Check out our Workshop Lineup & Descriptions Below!

Workshop Schedule 10-08-26Download

Workshop Descriptions

(Listed Alphabetically by Speaker’s First Name)

Ann Roecker
Writing Apologetics Fiction to Impact a Generation
In this lively workshop best-selling YA author Ann Roecker introduces us to apologetics fiction as a thought-provoking read, a tool for innovative evangelism, and a way to navigate tough conversations with tough people about faith. She will share what apologetics fiction is; why it matters more than ever; evidence of impact; and how to appreciate it, write it, and use it to transform conversations. Check out The Revelation of Emery Audubon, Ann’s award-winning apologetics fiction, at www.annroecker.com.

Becky Van Vleet
What is a Hero?
Becky Van Vleet’s interactive workshop, designed for ages 12 and up, explores the question, “What is a hero?” through the values demonstrated by the Greatest Generation during World War II. In connection with her novel, Unintended Hero, participants will examine how ordinary American citizens became heroic through sacrifice, teamwork, and patriotism. Encouraging engaging discussions, this presentation shows that heroism is not limited to acts of bravery in battle—it can also mean serving others, persevering through hardship, and placing a shared purpose over personal comfort.

Beth Vogt
What was the (Story) Question?
Like gasoline for a car, your novel’s Story Question fuels your story and helps you avoid stalling out, wondering what to write next. In this workshop, Beth explains:

Bethany Turner
Raising Readers: Why It Matters More Than Ever
In a world filled with screens, books still have the power to shape hearts, minds, and imaginations. Join award-winning novelist Bethany Turner for a fun and encouraging conversation about raising readers, fostering a love of books, and helping children (and adults) discover the power of story. Along the way, Bethany will share personal memories and lessons from her own reading (and writing) journey, and show how great stories can nurture empathy, character, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of truth. 

Bryan Canter
A Book Marketing Strategy for Independent Fiction Authors
Book marketing works best when it is a strategy, not a collection of disconnected tips and tactics. In this workshop, independent fiction authors will learn how to build a practical marketing framework beginning with strong publishing fundamentals and the infrastructure needed to support long-term sales. We’ll then look at two complementary kinds of marketing: pulses, such as launches, promotions, and special events, and sustainment, the ongoing activities that keep books visible between those moments. I’ll also share my own marketing strategy as an example of how authors can build an effective system without relying on social media or a constant stream of newsletters.

Gregg Bridgeman
He said/She said: Crafting Super Realistic Dialogue
Writers often spend quality time crafting character descriptions to make them look unique in the mind of the reader. Unfortunately, they often end up sounding exactly the same. Gregg Bridgeman provides literally hundreds of practical techniques to make each character sound as unique as they look.

Hallee Bridgeman
Writing Realistic Christian Fiction
We live in a fallen world filled with secular entertainment that entertains millions of fans a day. How can an author write with a Christian worldview, with true-to-life characters and still be relevant in today’s world? Join Hallee Bridgeman as she dissects how to reach a Christian market with real characters, inspiring stories, and entertaining plots without compromising Christian values.

Jan Wilkenson, LPC, RPT
Divorce Touches Us All
“Divorce Touches Us All” is a presentation addressing the far-reaching consequences of divorce.  Having many years in private practice as a Play Therapist working with Divorced and Separated families, Jan approaches this difficult topic through the lens of real-life experiences and practical insights.  She will suggest proactive ways for those experiencing it firsthand to find support and healing for themselves and their children. Knowing the far-reaching effect of divorce, she will also discuss ways extended family members and others in the community can effectively support and show proactive compassion and understanding. “Divorce, with all its difficulties, hardships, loss, and heartbreak, can be a time when beauty actually comes from ashes…” a quote from Jan’s book, “Proactive Parenting During & After Divorce, A Play Therapist’s Guide.”

Katrina Glover
Maximize Your Author Website
This course will target established authors who are not utilizing their platform to its best potential. We will review the importance of author branding, pages every author should have, how to integrate a newsletter service, SEO and more. The goal is to get rid of the “this is too hard” stigma that many authors feel when it comes to their website and help them maximize their sites potential.

Katy Lee
Writing the Sweet Sensational Novel, Writing the Five Senses
Amping up the senses leads to building up the situations in your stories, which leads to building up a novel that leaves the reader breathless. “Make ’em laugh, make ’em cry, make ’em wait” was advice offered by a variety of writers including Charles Dickens and Nora Roberts, both who have understood the power of the five senses and how to leverage them effectively—no matter what the genre. It’s a particularly valuable skill within the “tamer” lines where the senses may be all the author has to play with. This is not a workshop on how to write a sweet romance, but rather it is a workshop on how to push the emotional limits while still following one’s “guidelines.”

Kristen Thibodeau
Speaking Life Leads to Abundant Living
Come learn the origin of speaking life, learn how to do it, and discover the necessity for every human in order to thrive. Together, we’ll identify how well we are already using our words for healing versus destruction. This workshop is for ages 12+ and sponsored by The Speak Life Project, Inc.

Peter Harris
God Created Us to Heal
“God Created Us to Heal” is an encouraging workshop about the body’s God-given ability to adapt, recover, and move toward health. We will explore how the nervous system, healthy habits, movement, rest, nutrition, and mindset work together to support the body’s natural healing process. This talk will also discuss how chiropractic care may help remove interference and support optimal communication between the brain and body. Attendees will leave with practical, faith-centered principles they can apply to better care for their health and live with greater purpose, energy, and resilience.

Scott Pilcher
Becoming a Love and Logic Parent
I am very excited to share this information with motivated parents who are take their job very seriously and want to learn more about the Love and Logic program. Parents will be given two Love and Logic formulas that will empower them and help them understand where behavioral problems start.  We will discuss how parents can build more responsible behaviors in 4 easy steps. We will discuss the 4 key ingredients that will allow parents to be successful. Parents will leave with a great understanding of the program and how to immediately implement the techniques for powerful results.