Join us for the 2025 Asheville Christian Writers Conference

February 21, 22, and 23, 2025

The Asheville Christian Writers Conference is not just a writers’ conference – it’s a ministry. Our job is to take new and seasoned writers and help them recognize their calling to write, then to help train them in the skills they’ll need to pursue a writing career. Each year, we pray for God to send those He’d have to attend this conference, and each year, this conference sells out.

Housed at the Cove, the Billy Graham Training Center in Asheville, North Carolina, ACWC is a warm and inviting atmosphere for the new writer and a challenge for the seasoned writer. From the accommodations to the meals and the meeting facilities, conferees are welcomed, cared for, and prayed over. ACWC is special in every way. Join us for this packed weekend of worship, learning, and new writing peers. We can’t wait to meet you face-to-face.

The Asheville Christian Writers Conference is not a level of writing – it’s a battle cry.

God calls us to step up and answer with the best work possible using the talents He has given. We are called together to focus our hearts on the task Christ assigned us . . . to strengthen our ties with one another and hone our craft of writing so we might effectively spread the Word of God through fiction and non-fiction books, screenplays, scripts, articles, and blogs.

ACWC is not a level of writing – it’s a battle cry.

Join us and let your writing voice be heard.

Past attendees have gone on to write for:

Inspire A Fire

Christian Devotions

CBN.com

Upper Room

Inspiration.org.

Other attendees have received book contracts from Iron Stream Media, Thomas Nelson, Tyndale, Bold Vision, Elk Lake, and other book publishers.

Benefits
of Attending

One-on-One
Mentoring

Financial
Scholarships

Recent Posts

February 15 Newsletter and Extended Learning

2/15/2025 10:25:00 AM BY Cindy K. Sproles

YEP! It’s a big photo...but the prince and I took a drive over the mountain a few weeks ago. We had a couple of reasons for doing it. We took Chase, our son, and it was a quiet family time. However, we needed to see. We needed to be reminded through all our area has faced these last five months, God is still mighty.

We stopped at the top of Roan Mountain and simply gazed across the region. As far as we could see, the mountains stretched majestically, one over the top of another. The essence that the pines, sycamores, and tulip poplars release into the atmosphere causes that blue haze that you see over the mountain tops (hence the name Blue Ridge Mountains), and the white fog that rises between the valleys inspired the Cherokee nation to call these mountains, the Smokey Mountains. One range, the Smokies, floods into the next, the Blue Ridge Mountains, all forming the Appalachian Mountain Range.

I needed to stand as close to heaven as possible, take a deep breath, and abide in Him. This is where you are coming next week. I wanted you to see what our region is. I wanted you to have a picture of the world we live in and not have the only picture that you see be devastation.

As you travel to Asheville, depending on the route you will use, you may or may not see the devastation of Helene. Let me say just because you don't see it from the interstate does not mean that a mile away, it looks like a bomb exploded. But as you pass through our mountains to Asheville, pray. Please pray. Where my family suffers from survivor's guilt, others of our faculty (yes, our faculty) suffer loss and financial ruin thanks to Helene. Yet, here we are, stepping out of the mud and onto the work of the Kingdom with a smile on our faces. We ask for your prayers to strengthen us. For God's provision. For healing in the midst of all this...muck. And that through this disaster we have survived, that we may be the hands and feet of the Master.

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This may or may not be your last newsletter. The conference is next week. Terri and I have been on the phone almost daily. Sometimes more than once making sure we have everything in place. Though this conference is a well-oiled wheel, it is still massive work. So, you will need to continue to check the CONFERENCE UPDATE PAGE.

All of your check-in information is there. BUT YOU DO ACTUALLY HAVE TO READ IT. I don't mind answering your questions via email, but I do ask that you check that Conference Update page before you fire me a question. I am getting hundreds of emails at this point. If you can find the answer on the update page. You help me so much.

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PAID RECEIPTS - a couple of you have asked me for paid receipts. I can get those, but to tell the truth, I forgot! I'm in the middle of a lot right now, but I AM MORE THAN HAPPY to get that for you if you remind me today. I'll set down this evening and send you a copy of your receipt. I didn't intentionally forget. I'm getting old (hoping that excuse still flies), and there's just so much up in the air that if I miss a spinning plate, they may all crash to the ground. So please, PLEASE, remind me. I apologize in advance for forgetting to do this when the three of you asked me. AGAIN, THOSE THREE PEOPLE who asked for a PAID RECEIPT, please send me a reminder to [email protected].

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The weather is up for nice during the days, 40s-high 50s, but it will be cold at night. (teens-high 20's). I will tell you that chilly in the mountains is not just chilly. It's a damp chilly, and you will feel it. So, bring yourself a warm sweater. You'll only be outside to walk a few feet from our hotel to the training center, but...cold is cold. Dress comfortably and modestly, and wear socks (for folks who don't think your toes will get cold, think again). Wear socks, tennis shoes or comfortable boots, and sweaters. I'd rather be sweating than to be freezing -- trust me, warm is better. Then I'd ask that your prayers contain a PS for the Lord to give us good weather. We've had rain the last week, which should end today, so hopefully, spring sun will start to peek through.

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Your travel routes: Since so many are coming from many different areas, I can share this about the roads near Asheville. Interstate 40 coming FROM KNOXVILLE north/northeast is open. However, a small section between Tennessee and North Carolina is now only a small two-lane passage. It is my understanding that traffic is passing well, but it is slow. Depending on your patience, you may want to look as some of the smaller roads around that area. Those are open. One alternative coming from the Nashville area is I-75 to I-40 (Knoxville) and then continue to I-81 toward Bristol (Kingsport), then I-26 to Asheville. This will take you about an hour longer, but if you worry about I-40 between Knoxville and Asheville, hit 81. I might just wave at you as you pass by my house. Coming from Charlotte, 77 is open and clear into Asheville, and of course, I-81 to I-26 into Asheville. Coming from South Carolina, I-26 to I-40 on the eastern side of Asheville is good. Just good old road construction that has been going on for the last 5 years. Check your map (You remember what that is, right...a map?) Or look at alternative routes, but traffic is moving from every direction into Asheville.

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PRINT BEFORE YOU COME - If you have things you want to print, please do that at home and bring it with you. We DO NOT have printers and the Cove's printers are for their use. Print before you come, please.

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We will have a printed schedule for you that you will receive when you pick up your badge, but continue to check the schedule on the site for classes and the times. You do not sign up for classes. We are small, and you are able to simply move from auditorium A or B. Just move quietly. Faculty members are accustomed to conferees going to appointments. It doesn't bother them. Just leave and return quietly. You don't have to raise your hand and ask permission. :) snicker. Just do it.

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Be kind with the time - Our appointments, mentoring, and critique appointments are very rigid on time. If you are waiting for your appointment, it's fine for you to step behind the seated conferee so that your faculty member recognizes you are present. This helps them stay on track but also, helps them move you on through. Be mindful of 15 min, 30, min or 1 hour, and when your time is up, be gracious and move on. Catch up to that faculty member during a meal and chat.

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Visit our bookstore. Since we are small, we only have space for our faculty books. We pay them in peanuts, so they actually get cash when you purchase a book! You can also visit the Cove's bookstore on the first floor, but please do visit our bookstore just as you get off the elevators on the 3rd floor. Our bookstore will not open for sales until Friday night.

Remember to purchase your MP3s of the conference so you have all the classes forever. Wise investment.

You can reserve a spot for on-campus housing by paying $25 at our bookstore. You will be contacted in August or September to confirm your desire to attend. If we cannot reach you by a certain date that slot is opened, and your $25 goes into our scholarship fund. If you do come, we will subtract that $25 off your final cost of the conference.

Consider giving back. Our Bob Box is on the table at our Bookstore. Every dollar you add, Christian Devotions Ministries matches. Then Bob's son's employer doubles that. You can help others by giving to the Bob Box (Cystic Fibrosis Foundation).

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Once you are on campus, unless you are an off-campus conferee, we ask you not to leave the campus. If you need to leave, please let one of our Bookstore staff, Terri, or me know in the event of an emergency.

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We are giving you a heads-up that our conference is blessed this year with a WORKING DOG. Her name is LuLu, and she is just a doll baby. However, we do ask that you not distract LuLu from her duties. She is just a bundle of hugs, the cutest little cocker you've ever seen, but she has a job to do. So, we ask that you smile at Lulu and leave her to her work. Before you disturb her attention to detail, just ask Zena's permission and let Lulu off the hook by getting permission to squeeze on her.

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Emergency email and numbers. We ask that you are respectful of our phone numbers and not call us just for the sake of chatting. We're giving you these numbers in case of emergency.

[email protected] Cindy Sproles 423-384-4821

[email protected] Terri Kelly 828-290-3149

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AND FINALLY...

Peace Be With You

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. (2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV)

Paul was so good at blessings! And of all the greetings and salutations he gave, his blessing of peace to the Thessalonians is one of my favorites.

So many of you have been especially sweet in sending me notes after you receive these newsletters to thank me for my efforts and kindness. I can't tell you what that means to me because I'm no different than you. When I begin to work for the Kingdom, Satan sees me as a chocolate bonbon. Stuff happens. It never fails.

Terri and I have laughed this past week. It seems we are a mirror image of one another. My elderly momma. Her elderly daddy. I had shingles on my eye. Terri had an infection in her eye. We've just been mirror images - both facing the same "stuff" as this week of conference approaches.

Having a moment of "peace" means something. Receiving a note of support means something. Hearing you pray for us--means something.

This week, I was chatting with one of our counselors at church during the staff meeting. We joked and laughed a bit. He asked about my husband's upcoming surgery and the conference. It was just general conversation, but my sweet momma called while we were standing in the hall talking. As I hung up to zip over to her at the assisted living, my friend, Stan, looked at me and said, "Cindy, may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way." It took me back. I stood staring at him like a deer in headlights. He touched my arm, smiled, and said, "You got a lot on your plate this week. I pray for peace."

It was such a moment for me because I took a deep breath at that time and rested in my Father.

We get overwhelmed by life, deadlines, and duties, but our Father is always right by us. His peace is...well...peaceful.

As you prepare for the conference this week, repeat this scripture. Take in the peace of Christ. Accept it. Breathe. Above all else you do this week, look to Him first.

We will see you on Friday.

Much love,

Cindy

Don't Waste Your Conference Experience

2/15/2025 10:00:00 AM BY Cindy Sproles

By Andrea Merrell

As ACWC quickly approaches, let’s look at a few pointers to help you make the most of your conference experience. Whether you’re a newbie or seasoned attendee, it helps to be well-prepared.

Check the Website

First and foremost, check the website. You will generally find valuable information on both the conference and venue. Most of your questions can be answered here.

Clothing

Check the weather (extended forecast) and pack accordingly. Even if the temperature is not frigid, classrooms and auditoriums can be chilly. Layering is always a good idea. Business casual works best and comfortable shoes are a must.

Other Important Items

Don’t forget your vitamins, prescription medications, and toiletry items (toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, razor). Be sure to bring your chargers for phones, tablets, and laptops, along with extra batteries.

Food

Meals at the Cove are wonderful. They also provide snacks, but you might want to pack your favorites for those late-night or in-between moments. Be sure to keep mints with you at all times. ??

Business Cards and Networking

Business Cards are the best networking tool. They should contain your name, e-mail address, website, and photo. Make it a point to exchange business cards throughout the conference. There is no greater place to connect with like-minded folks than a writers’ conference. These are people who “get” you. Follow up with them after the conference and establish a relationship. God has a way of creating kingdom connections, and you never know how they might come. Sometimes our greatest blessing may come from the last possible place (or person) we expected.

Learn the Craft

Don’t miss out on any of the classes. Writing is a lifelong learning process, and this is the best way to sharpen your skills. Always be open and teachable. Take notes and brainstorm with other conferees. Purchase the MP3s. This way, you have the entire conference to listen to over and over.

Pitch Your Work

Don’t be afraid to pitch your work. Whether you have a completed manuscript or simply an idea for a project, take advantage of the opportunity to meet with agents, editors, and publishers. Prepare your “elevator pitch,” and be ready to present it at your appointment. These industry professionals will give you valuable feedback. Listen to them carefully, and make the most of your fifteen-minute appointment.

The most important thing to remember is to relax and make the most of your experience. It’s especially hard when you are a newbie, but we were all newbies at one time. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek help when you need it. Christian conferences are a special community of like-minded individuals who are more than ready to help each other.

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ASSIGNMENT:

Your last assignment is to relax and prepare your heart for a great conference.

February 9, Newsletter and Extended Learning

2/9/2025 7:20:00 PM BY Cindy K. Sproles

Yep, it's donut time, folks. Thirteen days and counting. Only a prince would buy his wife chocolate-covered KRISPY KREME donuts in crunch, crush, er uh...chew...desperate times! And I have a prince.

Here we are, thirteen days away, and so much has happened. You see when you direct a conference, especially a Christian conference, Satan loves to stick his nose into things.

You order pens. The order is accepted, the money is withdrawn, and the next day, a note from the pen company. "OOOPPPS!" (Folks, they said, OOOPS), "We're out of stock on that pen." I walk to the wall in my office and gently bang my head against the textured surface. Thirteen days out, and now they tell me... oops.

Oh, well. Re-order, plead for fast shipping, and then dump them on Terri's porch. That's the plan.

All that said, despite the craters I've fallen into this week, things work out. God has a way of doing that WHEN we have the right attitude. So, rejoice in the Lord always...right? And bring me chocolate-covered donuts.

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Extended learning is up. This week's learning comes from Andrea Merrell on adding dimension to your characters. I personally think this is important in non-fiction and fiction. Regardless of what you write, nothing should be flat. So click here for Andrea's awesome lesson on character building.

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?We still have approximately 23 off-campus slots available for conferees. Tell your friends Asheville calls. The COVE calls. God calls. They have to answer. Click here to register for off-campus registration. Off-campus registration includes meals at the Cove, conference registration, and facility fee. You must locate your housing off campus. There are a few hotels listed at the bottom of our registration page.

?JUST A HINT - Booking via 3rd party sites like Hotels.com, Priceline.com, etc. Check your ability to cancel. Should a slot open on campus and you want to take it, many times when you book your off-campus hotel via a 3rd party, you are stuck with NON-REFUNDABLE. Just sayin'! Check before you click that nifty cheap price.

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?Links for Pre-Conference purchases if you want:

?We have decided to add these links for you in advance. Everything we offer can be purchased via our bookstore at the conference, but some folks would like to add it before or after the conference.

?MP3s - These are the mp3s of the full conference. They are only available to conferees. So, don't try to have your unregistered friends purchase them. If they are not a conferee, their money will be refunded. The MP3s are things that you will have forever. So, we recommend you purchase them. You'll have all the keynotes and all the classes for future reference. COST is $50

?2026 Conference Pre-Register - This allows you to HOLD A SPOT for on-campus housing. What pre-registration does: It only holds a spot for you to register for on-campus housing in 2026. We will contact you in August or early September to verify that you plan to attend. At that time, we will include a link to pay a deposit or in full. If we do not hear from you in the specified time noted when we contact you, you forfeit your $25 pre-registration. It drops into our scholarship fund. If you respond, we will subtract that $25 off your final price for registration. Consider attending in 2026. You can pay via this link, or you can pay at the bookstore at the conference.

?BOB BOX - The Bob Box is our conference's way of giving back. Each year, we sponsor Bob Hostetler in his fhttps://ashevillechristianwritersconference.com/critiquesand...undraising efforts for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Bob has two grands who have cystic fibrosis, and the funds given to the foundation have already helped both of his grands. Consider giving to the Bob Box. All funds collected are matched at the conference, by Christian Devotions Ministries, and then those funds are doubled by the company that Bob's son works for. Talk about double-dipping! Help us, help others.

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?Conference details - I'm not going into these details in this newsletter. Instead, I am forwarding you to our CONFERENCE UPDATE PAGE. You'll find everything you need to know right there. All your information on check-in, what to wear, name badges, and everything else is on that page. I'm getting too old to repeat myself. I did it much too much with four little boys years ago. In fact, now that I ?think of it, they're 43 and 44, and I still repeat myself. Just visit the page for your updates and information.??

I will remind you that early bird classes begin at 1 p.m. Stop by Shepherd's Inn and get your nametag, LEAVE YOUR BAGS IN YOUR CAR unless you're flying, and then head to the 3rd floor Training Center next door. Dress comfortably and modest. Need I say more?

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Mentoring and critiques - There are a few slots left -- not many, but a few. Visit our Mentoring and Critique page (if you are a latecomer to the conference, let Terri know when you ask about mentoring). She can see if someone will carry additional mentoring.?

Also, Terri will go over signing up for 15-minute appointments during the general session on Friday evening.

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FINALLY (You thought it would never arrive, didn't you?)

Who Are You?

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! ….

1 John 3:1 NIV

I've been accused of being a bee. Always on the go, working, writing, doing tons of things. I find it hard to sit down and rest. In our church service today, our minister asked, "Who are you?" I looked at my husband and said, "Tired." He chuckled.

My plate is always full, even when I don't want it to be. This is why I try not to work on Saturday and Sunday. Well, until I'm 13 days out from our conference, I have no choice. Anyway, I began asking church friends, "Who do you think I am?" Everyone said they were busy except for Miss Libby.

Miss Libby is ninety-one. Anytime I ask her how she is, she responds, "I'm rejoicing in the Lord." And she is sincere. Today, when I asked her who she thought I was, she cupped her sweet little hand around my face and said, "Baby, you are His daughter."

I smiled and pressed her hand tight against my cheek as tears filled my eyes.

It's thirteen days out from the conference. Last-minute things have to be finished. Books balanced to take to our accountant for our 990 filing, personal taxes, Bible study prep, church staff meeting, a surgical consult for my husband in Knoxville an hour and a half away, re-orders, loading up conference stuff, sending invoices, paying bills for the conference. I started a new novel and turned in the one that was due to the publisher. Then, yesterday, I got shingles on my right eye. Yep. Stress will do that to you.

I don't regret one single thing I do. My day is very organized. I accomplish most everything easily and plan it out so my nights are free. But it's still a lot of work.

My best guess is that you have a lot on your plate as well. And that stress is probably weighing down on you, too. You have folks like me saying, "Just write," AND I'm guessing your taxes are due, too.

I want you to read what John wrote, "?See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! …"

?Did you take note? What great love the Father has lavished on you that YOU should be called a child of God. Now, imagine this. God presses His palm against your cheek, smiles, and calls you son or daughter. Now, you cover His hand with yours and squeeze your FATHER'S hand--Abba Father. You got chills? You should.

As we approach our conference, I completely understand the stress that haunts you. Some of you are staying off-campus, and maybe you're staying in a hotel alone for the first time. Some may suffer from anxiety, fear, and weariness: excitement, lack of sleep, or even second thoughts about coming. Don't--because you are His child. It's important to know who you are. It doesn't matter what the world calls you. What matters is the only name Christ calls you. CHILD.

Prepare this week. Relax. We'll see you in a few days.

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Join us for the 2025 Asheville Christian Writers Conference

February 21, 22, and 23, 2025

Recent Posts

February 15 Newsletter and Extended Learning

2/15/2025 10:25:00 AM BY Cindy K. Sproles

Don't Waste Your Conference Experience

2/15/2025 10:00:00 AM BY Cindy Sproles

February 9, Newsletter and Extended Learning

2/9/2025 7:20:00 PM BY Cindy K. Sproles

Countdown to Conference

Faculty

The Sparrow Book Contest

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