We are offering two intensive seminars at reNEW 2021. See below. The seminars will take place on Saturday morning. If you do not wish to attend either seminar, you are free to write on your own at your dedicated writing space. In addition to the two intensives, we will be offering many different workshops on Sunday by our faculty. Workshops will include sessions for speakers by Speaker/Author Maggie Wallem Rowe. Register TODAY for your first choice. Space is limited. Indicate your choice in the registration form where indicated.
reNEW Writing
retreat for New England Writing and Speaking: October (7)8-10,2021
About the Retreat
“renewed in knowledge after the image of Him.” Colossians 3.10 reNEW is open to all beginning and seasoned writers and speakers who desire to communicate the good news of Jesus through their written or spoken words. At reNEW, we believe the core of our calling as writers and speakers is faithfulness to Christ. And so, our emphasis …
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Intensive 1: “My Questions – God’s Answers”
So often, as writers, we ask God questions. Daily, we run to Him with concerns and pleadings. “When is this going to happen?” and “When is that door going to swing open for me?” We wonder, “Why her and not me?” or “Should I take this road to publication or that one?” With enough time, the whole thing can become exhausting, especially if we feel God is either ignoring us or that He hears and refuses to answer. But what if God is waiting for us to hear His questions? And what if we could dig into those questions and discover the answers we’ve been waiting on all along or perhaps find a different path? In this intensive, Eva Marie Everson shows participants the method God used with her to bring her writing to a deeper level, her role in Christian publishing to a higher place, and her heart to a new understanding of what it is exactly that God wanted from her.
Intensive 2: Marketing and Social Media for Writers & Speakers
Social media and marketing feel like the mechanical side of writing and publishing. It’s something we have to do. It takes time away from our calling and our purpose. Edie Melson suggests that such a mindset is upside down. Social media and marketing aren’t an interruption from our calling—instead it’s a vital part of the call God has placed in our hearts. God is perfect with His plan for us, in His preparation of us and in the time where He’s placed us. This is the vantage point from which Melson teaches social media and marketing, sharing the mechanics and equipping us to navigate this fast-paced paradigm where we live. For the first time ever, we can reach the world without leaving home. Don’t let Satan handicap you by fear – learn the tools to shine!
Eva Marie EversonGuest Faculty - Award-winning author and speaker
Eva Marie Everson is a multiple award-winning author and speaker of both fiction and nonfiction. She is the president of Word Weavers International, the director of Florida Christian Writers Conference and North Georgia CWC, and the managing editor of Firefly Southern Fiction. and a frequent speaker. She and her husband reside in Central Florida where they enjoy hearts full of children and grandchildren. www.EvaMarieEversonAuthor.com
Eva Marie EversonGuest Faculty - Award-winning author and speaker
Eva Marie Everson is a multiple award-winning author and speaker of both fiction and nonfiction. She is the president of Word Weavers International, the director of Florida Christian Writers Conference and North Georgia CWC, and the managing editor of Firefly Southern Fiction. and a frequent speaker. She and her husband reside in Central Florida where they enjoy hearts full of children and grandchildren. www.EvaMarieEversonAuthor.com
Edie MelsonGuest Faculty - Author, blogger and international speaker
As an author, blogger, and speaker Edie Melson has encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. She’s penned numerous books, including Soul Care for Writers. As a leading professional within the publishing industry, she travels to numerous conferences as a popular keynote, writing instructor and mentor. Her top-ranked blog for writers, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands each month, and she directs the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She and her husband, Kirk, live in South Carolina. www.EdieMelson.com
Edie MelsonGuest Faculty - Author, blogger and international speaker
As an author, blogger, and speaker Edie Melson has encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. She’s penned numerous books, including Soul Care for Writers. As a leading professional within the publishing industry, she travels to numerous conferences as a popular keynote, writing instructor and mentor. Her top-ranked blog for writers, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands each month, and she directs the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She and her husband, Kirk, live in South Carolina. www.EdieMelson.com
Maggie RoweGuest Faculty - National speaker, dramatist, blogger and author
Maggie Wallem Rowe is a national speaker, dramatist, blogger, and author whose passion is to connect women to God and each other. She says, “My writing opportunities are a direct result of the speaking ministry God called me into decades ago, and I’m eager to share what I’ve learned about speaking for His glory as well as taking words from the page to the platform!” She has contributed to 10 books including numerous devotional Bibles. Maggie speaks frequently throughout the US and abroad. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Wheaton College (IL) in communications and biblical studies. Maggie’s first book, This Life We Share: Journeying Well with God and Others (NavPress) will launch at the reNEW 2020 Book Celebration.. She and her husband, Mike, live in the mountains of western North Carolina. www.MaggieRowe.com
Maggie RoweGuest Faculty - National speaker, dramatist, blogger and author
Maggie Wallem Rowe is a national speaker, dramatist, blogger, and author whose passion is to connect women to God and each other. She says, “My writing opportunities are a direct result of the speaking ministry God called me into decades ago, and I’m eager to share what I’ve learned about speaking for His glory as well as taking words from the page to the platform!” She has contributed to 10 books including numerous devotional Bibles. Maggie speaks frequently throughout the US and abroad. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Wheaton College (IL) in communications and biblical studies. Maggie’s first book, This Life We Share: Journeying Well with God and Others (NavPress) will launch at the reNEW 2020 Book Celebration.. She and her husband, Mike, live in the mountains of western North Carolina. www.MaggieRowe.com
Rachel BrittonreNEW Co-Director - Author, Blogger and Speaker
Rachel is a British-born writer, speaker and blogger. She is author of books on prayer and a variety of devotionals. Her blog, rachelbritton.com, is for women of all ages to help them be bold on the journey through confident faith, bold prayer, and adventurous living. Rachel is Content Director for RADIANT NYC, an online magazine empowering NYC women to live radiant and unashamed by directing them to Jesus.
Through her 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Rachel equips women in their faith from writers and speakers to south Sudanese refugees. Rachel graduated from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary with a Masters in Religion, cum laude. Prior to this, she served on ministry staff to women at Grace Chapel, a large non-denominational church in Lexington, Massachusetts.
Raised on the east coast of England, Rachel moved to New England with her husband. They now reside in NYC. In London, Rachel worked in newspaper and magazine publishing, including for the BBC Worldwide and The Independent newspaper. Rachel and her husband Colin have three young adult children spread across many time zones. She loves to travel and spend time hiking and skiing in the Rocky Mountains. Rachel cannot live without a mug of English tea.
Rachel BrittonreNEW Co-Director - Author, Blogger and Speaker
Rachel is a British-born writer, speaker and blogger. She is author of books on prayer and a variety of devotionals. Her blog, rachelbritton.com, is for women of all ages to help them be bold on the journey through confident faith, bold prayer, and adventurous living. Rachel is Content Director for RADIANT NYC, an online magazine empowering NYC women to live radiant and unashamed by directing them to Jesus.
Through her 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Rachel equips women in their faith from writers and speakers to south Sudanese refugees. Rachel graduated from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary with a Masters in Religion, cum laude. Prior to this, she served on ministry staff to women at Grace Chapel, a large non-denominational church in Lexington, Massachusetts.
Raised on the east coast of England, Rachel moved to New England with her husband. They now reside in NYC. In London, Rachel worked in newspaper and magazine publishing, including for the BBC Worldwide and The Independent newspaper. Rachel and her husband Colin have three young adult children spread across many time zones. She loves to travel and spend time hiking and skiing in the Rocky Mountains. Rachel cannot live without a mug of English tea.
Lucinda Secrest McDowellreNEW Co-Director - Award-winning author and speaker
Lucinda Secrest McDowell, M.T.S., is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping you Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, McDowell is the author of 15 books and contributing author to 30+ books. Her award-winning books include LIFE-GIVING CHOICES, SOUL STRONG, DWELLING PLACES, and ORDINARY GRACES. Lucinda, a member of the REDBUD WRITERS GUILD, received Mt. Hermon “Writer of the Year” award and guest blogs for The Write Conversation. Whether co-directing “RENEW ~ RETREAT FOR NEW ENGLAND WRITING,” pouring into young mamas, or leading a restorative day of prayer, she is energized by investing in people of all ages. Known for her ability to convey deep truth in practical and winsome ways, she writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and blogs weekly at HTTPS://LUCINDASECRESTMCDOWELL.COM/
Lucinda Secrest McDowellreNEW Co-Director - Award-winning author and speaker
Lucinda Secrest McDowell, M.T.S., is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping you Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, McDowell is the author of 15 books and contributing author to 30+ books. Her award-winning books include LIFE-GIVING CHOICES, SOUL STRONG, DWELLING PLACES, and ORDINARY GRACES. Lucinda, a member of the REDBUD WRITERS GUILD, received Mt. Hermon “Writer of the Year” award and guest blogs for The Write Conversation. Whether co-directing “RENEW ~ RETREAT FOR NEW ENGLAND WRITING,” pouring into young mamas, or leading a restorative day of prayer, she is energized by investing in people of all ages. Known for her ability to convey deep truth in practical and winsome ways, she writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and blogs weekly at HTTPS://LUCINDASECRESTMCDOWELL.COM/
Tessa AfsharRegional Faculty - Award-winning historical fiction author
Tessa is an award-winning author of historical and biblical fiction. Her novel Land of Silence was voted by Library Journal as one of the top five Christian fiction titles of 2016 and was nominated for the 2016 RT Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Inspirational Romance. Harvest of Gold won the prestigious 2014 Christy Award in the Historical Romance category. Her book Harvest of Rubies was a finalist for the 2013 ECPA Book Award in the fiction category. In 2011, after publishing her first novel, Pearl in the Sand, Tessa was named New Author of the Year in the Family Fiction-sponsored Reader’s Choice Awards.
Tessa holds an MDiv from Yale University where she was co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School for one year. She worked in women and prayer ministries for twenty years before becoming a full-time writer. Tessa speaks regularly at women’s events, and has keynoted at the Oregon Christian Writers Conference. Tessa is a devoted wife and mediocre tomato grower. But that has not cured her from being exceptionally fond of chocolate.
Connect with Tessa Afshar on her Website: TessaAfshar.com
Tessa AfsharRegional Faculty - Award-winning historical fiction author
Tessa is an award-winning author of historical and biblical fiction. Her novel Land of Silence was voted by Library Journal as one of the top five Christian fiction titles of 2016 and was nominated for the 2016 RT Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Inspirational Romance. Harvest of Gold won the prestigious 2014 Christy Award in the Historical Romance category. Her book Harvest of Rubies was a finalist for the 2013 ECPA Book Award in the fiction category. In 2011, after publishing her first novel, Pearl in the Sand, Tessa was named New Author of the Year in the Family Fiction-sponsored Reader’s Choice Awards.
Tessa holds an MDiv from Yale University where she was co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School for one year. She worked in women and prayer ministries for twenty years before becoming a full-time writer. Tessa speaks regularly at women’s events, and has keynoted at the Oregon Christian Writers Conference. Tessa is a devoted wife and mediocre tomato grower. But that has not cured her from being exceptionally fond of chocolate.
Connect with Tessa Afshar on her Website: TessaAfshar.com
Heidi ChiavaroliRegional Faculty - Award-winning fiction author
Heidi Chiavaroli writes women's fiction, exploring places that whisper of historical secrets. Her debut novel, Freedom's Ring, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist, a Romantic Times Top Pick and a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. She makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons. Visit her online at heidichiavaroli.com
Heidi ChiavaroliRegional Faculty - Award-winning fiction author
Heidi Chiavaroli writes women's fiction, exploring places that whisper of historical secrets. Her debut novel, Freedom's Ring, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist, a Romantic Times Top Pick and a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. She makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons. Visit her online at heidichiavaroli.com
Lori RoeleveldRegional Faculty - Award-winning Non Fiction Author
Lori Stanley Roeleveld is an author, speaker, and disturber of hobbits who enjoys making comfortable Christians late for dinner. She’s authored three non-fiction books including Running from a Crazy Man, Jesus and the Beanstalk, and her latest, The Art of Hard Conversations, as well as a Christmas novella, Red Pen Redemption.
Though she has degrees in Psychology and Biblical Studies, Lori learned the most from studying her Bible in life’s trenches. Blogger. Wife. Mother of adults. Part-time giant-slayer. Not available for children’s parties.
Connect with Lori Roeleveld on her Website: LoriRoeleveld.com
Lori RoeleveldRegional Faculty - Award-winning Non Fiction Author
Lori Stanley Roeleveld is an author, speaker, and disturber of hobbits who enjoys making comfortable Christians late for dinner. She’s authored three non-fiction books including Running from a Crazy Man, Jesus and the Beanstalk, and her latest, The Art of Hard Conversations, as well as a Christmas novella, Red Pen Redemption.
Though she has degrees in Psychology and Biblical Studies, Lori learned the most from studying her Bible in life’s trenches. Blogger. Wife. Mother of adults. Part-time giant-slayer. Not available for children’s parties.
Connect with Lori Roeleveld on her Website: LoriRoeleveld.com
Renee StoryWorship Leader
Renee’s heart for worship and discipling believers comes from three generations of pastors, authors and worship. She’s been leading worship internationally for 30+ years and longs to see people transformed through worship and true community. Renee has been called to bring people into new levels of freedom through spiritual counseling and has a passion to raise up intimate worship leaders in CT and in all of New England. Renee is from Texas and currently lives in Avon, CT, with her husband Jimmy. They have 4 adult children and 2 grand babies.
Renee StoryWorship Leader
Renee’s heart for worship and discipling believers comes from three generations of pastors, authors and worship. She’s been leading worship internationally for 30+ years and longs to see people transformed through worship and true community. Renee has been called to bring people into new levels of freedom through spiritual counseling and has a passion to raise up intimate worship leaders in CT and in all of New England. Renee is from Texas and currently lives in Avon, CT, with her husband Jimmy. They have 4 adult children and 2 grand babies.