All authors are available for free one-on-one 15-minute appointments! Be sure to complete and return your Appointment Request form that you will receive when you register. For your appointments to be booked in the order that you registered, your form must be postmarked by April 10. All appointment requests must be postmarked by May 2.

Liz is an award-winning author, performer, broadcaster, spiritual director, and creative prayer consultant. She is author of ten nonfiction books and four CDs including the award-winning Into God's Presence (Zondervan 2005). Liz works as a missionary, with many of her books having been written for the general market as well as the Christian market. To further the outreach of her books, Liz also performs her work in concert with musicians, dancers, and other artists and has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe. Liz's gift book, Celtic Treasure, was published in 2009 in the UK and USA, has been written for the cross-over market and her prayer is that readers will uncover the reality of God through their interest in Celtic spirituality.
     As a missionary, Liz also advises the church on how to engage with our spiritual culture and is seen as a key influencer in this area. Her evangelistic ministry is authorized by the Anglican Church in the UK.
     Liz is a true Brit and loves tea and chocolate!

Keynote - Write His Answer in an Age of Opposition (Thursday, 7:30 pm)
How do we “Write His Answer” when so many people are indifferent to our message and when aggressive atheism is setting itself up in opposition to Christianity? Liz is from Great Britain and has a word from the Lord that American Christians need to hear.

Workshops - Soul Writing (3B -  Friday, 2:15)
Learn how to write authentically from the depth of your relationship with God and discern who you are called to write for, as well as when and how.

Use Your Writing in Performance & Outreach  (5F - Saturday, 10:45)
Learn how to perform your writing and use it in outreach and evangelism.

Caleb earned a degree in journalism at the age of 20 and has interviewed superstars like Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Roger Clemens, and musicians Emerson Drive and Casting Crowns. He’s also been interviewed by the police (seven squad cars) after he and his wife were mistakenly arrested as suspected bank robbers . . . on their honeymoon.
     Caleb sat at the feet of Left Behind author Jerry B. Jenkins during an intensive writing class last summer, and he has a printed review in Ted Dekker's Immanuel's Veins. His website for Teen Writers, www.CalebBreakey.com, reaped 50,000 hits in its first 100 days of existence, and now Teen Writers are joining him in growing the site. They refer to themselves as “Breakians” and send Caleb heartfelt testimonials (http://www.CalebBreakey.com/about/). 
     Writer and producer Kevin Kaiser says: "Caleb Breakey's passion for storytelling reminds me of a comet: rarely seen, white-hot, and a bit dangerous. CalebBreakey.com is a place where teens are finding the inspiration and tools they need to pursue their dreams and burn brightly just like Caleb."

Teens Write - Be a Rockstar (Saturday, 10:30 - 12:00)
Let’s clear up any confusion: This class isn’t about screaming plots into microphones or slamming pencils against stages. No, being a Rockstar is an attitude. It’s about never despising your youth. About being humble enough to learn, yet fearless enough to speak. And it’s about embracing your role as a Difference-Maker.
     From finding your passion to constructing your platform through social media, you’ll walk away from this class encouraged and equipped with practical tools that just might shave years off your journey to publication. You'll also learn about the heart and art of critiquing as we explore both practical and out-of-the-box approaches to building a critique group focused on success. Expect an interactive environment that’s both high-energy and focused on individual writers. Come with questions and your writing goals; leave with the heartbeat of a Rockstar. NOTE: Bring pen, paper, and the opening page of your work. Non-teens are more than welcome to attend.

When other writers started calling Angela regularly for media and speaker coaching and then publishers started referring their authors, she realized the widespread need. Confidence on stage and or in the kitchen, spiked heels or not, Mrs. Montana International 2009 is a multi-award winning inspirational speaker who enjoys empowering others to present themselves with confidence too. She connects missions to her work with Hope’s Promise Orphan Ministries and the Jadyn Fred Foundation. Click here for information on her Gems of Jewelry available at the conference and online.  Angela also teaches online classes and coaches one-on-one in courageous confidence, personal growth, and powerful living. As a Weight Watcher’s leader and ambassador you’ll find her on TV and leading meetings encouraging healthy lifestyles. She’s certified in mentor/peer counseling as a Stephen Minister and CTA life coach. Angela serves as an assisting minister for her congregation in Missoula, MT. She volunteered as the American Christian Fiction Writer's publicity officer for two years. Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life and the Gems of Wisdom Companion Guide releases May 2011 from Journey Press, a Sheaf House imprint. Other works by Angela include Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance (Oct 2010), compilation books, and devotionals from Guidepost, Group, and articles in magazines, ezines, and newspapers.

Workshops - Preparing for TV / Radio Interviews (E4 - Wednesday, 1:00)
What do you need to know prior to making an appearance on radio or television? All the tips for a successful appearance.

Facebook Tours and Parties (3F - Friday, 2:15)
How can an author juggle the fast pace needed for marketing on Facebook? Preparation and a clear action plan are the key.

Paid Critiques - Nonfiction books and book proposals; fiction book proposals; devotionals; contemporary, historical, and romance novels; personal experience stories and articles; media and personal appearance coaching. (We'll work on confidence, mannerisms, and message points specific to the individual needs for TV/Radio and personal appearance.)

www.DianneEButts.com
www.DeliverMeBook.com
www.DeliverMeBook.blogspot.com

Dianne has more than 250 articles and short stories published in print magazines, including Light & Life, Encounter, and Clubhouse, and more online, including a series on TheChristianPulse.com. She has contributed to seventeen books, including Chicken Soup for Soul: 101 Best Stories of Faith and Marlene’s For Better, For Worse: Devotional Thoughts for Married Couples. Her writing has been published in Great Britain, Bulgaria, Poland, Canada, and Korea.
     Dianne’s second book, Deliver Me: Hope, Help, & Healing through True Stories of Unplanned Pregnancy, just released this year. A compilation with more than 50 true stories, Dianne hopes this book will help those who have experienced an unplanned pregnancy avoid regrets, find healing for past regrets, and locate practical resources. She published this book through associations made at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference, which she has attended for 22 years. She has been on faculty previously at CCWC.
     Also an aspiring screenwriter, Dianne’s short film screenplay, A Cowboy’s Faith, which was inspired by Scotty Vaughn’s story “Cowboy Up” in her Deliver Me book, was a finalist in the 168 Film Project’s 2010 “Write of Passage” contest. Dianne is currently in discussions with a producer to actually make her script into a short film! She is also on a team scheduled to come to her town, Pueblo, Colorado, to shoot a short film for the 168 Film Production contest in February.
     Dianne published several pamphlets for article writers, including “Conquering the Dreaded Query Letter” and “How to Market Your Reprints,” which you’ll find on CCWC’s book table. She also publishes a free monthly e-newsletter for writers. Sign up on her website or e-mail her.
     When she’s not writing, Dianne enjoys riding her motorcycle with her husband, Hal, and gardening with her cat, P.C.

Workshops - Ten Tools for Marketing Your Book (E2, Wednesday, 1:00)
We’ll create ten reusable tools to market your book, including giving readers a reason to buy it, creating buyer personas, features, benefits, keywords, ad copy, landing page/sales letter, interview Q&A, and a how-to on writing press releases. Too busy to market? Create these tools once, then use them over and over. (Not only for nonfiction, can apply to fiction, too.)

Conquering the Dreaded Query Letter (E9, Wednesday, 2:15)
Dianne shares her 18-point formula for creating fantastic query letters. Fill in the blanks, arrange the information, polish the rough edges, and you’re good to go. (Not just for magazine writers—can adjust for querying books to publishers, too.)

Paid Critiques - Articles (including for teens and news/feature articles), children's short stories, devotionals, fiction (short for teens), personal experience stories and articles, screenplays

First-Timer's Orientation (Wednesday, 3:45)

Workshops - Less Is More (E5, Wednesday, 1:00)
Come with markers in hand, ready to slash. A hands-on class to tighten your article or short story. Bring a 1,000 word or less manuscript.

Conquering the Deadly Ds (4A, Friday, 3:30)
How to keep on in the face of disappointment, doubt, discouragement, despair . . .

Paid Critiques - Fiction (short) for teens, devotionals, and personal experience stories and articles.

Sandy is an agented full-time writer who focuses on the Creator and everything wild. She is a columnist with hundreds of published articles including, “Our Neck of the Woods,” a regular featured column in Oregon Fish and Wildlife Journal, and “Skookum,” a past fiction series for Cascade Horseman. Her articles and award-winning photos have appeared in numerous regional and national publications, both Christian and general market. She is author of Totally Honest Tax Tips For Writers, and answers questions with reference to IRS publications and in conjunction with her son who is a currently licensed tax consultant and enrolled agent and president of Listo Tax Solutions.

Continuing Session (with John Wiuff) - The Lightbox Method
Have you become so focused on getting published that you’ve neglected the more critical parts of writing? The Lightbox Method is about taking care of the journey of our souls; it’s therapy that penetrates into writing skills by bringing deeper meaning into our work; it's an innovative technique to unlock creative plot development, develop purpose-driven narrative, and overcome writer's block. We’ll look at how stories are presented to us and how those stories fit into the old, old story. We’ll discover the difference between writing from wounds or from scars and discuss why that difference is important. This class is for published and unpublished writers of all levels who want to shed light on the hidden message that will bring greater insight and meaning to both their lives and their stories.

Paid Critiques - Articles, devotionals, personal experience stories and articles, photo coaching

Night Owls - Prayer & Praise Fellowship

Liz is an author, artist, encourager, mentor, teacher & speaker. Her most important job however is mothering her three teenaged boys, Martin, Matthew, and Micah; and being a support for her Appellate Court Judge husband, Dave. All of whom give her much fodder for her amusing speaking topics.  (With permission of course).
     Liz has been attending the CCWC for over a decade. Both of her book contracts were the direct result of networking at this conference. Her first book Traditions & Recipes that Say WELCOME HOME All Year ‘Round was written to encourage families to start traditions and to celebrate with each other the seasons of the year. How to Plan a Funeral: and Other Things You Need to Know When a Loved One Dies came when Dave’s father went home to glory and Liz took on the rather daunting task of planning the memorial service for the family. She found no books to aid her at the bookstore and Liz believes everyone should have help for such an arduous task. She spent much of the last two years researching the topic and has compiled the information into her latest book. While the topic is sad, the book is not. Encouragement and hope abound in this little volume.
     The Furmans live in the foothills of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Dave’s mom shares their mountain home with them.

Workshop - Writing from the Heart (1B - Thursday, 2:15)
How to be real in your writing and write from your strengths, while letting the authentic you shine through. No frozen chosens allowed! We can't expect to reach anyone if we poise ourselves a notch above. Be sure you are not portraying your life as a  perfect believer's life, because there only ever was One perfect believer and it is not me (and not you).

Bob Hostetler is a writer, editor, pastor, and speaker from southwestern Ohio.  His 26 books, which include the award-winning Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door (co-authored with Josh McDowell) and the novel, The Bone Box, have sold over 3 million copies. He has won two Gold Medallion Awards, three Ohio Associated Press awards, and an Amy Foundation Award. He is the founding pastor of Cobblestone Community Church in Oxford, Ohio. He and his wife Robin have two grown children, Aubrey and Aaron, who have given them three beautiful grandchildren.

Continuing Session - Write Your Best Book Now!
Bob, whose twenty nonfiction books have sold millions of copies, presents four intensely helpful workshop sessions on conceiving, crafting, completing—and selling—the best nonfiction book(s) you've got in you. No matter where you are in the writing or publishing process, these sessions will be the best investment you can make in your writing future

Keynote - A Writer's Dream
A never-to-be-forgotten dramatic address on the Christian calling - and compulsion - to write.

General Session - Write His Answer to the Issues that Concern Us - Our Nation (Friday, 7:30 pm)
The Lord God has graced you with talent and given you a burden to "write His answer." Regardless of our specialties, we are part of our culture, and we minister to our nation. The deterioration, decay, and crises in society today require all the passion and intensity we can summon. God has commissioned His creative communicators for times like these!

Workshops - Communicating Believers' Beliefs (4D - Friday, 3:30)
Christians must not be co-opted from the fields of biography and personality stories that the public craves. Rick's Bach biography will be out in April, his Theodore Roosevelt biography in October, and he has three other books focusing on individuals' careers coming out in 2011.

Help Save a Nation (5G - Saturday, 10:45)
You're concerned about culture and society. Now what? How to find a platform, assemble an audience, forge an identity, build a list . . .

Paid Critiques - Nonfiction book or book proposal, historical fiction, humor

Bill is an author/producer whose works for adults and children, such as McGee and Me, My Life as..., Eli, The Face of God and his most recent, The God Hater, have won over sixty national and international awards including the C.S. Lewis Honor Award. His books and videos have sold over eight million copies.

Keynote - Hearing His Answer (Thursday, 8:30 am)
Bill will share some proven methods on prayer including how he discovers God’s will and learns what he should write for his readers.

Continuing Session - Impacting Kids & Teens Through Story
An extensive look at plot, character, scene structure, dialogue, comedy, trends, and being age relevant.  Examples will be studied from Bill’s past TV shows and books. In many ways the elements are similar to adult story telling but there are secrets to amp up the elements to hold this generation’s nanosecond attention span.

Workshops - Writing Suspense (1C - Thursday, 2:15)
How-tos for coming up with ideas and putting them down on paper so that readers will keep turning the pages.

Author/Editor Collaboration with Dave Lambert (2A - Thursday, 3:30)
What's expected of each, and what should each do to maximize the effectiveness of the book?

Teens Write - Building a House that Will Stand (Saturday, 1:00)
No matter how great an idea, no matter how great a writer, without the right structure a story will eventually fall apart. Together we'll explore the structure used in nearly all of today's stories, why it works, and how to make it work for you whether in computer games, movies, TV shows, or books.

Paid Critiques  - Humor; contemporary suspense; suspense & thrillers; Novels for children; YA, tween and teen; screenplays

By God’s grace, Tim is the author of eight books and speaks to parents, men, youth and children's ministry workers at churches and conferences around the country. His books include Smashed Tomatoes, Bottle Rockets…and Other Outdoor Devotionals You Can Do With Your Kids; Mashed Potatoes, Paint Balls…and Other Indoor/Outdoor Devotionals You Can Do With Your Kids; Bashed Burritos, Green Eggs…and Other Indoor/Outdoor Devotionals You Can Do With Your Kids; Reboot Your Brain…Byte Sized Devotions for Boys; and Dangerous Devotions for Guys. His latest book, Code of Silence, will be released by Zonderkiz in spring 2012.Tim has been happily married for over 30 years. He is passionate about helping parents effectively pass their faith on to their kids and helping men strengthen their marriages and walk with God. Tim thoroughly enjoys teaching at writers conferences—investing in others as so many have invested in him. 

Bible Study - Thursday 8:30 am

Workshops - Appointments: Starting Off on the Right Foot (E16 - Wednesday, 4:45)
Stomach churning. Palms sweating. Hey, an appointment with an editor or seasoned writer IS a big deal. Relax. We'll look at critical factors to make sure your appointment is a step in the right direction.

How to Get Published (2E - Thursday, 3:30)
Learn to focus your ideas, submit your work in the correct format, understand manuscript rights, and more.

A Legacy for Your Kids & Grandkids (3A - Friday, 2:15)
Whether or not you ever get published, discover ways you can use your writing to encourage the next generation to follow God.

Teens Write - Show Don't Tells
You've got a great story in your head, and you've been learning how it needs to be structured. Now we'll look at a common fiction problem that can weaken your story . . . and we'll show you how to fix it.

Becky Spencer
Author, Songwriter
www.beckyspencerministries.com

Becky is an author, speaker, singer, and songwriter. She has released one CD, "Empty," and received the KCCM 7th Inspirational Artist of the Year award. She has also written two books.  When Prince Charming Falls off His Horse . . . and you've become his nag! tells her story of selfishness, temptation, and despair that turned to hope, joy, and unconditional love. It is helping women everywhere find real answers to their pain, pointing them to the Prince who is truly concerned with every longing heart. Leapin' Lizards . . . and other leaps of faith! tells the adventurous story of rearing eight children and challenges believers everywhere to find their purpose here on earth. Becky is also the Executive Director, Grand Staff Ministries, Inc.

Workshops - Writing Christian Lyrics (3G - Friday, 2:15)
How can a song convey Christian themes without sounding preachy? What makes a song a song, instead of a poem?

Paid Critiques - Songs

Linda McGinn Waterman
Author
Social Media Specialist, Waterman Communications Group
www.investingyourlife.com

Linda is the author of more than 20 nonfiction books and is currently transitioning into fiction writing. She is a much sought after national conference speaker and writer. Linda’s recently released books, Investing Your Life in Things that Matter and Resource Guide for Women’s Ministry as well as Called to Influence (a women’s curriculum for growth and spiritual maturity developed for Dr. John Maxwell’s Injoy), hallmark a few of her accomplishments in an extensive career in communications, marketing, public relations, editing, and writing. Linda says that “writing enables me to sing my soul’s song.” She counts it a privilege every day to be able to express her heart’s message through written and spoken word.
     Her professional experience includes: Current work as Social Media Specialist with Waterman Communications Group; Training Coordinator for the Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove, Asheville, NC; Director of Electronic Media for the International Missions Board of the Southern Baptist Convention; Director of Communications in an at-will position for Governor Jim Gilmore of VA; and Board member and author of leadership materials for Dr. John Maxwell’s Injoy.  Linda created and implemented a University-wide Integrated Communications Strategy for one university, created and directed a full-service Office of Alumni Affairs for another, and taught as Adjunct Professor of Journalism for Taylor University. She has also served as Director of Communications and Director of Women’s Ministry in several church and mega-church environments. Linda most recently served as Women’s Ministry Director for the 1200 member Harvest Bible Chapel of Lake Zurich, Illinois. She is the recipient of the National Religious Broadcaster’s Genesis Award for her nationally syndicated radio program, KeyPoints: Practical Christianity for Life in the Real World.
     Linda and her husband, Reen D. Waterman, Jr., married after meeting at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer’s Conference and recently returned to Easton, Maryland, where Reen was raised on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Linda loves her role as mother to Ruth, John, and Sarah; mother-in-law to Amy; and GrandMom to John, Jr. and Caroline, with a third grandchild on the way. 

Continuing Session - Advanced Writers Only! (Friday, 10:15)
Developing a Personal Marketing Strategy: Promote Your Writing with Professional Polish and Pizzazz- Linda Waterman (Friday, 10:30) How can your writing stand out amidst the “noise” of exhaustive and mixed marketing messages?  How will your message touch the world? This hands-on course equips you to evaluate your marketing methods and design a personal marketing strategy that moves you from the typical “hit- or-miss” approach to a comprehensive strategy guaranteeing success in the marketplace. Using traditional methods coupled with the most current tools of our digital age, worksheets will enable you (during the actual session time) to start the process of refining your marketing plan with proven techniques you can implement immediately. Don’t be overwhelmed by marketing. Seize the opportunity. You won’t regret it.

Workshops - Journaling: Window to Your Soul & Path to God's Heart (E14, Wednesday, 4:45)
Have you ever considered journaling as an essential tool for the successful writer? Have you tapped into the insights your soul waits to reveal? Have you heard the voice of God through journaling?
      Avidly journaling since age eight, Linda shares how journaling in fellowship with God can not only change your life but transform your writing. Discover methods and strategies that create a journaling lifestyle providing inspiration, direction, and power to accomplish more than you ever dreamed. Understand how this deeply spiritual discipline equips you to fulfill Christ’s calling on your life.

Why Blog? - Platform, Marketing Tool, Branding Instrument, Publicity Machine and Profit –Maker (2F - Thursday, 3:30)
Blogging, one piece of your social media strategy, holds the key to amazing profits. Learn how this simple writing tool not only establishes you as both an author and expert in your field but promotes your endeavors, provides a ministry, and promises a profit. Start now on one of the most exciting writing adventures of your life.

Paid Critiques - Nonfiction book proposals, nonfiction books

Beth Weikel
Author
Creator, by His design
www.byhisdesignonline.com

Beth is a retired public school educator and creator of by His design, focused on “finding authentic answers to life’s pressing questions,”  and the author of three books dealing with God’s sustaining grace amid loss in many forms.  Together the Weikels offer Life from Loss Workshops, speaking and Bible teaching in churches, prison ministry, military outreaches, and overseas missions.

Workshop - A Heart after God - A Call Worth Answering with Dave Weikel (1A, Thursday 2:15)
This workshop will explore the spiritual underpinnings and practical implications of giving out God’s message for lasting results. We’ll focus on the writing life in a New Covenant context and cover many do’s and don’ts along the way.  Come looking for preparation and follow through. What does God’s call look like and how can we authentically and consistently follow it? You may be surprised.

Dave Weikel
Coordinator and co-director, by His design and by His design Publishing
www.byhisdesignonline.com

Dave, a retired school administrator and ordained pastor, is coordinator and co-director of by His design and by His design Publishing, which publishes discipleship materials. Together the Weikels offer Life from Loss Workshops, speaking and Bible teaching in churches, prison ministry, military outreaches, and overseas missions.

Workshop - A Heart after God - A Call Worth Answering with Beth Weikel (1A, Thursday 2:15)
This workshop will explore the spiritual underpinnings and practical implications of giving out God’s message for lasting results. We’ll focus on the writing life in a New Covenant context and cover many do’s and don’ts along the way.  Come looking for preparation and follow through. What does God’s call look like and how can we authentically and consistently follow it? You may be surprised.

John is known as a ‘pastor to writers’ by the writing community in Southern Oregon. He developed the Lightbox Method to help organize his own novel projects and in the process discovered a unique way to deepen our stories. Books that are written for meaning are doing well in the market and John can help you write with this focus rather than just for entertainment and a quick sale. Your book may be read repeatedly and continue to be recommended if you keep with this focus.
     Currently a pastor, he also has experience as a hospital chaplain, college professor, church planter, counselor, spiritual warfare coach, and writer. American Prodigal is his current novel which uses all the techniques found in The Lightbox Method. He has over twenty years pastoral experience and holds degrees in Bachelor of Theology and Master of Divinity.

Continuing Session (with Sandy Cathcart) - The Lightbox Method
Have you become so focused on getting published that you’ve neglected the more critical parts of writing? The Lightbox Method is about taking care of the journey of our souls; it’s therapy that penetrates into writing skills by bringing deeper meaning into our work; it's an innovative technique to unlock creative plot development, develop purpose-driven narrative, and overcome writers' block. We’ll look at how stories are presented to us and how those stories fit into the old, old story. We’ll discover the difference between writing from wounds or from scars and discuss why that difference is important. This class is for published and unpublished writers of all levels who want to shed light on the hidden message that will bring greater insight and meaning to both their lives and their stories.

Paid Critiques - Fiction and nonfiction books critiqued using The Lightbox Method.

Mike is the director of Reconnections, a church leadership and laity training program designed to help leaders and men reconnect under a new leadership model, Reconnections focuses on church consults, along with weekend men’s/leadership retreats to establish the discipleship model Jesus taught and lived (see John 15:1-17). The foundational book for the Reconnections ministry, Running the Race Already Won, has recently been released. Mike's first book, The Lost Supper, was released in 2006, and was recently updated and re-released. His Psalms prayer devotional, The Passionate Pursuit of Prayer, is scheduled to be released this summer by Christian Devotions. He has written for Christian magazines and offers a twice-weekly blog through his website.
     Mike enjoys mentoring through lifestyle training and has spoken at churches, retreats, writer’s conferences, and seminars over the years. His passion is for the reawakening of men [primarily] to their calling and mission in life, leadership to its mandate to create disciples of them, and the church to her calling to be a tangible light on a hill within her community through a balance of the proclamation of the Word and the actions of love that Word commands.

General Session - Write His Answer to the Issues that Concern Us - The Church (Friday, 7:30 pm)
Can the church reposition herself to fulfill the Great Commission of "making disciples who observe all" Jesus' commands? Only if she forsakes her current classroom paradigm and becomes the abode of shepherds and sheep once more.

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