2025 Classes Will be available by mid-summer
Early Bird Friday Classes
Edie Melson 2025
Hows and Whys of Social Media – Many writers, mistakenly assume it’s either too late or too early to build a solid social media presence. Edie will walk you through the reason social media is non-negotiable for almost all writers and how to find a way to make it work for your specific situation. Included will be information on why we need a social media presence before we get a contract. Which networks work best for which audience (and why you need to be active on more than one). How to use scheduling programs to keep your social media time commitment manageable. How to compose effective updates that increase shares. What you need to know to connect with your book’s potential audience.
Billy Wayne Arrington 2025
Lyric Crafting - Did you ever want to write a song but didn't know where to start? This songwriting class is for you. Scripture says we should speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melodies in our hearts to the Lord. This class will equip you with tools for making "melody in your hearts" for the Lord and sharing His message with others.
Saturday Classes
Bob Hostetler 2025♦
The Proposal-Driven Life - Writing a successful book proposal, using real-life samples of proposals that sold.
The Art of the Query - What is a query letter or email? What to query. Who to query. Why query? How to write a “killer” query letter..
Edwina Perkins 2025
Sensitivity and Diversity in Manuscripts – The number of books with ethnic characters has risen over the last few years. Because publishing houses are looking for more diversity in what authors are submitting, non-ethnic writers need to address some important issues when it pertains to diversity in their manuscripts. This workshop addresses writing about a culture outside of your own and the need for sensitivity readers.
Eva Marie Everson 2025
Those All-Important First Pages – What is the first thing a prospective editor, agent, or reader sees? Your first pages. In this workshop, Eva Marie will take you through the first pages works of both fiction and nonfiction to show you what works . . . and what doesn't.
What Do You Want? – When we begin our journey toward publication, a good question to ask ourselves is simple: What do you want? Did you know Jesus asked this same question of two of John's disciples and then asked it again of Blind Bartimeus? Bring your pen and get ready to go deep into what you are hoping for and what you are hoping for from the Lord.
Lynette Eason 2025
Is it Time for An Agent – In this class, we’ll discuss when the proper time is for you to seek an agent. You’ll learn how to submit, what to submit when to submit – even why you submit to an agent. There is a process and an appropriate time. An agent can’t sell what isn’t written.
Writing Suspense (On MP3s) – Are you interested in learning what makes a great suspense story? Come join Lynette to learn what goes into making a suspense story stand out from all the rest.
Taking Your Suspense to the Next Level (On MP3s) – Have you already written your story but feel like it just needs something more? Come learn some tips and tricks to up your suspense and keep your readers terrified for your protagonist.
Carol Tetzlaff 2025♦
Cautious to Confident - Marketing in your Strengths
If marketing your books feels like a daunting task this workshop will guide you to reach your ideal reader and boost your book sales. Whether you’re trying to build a platform to win over an agent or you have a book in print and need to learn how to best grow your reach and sales, this workshop is for you!
In this session we will break down the marketing process into easy-to-follow steps to showcase your unique abilities and connect with your audience authentically. Say goodbye to overwhelming strategies and hello to creativity and purpose! By the end of the session, you'll not only have a complete audit of your current platform but also a clear understanding of your next best step. Armed with these insights and powerful tools, you'll be well-equipped to market your message with confidence!
Pepper Basham 2025♦
Writing Romance According to Austen – In this class we will talk about the art of writing Romance, the formula, romance tropes, humor, and how to pull it all together to make a blockbuster romance.
CANVA – How to for Writers – This early bird class will address how to use basic Canva for developing memes, posters, announcements, etc.
Developing Characters that Readers Love – Learn how to develop characters that not only keep your readers up at night (in a good way), but characters that stick with the readers long after the book is closed.
Sarah Loudin Thomas 2025
SETTING AS CHARACTER - Appalachia is practically its own character in my novels. We'll talk about how a place can add depth to a story. How do you choose your setting? How do you bring it to life? How much research should you do? We'll answer those questions and others you might have about bringing your setting to life.
Vincent Davis 2025
Book Launch Myths and What You Should Do Instead – There are a few things we’re all told we need to do around a launch. Pre-orders, reviews, sales, and best seller’s lists, the list of tips is endless. But many of these common industry tropes are outdated or aren’t grounded in what works with Amazon’s algorithms in the first place. In this class, you’ll learn what strategies and tips really work to make your launch as successful as possible and avoid actions that are unhelpful or downright hurtful to your book’s long-term sales success.
One-on-One Mentoring – 2025 MENTORING APPOINTMENTS will open in August 2025
Larry Leech, Edie Melson, Lori Marett, Billy Wayne Arrington, Linda Gilden, Andrea Merrell, Denise Loock, and Terri Kelly serve as mentors. Most all will be available for private appointments.
Mentoring spots are open to writers with novel or non-fiction manuscripts.
