Susan May Warren
Susan May Warren is the CEO and Founder of Sunrise Media Group and an acclaimed novelist with nearly 2 million books sold. She’s lived all over the world (including Russia), and has penned over 100 novels, writing across genres such as contemporary and historical romances, romantic suspense, and thrillers. Susan’s works have achieved USA Today, ECPA, and CBA bestseller status, won numerous awards and have been translated into eight languages. She’s a renowned writing coach, founder of Novel Academy, and author of the popular writing method, The Story Equation. She lives in Minnesota and Florida with her handsome hubby, has 2 messy labradoodles, loves good wine, travelling and hanging out with her husband, 4 kids and their spouses and her 5 grandchildren.
Keynote:
The Power of Yes – The Story You Didn’t Know You Were Writing
A story of unexpected yeses, unforeseen chapters, and the breathtaking discovery of the real journey behind the pages.
Masterclass:
From Good to Unforgettable: Powerhouse Craft Techniques That Transform Good Writing into Unforgettable Stories
Your readers feel the difference between a good story and one they can’t put down—but do you know how to create that magic?
The secret isn’t in writing more. It’s in writing smarter. In this intensive masterclass, you’ll discover the advanced techniques professional authors use to captivate readers and keep them turning pages long past bedtime.
You’ll Master:
The Art of Emotional Architecture
- Harness the emotional exponent to create powerful story rhythm
- Balance deposits and withdrawals of reader attention for maximum engagement
- Build endings that satisfy while creating irresistible anticipation
The Science of Irresistible Prose
- Discover why saying “YES” creates tension (counterintuitive but powerful!)
- Master the crucial difference between tone and voice—and wield both with precision
- Learn right-branching vs. left-branching sentences to control pacing
- Craft musical prose that readers feel
The Strategy of Page-Turning Momentum
- Balance narrative, action, and dialogue to eliminate slow spots
- Trim overwriting without losing your unique style
- Write endings that leave readers hungry for more
This isn’t theory—it’s transformation. Whether you’re multi-published or building your backlist, you’ll leave with immediately applicable tools to elevate your craft and close the gap between good and extraordinary.
Ready to write stories readers can’t forget?
Robin Lee Hatcher
Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 95 novels and novellas with more than five million copies in print. She’s known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA®, the Carol, the Christy, the HOLT Medallion, the National Reader’s Choice, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice. Robin is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®. She makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog named Boo.
Deeply Rooted: Abiding in Christ, Living in Wonder, Writing in Fellowship
In this journey of faith and creativity, Robin Lee Hatcher invites writers to cultivate lives that are deeply rooted in Christ, the true Vine. She’ll explore what it means to write from a place of abiding, to rekindle holy wonder as we reflect God’s creativity, and to walk in fellowship with other believers who share the call to write for His glory. Through Scripture, reflection, and encouragement, this presentation offers a refreshing reminder that the most fruitful words grow from hearts firmly grounded in Him.
Liz Johnson
Liz Johnson is the author of more than 20 novels, a New York Times bestselling novella, and a handful of short stories. She’s a Christy Award finalist, a three-time ACFW Carol Award finalist, and winner of an FHL Readers’ Choice Award in 2025. She makes her home in Phoenix, where she loves exploring local theater, cheering for the 49ers, and doting on her nieces and nephews. She reads and writes stories filled with heart, humor, and happily ever afters.
Finding Joy in the Publishing Journey
The writing journey is filled with ups and downs, plans and plot twists. Though we’d rather leave the twists on the page, the writing life has few guarantees and plenty of uncertainties. These can easily begin to drain the joy out of writing. But the twists and turns of the publishing life don’t have to steal the fun of writing. Whether you’re working on your first book or are a multi-published writer, join bestselling author Liz Johnson for an interactive workshop filled with tips and tools to help you find the most joy in your publishing journey.
Ciara Knight
Ciara Knight is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of sweet and Christian romance, known for heartfelt stories filled with faith, family, and second chances. With over 50 books, she weaves emotional journeys that highlight love, redemption, and resilience, often set against rich small-town or Western backdrops. When she’s not writing, she mentors authors in building sustainable careers and draws inspiration from God’s creation while traveling the world by boat with her husband.
The AI Launch Lab: Build a 30-Day Book Marketing Plan in One Session
Still scrambling to launch your books? Posting randomly? Hoping readers notice? It’s time to stop guessing — and start launching like a pro. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to use AI to build a complete 30-day pre-launch marketing plan in a single session. We’ll create scroll-stopping hooks, compelling copy, branded images, short-form video scripts, WordPress-ready content, and daily social posts you can literally copy and paste.
Walk away with:
- A fully mapped 30-day pre-launch calendar
- Ready-to-use captions and hooks
- Graphic and video prompts
- Email and website copy
- Plug-and-play WordPress code
- A system you can repeat for every book
If you’re ready to harness AI to simplify your marketing and amplify your impact, this workshop will change the way you launch — forever.
Heidi McCahan
Heidi McCahan began dreaming up stories as a little girl. Now she’s a Publishers Weekly bestselling author who writes uplifting romance novels set in small towns. A perfect day for Heidi includes a cup of good coffee, dark chocolate, and reading stories with happy endings. She’s originally from Alaska, but currently lives in North Carolina with her handsome husband, three amazing sons, and the world’s greatest Goldendoodle. Heidi enjoys connecting with writers and readers, so please visit her website at HeidiMcCahan.com.
Planning a Podcast Tour to Promote Your Romance Novels:
How to Reach New Readers, Build Relationships, and Sell Books (One Interview at a Time)
Podcast interviews are one of the most overlooked marketing tools available to romance authors. Unlike paid ads or in-person events, podcast tours are affordable, relationship-driven, and allow authors to connect with potential readers through conversation and storytelling (from the comfort of their own home). In this practical, step-by-step presentation, attendees will learn how to plan and execute a podcast tour specifically designed to promote wholesome, closed-door romance novels. The session will cover how to find the appropriate podcasts, develop an appealing pitch, prepare for interviews with confidence, and repurpose each episode for ongoing promotion across multiple platforms. This presentation is ideal for authors who want to increase visibility, build industry connections, and sell more books without blowing their budgets. Attendees will leave with a clear action plan they can implement immediately, whether they are launching a new release or revitalizing their backlist.
Robin Patchen
Three-time nominee for Editor of the Year, Robin Patchen is the USA Today bestselling author of 30+ Christian romantic suspense novels. She’s built a career on putting her characters into danger, forcing them to lean on God’s promises…and each other. Robin reads and writes her heart out in the hill country of Texas with her critique partner, Purrcy the cat, and her emotional support husband, Eddie. A transplant from New Hampshire, she remains hopeful of finding someplace to ski.
Tension, Anticipation, and Momentum in Every Scene
Even strong plots lose momentum when scene-level tension fades. Readers experience a story one line at a time, so anticipation must live on the page—not just in the overall structure. In this session, you’ll learn practical techniques for sustaining tension within every scene, including how to use character agendas, delayed outcomes, unanswered questions, conflict, and friction to maintain engagement. Walk away with repeatable, scene-level tools you can apply immediately—whether drafting or revising—to strengthen reader investment and keep pages turning in any genre.
Navigating Your Indie Novel Release: A Step-by-Step Guide
This session walks authors step-by-step through the publishing timeline, from final draft to launch. We’ll cover what to do—and when—including editing, cover design, formatting, and uploading to retailers. You’ll learn the timing of key decisions such as setting up preorders, purchasing ISBNs, applying for LCCNs, and adding your book to sites like Goodreads and BookBub. We’ll also discuss marketing preparation, including advance planning for ads, Goodreads giveaways, newsletter swaps, launch teams, and other promotional efforts so you can release your book with clarity and confidence.
Lisa Phillips
Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after. Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.
Romancing Your Suspense
Discover the essentials for a romantic suspense story that works, including a deep dive into character agency and immersive POV in this engaging class. Learn about elements of beginnings, middles that work, and ends that blow you away for both the suspense and the romance arcs, and how to ensure your story hits on all levels.
Camy Tang
Camy Tang writes Christian Contemporary Romantic Suspense as USA Today bestselling author Camy Tang and Christian Regency Romantic Suspense as USA Today bestselling author Camille Elliot. She grew up in Hawaii but now lives in California, where she knits antique knitting patterns and is learning Japanese. Visit her websites to learn more about her books: camilleelliot.com and camytang.com
Book to Ecosystem: Creating Multiple Entry Points for Your Readers
Many authors are told to “build a platform,” but that advice often leads to burnout and scattered marketing. In this workshop, we’ll explore a more sustainable approach: creating a reader ecosystem with clear, intentional entry points for different levels of reader engagement. You’ll learn how books, newsletters, bonuses, direct sales, and membership spaces can work together without overwhelming you or your readers, how to design bonuses that delight rather than exhaust, and how to protect your creative energy while still growing a faithful readership. This session is designed for published authors who want practical systems that support both their calling and their long-term career.
Suzie Waltner
Suzie Waltner is a contemporary romance author, editor, and mentor who helps writers navigate publishing and marketing with clarity and sustainability. Her novel Midnight Blue was a finalist for the Holt Medallion and the Maggie Award and won the Angel Book Award in 2023. When she’s not writing or editing, she travels the country as a pet-sitting digital nomad, gathering story inspiration wherever she lands.
Using Modern-Day Idols to Create Flawed Characters
Strong characters are shaped by what they worship—often without realizing it. This advanced workshop explores how modern-day idols such as success, control, security, and approval can drive believable character flaws and internal conflict. You’ll learn how misplaced devotion influences motivation, raises narrative stakes, and creates transformation that feels organic, meaningful, and earned.
Defining Success in a Metrics-Driven Publishing Industry
In a publishing world shaped by contracts, algorithms, and sales numbers, it’s easy to let metrics define success. This workshop invites writers to step back and rethink what success looks like in their current season. We’ll explore faithfulness versus outcomes, the role of metrics, and how to pursue growth without burnout or comparison—so you can move forward with clarity, peace, and purpose.