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ABOUT WCCW

West Coast Christian Writers (WCCW) is a nonprofit writing community that offers fellowship, workshops, and an annual conference for writers at all levels. Known for expert speakers and teachers, with a flair for innovation and forward thinking, WCCW is committed to serving the community of Christian writers in all of its richness and diversity. We help our writers thrive by supporting their next faith-filled step in the writing journey.

woman speaking on stage
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two women in conversation

HISTORY

Jon Drury founded the Christian Writers Seminar (now West Coast Christian Writers) in 1994 at Redwood Chapel in Castro Valley, California—where he served on the pastoral staff. Born out of his own journey to publication, Jon had a heart for beginning writers and aimed to keep the conference approachable and affordable, with a focus on craft and making connections. The first seminar was held in the choir room with keynote speaker Ethel Herr. Spurred by the positive feedback he received from attendees, Jon grew the seminar, but his mission never changed: rolling out the red carpet to serve writers for the glory of God.

In 2015, Jon passed the torch to Susy Flory and a new team of writers. Operating under the nonprofit umbrella of sister organization Inspire Christian Writers, the team renamed the conference West Coast Christian Writers and relocated to a church in Fremont. Author and speaker Kathi Lipp keynoted at the relaunch, sharing a message about "writing brave.”

In 2017, the conference moved to Crosswinds Church in nearby Livermore, California, and in 2018, the innovation began with the launch of an additional smaller, intermediate-level event called LIT.

 

At the end of 2019, WCCW formally separated from Inspire and incorporated as its own 501(c)3 nonprofit, developing a board of directors and receiving tax-exempt status. In February 2020, WCCW hosted LIT just two weeks before the world shut down for Covid-19. Following this “plot twist,” WCCW pivoted to an online conference for 2021 and 2022 and began drawing Christian writers from across the country and world.

Due to a growing attendance, WCCW relocated to Bridgeway Christian Church in Roseville, CA, returning for an in-person conference in fall 2023 and launching a much-requested membership program. In January 2024, WCCW hired its first part-time employees to support the growth of the organization.

Despite all the changes through the years, one tradition that Jon established has remained: singing the hymn “Be Thou My Vision” at the close of every conference.

Blue Dots

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Susy Flory

Susy Flory

PRESIDENT
Kelley Way

Kelley Way

MEMBER
Tim Riter

Tim Riter

MEMBER
Kathy Fellure

Kathy Fellure

MEMBER
Chris Morris

Chris Morris

TREASURER
Tim Fall

Tim Fall

MEMBER
Sharon Elliott

Dr. Sharon Elliott

MEMBER
Joseph Bentz

Joseph Bentz

MEMBER
Keri Wyatt Kent

Keri Wyatt Kent

DEVELOPMENT
Jeanette Hanscome

Jeanette Hanscome

MEMBER
Sid Niemeyer

Sid Niemeyer

MEMBER

NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT

Susy Flory

Susy Flory

EXECUTIVE
Sarah Barnum

Sarah Barnum

ADMINISTRATIVE
Penelope Childers

Penelope Childers

MEMBERSHIP

CONFERENCE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Ginny Yttrup

Ginny L. Yttrup

DIRECTOR
Jan Kern

Jan Kern

COACHING & CARE
Amanda Conquers

Amanda Conquers

COMMUNITY CARE
Sarah Sundin

Sarah Sundin

PROGRAM
Lisa Bogart

Lisa Bogart

HOSPITALITY
Sarah Barnum

Sarah Barnum

REGISTRATION
Karen Shafer

Karen Shafer

MARKETING

CONFERENCE STAFF

Sarah Barnum

Carol Feil

EMCEE
Sarah Barnum

Kelly Wilbanks

WCCW ONLINE
Sarah Barnum

Holly Varni

HOST
Sarah Barnum

David Hyde

BOOKSTORE
Sarah Barnum

Kari Ingram

WRITING CONTEST
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