Locations to be announced.
FRIDAY, APRIL 28
2:00-3:15 p.m. Early Bird Workshops:
• Holy Habits of Writers and Speakers* Dr. Stephen Macchia
Authors can’t assume that writing about God means writing with God. Finding space and time set apart for deepening intimacy with Christ is essential. In this workshop we will unlock the joy of a healthy handful of life-transforming spiritual practices.
• Platform Development for Communicators* Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith
Book contracts and speaking engagements can be won or lost based on platform. In this session, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith shares 8 effective ways to begin growing your social media following and email subscriber list.
• How to Write an Engaging Devotion* Melanie Chitwood
An engaging devotion is one that captures your reader’s attention and draws her heart to God. In this workshop Melanie will show writers how to: Structure a devotion in a way that leads to a focus on God’s Word. Write an introduction that “hooks” the reader. Use language that engages the reader. Address the reader’s felt need. Craft a conclusion that encourages life change.
SATURDAY, APRIL 29
9:15-10:30 a.m. Workshops:
• Holy Habits of Writers and Speakers* Dr. Stephen Macchia
Authors can’t assume that writing about God means writing with God. Finding space and time set apart for deepening intimacy with Christ is essential. In this workshop we will unlock the joy of a healthy handful of life-transforming spiritual practices.
• How to Revise and Edit Your Manuscript for Publication* Melanie Chitwood
Finishing your manuscript is a great accomplishment! However, you’re not finished simply
because your manuscript is completed. In this workshop Melanie will show writers how revising
and editing will produce a final manuscript ready for publication. This workshop will cover how
to: Incorporate the steps of the writing process. Understand the difference between revising and editing. Ensure manuscript displays strong organization, content development, transitions, and
cohesion. Focus on fine-tuning punctuation and grammar with self-editing. Practice tried and true tips for identifying weaknesses and mistakes in your manuscript. Produce an error-free manuscript ready for publication.
• The Prevalence, Power, and Possibility of ‘Short Writes Lori Roeleveld
Writing short is an essential skill for every writer. Learn the secrets to crafting short pieces that wow.
• 7 Essentials for Speakers Maggie Rowe
You see yourself as a writer, but what if you’re asked to speak? Or perhaps you’re an experienced speaker who is working on her first book. How do you establish and maintain a speaking ministry that is first and foremost for God’s glory? A former college speech instructor and thirty-year professional speaker will discuss with you the call, cost, content, and channel of delivering messages that bring glory to God as well as the practical considerations of obedience to a speaking ministry.
• Fundamentals of Fiction Writing Heidi Chiavaroli
No matter where we are on the journey to writing our novel, we can all benefit from revisiting the basics. In this workshop, Carol award-winning author Heidi Chiavaroli will guide you through 10 pillars of fiction writing—pillars all writers can build upon in the course of their careers. We will look at crafting dynamite beginnings, authentic characters, an enticing plot, delicious dialogue, and more!
• Engage Your Target Market with Podcasts and Livestreams Dr.Saundra Dalton-Smith
Do you struggle to get your book in front of your ideal reader? In this session, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith shares a step-by-step approach to finding, connecting, serving, and selling to your target market with little to no out-of-pocket marketing costs.
SATURDAY, APRIL 29
10:45-12:00 p.m. Workshops:
• Writing a Page-Turning Novel Tessa Afshar
From first concept to final edit, discover the elements of a page-turning novel. In this overview, Tessa will include examples from her own career of things to do (and to avoid)!
• How to Write an Engaging Devotion* Melanie Chitwood
An engaging devotion is one that captures your reader’s attention and draws her heart to God. In this workshop Melanie will show writers how to: Structure a devotion in a way that leads to a focus on God’s Word. Write an introduction that “hooks” the reader. Use language that engages the reader. Address the reader’s felt need. Craft a conclusion that encourages life change.
• Nuts and Bolts of Non-Fiction Book Proposals* Lori Roeleveld
Besides your book, the proposal may be the most important writing you do. Proposals are “you” in the room with agents, editors, and publishing boards. We’ll cover the essential elements and demystify them so you walk away empowered to create a proposal that speaks well for you before others.
• Training for the Sport of Writing and Speaking Vicki Heath and Mary Ward
Do you know all the benefits of strength training? Would you be surprised to know you can be a stronger, more productive speaker and writer with just a few changes? Mary and Vicki share amazing results of simple steps for everyday strength.
• Secrets of Self-Publishing * Rachel Britton and Heidi Chiavaroli
The publishing landscape has changed! If you have the desire to write and the inclination to learn, you no longer have to depend on the publishing industry to notice you—you can put out a book yourself! In this workshop, successful self-published authors Rachel Britton and Heidi Chiavaroli will walk you through the steps and lessons learned to releasing your own book and marketing it for success.
Sunday, April 30
9:15-10:30 a.m. Workshops:
• Four Keys to Writing Bible Studies Tessa Afshar
How can you write a Bible study that stands out from the rest? Tessa will share the four keys of writing an impactful Bible study.
• Grow Your Speaking Ministry Maggie Wallem Rowe
As Christ-followers committed to communicating gospel truth, we know we’re seed-sowers and it’s God who will give the increase. What is our part, though, in growing our ministry with the goal of making disciples? Join Maggie Wallem Rowe for an in-depth look at expanding your areas of expertise as a speaker, identifying your strengths, targeting your audience, and discovering new avenues for sharing the Good News.
• Platform Development for Communicators* Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith
Book contracts and speaking engagements can be won or lost based on platform. In this session, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith shares 8 effective ways to begin growing your social media following and email subscriber list.
• How to Use Scripture Correctly in Your Manuscript Melanie Chitwood
Including Scripture references in our manuscripts is a way to make sure our writing points our
reader to God and His Word. There’s a right way to do this that will make it easy for your reader
to follow the references and will increase your manuscript’s professionalism. In this workshop
Melanie will show you how to: Use the three steps of parenthetical documentation to cite Scripture references. Follow fair use guidelines and copyright laws. Format epigraphs and longer Scripture quotations. Incorporate Scripture-related words in correct format.
• Secrets of Self-Publishing* Rachel Britton and Heidi Chiavaroli
The publishing landscape has changed! If you have the desire to write and the inclination to learn, you no longer have to depend on the publishing industry to notice you—you can put out a book yourself! In this workshop, successful self-published authors Rachel Britton and Heidi Chiavaroli will walk you through the steps and lessons learned to releasing your own book and marketing it for success.
• Nuts and Bolts of Non-Fiction Book Proposals* Lori Roeleveld
Besides your book, the proposal may be the most important writing you do. Proposals are “you” in the room with agents, editors, and publishing boards. We’ll cover the essential elements and demystify them so you walk away empowered to create a proposal that speaks well for you before others.
* repeat workshops