2026 Conference Workshops
Practical, faith-aware instruction taught by experienced authors, editors, agents, and industry professionals—designed to strengthen both your craft and your calling.
Sharpen your storytelling skills with practical instruction on voice, structure, genre, and narrative impact.
First Chapters! Hook Your Reader Right from the Start
Learn what every first chapter must have in order to captivate readers and propel the rest of your novel.
Increase Tension Through Dialogue
Discover modern dialogue techniques that heighten tension, reveal character, and keep scenes moving with purpose.
Ending Strong
Learn how to bring plot, character, theme, and symbolism together for a satisfying ending that resonates long after the final page.
The Plot Thickens: Crafting a Compelling and Well-Paced Plot
Explore essential plot elements including pacing, story beats, and emotional arcs, and learn strategies to keep your story compelling from start to finish.
Worldbuilding & Voice
Explore how literary tools like metaphor and metonymy can deepen worldbuilding and shape a distinct, compelling narrative voice.
Romancing the Tension
Learn how to achieve perfect page-turning tension in your next romance novel.
Speculative Worldbuilding
Learn what elements of worldbuilding matter most in speculative fiction—and how to balance detail with story momentum.
The Truth About POV: Perspective Matters
Point of view isn’t just a choice—it’s the lens that shapes everything. This workshop examines how POV works and why getting it right matters.
Write with spiritual depth, clarity, and purpose—without sacrificing reader engagement or craft.
ACT on the Word: Writing Devotions that Transform
Learn the ACT framework—Attention, Connection, Transformation— to write devotions rooted in Scripture that lead readers toward change.
How NOT to Bore Your Non-Fiction Readers
Ten secrets for writers who have something important to say—and want readers to keep listening.
Navigate the business side of writing with confidence, clarity, and integrity.
Writing for Christian Publications
Gain experience in building a professional writing resume. Learn how to find up-to-date writing calls for publications like Guideposts, Keys for Kids, and Unlocked devotionals as they become available. .
The Inside Story: Crafting and Publishing Books for Children
Discover how a children’s book moves from idea to publication. Learn how to craft a strong manuscript, find an agent, and understand the editorial process—including illustrations and marketing.
The Business of Writing in Washington State
Learn practical steps for structuring your writing business, handling income, royalties, and state tax requirements.
How to Build Your Author Brand
Discover how to build a brand that fits who you are without feeling forced or sales-driven.
Build a writing life that lasts—creatively, emotionally, and professionally.
Editing Your Craft at the Line Level
Take a close look at line-level writing—how prose can make or break your story. Walk through a first draft page and learn editing techniques that set pros apart from novices.
Collaboration Is Key: Partnering with Other Writers
Explore co-authoring, anthologies, and partnerships— and when collaboration serves your writing goals best.
Teen Track workshops are designed specifically for students ages 13–18 and run concurrently with the main conference sessions.
Session 1: Story Basics: From Idea to Page
Designed for teen writers, this session introduces the building blocks of storytelling, exploring plot and conflict—while helping students turn ideas into written stories with confidence.
Session 2: Creativity, Characters, & Confident Storytelling
This course encourages teen writers to use their unique voice when creating characters for their stories. Teens will learn how to craft unforgettable characters strong enough to carry their stories forward.
Ready to Learn from These Instructors?
Join fellow writers for a weekend of craft, faith, and practical guidance from experienced authors, editors, and industry professionals.
Register for the ConferenceConference Faculty
Rachel Linden
Rachel Linden is the bestselling author of Recipe for a Charmed Life, The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie, and The Enlightenment of Bees. Her stories explore hope, second chances, and gentle magic, inspired by her work overseas with faith-based organizations and travel to over fifty countries.
Workshops:
Ande Pliego
Ande Pliego is the bestselling author of You Are Fatally Invited and The Library After Dark. Her work blends literary depth with commercial appeal, and she teaches writers how to develop confident, authentic voices.
Workshops:
Wendy Smith
Wendy Lynne Smith is a homeschool momma, teacher, speaker, and freelance writer. She is passionate about creating a legacy of faith in her home and community. Writing for Guideposts, Focus on the Family, and the Keys for Kids devotional happens in the wee hours of the morning before her busy house awakens.
Workshops:
Val Barschaw
Val Barschaw helps writers structure sustainable writing businesses, with practical insight into Washington State taxes, royalties, and compliance.
Workshops:
Lynette Bonner
Lynette Bonner is a USA Today bestselling author known for emotionally rich historical and contemporary fiction. Born in Malawi and now living in the Pacific Northwest, her storytelling reflects deep character development, cultural awareness, and heartfelt faith.
Workshops:
Steve Brock
Steve Brock helps creatives and organizations clarify their message and build brands that feel authentic rather than sales-driven.
Workshops:
Christine D. Cohen
Christine D. Cohen directs the Camperdown MFA program and is a Christy Award finalist. She teaches writers how literary tools strengthen voice and worldbuilding.
Workshops:
Susie Crosby
Susie Crosby writes devotional content that invites readers to engage Scripture creatively and practically through everyday life.
Workshops:
Ocieanna Fleiss
Ocieanna Fleiss is the author of multiple nonfiction works and a former Bible teacher who writes with clarity, depth, and heart.
Workshops:
Nova McBee
Nova McBee is an award-winning author of the Calculated series, currently in development for film. A Pacific Northwest native with global life experience, she brings rich perspective to story craft and creative life.
Workshops:
Angela Ruth Strong
Angela Ruth Strong is an award-winning novelist whose books have earned Romantic Times Top Picks and multiple award nominations. She specializes in teaching writers how to weave plot, character, message, and symbolism into emotionally satisfying stories—especially powerful endings.
Workshops:
Steve Rzasa
Steve Rzasa is an award-winning speculative fiction author who teaches immersive worldbuilding, collaboration, and long-form storytelling.
Workshops:
Dori Harrell
Dori Harrell is a freelance editor and author coach with over a decade of experience helping writers sharpen dialogue, strengthen plot, and elevate storytelling across genres.
Workshops: