ADDITIONAL FACULTY PROFILES, including Workshops

BETH ADAMS, Fiction Editor for Guidepost Books, works primarily with fiction. She has degrees from Princeton and New York University, and worked at Random House before coming to Guideposts in 2006.

Workshop Instructor.

Writing the Series Let’s explore what makes a successful fiction series, whether you’re writing three books or fifty. We’ll look at

technical aspects of a series, and how to tap into reader expectations, move beyond the sequel, leaving the reader hungry for more, and write series proposals.

Writing the Mystery What makes up elements of a page-turning who-dunnit? We’ll look at how to start off with a bang, create

sleuths, and believable suspects, use red herrings, ratchet up tension with plot twists, strong hooks and more. We’ll also tackle what not to do in a Christian mystery.

KIM BANGS, Author Relations/Contract Manager and member of the Acquisitions Team for Regal Books, lives in southern California. With 19 years experience in publishing, having worked with authors we all would

recognize, she is passionate about dreaming big with authors. Workshop Instructor.

Publishing 411 Are you new to publishing; still have questions on the secret language used? This is a great workshop to begin

your conference with. You’ll learn publishing-speak, schematics of how things work, rights and wrongs of query letters, cover letters, pitches, proposals, marketing. All of that and more!

Decent Proposals Through the eyes of a sassy acquisitions editor, who’s seen it all. By workshops end, you will understand the power of a decent proposal, have knowledge to produce one, and have had the fun of seeing the other side of

acquisitions!

JAMES SCOTT BELL is the bestselling author of many novels of suspense and winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction. A former trial lawyer, Jim now writes and speaks full time and has served as

an adjunct professor of writing at Pepperdine University, and is presently on the faculty of Act One, the Hollywood screenwriting program. He lives and writes in California.

Major Morning Fiction Mentor; Workshop Instructor.

Nick & Jim at the Movies! Fiction Tips from Classic Hollywood Films--Part I & Part II Nick Harrison, editor at Harvest House, and James Scott Bell, bestselling thriller author, analyze some of their

favorite movies and show how understanding them can improve your novels. Selected clips from great Hollywood movies will be used.

DENNY BOULTINGHOUSE is the Executive Editor of Simon and Schuster-Howard Books

and lives in Louisiana. By his own admission, Denny is the most fun person at the company. He has worked in Christian writing for over twenty years and loves the tremendous impact that such writing can have. As a trained

minister he has spoken in over thirty states. More importantly, he is a sinner saved by the amazing grace of God. Workshop Instructor.

The Editorial Board--Band of Ewoks or Wicked Witch of the West?

We will examine the vital role the editorial board plays in the acquisition process and discuss ways to increase odds that they will see your project in a positive light, discovering some things to do and some to avoid.

SUE BROWER is Senior Acquisitions Editor for Fiction and Inspiration at Zondervan and lives in Michigan. Prior to joining Zondervan almost twenty years ago, Sue was Operations Manager for Mervyn’s

Department Stores. She holds a BS in Business Administration from the University of Arizona in Tucson and sits on the advisory Board for the Christy Awards and is a member of ACE (Academy of Christian Editors).

Workshop Instructor.

Profiling Characters—keeping Characters, Personality, Motives & Actions Consistent Give your characters the type of depth that allows your readers to quickly connect to each one; make your

character’s actions consistent with their motive and personality; make your fictional characters jump off the page. Beyond Writing—Building a Relationship with Your Publishing Partner

Learn how two get your proposal in front of an editor, what it takes to get a book “sold,” what you should expect during the publishing process, and understand the “language” of publishing.

JONATHAN CLEMENTS is Vice President for The Nashville Agency and lives in Tennessee. Agent; Non-teaching faculty

COLLEEN COBLE is a freelance author with thirty-two novels and novellas to her credit, having won or finaled for numerous fiction awards around the country. With over 1 million books in print, she is CEO of

American Christian Fiction Writers and lives Indiana with her husband and lots of animals. Workshop Instructor.

Networking With Your Publishing House Want to be the dream author for your publishing house? Learn how to maximize your relationship with all the

people involved. Your team will look forward to your emails or calls when you master these tips. The Suspense Thickens

There are many subgenres that fall under mysteries. Learn the difference between mystery and suspense and the elements you need to craft a winning novel.

VICKI CRUMPTON is Executive Editor for Revell, a di vision of Baker Publishing Group, and works from her home in Kentucky. Vicki holds an M.Div. and Ph.D. from Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. She bikes about 2500 miles a year with husband, Ed, and teaches whitewater and sea kayaking. Workshop Instructor.

Writing the Nonfiction Book Explore the qualities that make a book “one you just can’t put down.”

An Agent & Editor Talk about the Publishing Process Vicki Crumpton and Steve Laube: Eavesdrop as two industry veterans discuss book publishing. Topics include creating a proposal, finding an agent, identifying and contacting publishers, getting a contract, and what editors

and agents do for authors after the ink dries.

BARBARA CURTIS, Freelance Article Writer extraordinaire, lives in Virginia with her hubby and lots of kids (several special needs kids they’ve adopted). Workshop Instructor.

Handling Controversial Issues with Grace As a Christian writer, you are uniquely positioned to address hot issues in the secular media as well as Christian.

But to win hearts, you must write with authenticity and grace. Barbara has tackled almost every bugaboo of believers and nonbelievers, and will share how she learned to do it well.

Juggling Home and Career Since not many qrites can quit their day jobs, chances are you are struggling to make it all work. Barbara Curtis had 10 children when she started writing, yet learned to publish 50-100 articles per year. She can teach you how

to get clear about your calling, get organized, and write in the thick of it.

ATHENA DEAN, Solutions Advisor, WinePress Publishing Group, lives in Washington, and is founder of WinePress Publishing and three-time self-published author. She has coached hundreds of authors through the daunting task of book production and promotion, helping to bring the degree of credibility for self-published

works up to the high level of acceptance in the industry it enjoys today. She is actively involved on the Northwest Christian Writers’ Association. Workshop Instructor

Self Publishing: Your Ticket to Success Part I: Product & Presentation

When self publishing, the last thing you want to do is stumble down the wrong road and end up with a product you’re embarrassed by. Come and learn the roadblocks to avoid when traveling this alternative publishing route.

Part II: Promotion & Platform First impressions are everything. Turn your writing into speaking and vice versa, or discover cutting edge

ways to reach people with news about your book without ever leaving your home.

SHARON NORRIS ELLIOTT is Magazine, She resides in southern California.

Workshop Instructor.

Getting Started as a Professional Freelancer You like to write and feel you’re ready to take your writing to the next level. What exactly does it take to become

a professional freelancer? Attend this workshop and leave with more than the answer to that question. You’ll have the tips and tools necessary to comfortably enter the writing world as a professional.

You Can Write a Book If you can write a word, you can write a sentence, a paragraph and then an explanation or a story. If you write an explanation or a story, you can write a chapter, and then a book. Come to this seminar and see what else there is

to think about to get your book idea off of the ground and into the hands of an acquisitions editor.

EVA MARIE EVERSON, Freelance Writer, award winning author and frequent conference speaker, lives in Florida with her husband of many years. Workshop Instructor

Fifteen Minutes with an Editor: What Do You Do? In 1999 Eva Marie met with acquisitions editors at the CBA convention for the first time. She had less than three minutes to hook them, and no more than fifteen to convince them her work was worthy of publication! Nine days later she received her first contract offer. This workshop will explain what she learned about editors and etiquette

to help you successfully toward the goal of publication. Turning Articles Into Books

A “hands on” workshop, participants will take an abstract sentence and work it into a specific paragraph utilizing the five senses. It defines the importance of specifics as well as encouraging the ability of a writer to bring a

reader to the reality of a scene. One-of-a-kind workshop.

JESSE FLOREA, editor of Clubhouse—Focus on The Family’s magazine for tweens, having worked in various departments there over the past 15 years. He has written or co-written several books and thousands of

newspaper and magazine articles. He lives in Colorado Springs. Workshop Instructor

Do’s and Don’ts of Writing for Children Kids crave fun, energetic, playful storytelling. Follow these do’s and don’ts and you’ll have a better chance of

writing something that will entertain a child and catch an editor’s eye . . . perhaps something Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. magazines are looking for.

Talk of Ages From children to teenagers, this class will give you the keys to make your writing more age appropriate to your

intended audience. We’ll look at the felt needs, spiritual and moral development, and cognitive abilities of various age groups.

JUDY GANN, is a freelance author and children’s librarian by profession. Author of a devotional book and numerous articles, she selects CBA fiction for a large public library system in Washington State.

Workshop Instructor

Drive-by Signings & Other Adventures of a Reluctant Marketer Publishers expect authors to take an active role in promoting their books. But what if the thought of “book promotion” makes you break out in a sweat? Join a reformed reluctant marketer as we explore practical and

relatively painless ways to connect with readers.

HOLLEY GERTH, writer and Senior Editorial Director for DaySpring Cards, has more than ten year of experience in the publishing industry. She’s written over 2000 cards, one of which won ’Card of the Year” in

2007. In addition to cards, Holley also writes articles, devotionals, and books. Workshop Instructor

Writing Greeting Cards 101 (Repeated) DaySpring touches almost one billion lives around the world through cards each year. This class provides

practical information about how writing greeting cards can be a ministry as well as a business.

TRICIA GOYER , Freelance Fiction author, has written eight novels, six non-fiction books, and one children’s book. Two of her recent fiction books have won ACFW’s Book of the Year for Long Historical Romance. She

has written over 300 articles and hundreds of Bible Study notes for the Women of Faith Study Bible. Tricia lives in Montana with her family. Workshop Instructor

Mama Writes: Life Organizaiton 101 We’ll explore how to organize your life to write well and parent better by delving into following your God-given

dreams, managing your schedule, teaching life skills for your kids, accomplishing home and meals, writing well in 30 minute slots, and more.

I Didn’t Expect That! Character and Plot Reversals How to take interesting people and good stories and twist them in order to challenge your readers’ expectations.

JULIE GWINN, is Trade Book Marketing Manager for B&H Publishing Group in Nashville. Workshop Instructor

Authors as Self-Promoters Today, publishers are looking for authors who are active team members and can dedicate time and resources to

help promote the book, sometimes at their own expense! Including Marketing Professionals as Part of Your Editorial/Acquisitions Team

Marketing can play an important role in author acquisitions, author retention and product development—embrace them!

NICK HARRISON, Senior Editor for Harvest House, is the author of several books, including Magnificent

Prayer, His Victorious Indwelling, and 365 WWJD: Daily Answers to “What Would Jesus Do?” This is his eleventh year teaching at Mount Hermon. Nick lives with his wife in Oregon. Workshop Instructor

Nick & Jim at the Movies! Fiction Tips from Classic Hollywood Films--Part I & Part II Nick Harrison, editor at Harvest House, and James Scott Bell, bestselling thriller author, analyze some of their

favorite movies and show how understanding them can improve your novels. Selected clips from great Hollywood movies will be used to clarify information taught.

ETHEL HERR, freelance author, teacher and speaker from Sunnyvale CA, has authored dozens of articles and poems and ten books, including An Introduction to Christian Writing, Lord, Show Me Your Glory, and Dr. Oma. She teaches writing, research, and Christianity and the Arts in meetings, conferences and retreats all around the

country. A member of the Institute for Historical Study. Workshop Instructor

Playing With Poetry: Part I A hands-on workshop, we will play together with poetry. Read like a poet, live like a poet, think like a poet, and write like a poet. Bring your poems, your visions, questions and an eagerness to experience poetry in fresh ways.

Playing With Poetry: Part II In this session, we will continue the discussions and work on the projects we began in the first session.

BOB IRVIN is Acquisitions Editor, Teen/Young Adult Product, for Standard Publishing, and lives in Ohio. Workshop Instructor

Reach Them Where They Are—Not Where You Want Them to Be (Writing for Teens/YA) (Repeated)

What are teens and YA reading these days? Can you list one of the top five authors in this demographic. Do you know how to write to their hearts while respecting them for who they are

and where they are emotionally? Come learn secrets from an editor who specializes in Teen/YA books.

JAN KERN , nonfiction author and speaker from northern California is the author of the Live Free series for teens and young adults (Standard Publishing), which tackles such topics as self-injury, sex, and addictions. She also enjoys sharing her passion for writing and has taught numerous workshops for children, teachers, and writers.

Workshop Instructor.

What Do Strengths Have to Do With It? In this workshop you will discover how to begin to identify your God-given strengths, and then explore how you

can use them best to increase your productivity in writing, speaking, and promoting. Creating Your Mission Statement to Power Your Writing Career

In this workshop you’ll use questions and tools to begin to create your mission statement and explore the possibilities God has for your writing ministry and career.

NATASHA KERN is founder of Nastasha Kern Agency and lives in Washington. She has personally sold more than 850 books and has a strong commitment to discover and develop new talent in inspirational fiction as well as

developing writers careers. Agent; Workshop Instructor

What do Agents REALLY Do Anyway? Do you assume the most important thing an agent does is get you a sale, especially a first sale? Publishing is a

business in which dozens of things can go wrong that can prevent your book from being a success or derail your career. This is an overview of what a writers career can include and how to work with an agent to ensure success.

Launch a Career Writing What You Love How can you really do what you love or feel called to do and have money, success, recognition, and satisfaction follow in the publishing business? This workshop will tell you exactly what it takes. We’ll focus on how to sell

what you write and establish yourself in a competitive business while being true to yourself and your faith.

DAN KLINE is a full-time seminar leader and professional speaker. He has written numerous booklets on various aspects of writing, plus a book on grammar and a CD-ROM on proofreading. Internationally recognized,

he has addressed over 100,000 people in the U.S. and 15 other countries. In 1988, Dan and Kay formed Santa Barbara Literary Service, a nationwide consulting service for aspiring and established writers alike.

Workshop Instructor

From Typewriter to Microphone: The Writer as Speaker Writers need to speak! Find solid speaking tips for dealing with mike fright, audience aversion, senseless

stammering, and other mind-numbing qualms that would otherwise have you diving under the nearest table. Brief speaking assignments are encouraged, along with follow-up coaching and critiquing from Dan and the audience.

Grappling with Grammar and Solving the Punctuation Puzzle For most of us, studying grammar comes in a distant second to a sharp stick in the eye, but if we are serious

about our writing craft we must know it backward and forward. Come and see.

STEVE LAUBE is president of Steve Laube Literary Agency in Arizona. He has been in the book industry for over 28 years, first as a bookstore manager and book buyer for a major national chain. He spent 11 years with Bethany House Publishers rising to the position of Editorial Director and has edited over 150 books, written one,

and produced numerous articles. His offices are in Phoenix, Arizona. Agent; Workshop Instructor

An Agent & Editor Talk about the Publishing Process Steve Laube & Vicki Crumpton: Eavesdrop as two industry veterans discuss book publishing. Topics include creating a proposal, finding an agent, identifying and contacting publishers, getting a contract, and what editors

and agents do for authors after the ink dries. Turning Pain into Pleasure

Crucial discussion of the realities of rejection--the whys, how’s, and what now’s?

SHANNON HILL MARCHESE is Senior Editor of Fiction f or The WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group, a division of Random House. She has headed the WaterBrook fiction and children’s publishing programs for nearly three years and joined the Random House division in 2004, bringing wide experience in acquiring and

developing fiction, nonfiction, and books for young readers. She lives in Colorado. Workshop Instructor

An Introduction to Creative Nonfiction What’s the definition? Does creative nonfiction meet your writing goals and your voice?

Who’s the audience? Why does it matter? The Changing Face of Fiction

In a world where technology is now just a quick click away and potential young readers are more interested in MySpace and Wii, what does that mean for stories we tell? What will fiction look like as new genres emerge and

novelists seek for storytelling that connects with the next generation?

JUDY MIKALONIS is a literary Agent with Andrea Hurst Literary Mana gement. A nationally published business writer, coach, branding expert and seasoned marketing veteran, Judy currently represents authors who

writer for the Christian market, the general market, or both. Agent; Workshop Instructor.

How to Know When You’re Ready for an Agent (Repeated) Attracting a literary agent is much easier once you—and your writing—are really agent-ready. We’ll explore:

The one thing agents and editors really look for; understanding the different between the business of writing and the art/ministry of writing, and the recognizable, relevant stages of growth in your writing, your life and your walk

with God.

DOUG NEWTON is in his twelfth year as senior editor of the award-winning Light and Life magazine, the denominational magazine of the Free Methodist Church of North America. He is also senior pastor of the 700 member Greenville (IL) Free Methodist Church. He and his wife, Margie, are co-founder s of Mary’s Place, a

prayer retreat ministry to help pastoral couples reorient their busy ministry lives around prayer. Workshop Instructor

Angling for Denominational Magazines Denominational magazines are a great market for aspiring writers—but not if you don’t know how to work the

“angles.” This “lab-session” style workshop teaches how to adjust the angle of your article to fit a range of different magazines.

Spoken Words Into Written Ones Many pastors and speakers are often encouraged to put their sermons into written form. But how? Come see what

stylistic adjustments need to be made for this to be a viable option for you.

BONNIE PERRY is director of Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, a mid-size Christian publishing company that specializes in books dealing with felt needs, spiritual formation and ministry resources. She ha worked as a

professional writer, ghostwriter, and editor for more than 2 years. She lives in Missouri. Workshop Instructor.

The Feature-Writing Formula (Writing Magazine Artic les that Sell) Want to write magazine articles that sell? Combine the formula with your own creative touch, and learn to write

feature stories that editors will buy and readers will love. The Thrill of Fiction in Your Nonfiction Book

Make your nonfiction writing come to life! Learn to incorporate fiction techniques into your manuscript to excite your readers and make your editors sit up and take notice.

JUDI PERRY is Consumer Product and Acquisitions Editor for Beacon Hill Press, and has edited and/or rewritten numerous books and articles over the past 16 years. She enjoys meeting with tomorrow’s writers,

critiquing their manuscripts, teaching workshops and working with new writers as they seek to develop their skills. She lives in the Kansas City area. Workshop Instructor.

Building Your Nonfiction Book from the Ground Up A fast-paced overview to help you focus your nonfiction writing that starts with choosing the right topic and identifying your reader to nailing your outline and presenting a polished manuscript that tells the acquisitions

editor you’re a pro. What Editors Wish New Authors Knew

Very nuts and bolts stuff you need to know before you submit sample chapters to the acquisitions editor. If you are not a seasoned, published author, you will leave this class with new and valuable information.

DEBORAH RANEY is a freelance novelist with 18 novels in print. Her books have won the RITA Award, the HOLT Medallion, the National Readers’ Choice Award and the Silver Angel from Excellence in Media. She

serves on the advisory board of American Christian Fiction Writers and enjoys small-town life in Kansas. Workshop Instructor

Spit-Polishing Your Project These quick improvements can de done in a few short hours, but will make a real difference in the

quality of the manuscript you turn in. Out of the Slush Pile

Simple fixes for five common writing problems make the difference between a powerful manuscript and one that lands in the slush pile.

The Business End of Writing Move from dabbling as a hobby writer to a successful working writer. Deborah will reveal some basic

steps that can help you move you in that direction.

BARBARA SCOTT is Senior Acquisitions Editor in Fiction for Abingdon Press in Nashville, TN. Workshop Instructor

The Art of Editing Yourself Using the principles found in Susan Bell’s book, The Artful Edit, Senior, Barbara will teach you how to gain perspective on your fiction manuscript as you tackle a second or third draft; explain the difference between a

macro and micro edit, and give you the tools to analyze your own work before your words ever land on an editor’s desk.

Working with a Fiction Editor Like marriage, author/editor relationships can be a collaborative heaven or combative nightmare, depending on how well prepared you are before you sign your name on the dotted line. Learn the blueprint for a productive,

successful experience from contract through final editing process.

CHRISTOPHER SODERSTROM is Senior Nonfiction Editor for Bethany House. He lives in sunny California.

Non-teaching Faculty.

JIM STAFFORD is Associate Editor for The Upper Room devotional magazine which he joined in 1994. He worked for several years as a technical writer and later as a technical publications editor. He lives in a rural

neighborhood in Tennessee. Workshop Instructor.

Devotional Writing: Part I & II The focus of this two-part workshop is to help you develop the essentials for good devotional writing. Discover where and how to start writing meditations. Learn the significance of being Bible-based (Part 1) and authentic (Part 2) as you share your faith through your writing. Sample and compare several leading daily devotionals to see how they differ and receive a market list. This workshop is designed for both beginning and intermediate

writers.

TONYA STONEMAN is Editor of In Touch Magazine, a publication that circulates to nearly 1 million readers. As a feature writer for the magazine, she has profiled more than 100 people, some famous, some not-so-famous, but all remarkable. Tonya recently completed Dr. Charles Stanley’s latest books Living the Extraordinary Life

and The Power of Love. She resides in Georgia. Workshop Instructor.

Article Writing for Book Authors Come learn how to turn your book chapters into magazine articles.

Making Your Memories Matter This workshop will show you how to turn your personal experiences into stories other people want to

read—and publishers want to buy.

KAY STROM is author of thirty-two published books (four book club selections, twelve translated into foreign languages, one optioned for a movie for which she wrote the script). Her writing credits also include numerous magazine articles, short stories, two prize-winning screenplays, books and stories for children, and booklets for

writers. Workshop Instructor.

Confessions of a Ghost Writer In this workshop, we’ll explore the secrets of ghost writing, explode its myths, and examine a possible new avenue

for your writing. International Writing Makes (Dollars and) Sense

Today more and more editors are begging for writers who can give voice to people in far corners of the world. International writing (including mission writing) is an exciting, growing arena, and there’s plenty of room for you.

Partnership Writing This workshop will lay out the how-to’s of partnership writing, from working with an organization, to platform

and research sources. Come learn about a new way of making a difference.

CHRISTINE TANGVALD is a freelance children’s book author of nearly 100 books (with two #1 bestsellers on the CBA market), in 125 editions, in 13 languages, with nine publishers, and has over 3 million books in print.

The founder of Spokane Christian Writers, she has energetically taught at over 100 writer’s conferences. She lives in Washington. Workshop Instructor.

Where do We Go From Here? Are you overwhelmed with all you’ve learned over the conference? Think that you may not be called

as a writer? Hold on . . . and come to this session to get practical helps on what to do from this point. God has a plan for your writing and wants you to allow Him to motivate it.

B. J. TAYLOR is freelance author, contest winner and frequent contributor to Guideposts. She lives in southern California. Workshop Instructor.

Writing for the Guideposts Contest (Repeated) The secrets are revealed! Learn how to craft great Guideposts stories with compelling opening hooks, meaty middles, and satisfying Guideposts endings. We’ll discuss how to make your manuscript stand out from the thousands received, the types of stories they are looking for, and whether to write a personal experience or

someone else’s (ghostwritten) story.

JAMES WATKINS is the award-winning freelance author of 13 books and over two thousand articles, plus a popular speaker throughout North America and overseas. He is Communications Pastor at a large church,

acquisitions editor for Wesleyan Publishing House, editor of VISTA, editorial consultant for ACW Press, as well as online professor at Taylor University Fort Wayne. He lives in Indiana.

Workshop Instructor.

Communicate to Change Lives (Part I & II) Biblical and behavioral principles for changing the lives of readers and listeners is what you’ll get in this

practical workshop. Jim’s insights come from his recently published book by the same name.

CARLA WILLIAMS Editorial and Publicity Drector for WinePress Publishing Group. She’s been in the Christian publishing industry for over twenty-five years and enjoys helping writers and editors. Carla has writing

credits in curriculum, devotions, short stories, over a hundred articles, and twenty-four books. She is an active board member of the Northwest Christian Writers’ Association. Workshop Instructor.

Self Publishing: Your Ticket to Success Part I: Product & Presentation

When self publishing, the last thing you want to do is stumble down the wrong road and end up with a product you’re embarrassed by. Come and learn the roadblocks to avoid when traveling this alternative publishing route.

Part II: Promotion & Platform First impressions are everything. Turn your writing into speaking and vice versa, or discover cutting edge

ways to reach people with news about your book without ever leaving your home.

RACHEL ZURAKOWSKI is an Agent with Books & Such Literary Agency in Santa Rosa, CA with a specialty in Young Adult books.

Workshop Instructor

When Your Audience is “The Hoodie & Jeans Generation” Do you know how to reach this “twenty-something” young adult? What authors do they like to read? Do they read CBA or secular books? What are they looking for in their books? Since 2005, Rachel

has worked at Books & Such literary Agency as both an intern and an agent and studies this demographic to better touch their hearts. Come and learn from a specialist in YA literature.

Final workshop schedule will be available for two weeks only in “binder download” on the web, March 20-April 3 and

in Hospitality during conference.