Below you’ll find our current class listing and descriptions for the 2018 Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. You can find the same information in the tab at the top of the website. Also in that table, you’ll find a link to a downloadable/printable version.

Tim Beals

The Publishing Process from A to Z – (Workshop, Act I/II)
In this workshop, we will look at the three main ways of getting published, including examples and the pros and cons of each.

A Comprehensive Guide to Agents and Agenting – (Workshop, I/II)
This workshop on agenting will focus on the who, what, when, and how of obtaining an agent.

Joseph Bentz

Nonfiction Book Practicum (Continuing Class – 5 Sessions over 4 Days, Act II)

This class is limited to 10 participants. By May 1st, participants must submit 10-12 double-spaced pages of their manuscript, along with a 1-2 page overview of their project to the instructor at jbentz@apu.edu. The work-in-progress may be in various stages, from fragments to a completed draft. Writers in this workshop will also receive submissions of the other participants, which they will be expected to critique ahead of the conference.

For writers with a nonfiction book in mind or one in progress, this 5-hour continuing class combines specific critique with helpful instruction on key aspects of the writing and marketing of nonfiction books. Using a time-tested format, Joseph Bentz will lead the group through a discussion of the critiques during some class sessions. Other sessions will feature instruction, handouts, and discussions on issues such as: Writing a first chapter that propels the reader into the rest of the book; Effectively using certain techniques of fiction to bring concepts to life; Understanding the particular demands and nuances of various nonfiction genres; Building a platform for your writing; Learning from good examples of query letters and book proposals.

The Art and Business of Book Review Writing – (Workshop, Act I/II)
More people than ever are writing book reviews – on their own blogs, on other people’s blogs, on online bookstore sites, and in more traditional venues such as newspapers and magazines. Some of these reviews are helpful to readers, while others create confusion and hostility for both readers and the authors whose books are reviewed. This session will focus on how to write better reviews and how to market yourself as a book reviewer. Some magazines and newspaper editors use book reviews as proving grounds for writers who may later be assigned other articles. Many magazines and online sites also make arrangements for freelance writers to become regular reviewers of books that are assigned to them. This workshop, taught by an author of fiction and nonfiction books who is also a regular book reviewer for CBA Christian Market Magazine, will consider issues such as: What are editors looking for in a book reviewer? What are the key elements to a good book review? How can you write reviews that people will actually want to read? These and other questions will be discussed along with examples and handouts.

Writing Strategies for Writers with No Time to Write – (Workshop, Act I/II)
You are a good writer who would love to spend more time practicing your craft. The problem is, your day job keeps getting in the way – oh, and so does your family, your church responsibilities, your household chores, and the rest of a list that is too long to mention. Tempted to give up? Don’t. Learn proven strategies for maintaining your writing even in the midst of the busiest schedule. Taught by an author-father-husband-professor-Sunday school teacher – shrub trimmer – laundryman – family taxi driver.

Brian Bird

Classes Coming Soon

Lynn Blackburn

How to Use Scrivener (Mac Only) Practicum – (Continuing Class – 3 Sessions over 3 Days, Act I/II/III)

Pre-registration is required for this practicum. Class size is limited to 12. Please email lynnhblackburn@gmail.com to reserve your space. NOTE: Last year, this class filled a month before the conference.

This practicum is for Mac users only and will require a small amount of preparation prior to the conference. Participants will need to have a working version of Scrivener 3.0 on their laptop for use during class. A free 30-day trial is available for new users.

Have you tried Scrivener and been too overwhelmed to use it? Have you started using it but know you aren’t scratching the surface of what you could do with it? Don’t let your fears and frustrations keep from you exploring all you can do with Scrivener.
In this three-day practicum, you’ll discover how to save time and frustration by utilizing this popular writing software for everything from fiction manuscripts to blog posts. By the end of the practicum each participant should be able to create a new project (fiction, non-fiction, short story, blog post), fully utilize the Toolbar, Binder, Scrivenings Mode, Corkboard, Outliner, Research, Split Screen, Snapshots, Project Notes, Project Targets, Name Generators, and much more. We will create Templates that will make Scrivener work for you whether you’re a die-hard outliner or a free-range organic writer. When you’ve finished your project you’ll be able to successfully Compile the document into Word for submissions and then start the process all over again.

How to Use Scrivener (PC Only) Practicum – (Continuing Class – 3 Sessions over 3 Days, Act I/II/III)

Pre-registration is required for this practicum. Class size is limited to 12. Please email lynnhblackburn@gmail.com to reserve your space. NOTE: Last year, this class filled a month before the conference.

This practicum is for PC users only and will require a small amount of preparation prior to the conference. Participants will need to have a working version of Scrivener on their laptop for use during class. A free 30-day trial is available for new users.

Have you tried Scrivener and been too overwhelmed to use it? Have you started using it but know you aren’t scratching the surface of what you could do with it? Don’t let your fears and frustrations keep from you exploring all you can do with Scrivener.
In this three-day practicum, you’ll discover how to save time and frustration by utilizing this popular writing software for everything from fiction manuscripts to blog posts. By the end of the practicum each participant should be able to create a new project (fiction, non-fiction, short story, blog post), fully utilize the Toolbar, Binder, Scrivenings Mode, Corkboard, Outliner, Research, Split Screen, Snapshots, Project Notes, Project Targets, Name Generators, and much more. We will create Templates that will make Scrivener work for you whether you’re a die-hard outliner or a free-range organic writer. When you’ve finished your project you’ll be able to successfully Compile the document into Word for submissions and then start the process all over again.

The Mentor/Mentee Relationship – Taught with Lynette Eason – (Workshop, Act II)
Mentors and mentees have a special relationship that is hard to find, so Lynette and Lynn have some great advice for those seeking mentors and for those who want to mentor and how to make it all work.

Brad Bloom

Creation, Curation, and “Content” – (Workshop, Act II)
I need writers to become really good content creators and curators.
Creativity is paramount in the online magazine industry. We’ll look at some of the major lifestyle and Christian magazines and together identify where creativity ends and how it is often limited because of the lack of faith perspective and also because of it. We will examine some of the top headline techniques and then let you practice your creativity.
The buzzword these days for everything online is “content-curating”, the process of gathering information relevant to a particular topic or area of interest. We’ll examine how that process is done in popular media and then we’ll practice how we do it with our Christian lifestyle brands (bring your device and be connected to the Internet).
Finally, in this session we’ll identify the many types of content available to people today and encourage you to expand your perspective of YOU beyond being just a writer. Be ready to see how God wants to expand your vision, your reach and your impact.

This is Art! Treat It as Such Practicum – (Workshop, Act II)
I think many times we envision art to be some fanciful wild expression that goes into uncharted territories simply because it can.  We’re going to start this session by looking at a Big Mac, a 747 jet airplane, Joel Osteen and Disney World to help you clarify your perspective on art.
Next we’ll break down the rigorous art of writing a magazine article.  It is demanding and yet the result is, “Oh wow!” I don’t want you to crank out another story. I want you to give birth to incredible. We do that not just because the result is ultimate content that is successful, but because this is how we can truly represent the beauty, wisdom, creativity, power and scope of God.
What is going to move your audience?  To answer that you need to understand your audience. This session helps you put yourself in their place first and then guide them to a new place. That is the power of art. It requires knowledge and understanding, effective design, patience and persistence, collaboration, attentiveness to God, and progressive refinement.
Come ready to build a headline, teaser and article outline.

Income and Outcomes – (Workshop, Act II)
In this workshop I’ll show you how to make a $1million and see a million souls come to Jesus before the end of the year – if you’re lucky!
We all want big dividends for the work we do. We’ll talk about the importance of setting high expectations and how all the smaller outcomes together can still have a cumulative impact.  Be prepared to “crunch the numbers” so you can set better goals and measure progress.
This session digs into some ways you can create income from developing the creative and writing skills God has given you. Be ready to share your money-making stories – both the gains and the loses. What are your investments and expectations? Let’s set some strategies to help you “cash in” on greater results this year.
Then we’ll turn our attention to the spiritual component of our writing — the outcomes.  We’ll examine very specific outcomes and I’ll illustrate via my magazine exactly what that looks like. This culminating session will give you the opportunity to dig deep into what drives you and the call God has placed on you. Learn how to identify, clarify, assess, and mature your outcomes.

Hallee  Bridgeman

Seven Steps to Self-publishing – (Continuing Class – 3 Sessions over 3 Days, Act II-III)
With over half a million sales and exclusively self-published, I’ll will reveal my Seven Steps to Successful Self-publishing. We’ll discuss what self-publishing means in today’s world, how to prepare the best possible product, generating the document for publishing, how to prepare and boost metadata, then show you the current tips and tricks in today’s marketplace.

Writing Realistic Christian Fiction – (Workshop, Act II)
So often, I receive reviews and emails that praise my use of realistic characters in the Christian Fiction market, and how refreshing it is to readers to find those kinds of characters. In Writing Realistic Christian Fiction, we will explore what makes a character “real,” and what actions/reactions resonate so deeply with our readers.

Writing in Layers – (Workshop, Act I)
I’m a bestselling author who has published twenty-two books in five years. In this workshop, we will go through my process for writing, and I’ll explain how I break a novel down into “layers” to create a completed manuscript in a month.

Michelle Cox

Maximize Your Conference Experience – (Conference Orientation for New Attendees)
You’ve registered for the conference, booked the hotel, and made your travel arrangements – but are you really ready for the conference? Join me for tips on talking with the editors, maximizing publisher appointments, choosing classes, and other suggestions that will make your conference experience fun and productive.

Writing Like a Crazy Woman – (Workshop, Act I/II)
I learned a lot while working on six book projects in less than a year – and I’m willing to share what I’ve learned so that you can also write like a crazy woman. We’ll talk about time management and handling multiple deadlines, co-author relationships and how to work together and remain good friends, what you need to know about ghostwriting, tips for working with your publisher and editors, and we’ll discuss checklists that will help you polish your work so that it’s ready for publication.

Writing for the Gift and Devotional Book Market – (Workshop, Acts I/II)
Have you ever thought about writing a gift book or a devotional book? Then come to my class, where we’ll talk about what you need to know from the time you come up with the idea until the day you see your masterpiece on bookstore shelves and bestseller lists. We’ll cover things like formatting and expanding your book project, finding a publisher, what to expect during the publishing process, and much more. I learned everything the hard way, but after attending my session, you won’t have to do that. (Pausing to adjust my halo.) Please join me so I won’t be sitting in my classroom like a big wallflower!

Vicki Crumpton

Trends in Book Publishing – (Workshop, Act I/II)
An overview of what’s new and what’s constant in the publishing business.

Book Proposals that Catch an Editor’s (Or Agent’s) Eye – (Workshop, Act I/II)
Explore the essential elements of a well-crafted book proposal.

Blythe Daniel

And Exactly How Do I Sell My Book? (Workshop, Act II)
Email subscriber lists, podcasting, launch teams, and what else? These are current and proven tactics that sell books, whether you are traditionally published or independently published. In this workshop, we’ll explore what these items are and more and how to implement them in your marketing plans.

What Makes Your Book Eye-Catching to Publishers – (Workshop, Act I/II)
Stellar writing, a unique and compelling idea, and your reach to the intended audience. These are the things that make your book attractive to publishers. We want you to write toward a theme that no one else is saying. How do you do this? I’ll give examples and share with you how to take a topic and create an angle that will differentiate your book. We’ll also talk about how to write to your audience so that you are saying something that only you can offer and remain true to the message you are designed to share.

Vincent Davis

Amazon Boot Camp – (Workshop, Act I/II)
73% of ebooks and 45.5% of paperbacks are sold on Amazon. Everyone knows that if you want to be successful as an author, you have to have a presence on Amazon. But with a growing rate of 800 new books every day, how do you differentiate yourself in such as crowded market? In this class, we’ll be going over the basics of how to succeed on Amazon. By learning about Amazon’s algorithms and simple techniques to get your book in front of readers, you’ll have the foundation you need to succeed in the world’s largest online bookseller.

Amazon Marketing Services Mastery – (Workshop, Act II/III)
Is it possible for a first-time author to have their book listed along the perennial bestsellers? With Amazon Marketing Services (AMS), it is. In this class, we’ll be discussing how to set up and optimize your Amazon Marketing Services campaigns, to get your book in front of thousands of new readers.

Selecting Amazon Select – (Workshop, Act I/II/III)
Whether or not to be exclusive to Amazon is a question many authors and publishers are faced with. So which option is right for you? In this class, you’ll be going over the benefits and drawbacks of going exclusive with Amazon, as well as other various channels available if you decide to be widespread.

Lynette Eason

Fiction Brainstorming Practicum (Continuing Class for Advanced Writers – 4 Sessions over 4 Days, Act IV)

PREREQUISITE : 2 Published Fiction Novels

Join Lynette Eason for four days of intense brainstorming. Come prepared to discuss your current work in progress or think up a new one. Everyone who attends will leave with something.

Space is limited to 8 participants. Please send a synopsis of what you want to get from the brainstorming class to lynetteeason@gmail.com. Lynette will ensure that all participants receive a copy of each synopsis at least two weeks ahead of the start of the conference so all can be thinking ahead. Deadline to sign up for the class and submit material is May 1, 2018.

The Mentor/Mentee Relationship – Taught with Lynn Huggins Blackburn – (Workshop, Act II)
Mentors and mentees have a special relationship that is hard to find, so Lynette and Lynn have some great advice for those seeking mentors and for those who want to mentor and how to make it all work.

Eva Marie Everson

Writing to Learn Who You Are in Christ, Who Christ is in You, And Why He Called You in the First Place Practicum (Continuing Class – 3 Sessions over 3 Days, Act I/II)

This class is limited to the first 10 participants. You must sign up in advance and can do so by emailing Eva at PenNhnd@aol.com.

So often, as writers, we ask God questions. Daily, we run to Him with concerns and pleadings. “When is this going to happen?” and “When is that door going to swing open for me?” We wonder, “Why her and not me?” or “Should I take this road to publication or that one?” After awhile, it can become exhausting, especially if we feel God is either ignoring us or that He hears and refuses to answer. But what if God is waiting for us to hear His questions? And what if we could dig into those questions and discover the answers we’ve been waiting on all along … or perhaps find a different path?
In this practicum, Eva Marie Everson shows participants the method God u sed with her to bring her writing to a deeper level, her role in Christian publishing to a higher place, and her heart to a new level of understanding what it was exactly that God wanted from her. Participants should come prepared to listen, write, and share so that at the end of the conference they’ll not only know the hows of writing, but the “why for” as well.

Diana Flegal

Idea to Proposal: Build an Attention-grabbing Nonfiction Proposal Practicum – (Continuing Class – 3 Sessions over 3 Days, Act I/II)
Each component of a book proposal is vital in grabbing the attention of an agent or editor, like a business proposal, and is meant to convince a publisher to “invest” in you and your title. In three classes, we will cover everything you need to create an attention-grabbing book proposal. You will define the need or lack your book will fill, challenge the main points you want to make, summarize what you will cover, name your competition, and write a great book overview and winning chapter outline. At the end, you will have convincing proof your book has a ready, waiting, “targeted” audience. Bring your laptop, notebook, pen, and paper.

First Lines & Great Beginnings – (Workshop, Act I/II)
A fun and interactive class where conferees will be asked to share their book openings and suggestions will be made to improve and capture a reader’s attention. Be bold. Be courageous. Bring your first pages to this class.

Adrienne Gaines

Overcoming Writer’s Block – (Workshop, Act I/II/III)
Identify what’s stalling your writing and learn how to overcome it. Discover practical and spiritual insights to help overcome writer’s block.

Avoid Legal Landmines – (Workshop, Act I/II/III)
I’m not a lawyer, but I’m willing to share my experience and the advice I have received from lawyers concerning such issues as story releases, when and why to change names, getting permissions for photos and quotes that exceed fair use, and more. Join me to learn about avoiding issues and understanding the legalities when writing.

Alton Gansky

Defusing the Landmines of Fiction – (Continuing Class – 3 Sessions over 3 Days, Act I/II)
Writing fiction is tricky at best. Getting all the parts to fit can be daunting. Over the years, Alton Gansky has edited manuscripts for publishers and writers, and during that process he has identified twenty-one common faults. In this class, you will learn to identify the most common landmines in fiction.

Cutting the Clutter – (Workshop, Act I/II)
“Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts.” – E.B. White
Clutter is one of the main reasons editors reject submissions, readers become frustrated, and an otherwise good writer becomes mired in the mediocre. In this class, we attack the seven crippling forces of clutter and learn how to do a “cutterectomy.”

Linda Gilden

Articles 101: Everything you want to know! – (Continuing Class – 3 Sessions over 3 Days, Act I/II)
Learn the basics of magazine article writing in this information-packed continuing class. Topics addressed will be how to break in to the magazine market, where to find marketable ideas, the importance of titles, leads and endings, how to study the markets to find a perfect fit for your manuscript, making the most of your interview time, using the Internet in writing and much more. Discover how to make the most of your research by repurposing it for other articles and books. Find out how to give editors what they want so that your work stands out from the slush pile. Network with other writers for research as well as for encouragement and fellowship and use article placement as a successful marketing tool.

Articles as a Marketing Tool – (Workshop, Act I/II)
This workshop emphasizes the importance of writing magazine articles no matter what genre you write. Articles are a great way to build your platform and establish yourself as an expert in your field. Article writing can also create publicity for your book and other writing. Learn how to use article writing to take your writing to the next level, increase your visibility as an author, and so much more.

The Writer’s Personality – (Workshop, Act I/II/III)
The Writer’s Personality? What does my personality have to do with the way I write? Your personality affects the way you see the world. Therefore, everything you write is influenced by your point of view. What are the healthy habits of a sanguine writer? Why does a melancholy writer seem to get more projects done? How can a choleric writer organize his or her checklists for the most benefit? What can encourage a phlegmatic writer? Upon examination we will find that we all have characteristics of more than one personality. Our writing will be stronger if we understand our personalities, the personalities of our characters, and our readers.

Julie Gwinn

Author Marketing – (Workshop, Act II/III)
What to do before, during, and after you have written your book.

Making Your Book a NY Times Bestseller – (Workshop, Act I/II/III)
What is the common thread that makes a book a NY Times Bestseller? We’ll discuss that and what YOU can do to take your book to the next level.

Deb Haggerty

Networking: Nuisance or Necessity? – (Workshop, Act I/II/III)
Networking is an attitude. Always keep in mind those people you know to whom you can refer others. In order to receive the benefits from networking, you must first give. Effective networking techniques are a necessity to successfully marketing ourselves and our organizations and, when implemented, reduce the nuisance factor of making new contacts. Effective networking aids us in finding new employees, as well as in maintaining our professional relationships.

Tips and Tricks for Working with Editors/Publishers – (Workshop, Act I/II/III)
To present yourself and your work successfully to an editor/publisher, you must have certain skills and documents. That any paper you submit to them is absolutely perfect is a necessity. That said, we’ll talk about ways to ensure you do what’s required to make that very important great first impression. In addition, we’ll talk about writers’ conferences in general and what you should hope to gain from them. This is an interactive seminar with questions and discussion actively encouraged.

Jim Hart

Working with a Literary Agent – (Workshop, Act I/II)
Navigating the waters in the publishing ocean can be tricky. It’s easy to go around in circles and never reach your intended destination. There is danger of running around and being stuck in uncharted territory. You need someone that has sailed those waters and possesses the knowledge and experience to steer you in the right direction.
A good agent works with you to set goals, plot your course, and then work with you, and on your behalf, to “land” the publishing deal that is best for you.
“Working with a Literary Agent” will address the following issues: Editorial Contacts; Business Management; Career Development; Expectation Level

Peace in the Literary Storm – (Workshop, Act I/II/III)
There are tools and practices that can help us deal with discouragement when it enters, or threatens to enter, our lives. As both Christians and creative people, we can be subjected to seasons of disappointment. However, it is possible to not only survive through these seasons, but to still thrive, in spite of a dry spell.
In this workshop, we will consider:
1) Living the dream: it could be worse, I could be a ______________ (fill in the blank).
2) Faith vs. Plan B
3) Patience, trust, exercise, and other bad words
Peace in the Literary Storm will encourage you to dig in for the long haul and be confident in the gifts that the Lord has given you.

What To Do if there is No Market for Your Book – (Workshop, Act I/II)
This class will examine what to do with your manuscript when you are told there is no market for what you’ve just written. We will explore options such as self-publishing, re-purposing the manuscript, as well as changing direction and writing something new.

Bob Hostetler

Blogging Your Way to Publication – (Workshop, Act I/II)
How to get started, how to get noticed, and how to move from blog to print.

From Pulpit to Print – (Workshop, Act I)
Preachers, teachers, and other Christians engaged in ministry are frequently writing sermons, lessons, etc.  This workshop will help such writers convert resources into published material.

Sell Everything You Write – (Workshop, Act II)
This workshop outlines the strategy I used when I became a full-time freelancer to never again wrote something that didn’t sell.

Steven James

Bethany Jett

The Instagram Influence – (Workshop, Act I/II/III)
With over 500 million daily active users, Instagram is the platform where writers should have a presence. Learn to create content that your readers and audience will eagerly consume. Topics include “Content Six,” how to use hashtag “top nines” to purposefully engage, color schemes and filters, how to microblog, how to use Stories and Highlights, connect with influencers, and more.

The Power of Email Marketing – (Workshop, Act I/II/III)
Your email list is your business or writing career’s most precious possession. This workshop explores various email providers and services, best practices for newsletters and email content, and tips on segmenting, tagging, and nurturing your lists, as well as creating funnels that provide value to your readers. No matter where you are in the process, this course will give you practical examples and information to either grow or launch your list.

The Audio and Video Experience – (Workshop, Act I/II/III)
The era of live-streaming and podcasting is upon us. With the push of a button, you can stream in real-time to people who care about your message. For free. Sharing content via audio and video is a fantastic way to reach your readers and grow your customer base. Live-streaming is more than merely sharing your life to the world … it can be the key to growing your audience. This course will go over the basics of live-streaming applications, focus on the key strategies to increase your followers and grow your business, share how to use video in your Instagram Stories to connect to your audience and provide great content so you can broadcast and podcast like the experts. You’ve been given a gift. Don’t waste it.

Suzanne Kuhn

Taking Your Ministry to the Next Level – (Continuing Class – 4 Sessions over 4 Days, Act I/II/III)
Whether it is a ministry in your heart, or one that has already emerged, you are the agent God will use to drive the ministry. Taking your ministry up a level requires key elements that include brand emphasis and generating your own buzz. Discoverability is vital. The challenge for leaders, speakers, and authors is finding and expanding your audience. Learn tips for targeted promotion through social media, live events, and other opportunities that will advance your ministry.
Session 1: Tips for Live Interaction
Session 2: Reaching Your Audience Through Social Media
Session 3: Insider’s Guide to Discoverability
Session 4: Q&A

YOU Are Your Brand – (Workshop, Act I/II)
Often people think of branding as a clicker pen with your logo across the side. But branding means much more than pens, mugs, and key chains. You are your brand. In this class, Suzanne lays out how to create visual association through color scheme, tag lines, and logos. You will learn how to broaden your audience and provide additional connection points – simply by being your brand.

Steve Laube

Working with Your Agent – Taught with Tamela Hancock Murray – (Workshop, Act I/II)
In this class, Steve Laube and Tamela Hancock Murray will share about the agent-author working relationship. We’ll discuss expectations (what do you want from your agent?), Communication (when and how often?), Frustrations (with various aspects and professionals in the publishing process), and Elimination (the firing of your agent or when you get fired by your agent).

Landmines in Your Book Contract – (Workshop, Act II/III)
I use a handout of specific clauses found in book contracts that could be problematic, in order to help you avoid them along your writing journey.

Ask Me Anything – (Workshop, Act I/II/III)
Have questions about the publishing industry, self-publishing vs. traditional, or anything else writing related? I’ll answer your questions at this Q&A workshop.

Yvonne Lehman

Interactive Genre Clinic – (Continuing Class – 2 Sessions over 2 Days, Act I/II)
This is a group discussion for those who have a story idea, or have written the novel but are not sure where it belongs. “It’s a great story. Anybody would want it.” Well, no… editors have their genres and know what the readers want. No matter how good your story might be, or how great the writing, if it doesn’t fit into their genres, they won’t accept it. Doubts about your genre? Let’s discuss it. As editor with LPC, I’m looking for Romance novels and Women’s fiction. Maybe your novel fits into one of these genres.

Let’s Get Serious Writing Practicum – (Continuing Class – 2 Sessions over 2 Days, Act I/II/III)
The craft of writing can be learned. The creativity of writing must be developed. Craft gives you the rules and tells you WHAT to do. But then you’re faced with that blank page and panic. The creative side of your brain longs to take part in the process, delighting you, letting you know HOW to get that story on the page. Learn how to release your dormant creativity by “knowing yourself.” John Calvin wrote: Knowing yourself begins with knowing God. Let’s explore.

What’s Your Book About? Creating the Answer to that Question in a Summary Paragraph Practicum – (Continuing Class – 2 Sessions over 2 Days, Act II)
Learn what sells your story to the editor and/or agent so they ask to see your proposal. Develop a summary paragraph to be included in your query letter and from which you can create your back cover blurb. You may bring a copy of your query letter for us to critique and improve, or develop this in class. Not only will we discuss the summary, query, and cover blurb, but we’ll define and learn the differences between words and phrases such as pitch, logline, elevator speech, one sheet, and then how to continue on to a proposal. Become familiar with the definitions, perfect your pitch, and be ready for agent and editor appointments.

Nancy Lohr

Writing for Children – (Workshop, Act I/II)
Children intuitively understand “story.” They love to hear stories, and they love to tell stories. As their literacy skills develop, they love to read stories. Writers for the youth market need to tap into that internal literary river. Learn about the history of children’s publishing, elements specific to youth novels and biographies, kid-friendly writing specifics, and the wide variety of types of writing found in the youth market.

The Plot Thickens – (Workshop, Act II/III)
An idea, an emotion, a hero or heroine (the protagonist) are all some of the necessary elements to include in a novel for children or adults, but none of these is a substitute for a strong and compelling plot. This workshop will look at a variety of ways to develop a plot that will hold your reader’s attention and deliver a satisfying, forward-moving story.

Tight Writing – (Workshop, Act I/II)
Moving from a first draft, a messy draft, a rough-rough-rough draft to a tight, cogent, reader-ready manuscript requires focused editing. This hands-on session will identify some common causes of flabby prose.

Edie Melson

Social Media, Marketing, and Branding – Taught with DiAnn Mills – (Continuing Class – 3 Sessions over 3 Days, Act I/II/III)
As writers we need to connect with our readers. We also need time to write. Edie and DiAnn provide easy instructions for how to balance both without sacrificing either. They teach social media from both sides, the working author and the writer working to grow a platform. Bring your laptops and prepare to work as they help you build a strong foundation to grow the platform you need for publishing success.

Blogging for Writers – (Workshop, Act I/II/III)
Blogging isn’t dead—it’s very much alive—and a great way to connect with your audience. Edie shares the foundational building blocks that can help you start of right or take your existing blog from good to great.

DiAnn Mills

Social Media, Marketing, and Branding – Taught with Edie Melson – (Continuing Class – 3 Sessions over 3 Days, Act I/II/III)
As writers we need to connect with our readers. We also need time to write. Edie and DiAnn provide easy instructions for how to balance both without sacrificing either. They teach social media from both sides, the working author and the writer working to grow a platform. Bring your laptops and prepare to work as they help you build a strong foundation to grow the platform you need for publishing success.

The Savvy Book Launch – (Workshop, Act II/III)
Marketing and promotion of a book project begins when the idea is conceived. Learn the action steps that need to be accomplished in a timely manner to ensure a powerful and successful book launch. This workshop will demonstrate the value of a multi-tab spreadsheet to keep the writer organized.

Alycia Morales

Microsoft Word for Writers Practicum (Workshop, Act I/II/III)
In this class, writers will learn the ins and outs of Microsoft Word and Track Changes. As a freelance editor, I have often found that writers of varying levels don’t always know how to properly format a manuscript for submission and/or publication. I have also found that many don’t understand how Track Changes works.
Since we live in a digital age where manuscripts are passed back and forth via e-mail, rather than on paper, and editors tend to use Track Changes and require submissions in Word format, it is becoming more and more necessary for writers to know how to use these tools.
This class will cover the basics of formatting in Microsoft Word, how to save documents with various extensions (including PDF), and how to use Track Changes in the editing process.
Bring your tablet or laptop where Word is installed. You’ll want to follow along on your version of Word, as some icons and menus are in different locations depending on your version of Word.

Tamela Hancock Murray

Working with Your Agent – Taught with Steve Laube – (Workshop, Act I/II)
In this class, Steve Laube and Tamela Hancock Murray will share about the agent-author working relationship. We’ll discuss expectations (what do you want from your agent?), Communication (when and how often?), Frustrations (with various aspects and professionals in the publishing process), and Elimination (the firing of your agent or when you get fired by your agent).

Beth Patch

Writing for CBN – (Workshop, Act I/II/III)
What types of articles will CBN.com consider for publication? Where do writers/publicists send them? What is the submission process? What does CBN pay? Get an insider’s glimpse at the process, promotion, and exposure your published content will experience.

Edwina Perkins

The Dreaded “E” Word – (Continuing Class – 3 Sessions over 3 Days, Act I/II)
Getting the words on the page is only the first step. Next, time to edit. The ability to self–edit is an important component to polishing your manuscript. Any writer who is serious about publication, needs to work hard to learn how to self-edit.
So, how do you learn? The same way you learn to write: practice, read critically, and pay attention to outside critiques.
This workshop will introduce you to some basic—and not so basic—self-editing tips to help take your manuscript to the next level.

Say What? (Workshop, Act I)
Voice is style, plus theme, plus personal, plus passion, plus belief, plus desire. Voice is bleeding onto the page, and it can be a powerful, frightening, naked experience. In this session, we will address techniques to help you in developing your writer’s voice.

Karynthia Glasper-Phillips

Creativity and Spiritual Formation Practicum – (Continuing Class – 3 Sessions over 3 Days, Act I/II/III)
The art of Christian communication requires daily moments of refreshing to nurture creativity and cultivate spiritual renewal; to effectively convey the Gospel.  The importance of spiritual formation practices are essential as a writer echoing scriptures in various genera. The workshops will demonstrate the necessity of one creating space for self-care to fully impart pointedly the message of truth in various forms.
The theme will guide participants through didactic and practical components fully engaged. During the didactic phase there will be participatory lecture, mini fish bowl activities and instruction for Class 2.  Class 2 is a hybrid continuum of lecture and writing exercise with discussion. Class 3 is a morning writing exercise for the morning glory writers to re-enact the steps of Jesus in Mark 1:35 with a writing worship experience.

Karen Porter

Speaking Practicum – (Continuing Class, 3 Sessions over 3 Days, Act I/II/III)
If you are writing, you should be speaking because writing and speaking go together like a hand in a glove. This BRMWC continuing class consists of comprehensive instruction and coaching about speaking. You will learn how to put a presentation together, how to add stories and humor, how to make the most of your stage presence using body language and eye contact, and how to connect with your audience, as well as how to market your speaking career, get gigs, and make the most of your book table.
As a special feature of this continuing class, fifteen (15) lucky participants will be chosen to make a presentation to the group and receive specific coaching. The 15 participants who will give speeches will complete an application and be chosen before the conference so each one can come to the class with a presentation prepared. To apply, please email Karen at kaeporter@gmail.com. Anyone who is not chosen to make a presentation or doesn’t want to make a presentation will benefit from the coaching and instruction of the week.
Karen Porter teaches with wisdom and humor. Her coaching style is straight-forward and practical.

Rhonda Rhea

Write It with Some Funny – (Workshop, Act I/II/III)
Plugging humor into your writing can endear readers and help you communicate with pizzazz. But don’t you have to be born funny to write funny? The answer is: nah. Check out formulas for humor-writing in this how-to workshop. You might actually find you’re pizzazzier than you knew!

Co-Authoring: Could Teaming Up Work for You? – (Workshop, Act I/II/III)
Could a co-authored project be right for you? Let’s talk about the ins, outs, ups, and downs of collaboration. We’ll talk about pros, cons, the varied approaches and some nitty-gritty, practical how-tos. Plus, bring your every collab Q for this class’s interactive Q&A segment.

Susan Reichart

Open Doors with Magazine Writing – (Workshop, Act I/II)
Learn how writing for magazines will open doors for you as a writer and expand your writing world. Garner attention from agents/publishers; book sales increase; list of reader fans enlarge; your writing expertise expands.

Cynthia Ruchti

Pulverize Proposal Pitfalls – (Workshop, Act II/III)
In this workshop, we’ll look at what it takes to make your proposal irresistible.

It’s Been Done Before – (Workshop, Act I/II/III)
Learn how to find the fresh angle for the same-old, same-old.

Linda Evans Shepherd

Nonfiction Brainstorming Practicum (Continuing Class for Advanced Writers – 4 Sessions over 4 Days, Act IV)

PREREQUISITE : 2 Published Nonfiction Books

Join Linda Evans Shepherd for four days of intense brainstorming. Come prepared to discuss your current work in progress or think up a new one. Everyone who attends will leave with something.

Space is limited to 8 participants. Please send a synopsis of what you want to get from the brainstorming class to LindaReply@gmail.com. Linda will ensure that all participants receive a copy of each synopsis at least two weeks ahead of the start of the conference so all can be thinking ahead. Deadline to sign up for the class and submit material is May 1, 2018.

Tim Shoemaker

Reaching Youth Through Fiction – (Continuing Class – 3 Sessions over 3 Days, Act I/II/III)
This isn’t just about writing for “kids”. It’s about writing for possibly the toughest market out there … but one of the most rewarding. We’ll share secrets to realistic action and fight scenes. Deepening your point-of-view, when to show—and when to tell, creating stronger scenes, and writing better dialogue. We’ll touch on plausibility and avoiding “hokey” Christian fiction. We’ll cover all these essentials of great fiction—and show you how to use them to boost your story to the next level.

Reaching Boys with Your Writing – (Workshop, Act I/II)
We’ve all heard that boys don’t read as much as girls do… and often that is true. But sometimes boys just aren’t interested in much of the writing out there. We’ll look at the ten “gotta haves” when writing for boys, the ten “kisses of death”, three things women must remember when writing for boys, and more.

Writing from a Christian Worldview … Without Getting Preachy – (Workshop, Act I/II/III)
How do we be a light to the world—without blinding our readers? And how do we avoid writing “hokey” Christian fiction? What about making our story more edgy to make it more real? We’ll talk about writing in a way that changes lives, without compromising our standards.

Cindy Sproles

Stepping In and Stepping Up – (Continuing Class – 3 Sessions over 3 Days, Act I)
This 3-day continuing class takes new writers through the steps of writing, helping them understand both what the industry is but also the proper succession of steps to achieve publication. Join us by stepping in and stepping up to the challenge.

Day 1 – Learning the Lingo – In this class, students are introduced to industry lingo and terms as wells as: 1) what is a critique group and how and what to look for to find a critique group that fits their needs. 2) what expectations to have as a new writer and how to pursue the goals they wish to attain. This class is a must for new writers.

Day 2 – I Can Publish Just Because I Can – In this class we talk about what it means to have publishable work. When is your work ready for publication and what does it mean when you receive rejections? We discuss what the levels of rejection are and how they help us grow as writers. This class also addresses the “dream” of writing and the importance of understanding 1) is your writing a hobby? 2) is your writing a career? 3) how does a business plan play an important part of your writing? 4) is self-publishing right for the level of work you have produced or are you giving into the “dream” of having a book? this informative class will shed light on what it means to publish traditionally or via self-publishing.

Day 3 – I Said THAT in a 15-Minute Appointment? – There are a number of classes that tell us what a 15-minute appointment is, but in this class we set a timer and show writers how quickly the time flies. What questions do you have for the professional you are meeting with and what to expect in your meeting. We will discuss what you need to take to your appointment to maximize your 15 minutes, unspoken ettiquettes conferees need to know that will help, not hurt the time you have with the professional. We’ll touch on your pitch, what a one-sheet is, business cards and more. You don’t want to miss this class filled with tools to help make your 15-minute appointment successful.

Writing Devotions that Touch the Heart – (Workshop, Act I/II)
In this class, we’ll learn the old school method of Hook, Book, Look, and Took and how applying this process to your devotions will take them from ordinary to touching and impactful.

Jan Stob

More than Craft:  What qualities make an author attractive in a challenging market? (Workshop, Act I/II/III)
With publishing and retail opportunities shrinking, it takes more than writing a good story to capture a publisher’s attention. In this class, we’ll talk about the elusive “hook” of a story and how to articulate it in a compelling way. We’ll also look at the importance of platform and self-promotion.

David Teems

Creative Nonfiction – (Continuing Class – 3 Sessions over 3 Days, Act I/II/III)
All nonfiction is creative. There is something magnificently creative about the most basic expository prose, that is, when executed with precision and command. In a charm-is-what-sells-and-persuades kind of approach, and drawing from his historical biographies particularly, David Teems will discuss the balance necessary in a work
of nonfiction between scholarship and artifice. Topics include: content and execution, research strategies, the use (and abuse) of lyricism, what to choose what to throw away, discovering charm in the mundane and finding its voice, weight and movement in a line of text, creating attractive titles, and other basic conventions of the craft.

For the Love of the Craft – (Workshop, Act I/II/III)
Drawing from his bestselling biography of translator-martyr-poet-reformer William Tyndale (1494-1536), who emancipated the English language and became one of its chief architects, David Teems takes the following passage (as a prop) and applies it to modern wordcraft:
“To William Tyndale the Word of God is a living thing. It has both warmth and intellect. It has discretion, generosity, subtlety, movement, authority. It has a heart and a pulse. It keeps a beat and has a musical voice that allows it to sing. It enchants and it soothes. It argues and it forgives. It defends and it reasons. It intoxicates and it restores. It weeps and it exults. It thunders but never roars. It calls but never begs. And it always loves…” 
Topic includes: language as a living thing, a brief look at the evolution of the English voice from Tyndale to Eminem, weight and movement in a line of text, a touch of the poet (color, step, and ornament), smoothness, “tearing a passion to tatters,” why English has become the lingua franca of the modern world, and basic conventions of the craft.

Getting the Writer Out of the Way – (Workshop, Act I/II/III)
Writing is a performance. The writer is the lone figure on the stage, an English stage. A world may watch, judge, applaud, hiss, throw things, or speak her name softly, but she alone stands under the lights. Paradoxically, one of the common impediments to good writing is the presence of THE WRITER. David Teems will explore strategies to achieve degrees of invisibility of the author in a text, of taking arms against the adversarial, slippery, and intoxicating “look at me” syndrome and our narcotic attraction to the “LIKE” button. Topic includes: the blank page an image for the stage, stage fright and the timid writer, volume, equilibrium, achieving weightlessness in a text, ease of movement, creating the illusion of effortlessness in a text (an illusion that takes a great deal of effort to achieve), and other relative conventions of the craft.

David Van Diest

Classes Coming Soon

Beth Vogt

The Power of Story Question Practicum – (Continuing Class – 2 Sessions over 2 Days, Act II/III)
A Story Question is like fuel for your car – it powers your story. Both your characters and your readers should wrestle with the answer to your novel’s Story Question from chapter one to The End. In The Power of Story Question, we will define Story Question, explain the value of Story Question, and provide steps for developing a manuscript’s Story Question, with examples. Attendees will have time to brainstorm the Story Question for their manuscripts.

Building a Better Beta-Reader – (Workshop, Act III)
Are you getting the most out of your beta-readers? Utilizing feedback from advance readers can help you strengthen your manuscript during the editorial process. This workshop will help you learn how to: 1) select beta-readers. 2) prep beta-readers to give you helpful feedback – what you want and what you don’t want. 3) format your manuscript for your beta-readers. 4) organize your feedback session. 5) go through the feedback from your beta-readers.

What’s the Deal About Newsletters? – (Workshop, Act III)
As an author, you’ve probably heard you need to start a newsletter. Just one more thing to do, right? And the question is: How do you do a newsletter right? That’s the question author Beth Vogt had – and in this workshop she answers that question, sharing what she’s learned in the past year about author newsletters by doing it right … and by doing it wrong. We’ll talk format and frequency. Starting and building a newsletter. Different email programs. Newsletter topics. And more.

James Watkins

From Reflecting to Retailing – (Continuing Class – 3 Sessions over 3 Days, Act I/II)
The writer of Ecclesiastes outlines the steps to creating a successful book (and he’s been on the best-sellers list for 3,000 years!): Reflect, Research, Reorganize, Reword, and Retail. We’ll look at practical, step-by-step methods to get into print and pixels.

Self-publishers, Piranhas, and Pariahs – (Workshop, Act I/II/III)
The waters of independent publishers are filled with danger! Here’s some practical advice for successfully self-publishing your work – without blood in the water.

Karen Whiting

Marketing – (Continuing Class – 3 Sessions over 3 Days, Act II/III)
Develop a personalized plan to market your book. Learn how to harness various marketing ideas to fit your book and talents. Classes cover: Identifying your brand and strengths, plus match the right images for your brand; Create pitches (for media, speaking, articles); Develop handouts, print-promo materials, and memes; Define where your audience hangs out and how to reach them; Become an expert; Find the curators, street team members, and others to help promote your message.

Is Your Idea RIPE? (Workshop, Act I/II)
Understand the four key components needed to develop your article, story, or book. Discover the importance of 1) Building reader trust through reliable research. 2) Connecting with the reader through inspiring illustrations. 3) Providing a purpose with passion that becomes a gift to the reader. 4) Effectively equipping the reader with the promise made in the title.

Heading Home with a Plan (Workshop, Act I/II)
So you came and learned and feel overwhelmed with information, ideas, and some rejections or reality checks. Where do you go from here? Learn what to do when you get home, how to respond to opportunities and/or rejection. Start now to prepare to get the most from your next conference.

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