WEST COAST CHRISTIAN WRITERS BRINGS INNOVATIVE CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

WCCW is a rarity–an independent nonprofit writers organization 

with a flair for innovation and a philanthropic spirit

FULLERTON, CA (April 15, 2025)---West Coast Christian Writers (WCCW) is excited to announce an expansion to Southern California with its flagship hybrid writers conference scheduled for October 23-25, 2025, at Fullerton Free Church in Fullerton, California, with keynote speaker Barb Roose.

WCCW is an independent, growing nonprofit based in the Sacramento area with a mission to serve and equip writers, offering a legacy Christian writers conference of over 30 years, a paid membership community, and a growing philanthropic arm. The 2025 conference will be a hybrid event, offering both in-person and online attendance options. Typically, WCCW conferences attract several hundred in-person attendees, as well as additional online participants from across the nation and around the world.

"We are incredibly excited to bring our conference to Southern California," said Susy Flory, Executive Director of West Coast Christian Writers (WCCW). “This expansion allows us to respond to the need and to better serve our growing community of writers along the greater West Coast and beyond. With Sarah Sundin and Sarah Barnum at the helm, attendees can expect an exceptional conference experience that combines professional development with spiritual encouragement and a strong sense of community."

The 2025 Southern California conference will be co-directed by award-winning novelist Sarah Sundin and longtime administrative director Sarah Barnum. Sarah Sundin is the ECPA bestselling and award-winning author of historical fiction set during World War II. Her novels have won the Christy Award and the Carol Award. She has served in various roles with WCCW for nearly a decade, bringing a wealth of experience to her new position as co-director.

Conference co-director Sarah Barnum is an award-winning freelance editor and has also been a vital member of the WCCW leadership team for a decade, contributing significantly to the organization's growth and community development. Her dedication to supporting Christian writers in their journey has made her an invaluable asset to the WCCW community.

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

The 2025 conference features keynote speaker Barb Roose, a popular speaker, author, and literary agent with Books & Such Literary Management. Roose is passionate about teaching believers to live beautifully strong and courageous lives despite their fears.

The conference will feature keynote sessions, 35 workshops for writers at all levels, small group sessions, and individual appointments with agents and editors. Special CREW mentoring groups will be available on pre-conference day, Thursday, October 23, offering personalized instruction and feedback on various fiction and nonfiction craft topics, including screenwriting, self-publishing, and writing for children.

A MORE INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE

Continuing the WCCW emphasis on innovation, the 2025 conference will feature a more interactive format, with topical writing labs, community tables, one-on-one appointments, and dedicated time in each workshop for hands-on practice of the concepts being taught. This approach reinforces learning and provides immediate application opportunities for writers at all stages. "Writers learn best by doing," said Sarah Sundin. "We've redesigned our workshop structure to ensure attendees not only receive excellent instruction, but also have the chance to apply what they've learned right away with guidance from our expert faculty."

SUPPORTING WRITERS WITH NEW MICROGRANT PROGRAM

As part of WCCW's commitment to serving the Christian writing community in all its richness and diversity, the nonprofit organization has launched a new philanthropic program, awarding microgrants to working writers who need a hand up. These grants aim to help talented writers take the next step in their writing careers when financial constraints might otherwise hold them back.

"We believe every writer with a calling deserves the opportunity to develop their craft," said Keri Wyatt Kent, WCCW Development Director. "Our new microgrant program reflects our dedication to removing barriers and supporting writers who need a hand up."

Keri Wyatt Kent, a longtime faculty member and WCCW board member, has provided communications and development consulting to several nonprofit organizations. As the author of twelve books and the coauthor of more than a dozen other titles, Keri provides collaborative writing, editing, and assisted self-publishing services through her company, A Powerful Story.

ABOUT WCCW

West Coast Christian Writers (WCCW) aims to help Christian writers thrive by taking the next, faith-filled step in their unique writing journey. WCCW events are known for excellence, high value, expert speakers and teachers, along with hands-on help and innovation at an affordable price. Since the beginning, WCCW has cultivated a friendly, low-key feel together with high-level speakers and teachers.

Susy Flory, executive director of West Coast Christian Writers, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, believes writers are leaders in the church. “Eugene Peterson once said that every church should have a writer-in-residence. We’re here to train and support those writers who have an important role in supporting the body of Christ, but who are not always recognized as the influencers and quiet leaders that they are. More than anyone else, Christians know how powerful words can be, and West Coast Christian Writers has dedicated itself to shepherding and sending out these unique ministers of reconciliation into a world that needs hope and fresh vision.”

Susy Flory is a doctoral student at Houston Theological Seminary, and the New York Times bestselling author or co-author of twenty books. Her book The Unbreakable Boy was recently made into a feature film by Jon Gunn and the Erwin Brothers at Kingdom Story Company and Lionsgate Entertainment.

WCCW, formerly the Christian Writers Seminar, was founded by Pastor Jon Drury, who directed the seminar as a ministry of Redwood Chapel in Castro Valley, CA. The first Christian Writers Seminar was held in 1993 with Ethel Herr as the keynote speaker. Under Susy Flory and Sarah Barnum’s leadership, WCCW became an independent 501c3 nonprofit organization in January 2020.

Past keynote speakers include Robin Jones Gunn, Sharon Elliott, Kathi Lipp, Tosca Lee, Marlena Graves, Michele Cushatt, Wendy Lawton, Mary DeMuth, Bret Lott, Ethel Herr, and Francine Rivers.

For more information, visit www.westcoastchristianwriters.com.