Elevate Your Craft with an Appointment with an Expert
Are you ready to take your writing or speaking to the next level?
We are offering one-on-one sessions with our experts. Whether you’re a beginner writer or a seasoned author, our one-on-one appointments are designed to provide you with invaluable insights, personalized feedback that addresses your unique strengths and areas for growth.
No matter where you are in your writing or speaking journey, a session with our experts will provide guidance tailored to your needs.
Don’t miss this opportunity to work closely with a professional who is committed to your success.
Appointments must be booked by September 15, 2025 and are on a first-come first-serve basis.
For Spiritual Direction appointments, click here.
For Headshots appointments, click here.
GUIDELINES
Length: 15 minutes or 30 minutes.
Cost:
Single Session: 15-minute appointment for $40.
Double Session: Book two back-to-back 15-minute slots (a 30-minute block) for $80.
All appointments will be prepaid
30-minute appointment includes a touchpoint via email with your expert before the retreat, your face-to-face meeting at the retreat, and a brief follow-up email after the weekend.
Edie Melson
Publishing today is more complex than ever—but your writing journey doesn’t have to be. For more than 25 years, Edie Melson has helped writers navigate the ever-changing publishing industry with wisdom, clarity, and a focus on God’s priorities. Whether you’re wrestling with platform building, social media, blogging, AI, marketing, or career decisions, she’ll help you identify what matters most, stop chasing every opportunity, and develop a practical strategy that fits your unique calling, gifts, and season of life. You’ll leave with greater confidence and a clearer path forward.
As executive director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, publisher of the industry-leading blog The Write Conversation, and author of numerous books, Edie has spent 25+ years encouraging, equipping, and shepherding writers—helping them discern God’s priorities and move forward with wisdom, clarity, and confidence.
Friday, October 16
9:15 AM, 9:30 AM, 9:45 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:15 AM, 11:30 AM
Saturday, October 17
3:00 PM, 3:15 PM
Wendy Murray
Unlock Your Story with Wendy Murray. Are you grappling with your memoir, wrestling with a book proposal, exploring fiction, or sharpening your journalism techniques? Are you doubting your voice or feeling overwhelmed by the craft and industry? Connect with Wendy Murray in private coaching. A veteran award-winning journalist with over three decades of experience, former senior writer at Christianity Today, and author of 13 books—including acclaimed biographies, memoirs, and her debut novel The Warrior King—Wendy has reported globally, won consistent awards, and guided writers to publication success.
Wendy Murray is an award-winning journalist, author of 12 books, and seasoned writing coach and currently serves as Editor in Chief of Ex Fonte magazine. With over 30 years’ publishing experience she is known for her engaging style, ability to help writers find clarity, confidence, and creative momentum. Also, she’s a grandmother to three grandchildren!
Friday, October 16
9:30 AM, 9:45 AM, 10:00 AM, 10:15 AM, 11:00 AM, 11:15 AM, 11:30 AM
Saturday, October 17
3:00 PM, 3:15 PM, 3:30 PM
Lori Roeleveld
I coach writers for a living and am happy to a) review pages, proposal, or writing sample, b) discuss brand/marketing, c) brainstorm writers block, nonfiction ideas, next moves, challenges d) discuss motivation and writing life, e) answer publishing or writing questions, or f) talk you off a ledge, or g) all the above. I have been there, faced down the discouragement, and I’m still writing. Take heart!
Lori Roeleveld, author, speaker, writing coach—coaxing comfy writers out of cozy holes to keep writing. Seven traditionally published books. Multiple awards. 300+ writers coached. Certified through AWSA and Mike Foster (Primal Question Coaching). I know the temptation to doubt, to quit. I don’t quit. Neither do writers I coach.
Friday, October 16
10:00 AM, 10:15 AM, 10:30 AM, 10:45 AM, 11:00 AM, 11:15 AM
Saturday, October 17
3:15 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:00 PM, 4:15 PM
Maggie Wallem Rowe
Are you an emerging writer in the second half of life wondering whether there will ever be a place for you in publishing? Could you use some practical encouragement about breaking into the industry, finding an agent, or writing out of a ministry background? Do you need creative ideas for speaking, marketing, or PR? Book a 15 or 30 minute session with author, national speaker, and former Tyndale book publicist Maggie Rowe for advice on thriving as a Christian communicator.
Maggie Wallem Rowe is a speaker, dramatist, and writer from North Carolina. A former Senior Publicist and university communications instructor, Maggie holds a master’s degree in biblical studies and is the author of two books: “This Life We Share” and “Life is Sweet, Y’all,” both traditionally published in her late 60’s. Her next book is forthcoming from InterVarsity Press in 2027. www.MaggieRowe.com
Friday, October 16
9:15 AM, 11:30 AM
Saturday, October 17
3:00 PM, 3:15 PM, 3:45 PM, 4:00 PM, 4:15 PM, 4:45 PM