West Coast

Christian Writers

WHERE WRITERS THRIVE

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

October 18 – 20, 2023

Roseville, California

2023 CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS

Come learn from some of the best in the writing world! We’re offering over forty workshops in craft, marketing, the writing life, and more. 

Children’s

Make Your Children’s Book Sparkle, Shine, and Sell

Sharon Norris Elliott

Your manuscript needs to be more than well-written to flourish. Does your children’s book include the four essential qualities necessary for its ultimate success? Learn to build your manuscript into the well-balanced masterpiece publishing houses will want, and you will be proud to sign when asked for your signature.

Representation Matters: Writing Multicultural Books for Kids

Dorina Gilmore

Award-winning children’s author Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young will share about her journey writing multicultural picture books. Dorina faced rejection through the years, but her commitment to multicultural characters eventually led her to the just-right editor for publishing. She will give attendees practical tips and walk them through an exercise on how to add cultural and sensory details to their stories.

Making Your Children’s Book Memorable

Deb Gruelle

Come explore what young readers, their parents, and publishers are looking for in children’s books today. We’ll look at children’s book categories from board books to young adult and how to make a picture book memorable so that a child wants to read it over and over again.

Fiction Craft

Edge of Your Seat Scenes: Suspense and Action

Sami Abrams

Motivation and tension are everything when writing suspense or action. And putting yourself in the mind of your villain is not only creepy and fun, but necessary. Writers often make the mistake of moving too quickly through an action or suspense scene. Not rushing is the key to adding tension.

 

Body Language: The Ultimate Show, Don’t Tell

Tara Johnson

Understanding body language, micro-expressions, and posture adds tremendous depth to dialogue, sets tone, and reveals a character’s emotions through their behavior. This workshop will teach the student how to use universal body language to give their characters rich emotions, as well as how to utilize deception in villains, including language bumps that reveal inner motive.

 

Character Wounds

Tara Johnson

The key to writing robust characters with deep spiritual arcs (and compelling internal conflict) is found in knowing their wounds. This workshop will look at types of wounds by exploring our characters’ pasts and misbeliefs, and how this will affect their goals, motivation, and conflict. Let’s take your characters from “good” to “stellar”!

 

On Precision 

Bret Lott

This workshop looks at how precision of image and language aren’t just necessary to writing a good story, but are also a reflection of God’s creation of us. We aren’t made vaguely in God’s image, but precisely; therefore, our own creations must reflect that precision.

Why So Much Detail?

Bret Lott

When do I have too much detail? When do I need more? As readers we don’t always think about the work involved in creating necessary details, but this workshop will look at strategies to help the writer find the balance between too much and too little to give our stories.

Under the Tent—Unveiling Structure to Unleash Your Story

Sarah Sundin

Does your novel sag or drag or rush? Need to inject conflict or twists? Want to improve character development? You’ll find solutions in a surprising source—understanding story structure! In this workshop we’ll discover how to use the “tent” of structure to build stories that resonate with your readers.

Test Your Premise

Ginny L. Yttrup

Will the idea you’ve come up with for a novel work? Learn how to determine if your novel’s premise is strong enough to support a full story arc.  Working through a three-step process, you’ll test the viability of your story idea while also creating copy to use later in pitches, proposals, and marketing. 

General Craft

Developing a Writing Voice

Joseph Bentz

What makes a reader come back to an author’s works again and again? A writer’s “voice” is that quality that makes his or her work instantly recognizable and that gives the writing life, personality and authority. A distinctive voice can be developed. This session will show writers how to discover and hone their own writing voice.

Theology for Writers

Susy Flory

Theology is the study of God, and theology is also dialogue. Think about how Jesus dialogued with people! Theology starts with questions, not dry definitions from a theology textbook. This dynamic and original workshop will help to equip you with an overview of basic Christian theology (this is not the same as church or denominational traditions), a brief theology of writing itself, as well as theological education and resources for writers. Bonus: a fun “family tree” of the Church in all of its beautiful variety (Why? Because you’re going to draw readers from a variety of faith traditions!)

Hooks That Won’t Let Go

Bob Hostetler

Twenty ways to write a hook to your article, story, query, or book that will compel interest.

Ten Lies About Writing

Tim Riter

This workshop will explore some common myths that can be unproductive or damaging to one’s writing career: dangerous because they miss the exceptions and sometimes the leading of the Spirit. If we take them as gospel, we may hurt our writing career. We’ll laugh a bit and learn how to identify good advice.

Nonfiction Craft

Key Elements of Telling your Hard Story

Debbie Alsdorf

Most of us have gone through some hard stuff and as creatives we may want to use our hard to bring hope to others. This workshop will help you discover if you are ready to share your story and will guide you though the rough terrain of daring to be vulnerable publicly with things close to your heart. Working through a grid of HOPE, you will leave having accessed if you are ready and how to proceed if you are.

Basics of Nonfiction Structure

Debbie Alsdorf

Do you want to write a book but don’t know where to start? This workshop will breakdown the structure of a nonfiction book, devotional or bible study. You will leave with tools and direction to start the work you have dreamed of as well as basic tips for setting yourself up for success as a writer.

Devotionals, A Great Place to Start

Jon Drury

Short but life-changing. That’s daily devotionals, at 200 words some of the shortest pieces for publication. Though short, they can change lives and bring your reader to God. Share from your own journey. Devotionals are also a natural way to break writing, learn your craft, and grow as a writer.

Tested Tips for Writing Devotionals that Sing

Dorina Gilmore

Dorina is a devotional writer for (in)courage and Proverbs 31 ministries. In this workshop, she will share 8 tips for writing devotionals that will reach the reader’s heart. Attendees will see examples of devotional writing that illustrate these tips and walk away with inspiration for writing in this popular format.

Writing for Mainstream Magazines: How to Break In

Chanté Griffin

Dream of seeing your byline in leading magazines like Parents, Good Housekeeping, and Vogue? If you answered “yes,” then this workshop will teach you how to capitalize on your background, identify potential publications, target editors, and introduce yourself to top-tiered publications.

5 Fiction Techniques That Will Bring Your Nonfiction to Life

Jeanette Hanscome

Whether you are writing a devotional, a memoir, or general Christian living, your goal as an author is to draw readers in and keep them hooked. In this workshop, you will learn how to use story structure, dialogue, and other fiction techniques to communicate your message effectively, share personal experiences, and illuminate biblical truth.

Design Your Reader’s Journey

Jan Kern

We have a passion for our book’s topic, and we know we want our readers to benefit from our message, but what will be their journey as they read our book? This workshop will focus on techniques and mindsets that help us intentionally design our reader’s experience with our book from first to last page.

Memoir Writing: Taking Your Story a Step Further

Cindi McMenamin

Most writers want to write their personal story. But autobiography and memoir rarely sell unless your story was a national media event or you’re known around the world. Make your memoir marketable by learning how to identify the “reader benefit” within your story and write elements of your story around it.

Other Than a Book: Ways to Use Your Talents

Michelle Ule

Join multi-published author Michelle Ule as she describes numerous non-published works that brought joy to her life and that of the people she loves. Michelle provides how-tos and samples of what one agent describes as “a book that needs to be written but which does not need to be published.” Family histories, church plays, memoirs, travel diary examples–and why.

Marketing

Newsletters Without Tears

Lisa Bogart

Ugh! More platform building? Yes, but newsletters can be fun. Learn from an author who’s been there and is still growing. With a newsletter claiming an open rate of 70% Lisa has ideas to get you started and help you grow. We will find ways to reach readers, and what to say when you’ve got them.

Finding Your Platform

Bob Hostetler

You don’t have to be famous to have a platform, but editors and publishers want writers with influence and reach. A much-published author and accomplished agent offers five key steps to establishing and enlarging your platform.

7 Secrets to Presenting Yourself as an Author: Making a Professional First, Second, and Third Impression

Cindi McMenamin

Whether your book is traditionally or self-published, how you present yourself is key to your success and your book’s longevity. Learn proven tips to successfully connect with leaders and gain an audience through speaking engagements, online article writing, social media presence, website tips, author pages, and personal interaction.

Becoming a L.O.U.D. Speaker – Turning up the volume of events for your ministry

Amberly Neese

Do you desire to have more frequent and impactful speaking engagements (to sell your books)? Join us as Amberly provides practical and actionable steps to increasing the number of opportunities to connect your message with new audiences.

You’ve Been Framed

Marci Seither

If you have a phone, you have a camera. Take pictures with a photojournalistic eye for social media posts and blogs. Learn how to frame a picture so it tells a story and why learning to take photos might help you become a more valuable writer.

Publishing

Newbie in a Nutshell

Sami Abrams

The start of a writing career can be daunting. Authors speak in writer-lingo and talk about agents and publishing companies, adding to the confusion. Get an overview of the writing world and get answers to your questions that will help you make informed decision as you grow as a writer.

From Brainstorm to Book Launch

Sarah Barnum

Self-publishing can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! This workshop will walk you through the editing and self-publication process and help you make a concrete, calendar-based plan to prepare your manuscript and market your message.

Trends in Publishing and Platform

Mary DeMuth

Publishing is constantly shifting, and it’s hard to keep up with current trends. But now you don’t have to! Literary agent Mary DeMuth asked colleagues in publishing what they were seeing as trends, and she’s compiled them all for you in an easy-to-digest session. Learn about the 9 general publishing trends and the 8 current Christian publishing trends from an insider.

From Query to Publication (and Everything in Between)

Rachelle Gardner

The world of publishing can be confusing! This workshop will explain the entire process between the time you submit a query to an agent and the time your book is published. You’ll learn what the editorial, marketing, sales and art departments are doing—and most importantly, what will be expected of you. Includes the basics about contracts, deadlines, book covers, and marketing expectations. This workshop will help you navigate your way through your first experience as a published author.

Authors & Agents: Inside this Important Partnership

Rachelle Gardner

Do all writers need agents? Who needs an agent and why? You’ll learn how to decide whether you need an agent, how to research literary agents, and how to determine the right agent for you. We’ll discuss what to expect from an agent and what not to expect. Finally, we’ll talk about how to do your part in building and maintaining a successful long-term relationship with an agent. This workshop will dispel the mystique surrounding agents (no – we are not all sharks!) and help you make the best decision for your writing career.

Pitch Like a Pro: Tips for Pitching Articles & Essays to Magazines & Newspapers

Chanté Griffin

Pitching is a sport. Pitching is a sport that includes a string of joyful wins (acceptances) and stinging losses (rejections). In this workshop you’ll be coached by an experienced journalist who will teach you the tips & tricks to get your stories, essays, and op-eds published in magazines and newspapers.

Writing for Focus on the Family

Rachel Pfeiffer

Focus on the Family offers many publishing opportunities both in print and online. Learn what marriage, parenting, teen and children’s articles editors are looking for and where to send your submissions.

Anatomy of a Query and Book Proposal

Michelle Ule

Multi-published author and longtime literary agency editorial assistant provides a philosophy behind writing a query and a book proposal, along with insights into what editors look for, what they don’t want, and why.

Specialty

Screenwriting 101

David Hyde

An introductory course to visual storytelling and how and why it is different. This course starts with the mechanics of formatting a screenplay and moves through the basics of story structure and on to what is expected of the writer in today’s film market.

Writing Can be so “Taxing”

Chris Morris

Taxes and accounting probably stresses you out…but it doesn’t have to. This workshop will cover:

    • When to hire a CPA
    • When you have a business, not a hobby
    • How to avoid an audit
    • What you can and cannot write off

There will be time for questions. When was the last time a CPA gave you an open forum at no cost?

Writing Life

Magically Creating Time to Write

Deb Gruelle

No matter your writing stage, you’re in good company if you struggle to find writing time. Combining creativity with efficiency is tough! As a fellow struggler and a certified coach, I love helping writers discover ways to find more time to make significant progress in their writing.

The Power and Responsibility of Writing as a Christian

Lance Hahn

As Christians, we do not only speak for ourselves, we are ambassadors, billboards, spokespeople for heaven! Words are powerful. Our goal is to advance His kingdom more than ours. In this workshop author and Pastor Lance Hahn talks about the joys, responsibilities and dangers of writing in God’s name.

Becoming an Author-preneur

Keri Wyatt Kent

Writing a book is just the first step. Being an author means treating your writing like a business. This workshop will talk about ways that you can make money; goal setting; business planning; multiple revenue streams; writing about what you know; and marketing.

A Content Creators Guide to Making Money and an Impact

Kathi Lipp

Join Kathi as she shares how to increase your impact as well as your income through book sales, self-publishing, sponsorships, and more.

Chronically Creative: How to Balance Writing with Mental Illness

Chris Morris

Many people battle mental illnesses, and struggle with guilt as a result of it. For creatives, a bad day can make it impossible to progress on projects. In this class, learn how to balance grace and perseverance, how to “forgive yourself” for your illness, and how to move forward even on the bad days. These topics are taught from a deep well of personal experience.

2023 Conference

October 18 – 20, 2023

 

Writers on the Move

 

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9

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