Workshops

Workshops are listed in order of presentation during the conference.

Writing the High Concept Novel

presented by DiAnn Mills

(Beg/Int) Every writer longs to hear their story premise is a high concept novel. Agents and editors battle to secure that coveted, marketable, reader-captivating story. The irony is defining a high concept novel differs according to who’s answering the question. A high concept novel has mass appeal and is easy to pitch. High-concept steps out with a simple premise but needs character, plot, and setting to carry it through. This hands-on workshop shows the writer how to examine their story plot and develop their idea into high-concept appeal.

Author-Branded Marketing – Part 1

presented by Lisa Carter

(Beg/Int/Adv) Your author brand should carry through in everything you do as a writer on your website, social media or other visual media. Consistency in brand builds trust, results in increased name recognition and builds a loyal fan base.

Whether you’re publishing your debut novel or have many titles to your name, author-branded marketing can make promoting your book easier and more effective. Even if you’re only beginning your writer journey, it’s never too early to think through and develop your author brand.

Writing Essential & Effective Subplots

presented by Crystal Caudill

(Int/Adv) Subplots are not just storylines to add interesting dynamics to your novel. They are critical pieces that, when removed from the novel, completely alter the plot. But how do you create those subplots that are effective and essential? You weave them in like a French braid. Come prepared with your story ideas as we learn how to braid our subplots into one cohesive story that readers can’t put down.

Canva Carnival: A Fun Social Media Tool

presented by Shannon Sue Dunlap

(Beg/Int) This workshop starts with the bare bones of Canva and teaches writers how to have fun building attention-grabbing posts for Facebook and Instagram. After introducing the nitty-gritty basics, we’ll add on the exciting frills of creating for multiple platforms, using AI to generate pictures of your characters and settings, and turning static images into videos that will catch a scroller’s eye.

Goal, Motivation, and Conflict: The Next Level

presented by Tara Johnson

(Beg/Int/Adv) This workshop will explore the keys to creating a stellar plot by creating unique goals, motivation, and conflict for the story’s main character. Using popular movies, students will learn how to create a memorable plot that works for both pantsers and plotters, as well as tips for how to fine-tune the tricky middle, how to form the GMC from the character’s wounds, and tips for opening and closing scenes.

Author-Branded Marketing – Part 2

presented by Lisa Carter

Texture: The Subtleties of Voice and POV

presented by Steven James

(Int/Adv) What is voice and how does it relate to the POV you’re telling the story from? Learn the subtleties of developing a unique narrative voice and gain an understanding of when to shift to another point of view (and when not to!) and how to use voice and multiple POVs to draw readers in.

Hook ‘Em and Land ‘Em (Hooks and Synopses)

presented by Cynthia Ruchti

(Beg/Int) With almost every proposal or book we’ll write, we have the briefest of time to entice an editor/agent/reader to keep reading. In a proposal, the novel’s hook and synopsis are perhaps the author’s primary tools to hook and land attention and interest. We’ll learn how to sharpen our hooks so they catch on first tug, and reel them in with a solid, compelling, give-them-what-they-were-hungry-for synopsis.

Picture Books for Dummies

presented by Bettie Boswell

(Beg) Writing a picture book involves more and less than one might think. This workshop will explore the basic concept of what a picture book is, word limits, word play, illustration interaction, expectations from the adult and child audiences, and how to make a dummy that will help organize a proposed picture book. A dummy booklet will be created as participants learn about page turns, leaving room for the illustrations, and explore simple character design, or stick figure placement. Bring a prepared manuscript or just an open mind for creating.

One & Done: Creating a Memorable One-Sheet

presented by Betsy St. Amant

(Beg/Int/Adv) One & Done: Creating a Memorable One Sheet will guide attendees through the mechanics of what a one sheet is, discuss why it is needed, list the various purposes it serves, and last but not least, demonstrate how to create a memorable one sheet that will get your story idea the attention it deserves. With secret weapons you won’t want to miss, this workshop is guaranteed to provide attendees with the tools they need to not only make a memorable one sheet, but have a blast doing it.

The Importance of Being Still

presented by Sara Turnquist

(Beg/Int/Adv) Being still. Doesn’t it sound wonderful? But who has time? Join me for a look at the Biblical and practical implications of being still in your writing life. And how that will lead to less stress and a better partnership with God in your work.

Wise Ways to Put AI to Good Use

presented by Abbey Downey

(Beg/Int) If used correctly, AI can be a powerful tool to make parts of the writing process easier. This class will cover basics about what AI is, how it functions, and what that means for writers. We’ll take time to explore and practice some useful ways to include AI in your writing life that don’t need to leave you feeling guilty or worried about the ethics.

Being a Pantser in a Plotter’s World

presented by Sarah Hamaker

(Beg/Int/Adv) The Snowflake Method. Save the Cat. The Hero’s Journey. The Story Equation. Many authors swear by these and other outlining techniques to plot a novel before writing a single scene. But what if none of them work for you? In this workshop, you’ll learn practical strategies to help pantsers write faster, avoid common dead ends, and strengthen story structure without relying on detailed outlines. If outlining drains your creativity or leaves you stuck before you start, this session will help you work with your natural process instead of against it—and write with more confidence and far less guilt.

Master the Querying Process

presented by Bethany Jett

(Beg/Int/Adv)

This workshop simplifies the agent search and query process. After a quick overview of what agents do, we’ll cover how to find the right agents for your work, craft a standout query, and avoid common mistakes.

Writers of all genres will gain insight into industry expectations and best practices as they learn to:

Research the market strategically Identify agents who are the right fit for their project (and careers!)
Decode the terminology and unwritten rules of the querying process
Construct a query letter that positions their project competitively

Creating a Lead Magnet that Actually Leads

presented by Cynthia Ruchti

(Beg/Int) In this workshop, we’ll discuss the unique purpose, dynamic powerhouse of, and pitfalls to avoid in creating lead magnets that creatively rise to their God-given reason for existing!

Advanced Newsletter Strategies

presented by Crystal Caudill

(Int/Adv) This workshop is best suited to those who are already sending out their newsletters, have hundreds (or preferably over 1000) subscribers, and use welcome sequences as they bring newsletter subscribers in. In this workshop, we will discuss why and how to segment your lists, cull your lists, curate content for your target readers, and the rationale behind different frequency choices and automations beyond the basic welcome sequence. If there is time, we will also discuss tips for using your lists effectively for launches.

Dialogue Should Sizzle, Not Fizzle

presented by Larry J. Leech II

(Beg/Int) Dialogue is not just two people talking with each other. That’s just downright boring. Stilted dialogue, rambling dialogue, and pedestrian dialogue will make readers yawn. Dialogue should demonstrate character through conflict. And show emotion. And move the story forward. In this hands-on workshop, learn how to write believable dialogue with subtext, emotion, and tension, even between allies.

What Are You Looking At?

presented by Roseanna White

(Int/Adv) As an author, I’ve worked with four different houses, and as a cover designer, I’ve taken what I’ve learned and applied it to my own business. This class is a fun behind the scenes look of the cover creation process, whether you’re going indie or working with a traditional house.

Style Sheets and Story Compendiums

presented by Erica Vetsch

(Int/Adv) Want to make your editor love you? Want to be able to search for a character description or place name with ease? When writing fiction, whether it’s a short story or a doorstop of a novel, details matter. Having a system for keeping the details straight will make your life much easier. In this class, we’ll discuss creating a style sheet for each book you write, and creating a story compendium for a series.

The Pre-Published Author’s Guide to Building Their Platform

presented by Heather Tabers

(Beg) A practical, encouraging workshop designed specifically for new authors who want to build a meaningful readership before their first book releases. In this course, you’ll learn how to use social media with purpose (without burnout), grow and nurture an email list that actually connects with readers, create and utilize a lead magnet that serves your audience, and network confidently with other authors in ways that feel authentic—not awkward. You’ll walk away with clear, actionable steps and the confidence to start building a platform that supports your writing career from the very beginning.

I Really Like This Character

presented by Tim Shoemaker

(Beg/Int) Want to build stronger, more realistic, more likeable characters? We’ll look at my best tips for doing exactly that. Some of these I’ll guarantee you’ve never considered before.

MailerLite for Authors

presented by Katrina Glover

(Beg/Int) No matter where a writer/author is in their career, everyone should be utilizing a newsletter service. In this class, we will discuss the various tools MailerLite provides (forms, campaigns, templates, and automations) and how attendees can use them to boost their audience reach. We will also look at real world examples of authors and how they are using MailerLite. Attendees will walk away not only with a better understanding of MailerLite but inspired for their own use as well.

Ordinary to Extraordinary: The Relationship that Changes Everything

presented by Lori Altebaumer

(Beg/Int/Adv) In Acts 4:13, a couple of ordinary, uneducated men shocked their listeners with their boldness. It was clear they’d been with Jesus. This workshop explores what happens to our ordinariness as writers when we make our relationship with Jesus the foundation upon which we build. Sharpening our writing skills is a worthy goal. But no amount of rules or formulas, no level of grammatical expertise or plotting astuteness will ever add an eternal spark to our creations until our readers can tell we, like Peter and John, have been with Jesus.

How to Find and Work with a Freelance Editor

presented by Megan Ryan

(Beg/Int) Whether authors are indie publishing or pursuing traditional publishing, they need to understand more about the publishing process these days. That includes the various levels of editing and when a freelance editor is needed.

In this session, authors on any publishing path will learn what types of freelance editing their book needs, where to find an editor, how to decide which editor to hire, what editing might cost, and tips on working with an editor.

After this workshop, you will have the information you need to feel confident about hiring an editor.

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”
Jeremiah 31:25 (NIV)