
West Coast
Christian Writers
WHERE WRITERS THRIVE
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 18 – 20, 2023
Roseville, California
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 (Pre-Conference Day–CREWs only)
8 am Faculty meeting (CREW leaders only)
8:15-9 am Doors open, registration
9 am-12 pm CREWs meet, with 15-minute break midway
12-1:30 pm Lunch break. Bag lunch or eat off campus
1:30-4:30 pm CREWs meet, with 15-minute break midway
Thursday, October 19, 2023
8:15-9 am Doors open, registration Lobby
9-10:15 am General session #1 Sanctuary
10:30-11:15 am Workshop #1
Trends in Publishing and Platform—Mary DeMuth Sanctuary
Body Language–The Ultimate Show Don’t Tell—Tara Johnson The Grounds
Key Elements of Telling your Hard Story—Debbie Alsdorf The Yard
Becoming an Author-preneur—Keri Wyatt Kent Classroom 1
Developing a Writing Voice—Joseph Bentz Classroom 2
7 Secrets to Presenting Yourself as an Author Classroom 3 Cindi McMenamin
11:45 am-12:30 pm Workshop #2
A Content Creator’s Guide to Making Money and an Impact Sanctuary Kathi Lipp
Newbie in a Nutshell—Sami Abrams The Grounds
Test Your Premise—Ginny Yttrup The Yard
Design Your Reader’s Journey—Jan Kern Classroom 1
Representation Matters: Writing Multicultural Books for Kids Classroom 2 Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young
Becoming a L.O.U.D. Speaker: Turning up the volume of events
Classroom 3 Amberly Neese
12:30-1:30 pm Lunch on campus; may eat off campus if desired
1:30-2:15 pm Workshop #3
Authors & Agents: Inside this Important Partnership Sanctuary Rachelle Gardner
Under the Tent—Unveiling Structure to Unleash Your Story The Grounds Sarah Sundin
Pitch Like a Pro: Tips for Pitching Articles & Essays The Yard Chanté Griffin
Make Your Children’s Book Sparkle, Shine, and Sell Classroom 1 Sharon Norris Elliott
Devotionals, A Great Place to Start—Jon Drury Classroom 2
You’ve Been Framed—Marci Seither Classroom 3
2:15-2:45 pm Coffee break
2:45-3:30 pm Workshop #4
Why So Much Detail?—Bret Lott Sanctuary
Writing for Focus on the Family—Rachel Pfeiffer The Grounds
Anatomy of a Query and Book Proposal—Michelle Ule The Yard
5 Fiction Techniques That Will Bring Your Nonfiction to Life Classroom 1 Jeanette Hanscome
Magically Creating Time to Write—Deb Gruelle Classroom 2
Hooks That Won’t Let Go—Bob Hostetler Classroom 3
Writing Can be so “Taxing”—Chris Morris Classroom 61
4-5 pm Round tables
Friday, October 20, 2023
8-9 am Doors open
9-10:15 am General session #2 Sanctuary
10:30-11:15 am Workshop #5
From Query to Publication (and Everything in Between) Sanctuary Rachelle Gardner
Character Wounds—Tara Johnson The Grounds
Theology for Writers—Susy Flory The Yard
Tested Tips for Writing Devotionals that Sing Classroom 1 Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young
Newsletters Without Tears—Lisa Bogart Classroom 2
Memoir Writing: Taking Your Story a Step Further Classroom 3 Cindi McMenamin
11:45 am-12:30 pm Workshop #6
The Power and Responsibility of Writing as a Christian Sanctuary Lance Hahn
Edge of Your Seat Scenes: Suspense and Action The Grounds Sami Abrams
From Brainstorm to Book Launch—Sarah Barnum The Yard
Writing for Mainstream Magazines: How to Break In Classroom 1 Chanté Griffin
Chronically Creative: Balance Writing with Mental Illness Classroom 2 Chris Morris
Basics of Non-Fiction Structure—Debbie Alsdorf Classroom 3
12:30-1:30 pm Lunch on campus; may eat off campus if desired
1:30-2:15 pm Workshop #7
On Precision—Bret Lott Sanctuary
Other Than a Book: Ways to Use Your Talents—Michelle Ule The Grounds
Screenwriting 101—David Hyde The Yard
Ten Lies About Writing—Tim Riter Classroom 1
Making Your Children’s Book Memorable—Deb Gruelle Classroom 2
Finding Your Platform—Bob Hostetler Classroom 3
2:15-2:45 pm Coffee break
2:45-4 pm General session #3 Sanctuary
2023 Conference
October 18 – 20, 2023
Writers on the Move
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
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