 |
Our Mission The Northwest Christian Writers Association exists to empower, equip, and connect writers to honor God through writing. In fulfilling this mission, we:
|
Board MembersThe Northwest Christian Writers Association is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors who plan our meetings, events, and annual conference. Board members serve one-year terms, bringing their unique gifts and perspectives to our community. Serving on the board is a rewarding way to get involved—we invite you to consider joining us. |
Empowering and equipping
 President - Theresa Abell HaynesTheresa Abell Haynes is passionate about building community and encouraging writers to use their gifts to honor God. She is the author of The Queen’s Priest, a historical novel about Thomas Abell, chaplain to Queen Katherine of Aragon during Henry VIII’s reign. With a journalism degree, she writes features for WORLD magazine and contributes to its news podcast, The World and Everything In It. She also earned a master’s degree in the Religious Roots of Europe from Lund University in Sweden. Theresa enjoys international travel, hiking, raising chickens, and baking oatmeal raisin cookies. She and her husband have two grown children. |  Vice President -Wendy Jo Cerna Wendy Jo Cerna was born into a family of educators in Minnesota and earned her BA in Theater Arts from the University of Washington. She also holds an MS in Psychology (2009) from Walden University. The author of four novels—including The Baby-Catcher Gate (2017), The Agreements (2020), Solbakken (2023), and The Sabotage Scroll (2025)—she hosts a popular author-focused podcast offering marketing insights, social media tips, and motivation to get your book into the world. She and her husband are business owners and parents of three adult children. |
 Treasurer - Val BarschawVal Barschaw, a Pacific Northwest native, is an independent patient advocate and author of Surviving the Hospital: Six Secrets Every Patient Should Know. She developed her expertise during her husband Bill’s decade-long wait for a heart transplant and 25 years of post-transplant care. Based in Cle Elum, Washington, Val combines professional insight with personal experience to help patients transform their healthcare outcomes through preparation and strategic knowledge. She and Bill enjoy farm life with pets, wildlife and a large garden. They are active in their local church as she continues guiding others through their hospital journeys. |
Sarah Roberts is a freelance proofreader and contract copyeditor who, under the pen name S.J. Siedenburg, writes emotionally resonant thrillers, instructional nonfiction for beginning writers, and the occasional poem. Passionate about the arts, she loves discovering honest, exceptional work in many forms—including music, film, theater, cooking, and figure skating choreography. Sarah enjoys taking walks with her husband, thrives on coffee, unwinds with video games, and loves listening to violinist David Garrett. |
Coordinators and Directors
Author Support Coordinator Lynnette Bonner | 
Critique Coordinator
Sonja AndersonSonja Anderson is a traditionally published, agented author of children’s books. Her first picture book, A Christmas Wish for Little Dala Horse: A Saint Lucia Celebration, was published by Tyndale Kids in 2025 and compared to the Velveteen Rabbit by the School Library Journal in a starred review. Wonders of the Wild: Hibernation, Migration, and Other Marvels of God’s Creation will be released in fall 2027 by Seed & Sparrow (Baker Publishing Group). She credits her critique group with helping her reach her writing goals and is delighted to encourage writers to form supportive writing groups of their own. |
Online Community Coordinator
Debbie AustinDebbie Austin is a long-time member of NCWA, serving as Secretary in years past, and now residing in Montana where she attends meetings virtually. She works as an editor for a publisher of curriculum for students with special needs. She's a pre-published author of middle grade historical fiction, specifically having to do with medieval illuminated manuscripts and the monks and nuns who created these beautiful works of art. Her first not-yet-published novel, The Trinity Knot, has won first place in both the CCW Cascade Contest and the PNWA Contest. She also writes picture books and short stories, and has been published by Highlights magazine. |
 Bruce Barton Membership Coordinator Bruce Barton holds a BA in Meteorology from San José State University and a Bachelor of Theology from Pacific School of Theology, along with additional studies in engineering and electronics. A pilot and flight instructor, he also served as an instrumentation engineer in research and development for Weyerhaeuser Company Bruce lives in Auburn, WA, and shares his passion for creation science, teaching creation science and related biblical subjects to homeschool groups. |  Writers Coach Coordinator Carolyn WarrenCarolyn Warren is an internationally published, bestselling author whose titles—including Praying Through Your Pregnancy (co-author) and Mortgage Rip-Offs and Money Savers—have earned acclaim and media attention. She’s appeared on national radio programs, including Money Talk and Money Matters, and serves writers as a content editor, workshop leader, and regular guest on podcasts and radio shows. Passionate about guiding Christian writers, she combines extensive publishing experience and editorial savvy to help others bring their God-inspired messages onto the page. |
Programming CoordinatorTina GollingsTina Gollings is a second-grade teacher at a classical Christian school in Tacoma, Washington. An award-winning author of speculative fiction and children’s books, she’s a multi-time Cascade Award finalist and two-time winner—including second-place in 2024’s Middle Grade Book category for Soul House. Tina has contributed to the Eon City Burnout anthology and brings her creative vision to life as an artist and illustrator. She won a juried art scholarship from the Sidney Art Gallery, with her work displayed at the University of Washington’s Jacob Lawrence Galllery. Tina passionately cultivates both her writing and artistic gifts to inspire and support fellow authors. |  Social Media Coordinator Kim Vandel Kim Vandel is an award-winning speculative fiction author and longtime NCWA member. Her debut YA novel, Into the Fire, was a 2015 Realm Makers Genre Award finalist in both the Debut and Young Adult categories and went on to win the award for best Debut.A workshop leader in both social media and speculative fiction, Kim holds a biology degree (summa cum laude) and channels her science background into creating realistic fantasy worlds. Her stories of transformation and discovering one’s inner hero resonate deeply with readers. | Devotional CoordinatorLiz Holtzman is a longtime member of NCWA and serves as its Devotional Coordinator. She is the author of Proven Character: Praying for Our Children, a devotional that blends Scripture-based prayers with thoughtful commentary for building godly character. With a degree in Special Education from Illinois State University and nine years of teaching early childhood special education, she fervently supports writers seeking to deepen their devotional practice through prayer, storytelling, and spiritual reflection. |
ContactIf you have a specific question that you'd like to address, email our board members. Key Email Addresses:
|