2026 Schedule & Class Descriptions

*Schedule Subject to Change

How to Read This Schedule:

NF = Nonfiction
F = Fiction
C = Craft
K = Kids
M = Marketing
B = Business of Writing

Tuesday (Intensive Conferees Only)

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.      Check-in opens ONLY for Intensive Conferees who paid to spend the night. (No Dinner)   

  

Wednesday (Intensive Conferees Only)

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.   Breakfast (for those who spent Tuesday night only)
9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.   Check-in opens and FCWC Bookstore opens for consignment
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.   Children’s Picture Book Intensive with Michelle Medlock Adams, Room 238
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Deep Dive Fiction Intensive with Angela Hunt, Room 233

Nonfiction Intensive with Multiple Instructors

10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.  

Love to Write; Hate to Promote?, Allen Arnold: Really creative people love to create but would rather not promote their books. Allen understands—and offers a new way to view marketing. One that helps us see future readers as kindred spirits rather than customers. It doesn't just feel better...it actually works better! Room 225

From Calling to Contract: Writing Nonfiction That Publishers Are Actively Seeking, Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes: Everyone has a message—but not every message becomes a book that sells, sustains ministry, or attracts publishers. These intensive bridges the gap between calling and craft, helping writers transform passion into a compelling, market-ready nonfiction concept.

Participants will learn how to:

This course dismantles the myth that Christian publishing is either “ministry” or “business”—and shows how it can be both when done with wisdom and integrity. Perfect for: Aspiring authors, ministry leaders, coaches, speakers, and bloggers who feel called to write but don’t know how to move forward strategically. Room 223

11:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.    

Reverent and Responsible—How to Properly Include God’s Word in Your Writing, Lori Hatcher: The most powerful words we can ever share are God’s Words—the Bible. As Christian writers, we must “rightly divide the word of truth” when we include it in our devotions, blog posts, articles, and books. In this spiritual and practical workshop, Lori Hatcher will share how to approach the Bible reverently, responsibly, and accurately. She’ll talk about the spiritual aspects of including Bible verses and concepts in your work as well as the technical aspects of how to correctly format verses, references, and passages. She’ll discuss why and when to capitalize deity pronouns, how and when to use multiple translations, and how to format and punctuate all aspects of Scripture in your writing. Room 223

Newspapers, Magazines, and Compilations . . . Oh My!, Julie Lavender: Looking for an outlet for a short-form, nonfiction writing piece? Join the class to learn how to get your words published in newspapers, magazines, compilations, blog posts, and more. You'll build up writing credits quickly to pad your resume and impress an editor or publishing house and have fun along the way. Room 225

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.     Lunch, Private Dining Room with speaker: Allen Arnold
1:00 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.       Editor/Agent Signups, Room 225 (You may sign up early for ONLY one)

1:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.      

Articles That Grab and Hold Readers, Bob Hostetler: How to plan and write magazine articles that open with a bang, keep the reader engaged, and close with a flourish. Room 223

The Power of Story in Nonfiction, Ava Pennington: Fiction techniques can mean the difference between nonfiction that puts readers to sleep and nonfiction that keeps them wide awake! Learn how to incorporate fiction techniques while maintaining the integrity of your nonfiction content. Room 225

2:30 p.m. – 3:20 p.m.       

Writing Nonfiction for the Children's Educational Market, Julie Lavender: Learn to navigate the work-for-hire world of educational writing to challenge, inspire, and educate the next generation. Learn how to research and write what the publisher needs, learn how to find markets to submit to, learn how to check readability level using the ATOS analyzer, and learn how to prepare a package to send to publishers as part of the application process. If you’d love to see your nonfiction work in school libraries and the kids’ section of community libraries, this class is for you! Room 223

Advanced Editing for the Serious Writer, Lori Hatcher: You’ve mastered the basics of editing. Now you’re ready to take your editing (and your writing) to a higher level. Our Daily Bread author and freelance editor Lori Hatcher will share the advanced editing tips she applies on every manuscript she touches. You’ll learn how to edit in stages, how to apply the First Lines test, and how to use her 25-point checklist to ensure that your manuscript is ready for submission or publication. If you apply her tips, you’ll save thousands of dollars on editing costs and produce a manuscript that shines. Room 225

3:30 p.m. – 4:20 p.m.      

Nine Don’ts and Ten Do’s for Writing Devotions, Ava Pennington: Devotions may be short pieces, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy to write. Learn these critical tips for writing devotions that meet readers at their point of need. Room 223

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. Room 225

4:30 p.m. – 5:20 p.m.

Immediate Manuscript Upgrade, Allen Arnold: There's no shortage of tips and techniques for creating a best-selling manuscript. As a former publisher, Allen has heard it all and shares the radical difference between depending on trends, formula, and A.I.—and setting the right foundation to fuel your originality and unique voice. Room 225

Beyond the Book: Creating Nonfiction That Fuels Speaking, Courses, and Kingdom Impact, Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes: In today’s publishing world, a book is no longer the finish line—it’s the foundation. This intensive shows writers how to design nonfiction that naturally expands into speaking engagements, Bible studies, workshops, devotionals, podcasts, and online courses.

Participants will discover:

This class empowers writers to steward their message wisely—multiplying reach without losing heart or purpose. Perfect for: Writers with a teaching or speaking calling, ministry leaders, coaches, and entrepreneurs. Room 223

Wednesday (Regular FCWC Conferees)

1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.     FCWC Check-in Opens and Bookstore opens for consignment. If you are registered to arrive on Wednesday, please do not come onto Lake Yale property until after 1:30. We cannot get you into your room early and we cannot provide lunch for you. Mount Dora, Florida, which is not far away, has lovely restaurants and shops (and a cool bookstore) that you may visit if your flight arrives early, etc. Thank you for understanding.
 

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.     The Market-Minded Writer 3-hr Workshop: From Idea to Industry Ready, Bethany Jett: Whether you write nonfiction, fiction, or picture books, understanding your genre and how your book fits in the marketplace is essential. In this extended masterclass, literary agent Bethany Jett shares the basics (and beyond!) of market awareness and the business side of publishing. You’ll learn how to identify your competitive edge, position your project for success, and build a professional foundation that gets you noticed.**THERE IS AN ADDITIONAL COST TO THIS WORKSHOP AND YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER**

We’ll cover:

    •    How to research market “trends”

    •    What makes for great comparable titles

    •    How to capture an agent’s attention (and avoid the red flags that lead to a quick pass)

    •    The business mindset behind query letters and proposals

    •    Understand how agents, editors, and publishers evaluate submissions

You’ll leave with insider strategies, practical tools, and renewed confidence in your project’s place in the market. Room 237 


3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.      Pitch Studio, Edwina Perkins: In this workshop, you’ll learn how to craft a perfect pitch. Whether you’re pitching a nonfiction or fiction, the mechanics of the pitch are the same, and so are the results. From the introduction of the main character to the hook to the promise of the premise, Edwina will walk you through what makes a powerful, memorable pitch. She’ll also share how to make the most of those 15-minute appointments with the editor you’ve been stalking. Room 234

**THIS CLASS IS FREE AND DOES NOT REQUIRE PRE-REGISTRATION**

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.      Free time

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.      Dinner

7:00 p.m. –  9:00 p.m.     Check-in for FCWC will re-open after dinner

7:10 p.m.                          Coke Floats and Conversation: Panel Discussion by our Editors & Agents. Auditorium

After Hours Workshops (Begins after Coke Floats and Conversation):                                                      

Am I Ready to be All-In? (B), Christy Bass Adams: Upon finally answering the call the write, many writers have a hard time navigating what pieces of the writing world are for them. They struggle with knowing how to navigate and appropriately use social media, create websites and blogs, and what to spend money on. In this workshop, I plan to address the "whens" of writing. When should I move from a free website to a paid host? When should I expand my social media and how? When should I write a proposal and where should I send it? When should I hire an editor? When and how should I build my platform and what is the message I plan to convey? Upon exiting this class, participants will have a rough outline of when to be all-in with certain parts of the writing world and when to settle for simple. If you are struggling with any of these "whens" this class is for you! Room 234

Writing for Legacy (NF), Michael Anderson: Building further on a previous FCWC Workshop, What's Your Story — Ways to Write Your Autobiography or Memoir, this new workshop would focus on current blends of technology that allows a writer to coveniently write and format their life stories into a finished book to pass down to family and friends, complete with audio components and uploaded photos. Room 237

Publish on Purpose! (B), Athena Dean Holtz: Did you know Amazon limits you to uploading three books a day? This means the book market is oversaturated with poorly written manuscripts, unattractive covers, and no plan to promote. Because of poor products, consumers are looking for credibility and excellence in the books they buy. Join industry veteran and pioneer Athena Dean Holtz and learn to publish well with a clear strategy towards an impactful product to market to readers. Well-developed and edited, and award worthy! Closing bonus topic on the spiritual warfare you are sure to encounter once you say YES to God’s call. Room 238

Writer to Speaker (F/NF), Carol Hamilton: You may dread hearing writers need to be speakers. Whether you’re writing fiction or non-fiction, you have material for interesting presentations. Let’s mine your gold nuggets and start on a path to share your treasures. Room 234

Thursday                                                           

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.      Breakfast

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.    Check-in                                                                                            

9:10 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.    First Time Conferees Orientation, Edwina Perkins, Auditorium                             

10:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Opening Session Faculty & Conferees, Auditorium                                                 

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.    Lunch                                                                                                 

1:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.      Continuing Classes Begin:

 

Nonfiction Track, Allen Arnold:

Mastering the Art of Fiction Writing – Fiction Track, DiAnn Mills: This continuing class is the culmination of three deeply personal guides on the craft of writing: PART I - CHARACTERIZATION, PART II - PLOTTING, and PART III - EMOTION AND DIALOGUE. Each section is designed to help you master essential elements of fiction, whether you’re just beginning your writing journey or have already published stories of your own. You’ll find practical tools and techniques drawn from over two decades of writing and publishing, influenced not only by my successes but by the many mistakes I’ve made and learned from along the way. Room 238


Screenwriting Track, Billy Wayne Arrington: Performing arts are great outlets for writers to express themselves and influence pop culture. This is especially prevalent with script writing.  Script writing is utilized for stage, screen, radio and social media.  Learn how to bring ideas and stories to life by developing intriguing plots and  inspiring characters.  Turn your written works into live presentations.    

These classes will be creative and interactive. Bring your script ideas and imaginations with you. Room 234

 

Children’s Writing Track, Michelle Medlock Adams: Michelle Medlock Adams, a multi-award-winning children’s book author and senior editor of Wren & Bear Books, is excited to lead this year’s continuing class—"Writing for Today’s Children’s Book Market”. The children’s book market has drastically changed over the past three years, and it continues to evolve. So if you have a heart for kids and a desire to make a difference in their world through your writing, this class is for you. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie in the genre of children’s writing, Michelle is saving your seat…and she has chocolate. You’ll learn the process from idea to submission, the earmarks of a modern-day picture book, how to identify trends in children’s publishing, how to know where your story fits, and how to breathe new life into old stories. Room 224

We will also cover:

 

Speakers Track, Linda Goldfarb: Linda Goldfarb’s experience as a speaker includes, but is not limited to, live performances on stage across the country and internationally, keynote speeches, retreats, workshops, radio shows, podcasts, audiobook narration, online and in-person interviews, and Facebook Lives. She is honored to walk alongside you on your journey as a Christian communicator and eager to share all that Father has poured into her over the years.

As Christian writers, we will have opportunities to speak—whether through social media moments, online or in-person interviews, teaching workshops at conferences, or delivering keynotes on stage. In this ongoing class, you will learn the essential elements and practical techniques to maximize these opportunities for lasting impact.

Through in-class assessments and hands-on activities, you will:

Attendees will also have the chance to give a short talk to receive Coach Linda’s feedback. Room 233

 

Manuscript Critique Track*, Shellie Arnold and Jan Powell: If you’ve ever attended a writers conference and thought I wish I could actually work on my current project, this track is for you. Using Word Weavers International critique group guidelines, attendees will have the opportunity to refine their current work-in-progress. Pre-conference emails will be sent explaining formatting requirements and critique procedure, for those who aren’t familiar with the WW critique method. Participants will bring six pre-printed copies each, of 4-5 submissions of 1500 words. (That’s a potential 6,000-7,500 words critiqued. Awesome, right?) Attendees will be placed in groups of no more than five, according to genre if possible. Space is limited and is on a first come, first served basis to those who register for the entire conference. Each participant must commit to attending every daytime session (only the evening session is optional), with the only exception being for agent/editor interviews. Come discover what you’re doing right, what needs improvement, and how to make those improvements.  * Only the first ten will be accepted and must pre-register: [email protected] Room 237/Auditorium

 

Devoted to Devotions, Ava Pennington: Writing devotions may appear easy due to their size, but they’re not as simple as you might think! Learn to write effective devotions that hook readers and give them something to think about for the rest of the day. In three sessions, we’ll examine strategy, content, and self-editing. Bring your ideas for hands-on learning and prepare to be challenged as you strengthen your writing skills! Room 222

 

Book Proposal Studio*, Edie Melson: The studio is for writers in the process of preparing a book-length manuscript to present to agents or editors. Participants will work side by side with an instructor in preparation of a professional book proposal.

A book proposal has a specific format and must answer the questions on an editor’s mind. As an author, you must be able to answer questions such as the topic and message of your book, the take-away value, your target market, and more.

An editor wants to get right to the point. A well-written book proposal helps you to clarify your project in your own mind, so that you can clearly communicate your idea for publishing consideration. This will give you the confidence you need to show any agency or publisher you are a professional.

Attendees for this session should come with their manuscript and all the information needed to write the proposal. Attendees who register for the session will receive materials (via email) before the conference to help you pull together the necessary information for your proposal.

If you are interested in being a part of the Book Proposal Studio, be sure to register for the BOOK PROPOSAL STUDIO and then please send an email to [email protected]. Put "BOOK PROPOSAL STUDIO/Your Name" in the subject line. **THERE IS AN ADDITIONAL COST TO THIS CONTINUING CLASS AND YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER** Room 232

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.      Sign up for Editor/Agent/Publisher Appointments, Room 225

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.      Free time                                                                                                                               

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.      Dinner                                                                                                 

7:15 p.m.                         General Session & Keynote, Allen Arnold, Auditorium

After Hours Workshops (After the General Session):

Children’s Author, Children’s Author, What Do You See?(K), Julie Lavender: Learn tips and techniques for writing children's picture books from A to Z and 1 to 3 to wow little ones and impress big ones, too. We'll learn what makes a good picture book and how you can turn your idea into a great picture book. Bring your favorite picture book, and we’ll find all the elements of great children’s writing!  Room 232

Fun with Numbers in Writing (F/NF), Jennifer Haynie: Though we’re writers, many of us may also like to play with spreadsheets. This class goes through some of the ways spreadsheets may also help us in our writing. Room 234

Such ideas include:


It’s All About That Audience! (B/M), Alice Murray: An audience is a vital component of the writing journey. But what is one? Why is identifying an audience so important? When should a writer identify their audience? How does the audience impact the writing process? What is a target audience and why do publishers care about that concept? What are primary, secondary, and tertiary audiences? This class will offer a deep dive into the essential, but often glossed over, concept of audience. Room 238


Master the Querying Process (B), Bethany Jett: This workshop simplifies the agent search and query process. After a quick overview of what agents do, we’ll cover how to find the right agents for your work, craft a standout query, and avoid common mistakes. Room 233

Writers of all genres will gain insight into industry expectations and best practices as they learn to:


Crushing It on Camera: How to Relax and Shine for Media Interviews and More (M), Tina Yeager: Nervous about radio, podcast, and video interviews? Allow a therapist, speaker, and podcast host with live media interview experience to settle your heart and prepare your mind with confidence. Participants will learn tips, develop confidence, and practice recording audio interviews and live video posts. Room 237

Friday                                                                                                                        

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.      Breakfast/VIP Breakfast                                                                                                                                        

9:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.    Continuing Classes (See Thursday 1:30 for line-up)

11:25 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.   Music, Devotion,  Keynote Address, Allen Arnold, Auditorium

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.    Lunch

 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.      Workshops:

There’s P.U.R.P.O.S.E. in Problems: An Acronym for Working Through Challenges of New Writers (F/NF), Jennifer Mills Barnes: You think you’ve got problems? As new writers, we all face a slew of unique challenges. Join Jennifer as we tackle issues with our plot problems, research strategies, critique woes, marketing worries, and more. She’ll share inspiration using video clips, books (from Berenstain Bears to Bandersnatch: C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and the Creative Collaboration of the Inklings), and powerful quotes from conference-favorites (Michelle Medlock Adams, Catherine DeVries, Blythe Daniel…) We’ll embark on 5-minute challenges to brainstorm affinity groups and analyze pitches of famous books. Plus, a plug for the importance of critique groups like Word Weavers will be offered. This workshop will leave you confident in your purpose, eager to try a new strategy or two, and armed with a sample handout pitch sheet—perfect for conference appointments. Room 233

Know Your Why (F/NF), Allen Arnold: Most of us spend more time thinking about the manuscript we're writing than the Story we're living. We can describe a character's arc in the latest Netflex miniseries more than our own. This session illuminates how knowing our scars, longings, and "why" will enhance what and how we write. Room 233

The Power of Companion Products as a Marketing Tool (M), Athena Dean Holtz: Join Athena Dean Holtz to learn the ins and outs of one of the most creative marketing strategies of our day. The creation of a companion product is not just an optional add-on for Christian authors; it is a strategic opportunity to enhance your impact, deepen reader engagement, foster community, and expand your influence. By embracing this approach, you can elevate your message, connect with your audience on a deeper level, and ultimately leave a lasting legacy of spiritual transformation. Room 238

Writing for Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. (K), Rachel Pfeiffer: Focus on the family offers publishing opportunities for a wide variety of genres in their children’s publications, Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. Learn what editors are looking for and where to send your submissions. Room 237

Back Up. Think and Learn the Craft (C), Cindy Sproles: In this class, we discuss writing basics. Point of view, resist the urge to explain, and it goes without saying. This class discusses writing timeframes, deadlines, back-pocket work, and the importance of building up a storehouse of ideas. When is it too long to hold on to an idea before moving on, and how to put a project on the shelf and call it a learning project? We discuss the importance of moving to the next project, mourning the rejections, and understanding that every project is not publishable but a learning tool. This class is all about “First Times,” and those first times always keep coming. Room 223

Writing and Publishing with Kaleidoscope Publishing, Shellie Arnold: In today’s inspirational publishing world, authors find as many obstacles as opportunities. Landing an agent can be next to impossible, which makes traditional publishers even harder to reach. Hybrid publishing may seem appealing, but how can an author know they’re getting what they pay for? While self-publishing offers tremendous freedom, distribution can be challenging. Come learn how Kaleidoscope offers a personalized approach with the best aspects of traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing models. Room 224

2:45 p.m.  – 3:45 p.m.      Workshops:

Writing Realistic Christian Fiction (F), Hallee Bridgeman: We live in a fallen world filled with secular entertainment that entertains millions of fans a day. How can an author write with a Christian worldview, with true-to-life characters and still be relevant in today’s world? Join Hallee Bridgeman as she dissects how to reach a Christian market with real characters, inspiring stories, and entertaining plots without compromising Christian values. Room 237

How to Know Which Publishing Path is Right for You (B), Karen Neumair: New to publishing? Senior Literary Agent Karen Neumair outlines the pros and cons of three key publishing paths, helping you choose the best fit for your goals—plus an overview of how to break into traditional publishing. Room 233


Is it a Memoir or Something Else? (NF), Cheri Cowell: Is your story best told as a memoir, or is there another way that will be better? Come learn how to tell if you have a winning memoir or if you should consider other ways to deliver your message. As the founder of EABooks Publishing, Cheri has worked with hundreds of authors, helping them find the perfect way to package their stories. Maybe you have a good memoir—or perhaps a fantastic Christian Living book. Room 238

The Importance of Fiction Techniques in Nonfiction Writing (NF), Edwina Perkins: Engage the reader from the first word. Authors who write literary nonfiction use literary techniques common in fiction writing to immerse the reader rather than merely presenting facts. Like in fiction books, great nonfiction writing draws the reader in from the start. We'll look at how fiction writing techniques can create more engaging and impactful nonfiction writing. Room 224

So...What Do Christian Publishers Really Want? — And Why Most Manuscripts Don't Get There (C), John Herring: You've poured your heart into a manuscript — so why does it keep getting passed over? In this candid breakout, publisher John Herring pulls back the curtain on what's really happening on the other side of the submission pile. He'll walk you through the three stacks sitting on his desk, reveal the common gap between a good message and a publishable book, and share the internal logic his team uses to decide what moves forward — and what doesn't.

If you've ever wondered why passion and good writing still aren't enough, this session will challenge the way you think about your manuscript and who it's really for. Room 222

The “Invisibles” of Marketing (M), Bethany Jett: Many writers assume that “platform” equals a social media following. But the most powerful marketing assets aren’t always public. Room 234

In this workshop, you will: 

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.      Workshops:

Write Crime Right: Real Legal Insight into Crime and the Courtroom (F), Marissa Giles: Want to write crime, suspense, or legal fiction that rings true—and keeps readers hooked? In this session, a former prosecutor pulls back the curtain on how the justice system really works. You’ll learn the essential elements of the most fictionalized crimes, basic legal concepts relating to investigations (warrants, Miranda warnings, etc.), what really happens before trial, and what courtroom drama looks like from the inside. We’ll cover key procedures, trial structure, and the most common (and misused) objections. Whether you're writing gritty detective fiction or a high-stakes legal thriller, this class will help you craft authentic, compelling stories with confidence. Room 224

 

How to Write a Kissing Book (F), Linda Fulkerson: Romance is the best-selling fiction genre. This presentation shares how to ensure your romance plot or subplot will hit all the necessary romance beats to woo your readers. Room 237

Writing for Focus on the Family (NF), 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. Room 238


Writing Christian World View into the General Market (F/NF),  Cindy Sproles: This class is a must-attend if you want to write to cross over into the general market. In this class, we discuss the numbers, the problems we face as Christian writers, and those buzzwords we need to avoid in our work. This is a class of reality and heart. Before you can write into the general market, you must understand the hurdles and how to overcome them. Room 223

 

Post Book Launch Marketing Strategies (M), Stephanie Alton: Marketing a book after it has launched is often an overlooked opportunity. It’s a season of big advantage too - the ability to think and strategize without the frantic publishing and marketing deadlines piled on top of each other! This workshop will focus on ways to help keep your title in the forefront. Room 234

Why We Say “No.” (B), Katara Patton: From the acquisitions desk and the editorial review board...the real reasons we say no more than yes. We’ll cover the
ABCs of publishing (from acquisitions and agents, through why we do this and finishing strong), a review of many of the publishing dos and don'ts, as well as little things you may not have ever considered. Room 222

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.      Free Time

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.      Dinner                                                                                                 

7:15 p.m.                         General Session & Keynote, Allen Arnold, Auditorium                                   

After Hours Workshops (After the General Session):

Amazing Author Events (B), Dawn Stephens: What if schools and organizations asked you to visit? In Amazing Author Events, Dawn Stephens reveals how to turn author visits into powerful platforms for impact, book sales, and long-term fans. Dawn learned what authors need after working for the world’s largest Christian publisher and coordinating events with well-known authors like Bill Myers and Angela Hunt. Later, as a school principal, she discovered exactly what hosts look for when booking authors. She’ll share her proven “tricks of the trade” and help you create a professional author event packet that attracts bookings, grows your email list, and increases sales. Room 233

From Freebie to Following: Lead Magnets That Lead Somewhere (M), Carol Tetzlaff: You’ve heard you “need a lead magnet” — but what does that actually mean? And how do you create one that truly works? In this highly practical, interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to design a lead magnet that does more than collect emails — it attracts the right readers, builds genuine trust, and supports your book before and after publication. Room 234

You’ll discover:

This isn’t just theory. You’ll spend time brainstorming and shaping your own lead magnet strategy so you leave with clarity and direction — not just ideas. Whether you write memoir, fiction, Christian living, devotionals, children’s books, or Bible studies, this workshop will help you build something meaningful that connects your message to the people who need it most.
 

Beyond the Book: Creating Fiction That Fuels Speaking, Courses, and Kingdom Impact, Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes: In today’s publishing world, a book is no longer the finish line—it’s the foundation. This workshop shows writers how to design fiction that naturally expands into speaking engagements, book club engagements, workshops, and podcasts. Participants will discover:

This class empowers writers to steward their message wisely—multiplying reach without losing heart or purpose. Room 237

Narrative Nonfiction: The Power of Story (NF), Marti Pieper: How can I make my nonfiction more compelling? How can truth and creativity coexist in my work? In this workshop, which includes both practical tips and inspiring examples, Marti shares the basics of this popular but often misunderstood genre. Learn how to transform your writing through the power of authentic storytelling while you catch—and keep—your readers. Room 238

Saturday                                                    

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.      Breakfast/VIP Breakfast      

9:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.    Continuing Classes (See Thursday 1:30 for line-up)

11:25 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.   Music, Devotion, Keynote Address, Allen Arnold, Auditorium

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.    Lunch

12:45 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.      Special Book Signing with Allen Arnold, FCWC Bookstore

1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.      Extended Classes: From Proposal to Publication: Insider Info on Opening the Door to Traditional Publishing (B), Karen Neumair: Team up with Senior Literary Agent Karen Neumair to learn how to put together the perfect presentation for your project, with carefully researched comparable titles to determine how to stand out in a competitive market. Get a sneak peek at book proposals that sell, as well as answers to all your questions about literary agents and how to find one. Room 234


Nonfiction 101, 201, and 301 (NF), Bob Hostetler: A wizened, experienced industry professional (author, agent, raconteur, man-about-town) pilots three whirlwind sessions on writing all forms of nonfiction, from newspaper and magazine to book. Room 333
 

Genre Clarity: Align Your Message, Structure, and Reader Promise, Teresa Janzen: Many manuscripts struggle not because the writing is weak, but because the genre is unclear. Nonfiction authors often blend memoir, teaching, and application, or shift from explanation to persuasion to instruction without realizing how these changes affect the reader’s experience. Similarly, fiction writers must balance meeting reader expectations with fresh and unexpected delivery. Genre provides the framework that makes all this possible. In this extended session, Editor in Chief Teresa Janzen will help you understand how modern genres work, what each genre promises the reader, and how structure signals that promise on the page. You’ll learn how to design a clear reader pathway, avoid rhetorical drift, and make intentional decisions about how your content is presented. Whether you are writing fiction or nonfiction, this session will help you deliver a manuscript that fulfills your promise and brings clarity to editing, marketing, and title discovery. THIS IS A TWO HOUR CLASS and ends at 3:30 pm. Room 232

Creating a Marketing Plan When You Don’t Have a Marketing Degree and Building Metadata in Ebooks, Hallee Bridgeman: This class defines what a platform is for an author, discusses how to build a platform and utilize that platform to market your books. It covers newsletters, street teams, social media, and in-person marketing opportunities. We will also go over how to be true to your brand as an author so that your online platform presence is consistent through all networks. Then the class will dive into e-books. Ebooks are basically electronic code. Tapping her cyber-security husband’s experience and intellect, Hallee shows how to build metadata in the background of your ebooks to help them become much more discoverable among the millions of other ebooks out there. Room 237

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.      Workshops:

The Right Back Cover Copy, (C): Allen Arnold: Allen has written or overseen back cover copy for more than a thousand books. In this session, he reveals how to create text that draws people in without drowning them in detail, why the best time to write it is before you begin your manuscript, and the ideal title / subtitle combination. Room 238

Do’s and Don’ts of Writing for Children, (K): Rachel Pfeiffer: Kids are taught to follow rules, and to write for them, you should follow some rules, too. These key tips for writing engaging, creative stories for children will help you catch an editor’s eye. You’ll learn about audience insights, industry trends and more. Room 232


Who, What, Where, When, and Why? (F), Joy Morris: Make your readers not just read your story, but experience it right along with your characters. Help your readers step right into the scenes you are creating and feel what your characters feel. Explore how to make each character a specific entity without boring descriptions. Learn to identify and replace words that bore readers and turn off agents and publishers. Enjoy seeing how easy it can be to make it all enticing and powerful while reducing your word count. Discover ways to insert God’s Word and the love of the Lord. Bring your laptop and your current WIP and get ready to work! Room 224

Working with a Small Press (B), Tamera Kraft: It is getting harder and harder to break into publishing at one of the larger publishing companies, and not everyone wants to self-publish. Vanity publishers are an option, but they are expensive and rarely pay off in the end. There is an alternate: the small royalty-paying publisher. It’s easier to get your foot in the door at a smaller house, and the close working relationship you have with your publisher make the process so much easier. In this workshop, Tamera Lynn Kraft, managing editor at Mt Zion Ridge Press, will teach how to submit to a smaller publishing company, what to look for if they offer you a contract, how to have a good working relationship with the publisher, editor, and cover artist, and what you need to know about receiving royalties. Room 222

2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.      Workshops:

EDIT is a Four-letter Word (C), Linda Fulkerson: This four-step self-editing process for fiction writers shares how to Evaluate, Develop, Improve, and Tweak your writing. Room 238

How Short-form Writing Can Advance (or Become) Your Nonfiction Writing Career (NF), Lori Hatcher: When writers feel called to write, most automatically think about writing a book. But with rare exception, books aren’t the most effective way to share your passion and your message. Short form writing is. Articles, blog posts, and devotions (short form writing) reach millions every year. Unfortunately, many think of short-form writing as only a stepping stone in a nonfiction writing journey. For many, however, it can become a career in itself. This workshop will explain how short-form writing can train you to write larger projects, build relationships within the publishing industry, test and refine your book ideas, and enable you to reach hundreds of thousands of readers with your words. Room 223

ABCs of Publishing (C), Katara Patton: From acquisitions and agents through why we do this and finishing strong, come get a review of many of the publishing dos and don'ts, as well as little things you may not have ever considered! Room 222

Inbox Influence: How to Attract Readers and Grow Your Email List (M), Tamara Clymer: A thriving email list is the backbone of a successful author career—but where do you start? Tamara will walk you through the step-by-step process of building a quality email list the right way. Learn how to attract your ideal readers, create irresistible lead magnets, and grow your list without relying on social media’s ever-changing rules. Whether you're starting from zero or looking to grow faster, this class will equip you with the tools to turn casual visitors into loyal subscribers who can’t wait to read your next book! Room 224

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.      Workshops:

Book Doctor: Take Your Nonfiction from Good to Great (NF), Marti Pieper: Marti applies both her writing and editing experience to expose common errors in nonfiction manuscripts and offer practical help. The workshop includes tips on identifying your unique selling point and target audience, proposal-writing, and eliminating the common flaws that leave manuscripts lingering in the slush pile. Room 238

The Quintessential Query (B), Steve Hutson: When you submit your work to an agent or publisher, you'll probably need to send a query. It's the most important single-page document that you will ever write. Learn the ten essential elements that can help you get to a yes. Room 224


The Devil's in the Details: Deep Third vs. Omniscient POVs. (F) Ramona Richards: Learning to distinguish deep third POV from an omniscient narrator’s POV. Includes tips for refining both and maintaining consistency and clarity in the narratives. Room 222

Writing Personal Tragedies with Grace (C), DiAnn Mills: Surviving life’s challenges that threaten our physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing with determination to help others takes courage. To write about the experience forces the writer to explore painful emotions and relive the tragedy repeatedly. This workshop shows the writer when they are ready to write the event, how, and a focus on the reader. Room 223

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.      Free time

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.      Dinner

6:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.      “Just Deserts” Desserts & Award Ceremony and Book Signing Opportunity. Auditorium

Sunday                                              

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.      Breakfast/VIP Breakfast

9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.    Workshops:

So...What Do Christian Publishers Really Want? — And Why Most Manuscripts Don't Get There (C), John Herring: You've poured your heart into a manuscript — so why does it keep getting passed over? In this candid breakout, publisher John Herring pulls back the curtain on what's really happening on the other side of the submission pile. He'll walk you through the three stacks sitting on his desk, reveal the common gap between a good message and a publishable book, and share the internal logic his team uses to decide what moves forward — and what doesn't.

If you've ever wondered why passion and good writing still aren't enough, this session will challenge the way you think about your manuscript and who it's really for. Room 238

Crafting Bible Studies and Devotionals That Transform (NF), Carol Tetzlaff: An interactive workshop teaching writers how to rightly handle Scripture, develop a strong central theme and red thread, and create biblically sound content that truly disciples the reader. Room 234

Publicity for Pennies (M), Tina Yeager: Ready to land those interviews and gain priceless exposure? The best publicist to promote your message could be you. Outline your brand and prepare to share your unique voice well. Learn how to develop media kits, press releases, and publicity materials. Discover the best ways to establish brand awareness in the marketplace and get booked as a guest on media outlets. Room 237

10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.    Workshops:

There’s More than One Way to Write a Picture Book, Michelle Medlock Adams: Have you ever perused a bookstore and discovered a picture book that made you stop and say, “I wish I’d thought of that!” Yep, me too. And, every time I find myself saying that, it’s because that picture book is told in a very different, unconventional, totally original way. In this workshop, we will take a look at a few of those types of picture books and learn how to think outside the typical picture book box. Room 234
 

Hooks That Won’t Let Go, (C) Bob Hostetler: Twenty ways to write a hook to your article, story, query, or book that will compel interest. Room 233

How to Attract Book Clubs to You and Your Book (M), DiAnn Mills: Writers love to have their books featured by book clubs. We’re excited, passionate, and long for them to enjoy a new adventure. We might think that should be enough for readers to jump onboard our book-baby, but we can thrill them even more by offering ways to enjoy the book privately or within a book club. This workshop shows how to approach book clubs, make it easy on the hostess, and how to build a book club kit for each new book. Room 238

How to Stand Tall in the Writing World (C), Julie Lavender: Looking for extra credit at the conference? Extra writing credits, that is? You’ve probably heard the saying, “Go big or don’t go at all,” but in the writing world, you might want to try this mantra: “Start small and then grow tall.” If you haven’t snagged that elusive book contract yet, consider writing nonfiction articles for periodicals to collect those much-needed writing credits to impress an editor. And, even if you’re the published author of a number of books, you’ll want to tap into magazine writing opportunities to boost your platform and increase your audience. In this class, you’ll learn tips and techniques for getting acceptances to magazines to earn a host of extra writing credits that will help you stand tall in the writing world. Room 237

11:25 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Devotion & Communion. Auditorium

12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m.    Lunch and Depart