Bob Hostetler (www.bobhostetler.com) is an award-winning author, literary agent, and international speaker. His more than fifty books, which include the award-winning Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door (co-authored with Josh McDowell), the timeslip novel, The Bone Box, and The Shakespeare Devotional, have sold millions of copies. Bob is an agent with the Steve Laube Agency (www.stevelaube.com) and was the founding pastor of Cobblestone Community Church in Oxford, Ohio. He and his wife, the lovely Robin, live in Las Vegas, Nevada, to be driving distance from their two grown children who (with their amazing spouses) have given them five perfect grandchildren.
Eva Marie is a ECPA best-selling and multiple award-winning author and speaker, including a Christy finalist, a Silver Medallion winner, a Gold Medallion winner a Carol, several Maggie and Golden Scroll awards, and an Inspirational Retailers Choice Award. She is one of the original five Word Weavers members, which began in 1997. She served first as the original president (2000-2007) and is now CEO of Word Weavers International, Inc., which serves writers primarily as a national and international group of critique and educational chapters.
Eva Marie served as a mentor for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild for several years and has taught at a number of writers conferences nationwide. During the 2010-2011 school year, Eva Marie served as an adjunct professor at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. She describes it as one of the best times she ever had while working. Eva Marie also serves as director of Florida Christian Writers Conference and as a private writing coach. In 2022 she received the Yvonne Lehman legacy award, a Lifetime Achievement Award from Advanced Writers & Speakers Association, and in 2023, her book The Third Path won the AWSA Book of the Year.
Vincent B. Davis II is an author, entrepreneur, speaker, and soldier. After graduating from East Tennessee State University, he quit his day job and decided it was as good a time as any to follow his dream. With a shoestring budget and no platform to speak of, he’s now published six historical fiction novels, three of which have become Amazon International Best Sellers.
He is passionate about helping authors learn the marketing and advertising tactics he used to succeed. Focusing primarily on the intricate algorithms of Amazon, he loves making the complex simple so that authors can build up their platform and increase their sales. https://vincentbdavisii.com/
Billy Wayne Arrington is the founder and president of Vision Productions, Inc., Billy Wayne Ministries. He is an ordained minister, contemporary Christian vocal artist, Speaker, Writer, and Director/Producer/ Actor. Located in Kingsport, TN, this non-profit ministry includes LampLight Theatre and The Emporium. For more than 25 years, Billy has traveled across the United States and Mexico to share the gospel of Jesus Christ through music and ministry. Completing more than 300 appearances per year, Billy Wayne continues to challenge and minister to all ages with his high-energy performances and gripping testimony.
Billy Wayne is an accomplished speaker as well as a Christian vocal artist. An accomplished singer/songwriter, he has produced over 20 music recording projects, various music videos, and live performances in concert. Known in the Christian music industry, Billy Wayne was also awarded regional finalist for the GMA (Gospel Music Association) Songwriter of the Year in 2000 and 2002. His book, “And God Was Watching”, received a 5-star Clarion review (The highest critic award) in 2011.
Prior to full-time ministry, Billy Wayne worked in professional theatre for several years as an actor and director. Throughout his career, he directed more than 200 productions, many of which were his original written works that have all been produced and performed. Between concert tours, Billy Wayne produces full-length theatrical productions and special events at LampLight Theatre.
Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the wife of a fantastic pastor, mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus. Her nineteenth novel, Authentically Izzy, debuts in November with Thomas Nelson. She loves connecting with readers and other authors through social media outlets like Facebook & Instagram.
You can learn more about Pepper and her books on her website at www.pepperdbasham.com
EDIE MELSON – Edie uses the truths God has taught her as an author, photographer, and blogger to encourage others. She’s learned to embrace the ultimate contradiction of being an organized creative. As a sought-after speaker, she’s empowered and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others call on God’s strength during challenging times, often using creativity to empower this connection. She also knows the necessity of Soul Care and leads retreats, conferences, and workshops on ways to use creativity to help strengthen our connection with God. Her blog, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands and has been on the Writer’s Digest Top 101 Sites for Writers since 2017. As a proven social media expert, she’s worked with clients that range from authors and speakers to business and ministry leaders. Her bestselling eBook on this subject, has been updated, expanded and re-released in 2025 as Social Media for Today’s Writer. She’s also the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and board member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She and husband Kirk have been married 43+ years with three grown sons and four grandchildren. They live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and can often be found with their big black dog hiking the mountains. Connect with her at www.EdieMelson.com and through social media.
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Lynette Eason is the best-selling, award-winning author of over sixty-five books and an agent with the Steve Laube Agency. She writes for Revell and Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line. Her books have appeared on the CBA, ECPA, Publisher’s Weekly, Parable, and USA Today’s bestseller lists. She has won several awards including the Carol Award, Christian Retailing’s Best, the Holt Medallion, the Selah, Killer Nashville’s Readers’ choice award, and more. Herbook, Her Stolen Past, made into a Lifetime Movie Network movie, aired in February 2018. Lynette is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Mystery Writers of America (MWA), International Thriller Writers (ITW), and Faith, Hope, and Love. Lynette can be found online at www.lynetteeason.com and www.facebook.com/lynette.eason and @lynetteeason on Twitter.
Edwina Perkins is the assistant director of Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She is also the coordinator for Mentoring Moments and the manager for Sensitivity Between the Lines, both with Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Edwina is the managing editor for Harambee Press, an imprint of End Game Press. As a longtime member of Word Weavers International, she now serves as a member of the advisory board. Edwina is an award-winning writer, experienced teacher, speaker, freelance editor, and a sensitivity reader and has been published in numerous publications. One of her passions is to address the need for sensitivity and diversity in the publishing industry.
Larry Leech – Usually with a hot beverage nearby, Larry J. Leech II spends his days working with words—as a writing coach of award-winning authors and Acquisitions Editor and Master Book Coach at Illumify Media. More than forty years ago, Larry started his career as a sportswriter in southwestern Pennsylvania where he covered prep sports, college sports, and the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers. In 2004, after 2,300 published articles, Larry shifted to book publishing. Since that time, he has ghostwritten thirty-four books, edited more than 500 manuscripts, and coached hundreds of authors through the writing and publication process. For nearly two decades Larry has taught at numerous general market and inspirational conferences nationwide. When he has a minute, Larry likes to hang out on Facebook and Instagram. You can also find out more about him on his website: larryleech.com.
Sarah Loudin Thomas grew up on a 100-acre farm in French Creek, WV, the seventh generation to live there. Her historical fiction is set in West Virginia and celebrates the people, the land, and the heritage of Appalachia. Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Coastal Carolina University and is the author of the acclaimed novels The Right Kind of Fool–winner of the 2021 Selah Book of the Year–and Miracle in a Dry Season–winner of the 2015 Inspy Award. Sarah has also been a finalist for the Christy Award, ACFW Carol Award and the Christian Book of the Year Award. She and her husband live in western North Carolina where she is the director of author Jan Karon’s Mitford Museum. Learn more at www.SarahLoudinThomas.com.
Ann Tatlock has been involved in the publishing industry since 1987 in a number of roles: magazine editor, novelist, children’s book author, online writing mentor, conference speaker/teacher, managing editor of LPC’s Heritage Beacon historical fiction, and now as a freelance editor. Her novels have received numerous awards, including the Christy Award, the Selah Award, and the Midwest Book Award. Twice, she has taught the J-term at Taylor University’s School of Professional Writing. She makes her home in Raleigh, NC, where she spends her happiest hours in the role of “Gubba” to her four-year-old granddaughter, Ellie.
Lori Marett‘s screenwriting career began two decades ago when she won and/or was finalist for many regional and national screenplay contests. Her first adaptation of one of her mother’s early novels, author Yvonne Lehman’s In Shady Groves, received awards and acclaim which opened the door for Lori to adapt Hollywood producer Ken Wales’ novel, Sea of Glory, for the screen. Continuing to hone her craft as a screenwriter paid off and her first feature film, Meant To Be, was released in December of 2012 by Pure Flix. In 2019, Lori’s adaptation of Deborah Raney’s novel, Beneath a Southern Sky (co-written with Kay Mortimer) was optioned. Lori has had writing success beyond her scripts, having articles and short stories appear in many publications. Working as a story consultant and script coach, she is highly sought out by best-selling novelists for brainstorming, insights, and her expertise in story construction. Upon the passing of Yvonne in 2021, Lori joined forces with Cindy Sproles to continue Writing Right Author Mentoring Services (WRAMS), a service which Cindy and Yvonne started years ago to aid writers in their journey to publication. Lori also mentors beginning and advanced novelists and screenwriters at several writer’s conferences which includes one of her favorites, the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Lori directs The Gideon Film Festival.
If there’s one thing Heather Kreke believes, it’s that hope belongs, even in the most broken worlds. Her stories blend survival and heartache with a sharp wit that keeps readers laughing even when the world’s on fire. An award-winning author, writing coach, and editor, she helps other writers bring their stories to life while continuing to build her own. Heather has over five years of experience self-publishing through KDP, coaching authors through the entire process, from manuscript to launch, and managing successful Amazon Ads campaigns that get books in front of the right readers. When she’s not writing, she’s likely sipping coffee with cream, cheering on her daughters, or pretending her archery gear is just for ‘research.’
Denise Loock is the owner of Lightning Editing Services. As a freelance editor, she helps published and unpublished writers create clean, concise, and compelling manuscripts that will attract publishers and intrigue readers. She has edited numerous award-winning books, including Carol Stratton’s Lake Surrender contemporary women’s fiction series and Craig von Buseck’s I Am Cyrus: Harry S. Truman and the Rebirth of Israel. She teaches online courses for The PEN Institute, a division of the Christian Editors Association, and she was the director of PENCON, the only annual conference for Christian proofreaders and editors from 2020–2025. Contact her at denise@
Andrea Merrell is a writer, blogger, and professional freelance editor. She is an associate editor with www.ChristianDevotions.us and teaches workshops on writing and editing. Andrea has been published in numerous anthologies, magazines, and online venues and is the award-winning author of Praying for the Prodigal, Marriage: Make It or Break It, and Murder of a Manuscript. As an editor, her mission is to empower others to tell their story well. Her passion is to support others, speak truth, and shine light—one word at a time. Contact her at www.AndreaMerrell.com. For tips on both writing and editing, visit www.TheWriteEditing.com.
Terri Kelly is the author of Ida Scudder Missionary Doctor and Mary Slessor Missionary Mother. As a writer, she has contributed to multiple compilations, including Divine Moments, Stupid Moments, Additional Christmas Moments, Faith and Family, and Spirit and Heart. In addition to numerous online publications, she has published articles in multiple magazines including, Clubhouse, WHOA Magazine, Kids’Ark Magazine, and Asheville Lifestyles. Terri teaches at writing conferences and is assistant director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Follow Terri at: amazon.com/stores/Terri-B.-Kelly/author/B00JAGAE24
Instagram: @terri.b.kelly Twitter: @tkellyteaches Facebook: Terri Kelly
Cindy Sproles – Cindy K. Sproles is the Cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries. She is an author, popular speaker, and conference teacher. Cindy is the Executive Editor of ChristianDevotions.us Her devotions are published widely in Christian newspapers across the eastern seaboard. Cindy is the author of three Appalachian historical award-winning, best-selling novels. She is an IndieFab Book of the Year winner and a Golden Scroll Book of the Year winner. She is a certified life coach and mentor. Cindy is the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Cindy is married and is the mom to four adult sons and two gransons. She is proud of her Appalachian heritage and doesn’t mind when people tease her about her accent. Visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com.
Eddie Jones is an award-winning author, veteran writing instructor, and publishing industry expert dedicated to helping writers bring their stories to life. As the co-founder of Christian Devotions Ministries and former CEO of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, Eddie has guided countless authors through the process of writing, publishing, and marketing their books. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Eddie’s expertise spans traditional, hybrid, and indie publishing models. His vast knowledge in creating and managing Amazon ads, combined with his deep knowledge of AI-driven writing and publishing strategies, empowers authors to craft books that connect with readers. Oh, and he’s a reformed pirate who sails with Jesus.
Andrea Merrell – Editor
Bob Hostetler – Author/Agent/ Laube Agency
Lynette Eason – Author/Agent Laube Agency
Cindy Sproles – Editor / Mentor/ WRAMS Writing Coach
Eddie Jones – Writers’ Coach / Author
Denise Loock – Editor
Edie Melson – Author / Writer / Mentor
Edwina Perkins – Editor
Larry J. Leech II – Author / Writer / Mentor
Sarah Loudin Thomas – Author / Writer / Mentor
Martin Wiles – ChristianDevotions.us
Lori Marett - WRAMS Writing Coach/Screenplays
Ann Tatlock – Fiction & Non-fiction / Editor/ Coach
We could not manage things without our amazing staff and their wonderful gifts and talents.
Director – Cindy Sproles
Asst. Director, schedules, and appointments – Terri Kelly
Bookstore Manager – Bennie Jones
Bookstore Assistant / Conferee Care Representative – Wendy Leech
Contest Directors – Sarah Loudin Thomas & Andrea Merrell
