from Ashes, in a collection titledAloha Brides (Barbour, April 2011). She earned a Master’s Degree in English from Western Carolina University and has taught English and Creative Writing. www.yvonnelehman.com
Rusty Wright
Keynote
Rusty Wright is an award-winning author, journalist, syndicated columnist and lecturer who has spoken on six continents. His columns have appeared in mainstream newspapers across the US. He is a frequent presenter at Evangelical Press Association conventions and his writing credits include many EPA magazines such as Christianity Today, Decision, Worldwide Challenge, Plain Truth, Physician and Pentecostal Evangel. He holds a Bachelor of Science (psychology) and Master of Theology degrees from Duke and Oxford universities, respectively. Rusty is a winner of numerous Amy Writing Awards.
Todd Starnes
Keynote
Todd Starnes is the host of Fox News & Commentary – a daily commentary heard on hundreds of radio stations around the nation. He writes a daily blog read by more than 2 million people. He is also a regular guest on Fox & Friends and Hannity. Todd has covered news from the White House to Wall Street. His writing has been described as a cross between Lewis Grizzard and Erma Bombeck. He is the author of two books, the most recent being “Dispatches From Bitter America.” His writing has been endorsed by Sean Hannity, Sarah Palin, and Jerry Jenkins. Todd is the recipient of the Edward R. Murrow Award and the Associated Press Mark Twain Award. He is a frequent speaker at churches and Christian colleges.
Steven James
Keynote
Steven James has penned 30+ books spanning the genres of psychological thrillers, prayer collections, dramas, monologues, a nine book series on creative storytelling, YA fantasy, and inspirational nonfiction.
He has received wide critical acclaim for his work including four Storytelling World Honor awards, two Publishers Weekly starred reviews, and 2009 and 2011 Christy Awards for best suspense. His latest thriller, The Bishop, was named both Suspense Magazine's and The Christian Manifesto's 2010 Book of the Year.
Steven earned a Master’s Degree in Storytelling from ETSU in 1997 and is an active member of International Thriller Writers, the Authors Guild, Mystery Writers of America, and International Association of Crime Writers. He is a contributing editor to Writer's Digest, and has taught writing and storytelling principles on three continents.
He lives in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with his wife and three daughters.
Edie Melson, Co-director
Closing keynote
Edie Melson is a freelance writer and editor with years of experience in the publishing industry. She’s a prolific writer, and has a popular writing blog, The Write Conversation. In keeping up with the leading edge of all things digital Edie has become known as one of the go-to experts on Twitter, Facebook, and social media for writers wanting to learn how to plug in. Her bestselling eBook on this subject, Social Media Marketing for Writers, is available on Kindle and Nook.
As a sought after writing instructor, her heart to help others define and reach their dreams has connected her with writers all over the country. She’s the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, as well as a popular faculty member at numerous others. Edie is also the Assistant Acquisitions Editor for ChristianDevotions.us.
Fighting Fear, Winning the War at Home, is Edie’s latest project. This devotional book for those with family members in the military debuted on Veterans Day, 2011.
She’s a member of numerous professional writing organizations, including the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, The Christian Pen, The Christian Writer’s View I and American Christian Fiction Writers. She’s also an assistant copy editor for the Voices Ezine, a publication of My Book Therapy and a part of the My Book Therapy Special Teams Blog and The Social Media Coach for the My Book Therapy Core Team.
Eva Marie Everson, Contest Director
Master of Ceremony, Faculty Talent Night, Awards Ceremony
Eva Marie Everson is an award-winning author of both fiction and nonfiction as well as an award-winning national and international speaker. She has worked closely with Israel Ministry of Tourism to bring Christian pilgrims and journalists to The Land of the Bible, teaches at writers conferences across the US and, in 2011, served as a adjunct professor at Taylor University in Upland, IN. Eva Marie serves as the Executive Co-Chairman for Word Weavers, a national/international Christian writers critique group under the auspices of Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild. She also serves as one of CWG's writing mentors.
Eva Marie has worked with a number of publishers--and not because she is difficult to get along with. Among those she has been honored to work with are: Barbour, David C. Cook, NavPress, Baker Publishing Group, Broadman Holman, and Thomas Nelson. www.EvaMarieEversonAuthor.com
Alton Gansky, Director
Devotions
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 full time writing, he was the senior pastor of a Southern Baptist church. In addition to his writing, he speaks to writers groups and church organizations.
