Keynote Speakers
Susan Meissner
Keynote: Peace in the Process
You’ve worked hard on your novel, you persevered, you sought God’s favor, you got published! A dream come true that just keeps getting better, right? Actually, publication is more like a portal that leads to new dreams, some of which just don’t seem to ever come true no matter how hard you work or persevere or seek God’s favor. Peace can be elusive then but it doesn’t have to be. This keynote identifies the peace-stealers that rob of us contentment and vision and gratitude in this industry, including comparison, envy, the desire for control, reader response, and publisher or marketplace disappointment.
Workshop: No More Sagging Middles!
Tension is what fuels the novel that a reader just can’t put down, and it’s not just for mysteries and thrillers. Every story needs it and the great bonus of having robust and believable tension is that it prevents the sagging middle, which means your reader stays engaged, reads to the end, and then tells others how great your book is! This workshop will explore four key building blocks for creating great tension.
Bio
Susan Meissner is a USA Today bestselling novelist with nearly a million books in readers’ hands and in eighteen languages. Her critically acclaimed works of historical fiction have been named to numerous lists including Publishers Weekly’s annual roster of 100 best books, Library Reads Top Picks, Real Simple annual tally of best books, Goodreads Readers’ Choice awards, Booklist’s Top Ten, and Book of the Month. She attended Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego and is a former managing editor of a weekly newspaper. Susan’s expertise as a storyteller and her thoroughly researched topics make her a favorite author of book clubs everywhere. Her engaging and warm speaking style appeals to all manner of women’s groups, literary organizations, libraries and learning institutions, and service clubs.
Visit Susan at her website: susanmeissnerauthor.com on Twitter at @SusanMeissner or at www.facebook.com/susan.meissner
Dani Pettrey
Keynote: Joy in the Journey
Based on a journey my family and I took was filled with adventures–heading the wrong way multiple times, dangerous excursions, high-level risks and what would appear to many as disasters and yet it is still one of our family’s favorite trips. We laughed, nearly died (not really joking), felt immense gratitude, and saw God in the rearview mirror blessing our path all along.
Our journey as writers, whether published or unpublished, is often fraught with detours that head in what we consider the wrong way. There are snares in our paths, triumphs and even disasters, but God is always there. We just have to look in the rearview mirror. What we see as unwanted detours are perfectly paved paths from our Creator to His creatives. He calls us to take risks (not to point of almost dying, but risks all the same), to venture out into the unknown and to trust His leading. Sometimes it can be scary and often we struggle to soak up the joy He has for us. This keynote identifies four ways to infuse the journey with joy:
1) Stick close to God and His Calling on Your Life.
2) Communion and Fellowship with Other Writers.
3) Fill Your Creative Well.
4) Find Laughter in Both the Craziness and the Calm.
Workshop: The Heart of Suspense
Many writers think that romance and suspense are two individual threads in a romantic suspense novel, but they are one intricately woven cord that strings throughout the story. In this workshop, we’ll dive deep into how to intertwine the two together. We’ll explore how to craft sigh-worthy romance and intriguing suspense that keeps readers turning pages late into the night.
Bio
Publishers Weekly and #1 Amazon bestselling author, Dani Pettrey has sold nearly one million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance.
Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today).
She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland. For more information on her books visit: www.danipettrey.com
Workshop Presenters
Christy Barritt
How to Succeed in Indie Publishing
Thinking about taking the leap and becoming your own Book Boss?
Many writers are bypassing the traditional publishing route and choosing to go indie instead. Going solo may seem overwhelming, but in this workshop, the steps to success will be broken down into useful, practical tips. We’ll talk about how to find an editor, have a cover designed, develop a publishing schedule, and market your books. We’ll also discuss pitfalls to avoid, how to budget, and what platforms to utilize. Indie publishing can you give the creative freedom to write what you want, as well as publish on a schedule that works for you. Take the reins on your career as Christy reveals the secret to indie success.
A USA Today and Publishers Weekly best-seller, Christy writes both mystery and romantic suspense novels that are clean with underlying messages of faith. Her books have sold more than four million copies, and one has been made into a TV movie. Christy’s books have won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery, have been twice nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, and have finaled for both a Carol Award and Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year.
For more information, visit her website: www.christybarritt.com.
Robin Lee Hatcher
In It For the Long Haul
Most writers start their first book just to see if they can do it. But if you are in it for the long haul, if you want a career and not just to publish a book or two, it takes dedication and organization—and sometimes nerves of steel. Robin Lee Hatcher has been published for more than forty years and has seen more than ninety books published, both traditionally and, in recent years, indie. Over the course of her career, she has signed with twelve different publishers and worked with twenty different editors. Her partnership with her literary agent has lasted more than thirty-five years. In this workshop, she’ll share some of the tips, tricks, and habits that have allowed her to keep writing and publishing—not to mention, sane—through the ups and downs of this business.
Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 90 novels and novellas with over five million copies in print. Her well-drawn characters and heartwarming stories of faith, courage, and love have earned her both critical acclaim and the devotion of readers. Her numerous awards include the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA® Award for Best Inspirational Romance, Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards for Americana Romance and for Inspirational Fiction, the Carol Award, the 2011 Idahope Writer of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement Awards from both Romance Writers of America® (2001) and American Christian Fiction Writers (2014).
Connect with Robin via her website: robinleehatcher.com.
Lisa Jordan
Taking Your Scenes and Chapter Endings to the New Level
Taking Your Scene & Chapter Endings to the Next Level will show you how to strengthen your storytelling skills by learning the techniques needed to craft those essential endings that shape your stories and engage your readers. We will talk about the fundamentals of creating a strong scene with emotion and tension that will drive your story forward. Lisa will share different concepts that you can weave into your scenes to elevate your endings for a greater impact. No matter if you’re an aspiring writer or a seasoned novelist, writing stronger scene and chapter endings will keep your readers turning pages past their bedtimes and linger in their hearts long after finishing the book.
Heart, home and faith have always been important to Lisa Jordan, so writing stories with those elements come naturally. She strives to create characters of depth, showing real emotion and clinging to faith during life’s struggles. Represented by Cynthia Ruchti of Books & Such Literary Management, Lisa is an award-winning, Publisher’s Weekly best-selling author for Love Inspired, writing contemporary Christian romances that promise hope and happily ever after. She is the operations manager for Novel Academy, an online writing academy powered by My Book Therapy, where she mentors writers and teaches on a monthly basis. Connect with her at lisajordanbooks.com.
Heidi McCahan
Dictation 101: How to Harness the Power of Your Voice to Finish Your First Draft
Are you tired of staring at a blank screen, struggling to put your ideas into words? What if you learned to effortlessly bring your stories to life as you speak? It’s time to say goodbye to writer’s block and hello to a new way of writing with dictation. Don’t let your novel remain just an idea. Turn it into a reality with the power of speech-to-text tools. If you own a laptop or a smartphone, then you have everything you need to get started. This workshop will empower you to embrace a growth mindset, teach you how to use dictation to boost your productivity, as well as troubleshoot common roadblocks associated with using speech-to-text technology. You’ll leave this session equipped to use your voice to finish your first draft.
Heidi McCahan began dreaming up stories as a little girl. Now she is a best-selling author who writes uplifting inspirational romance novels set in small towns. A perfect day for Heidi includes a good cup of coffee, dark chocolate, and reading books with happy endings. Originally from Alaska, she now makes her home in North Carolina with her husband Steve, their three sons, and the world’s greatest goldendoodle. To connect with Heidi, please visit her website HeidiMcCahan.com.
Teri Wilson
IN MY CINNAMON ROLL ERA: The Appeal of the Kind Romance Hero
The appeal of the supportive and kind romance hero and how to write him, using moments from Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s real-life romance as examples. Presented by USA Today bestselling author Teri Wilson, whose books have been made into four Hallmark Channel movies with sweet cinnamon roll heroes!
A cinnamon roll hero never goes out of style! Recent trends in romance publishing show that readers love a sweet, kind and supportive hero. Cinnamon roll heroes (sometimes called Golden Retriever heroes) are swoony on the outside, but have a soft, gooey center. In this workshop, we will examine this character archetype and how to incorporate it into your manuscript, using moments from Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s real-life romance as examples. We will also discuss character arcs specific to this archetype by exploring what Travis’s arc would be if he were a book character. This workshop concludes with a bonus discussion about why their relationship has captivated so many people and what romance authors can learn from #Traylor in terms of getting readers emotionally invested in our stories. Also featured: writing resources for writing a Cinnamon Roll character archetype, a list of romance reads perfect for Swifties, and a list of books with ooey gooey cinnamon roll characters.
USA Today Bestselling Author Teri Wilson writes heartwarming contemporary romance with a touch of whimsy. Three of Teri’s books have been adapted into Hallmark Channel Original Movies by Crown Media, including UNLEASHING MR. DARCY (plus its sequel MARRYING MR. DARCY), THE ART OF US and NORTHERN LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS, based on her book SLEIGH BELL SWEETHEARTS. She is also a recipient of the prestigious RITA Award for excellence in romantic fiction and a 2022 inductee into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame.
Visit her at www.teriwilson.net or on Instagram @teriwilsonauthor.
Karen Witemeyer
Winning Readers with Humor
You don’t have to be a comedian to create a story that makes your readers laugh out loud. No matter what subgenre you write, a well-placed dash of humor can add dimension to your characters and delight your readers. Whether you want to structure outlandish moments into your plot from the beginning or just sprinkle a quip or two along the way, this workshop will give you the tools you need to keep your readers smiling and coming back for more.
For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Historical Author in 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen has won multiple awards for her fiction, including the prestigious Christy and Carol Awards. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and gospel hymn singer who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she’s on deadline.
Connect with Karen via her website: https://www.karenwitemeyer.com.
Rebecca Winger and Robyn Travisano
Get Up Close & Personal with a Mobile Crime Scene Unit
Rebecca Winger- Crime Scene Unit Shift Supervisor with Mesa Police Department
Born and raised in Arizona, Rebecca spent twenty-seven years at Fry’s grocery stores, where she excelled as a cake decorator and later transitioned into training management and mentoring new decorators. At the age of 38, she pursued her passion for forensic science, completing coursework related to the field at Arizona State University. For the past thirteen years, she’s brought her expertise to the Mesa Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit, processing crime scenes and assisting in investigations. Beyond work, Rebecca cherishes time with her daughter and two grandchildren, savoring family moments. Any spare time Rebecca can carve out shes like to spend with a good mystery novel.
Robyn Travisano- Crime Scene Unit Shift Supervisor with Mesa Police Department
Originally from Hellertown, Pennsylvania, Robyn earned her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Mansfield University and later pursued a Master’s in Forensic Psychology from Argosy University. Balancing a busy family life with her spouse and our four young children, Robyn has dedicated the past decade to serving with the Mesa Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit. She has a passion for teaching and mentoring newly hired crime scene specialists, sharing her expertise to ensure thorough investigations and justice. When not at work, Robyn enjoys family time and cherishes every moment with her loved ones.