Speakers & Worship Leader
Special Guest Keynote Speaker
David A. R. White
David A.R. White is a storyteller by nature. He tells many stories through his acting, producing and filmmaking. David has been building his career in the film industry for more than 20 years. As a founding partner of Pure Flix in 2005, David’s career hit new heights in 2014 with the release of the Pure Flix film God’s Not Dead, in which he also starred became one of the TOP 10 most successful films of all time.
David was raised in a small Mennonite farming town outside of Dodge City, Kansas but moved to Los Angeles at the age of 19. Since then, he has starred in over 25 feature-length films, including the 4 movies in the God’s Not Dead Franchise, and many others.
David’s latest film, God’s Not Dead…We the People is released through Universal. David’s first book, Between Heaven and Hollywood released by Zondervan/Harper Collins. The Book gives audiences a more complete, wide-reaching picture of how one can achieve his dreams in an ever changing culture.
Worship Leader
Todd Tilghman
Todd is most well known as the winner of the 18th Season of NBC’s “The Voice”. Todd describes his music as “slice of life”. He shares real lyrics about real life and faith, often finding it challenging to squeeze inside a particular genre.
A native and resident of Meridian, Mississippi, Todd pastored Cornerstone Church in Meridian for several years prior to pursuing a full-time music career. Todd has been married to his high school sweetheart, Brooke, since 1998. The couple have eight children.
Todd and Brooke, together with Tricia Goyer, authored the book, Every Little Win: How Celebrating Small Victories Can Lead to Big Joy, which was published in 2021.
Additional Keynote Speaker
Robynne Miller
Robynne Elizabeth Miller holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction and Fiction and a B.A. in English Literature. She is the author of ten books and countless articles, including Finding Common Ground: One Octogenarian’s Quest to Help our Nation Heal and The Three Faces of Nellie.
Along with speaking nationally, Robynne teaches writing via online and in-person events such as writers’ conferences, workshops, and retreats.
Robynne serves as the board president of Inspire as well as the Director of the Vision Christian Writers Conference at Mount Hermon.
She’s a writing and publishing coach, editor, and mentor for both traditionally published and self-published authors. She’s passionate about helping writers bring their stories and messages into the world. Robynne is agented with Books & Such.
Additional Keynote Speaker
Mary DeMuth
Mary DeMuth is literary agent, international speaker, podcaster, and she’s the novelist and nonfiction author of over forty books, including Love, Pray, Listen (Bethany 2022). She loves to help people re-story their lives.
She lives in Texas with her husband of 31 years and is the mom to three adult children. Find out more at marydemuth.com. Be prayed for on her daily prayer podcast with 2 million downloads: prayeveryday.show. For sexual abuse resources, visit wetoo.org. For cards, prints, and artsy fun go to marydemuth.com/art. Find out what she’s looking for as a literary agent at marydemuthliterary.com.
Additional Keynote Speaker
James L. Rubart
James L. Rubart is 28 years old, but lives trapped inside an older man’s body. He thinks he’s still young enough to water ski like a madman and dirt bike with his two grown sons. He’s the best-selling, Christy Hall of Fame, CAROL, INSPY, and RT Book Reviews award-winning author of ten novels and loves to send readers on mind-bending spiritual journeys they’ll remember months after finishing one of his stories. He grew up in the Seattle area, graduating with a degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Washington.
In his spare time he likes to hike, play guitar, practice sleight of hand, golf, bike, and scuba dive. No, he doesn’t sleep much. He’s also a branding expert, speaker, audio book narrator, and co-founder with his son, Taylor, of the Rubart Writing Academy. He lives with his amazing wife on a small lake in eastern Washington. More at jamesLrubart.com.
Guest Pastor
Bob Hostetler
Bob Hostetler is an award-winning author, literary agent, and international speaker from Nevada. His more than fifty books, which include the award-winning Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door (co-authored with Josh McDowell) and The Bard and the Bible: A Shakespeare Devotional, have sold millions of copies.
Bob is an agent with the Steve Laube Agency (www.stevelaube.com) and the executive director of the Christian Writers Institute (www.christianwritersinstitute.com). As a speaker, Bob presents regularly at writer’s conferences, pastor gatherings, church and marriage retreats, and men’s events.
He was the founding pastor of Cobblestone Community Church in Oxford, Ohio, where he served from 2000-2010. He and his wife, the lovely Robin, have two grown children who have given them five perfect grandchildren. He lives in southern Nevada.
Major Morning Track Faculty
Cindy Coloma
Memoir
Cindy Coloma is a bestselling author with over twenty-five books that include Christy Award finalists, ECPA bestsellers, RT Reader’s Choice finalists, and Library Journal’s best books. As a co-author, Cindy has worked with celebrities, musicians, non-profits, politicians, U.S. government officials, and a particular favorite – a former KGB spy. One project is in production as a Hollywood motion picture.
For over twenty years, Cindy has enjoyed hanging out with writers. She co-founded Quills of Faith Writers Group and has coached in memoir, fiction, non-fiction, and corporate writing one-on-one and at conferences globally. She is on the Board of Directors for Media Associates International, a non-profit that equips global publishers and writers to create excellent content that enriches the Church and influences society.
Cindy and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest where she works at Microsoft as a storyteller and exec comms manager for the chief digital officer. Cindy has five children (ages eight to thirty-one) and two grandsons – her most cherished accomplishment of all.
Jesse Florea
Writing for Children
(1 Session)
Jesse Florea has worked at Focus on the Family for nearly 30 years. For the past 25, he’s been the editor of Focus on the Family Clubhouse magazine (for boys and girls ages 8 to 12) and is currently the senior editorial director for youth publications where he oversees Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. magazines. He co-hosts the biweekly “Official Adventures in Odyssey podcast” that often exceeds 1 million listeners and the weekly “Official Average Boy podcast” with Christian comedian Bob Smiley. He has written or co-written more than 40 books (including the Defend Your Faith children’s apologetics Bible, The Case for Christ Young Readers edition, The Case for Heaven for Young Readers, The One Year Father-Daughter Devotions, The One Year Devotions for Active Boys, and The One Year Devos for Sports Fans). He earned bachelor and master’s degrees in communications from Wheaton College, Ill. He and his wife, Stephanie, enjoy hanging out in Colorado Springs with their two adult children, their spouses and their two grandchildren. Tricia Goyer
Fiction (Team)
(1 Session)
Tricia Goyer is author of more than 80 books, she writes both fiction and nonfiction related to family and parenting. This USA-Today Best-selling Author has also won two Carol Awards and a Retailer’s Best Award. She was also an ECPA Silver-Medallion Winner and a Christy Award Nominee.
Tricia is a beloved author of World War Two fiction, as well, having written the bestselling Big Sky and Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors Amish series. She has spoken at events such as MomCon, Raising Generations, and Teach Them Diligently conferences and is host of the podcast, The Tricia Goyer Show. Tricia loves teaching others how to write and get published through WriteThatBook.Club.
A homeschooling mom of ten, including seven by adoption, Tricia is also a grandmother to many and wife to John. With a busy life, she understands the importance of making every word count. Tracy Higley
Professional Track
Tracy Higley has been attempting to time travel through the pages of books since she was a child. She started her first story at the age of eight, and has since authored nearly twenty books, including the acclaimed Seven Wonders Series, and the Time Travel Journals of Sahara Aldridge.
She earned a Master’s Degree in Ancient and Classical History, and has traveled to Egypt, Greece, Jordan, Israel, Italy, and Turkey, researching her books and falling into adventures. Peruse her travel journals and learn more fascinating history at www.tracyhigley.com.
Linda Howard
Writing for Children
(3 Sessions)
Linda Howard is Associate Publisher for Children and Youth at Tyndale House Publishers. She brings an extensive background working with children and children’s products to her role including teaching, marketing, and product development for several brands. Linda currently leads the kids’ team, developing overall strategy for Tyndale Children and Youth, acquiring projects, and overseeing product development of all books. She has also worked in the marketing arena and built strong relationships with several of Tyndale’s publishing partners. She oversees the Compassion International Publishing partnership and has worked with best-selling authors Ann Voskamp, Mike Nawrocki, Amy Parker, John Ortberg, Esau McCaulley, and more.
Linda’s enthusiasm and passion for bringing children to a deeper understanding of Christ is what drives her acquisitions choices. Helping authors to publish and shape products that start children on a path to spiritual maturity is a responsibility she takes seriously, and she is grateful for the opportunity to serve. Tara Johnson
Fiction (Team)
(1 Session)
Tara Johnson is an author and speaker, and loves to write stories that help people break free from the lies they believe about themselves. Tara’s debut novel, Engraved on the Heart, earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly, and was a finalist in the Carol and Christy awards.
In addition to being published in a variety of digital and print magazines, she has been a featured guest on Voice of Truth radio, Enduring Word radio, television and podcasts. She is a history nerd, especially the Civil War, and adores making people laugh. She, her husband, and children live in Arkansas.
Robynne Miller
Fiction (Team)
(1 Session)
Robynne Elizabeth Miller holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction and Fiction and a B.A. in English Literature. She is the author of ten books and countless articles, including Finding Common Ground: One Octogenarian’s Quest to Help our Nation Heal and The Three Faces of Nellie.
Along with speaking nationally, Robynne teaches writing via online and in-person events such as writers’ conferences, workshops, and retreats.
Robynne serves as the board president of Inspire as well as the Director of the Vision Christian Writers Conference at Mount Hermon.
She’s a writing and publishing coach, editor, and mentor for both traditionally published and self-published authors. She’s passionate about helping writers bring their stories and messages into the world. Robynne is agented with Books & Such.
James L. Rubart
Professional Track & Fiction Track
(1 Session of Fiction Track)
James L. Rubart is 28 years old, but lives trapped inside an older man’s body. He thinks he’s still young enough to water ski like a madman and dirt bike with his two grown sons. He’s the best-selling, Christy Hall of Fame, CAROL, INSPY, and RT Book Reviews award winning author of ten novels and loves to send readers on mind-bending spiritual journeys they’ll remember months after finishing one of his stories. He grew up in the Seattle area, graduating with a degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Washington.
In his spare time he likes to hike, play guitar, practice sleight of hand, golf, bike, and scuba dive. No, he doesn’t sleep much. He’s also a branding expert, speaker, audio book narrator, and co-founder with his son, Taylor, of the Rubart Writing Academy. He lives with his amazing wife on a small lake in eastern Washington. More at jamesLrubart.com.
Marci Seither
Short Form Nonfiction
Marci Seither’s writing career began after her humor article was published in a small-town newspaper. Since then she has written hundreds of articles for local papers as well as Guideposts, Light & Life, and Focus On The Family. She is the author of two books and her latest book with Tyndale Publishers will be released in May 2022.
Besides writing, she enjoys drone flying, teaching workshops, speaking, food photography, canning, and anything that involves using real butter. Her biggest joy, besides being married to John and raising six kiddos, is being grandma to six of the cutest kids in the western hemisphere.
She recently moved from CA to Gallatin, TN where she has successfully learned to make the perfect Southern Style biscuits.
Mentoring Faculty
Kim Bangs
For more than 30 years, Kim, has worked in the publishing industry. She began as an editorial assistant in the Gospel Light curriculum department and a few years later moved to the Regal Books division as the assistant to the Publisher. She has also served Regal as an author relations manager, contracts manager, and acquisitions and publishing director. In 2014, Kim joined Baker as a senior acquisitions editor.
As the current Editorial Director for Chosen Books, Kim continues her work with authors acquiring books and in book development.
Kim states, “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the rich heritage of Chosen Books and Christian publishing. In my expanded role, I will continue working with the authors I dearly admire, meet and work with new authors, and also work with the team to develop a vision for growth and expansion in the years to come.”
Bob Hostetler
Bob Hostetler is an award-winning author, literary agent, and international speaker from Nevada. His more than fifty books, which include the award-winning Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door (co-authored with Josh McDowell) and The Bard and the Bible: A Shakespeare Devotional, have sold millions of copies.
Bob is an agent with the Steve Laube Agency (www.stevelaube.com) and the executive director of the Christian Writers Institute (www.christianwritersinstitute.com). As a speaker, Bob presents regularly at writer’s conferences, pastor gatherings, church and marriage retreats, and men’s events.
He was the founding pastor of Cobblestone Community Church in Oxford, Ohio, where he served from 2000-2010. He and his wife, the lovely Robin, have two grown children who have given them five perfect grandchildren. He lives in southern Nevada.
Rachel McRae
Rachel McRae serves as senior acquisitions editor at Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group. She fell in love with Christian publishing in college and went on to spend 19 years with LifeWay Christian Stores working in a variety of roles, however Senior Book Buyer was her favorite.
Since joining Revell in 2018, she’s been acquiring fiction and nonfiction books and loves working with authors to get their words in print and in the hands of readers.
Rachel lives in Nashville, Tennessee where she can usually be found on a nearby trail or greenway, working with her nonprofit, watching football, or with her nose in a book.
Not acquiring: YA Fiction, Fantasy or Speculative Fiction, Memoir
Karen Neumair
Karen Neumair is a Senior Literary Agent and the Chief Operating Officer of Credo Communications, where she assists authors with their book proposals and connects them with potential publishers.
Since 2009, she has worked alongside nonfiction authors who write about Christian living and Spiritual Growth, as well as topics geared toward women and families.
In 2017, she expanded her representation to also include picture and board books.
Cynthia Ruchti
Cynthia Ruchti serves as a Senior Literary Agent with Books & Such Literary Management, representing a wide range of authors writing for the Christian market. She also serves as professional relations liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers. Her own books—both fiction and nonfiction—have garnered industry honors from Retailers’ Choice, Readers’ Choice, and Reviewer’s Choice awards, as well as Selah and Carol Awards and two Christy nominations.
Her tagline is: “I can’t unravel. I’m hemmed in hope.” That shows up on the page as well as in speaking events and as an undercurrent for every day and every challenge. As a literary agent, she is interested in finely crafted stories, whether fiction or nonfiction, from authors who understand their audiences well and the art of resonating with readers. When she’s not writing or guiding and advocating for other writers, she’s engaged in life-long learning (from archaeology to homegrown remedies for tomato blight to Scandinavian—or any other country’s—charcuterie to bassoon concertos) and music appreciation.
She and her grade-school sweetheart husband live in the heart of Wisconsin’s cranberry bogs and forests, not far from their three children and six (to-date) grandchildren. You can connect with her at cynthia@booksandsuch.com or cynthiaruchti.com.
Mick Silva
Mick is an author coach, speaker, writer, and editor of over 20 years, including new acquisitions for Focus on the Family, WaterBrook Multnomah, and Zondervan. Freelancing since 2010, he’s worked with memoirists, novelists, pastors, counselors, and many amazing moms and dads–including a few bestsellers. But he’s proud of them all. His first co-authored ebook is on the art of writing inspirational memoir, and he writes about the wild world of editing and publishing at MickSilva.com.
Editor of memoir, narrative nonfiction, and “personal-story-based-
Specialty Faculty
Tricia Goyer
Tricia Goyer is author of more than 80 books, she writes both fiction and nonfiction related to family and parenting. This USA-Today Best-selling Author has also won two Carol Awards and a Retailer’s Best Award. She was also an ECPA Silver-Medallion Winner and a Christy Award Nominee.
Tricia is a beloved author of World War Two fiction, as well, having written the bestselling Big Sky and Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors Amish series. She has spoken at events such as MomCon, Raising Generations, and Teach Them Diligently conferences and is host of the podcast, The Tricia Goyer Show. Tricia loves teaching others how to write and get published through WriteThatBook.Club.
A homeschooling mom of ten, including seven by adoption, Tricia is also a grandmother to many and wife to John. With a busy life, she understands the importance of making every word count.
Workshop Faculty
Leann Barna
Leann Barna is the Associate Director of Business Development for Big Idea Content Group at NBCUniversal. Previously, she worked as the Head of Development for Pure Flix / Pinnacle Peak Pictures, as a Disney story analyst, and in programming for the Downtown Los Angeles Film Festival.
She holds an M.A. in Cinema/Screenwriting and in Biblical Studies from Regent University.
Leann lives in the mountains of Southern California with her family.
Bob Hostetler
Bob Hostetler is an award-winning author, literary agent, and international speaker from Nevada. His more than fifty books, which include the award-winning Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door (co-authored with Josh McDowell) and The Bard and the Bible: A Shakespeare Devotional, have sold millions of copies.
Bob is an agent with the Steve Laube Agency (www.stevelaube.com) and the executive director of the Christian Writers Institute (www.christianwritersinstitute.com). As a speaker, Bob presents regularly at writer’s conferences, pastor gatherings, church and marriage retreats, and men’s events.
He was the founding pastor of Cobblestone Community Church in Oxford, Ohio, where he served from 2000-2010. He and his wife, the lovely Robin, have two grown children who have given them five perfect grandchildren. He lives in southern Nevada.
Robynne Miller
Robynne Elizabeth Miller holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction and Fiction and a B.A. in English Literature. She is the author of ten books and countless articles, including Finding Common Ground: One Octogenarian’s Quest to Help our Nation Heal and The Three Faces of Nellie.
Along with speaking nationally, Robynne teaches writing via online and in-person events such as writers’ conferences, workshops, and retreats.
Robynne serves as the board president of Inspire as well as the Director of the Vision Christian Writers Conference at Mount Hermon.
She’s a writing and publishing coach, editor, and mentor for both traditionally published and self-published authors. She’s passionate about helping writers bring their stories and messages into the world. Robynne is agented with Books & Such.
Annette Whipple
Annette Whipple celebrates curiosity and inspires a sense of wonder while exciting readers about science and history. She’s the author of more than a dozen fact-filled children’s books including The Laura Ingalls Wilder Companion: A Chapter-by-Chapter Guide (Chicago Review Press, 2020), The Truth About series including Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs (Reycraft Books, 2022), and Wild Wonders: Animal Devotions for Kids (Tyndale, 2024). She also writes for magazines such as Highlights for Children, as well as Sunday school and classroom materials. It delights Annette to connect with readers and writers through author visits, conferences, and on-line—even Twitter.
When Annette’s not reading or writing, you might find her hiking a trail or baking for her family in Pennsylvania. Get to know her and explore her resources at www.AnnetteWhipple.com.
Non-Teaching Faculty
Shadia Hrichi
Shadia Hrichi is a passionate Bible teacher, author, and speaker who loves seeing lives transformed by the power of God’s Word. Shadia has received a master’s in Biblical and Theological Studies from Western Seminary as well as a master’s in Criminal Justice from the State University of New York.
Shadia has published over 30 articles and is the author of a number of Bible studies, including Tamar, Legion, Hagar, and Worthy of Love and speaks at churches, conferences, and women’s events.
Shadia will be representing Leafwood Publishers. Her primary area of specialty is Bible Study and will be taking appointments for Bible study and nonfiction (Christian life, theology, Bible study, biblical self-help)
Steven Hutson
Steven Hutson is a native of Los Angeles, a child of the 1960s, and a storyteller almost from birth. But like most writers, he kept boring day jobs to pay the bills. In time, he had a couple of books published. After several years of freelance editing and directing a writers’ conference, he branched out as a literary agent in early 2011. He has placed his clients’ works with Dutton, Potomac Books, Harlequin, Thomas Nelson, Faithwords, Elk Lake, Kregel, Baker Books, Writer’s Digest Books, and others. Several clients have won prestigious awards, in both the Christian and general markets. @wordwiselit wordwisemedia.com
Steve can handle almost any genre except short stories, poetry, picture books, horror, or screenplays. He lives in the High Desert of Southern California with his wife, Ruth, herself an accomplished fiction editor. He speaks frequently at writers’ events across the country.
Adjunct Faculty
Denise Barela
Denise Barela’s passion for fiction, her faith, and general creativity define her life. In all things, she strives to glorify God in and through her writing. She has spent the past six years working for a publicity company and five years working as the head editor for a publishing company.
With an MFA in Creative Writing and a Professional Writing certificate, Denise enjoys using her education and work experiences to help authors achieve their own writing dreams. When she’s not working away at her desk, you might find her reading a good book or following Alice down the rabbit hole…
Sandra Barela
Sandra Barela was awarded her master’s in English from Southern New Hampshire University. During her program, she took a publishing class & fell in love with the industry. That infatuation sparked Celebrate Lit Publicity Group where she helps authors publicize their books through low-cost blog tours & other promos.
In the summer of 2016, she opened Celebrate Lit Publishing to help Christian authors bring their books to the reading world. The avid Christian fiction reader & author enjoys helping other great Christian authors succeed, one book at a time. Visit Sandra on the Celebrate Lit website at www.celebratelit.com or http://www.celebratelitpublishing.com/
Misty M. Beller
Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love. With over 30 novels published, she writes as both an indie author and for Bethany House Publishers, and is Managing Editor of Wild Heart Books, a traditional publisher specializing in Christian Historical Romance novels.
After thirteen years working in professional project management and marketing, Misty uses her experience in the corporate world to develop best practices in her writing and book marketing efforts. It is her passion to help other authors on this journey.
Joanne Bischof
Joanne Bischof is an ACFW Carol Award and ECPA Christy Award-winning author. She writes deeply layered fiction that tugs at the heartstrings. In 2015, she was named Author of the Year by the Mount Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference.
Joanne’s historical circus novel, The Lady and the Lionheart, received an extraordinary 5 Star TOP PICK! from RT Book Reviews, and has recently taken to the stage. Her latest release, The Gold in These Hills (Thomas Nelson 2021) is now on bookshelves.
Robin Currie
Award winning author Robin Currie led children’s departments of Midwestern public libraries. She has a special love for children’s literacy and storytelling. She volunteers internationally teaching English in developing countries. Robin has published seven resource collections of creative ideas for library story times, and more than 30 picture books.
Her books include: Tuktuk: Tundra Tale. Arbordale Publishing, 2016. Kansas NEA Reading Circle Catalog Selection 2017; The Very Best Story Ever Told: the Gospel with American Sign Language. Serious Writer Book of the Decade: 2019 winner; How to Dress a Dinosaur Familius, 2022. Purple DragonFly Award: 2022 Honorable Mention/Board Books.
Teddi Deppner
Teddi Deppner is the co-founder of Havok Publishing, a company run by Christians publishing flash fiction for the general market. Teddi enjoys far too many creative endeavors, including toy photography, art, speculative fiction writing, and singing.
After a career in web design and internet marketing and homeschooling two children to graduation in 2022, she now devotes much of her free time to Havok’s mission of helping writers build their fanbase with short fiction. Havok publishes award-winning flash fiction in two formats: a daily ezine and seasonal anthologies (both ebook and paperback).
Rachel Dodge
Rachel Dodge is the bestselling author of The Little Women Devotional, The Anne of Green Gables Devotional, and Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen. Rachel teaches college English, speaks at libraries and literary groups, and writes for Jane Austen’s World blog.
A true kindred spirit at heart, Rachel enjoys books, bonnets, and ball gowns and finds her best inspiration at the intersection of faith and fiction.
You can visit Rachel online at www.RachelDodge.com. Her newest book, The Secret Garden Devotional, releases Fall 2022!
Ian Feavearyear
Ian Feavearyear, a native of the rural county of Suffolk, England, earned his Juris Doctor from Concord Law School and holds a paralegal certification as well as a B.A. in psychology. A former professional genealogist, he is an avid historical researcher, with a particular interest in the opening of the West and homesteading.
Ian was lead researcher for the book The Three Faces of Nellie and his first joint-authored book will be published in 2023.
In his spare time, Ian loves reading, researching, exploring backroads, and visiting remote cemeteries.
Nick Harrison
Nick Harrison is a literary agent with WordServe Literary, author of more than a dozen books, former bookstore owner, and retired senior editor at Harvest House Publishers. His books have been endorsed by Anne Graham Lotz, Jerry Jenkins, Liz Curtis Higgs, Chip Ingram, and Lee Strobel.
During his years at Harvest House, Nick worked on books with authors such as Tony Evans, Sheila Walsh, and Thomas Kinkade. Nick has a long history of championing new writers. He lives with his wife, Beverly, in Oregon. His website is nickharrisonbooks.com. He can also be found at the WordServe website at wordserveliterary.com.
David M. Hyde
David M. Hyde, is a multi-optioned award-winning screenwriter most recently co-writing a 9/11 docu-drama for Carolyn Mack Productions and is a limited-series writer for the Al Turner Company.
David has been writing his whole life, focusing specifically on screenwriting the last eight years. As owner of Scripts4c.com script consulting, David has been able help screenwriters from across the country, partnering to make their projects the best they can be. David’s latest screenplay, The Last Good King, has been released by Strong Tower Press as a novel by Michelle Janene.
Tara Johnson
Tara Johnson is an author and speaker, and loves to write stories that help people break free from the lies they believe about themselves. Tara’s debut novel Engraved on the Heart earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly, and was a finalist in the Carol and Christy awards. In addition to being published in a variety of digital and print magazines, she has been a featured guest on Voice of Truth radio, Enduring Word radio, television and podcasts. She is a history nerd, especially the Civil War, and adores making people laugh. She, her husband, and children live in Arkansas.
Tara will also now be teaching one session of the Fiction Major Morning Track.
Jill Osborne
Jill Osborne loves Jesus and kids. She’s written twelve books for middle graders, including The Good News Shoes series, The Princess in Camo series with Missy and Mia Robertson, and The Coin Slot Chronicles series with Rashad Jennings.
Jill’s 30+ year career working with kids includes serving as a children’s and preteen ministry director, where some of her favorite activities involved camping in the wild outdoors, wearing camo, and tromping through creeks chasing kids during Frisbee tag.
To relax, Jill loves reading, watching Dodgers baseball, hiking, and hanging out with her husband, grown kids, and three unique and awesome granddaughters.
Courtnaye Richard
Courtnaye Richard is the founder of Inside Out Media Group, LLC – a faith-based PR, Marketing & Mentorship Agency. In her 15 years of experience, she has worked with platforms such as PBS, CBN, TCT, Yahoo, local television and print publications. Courtnaye is also the founder of Inside Out with Courtnaye, a ministry that helps women grow in Christ, while equipping them for their calling.
She is an author, contributing writer for ibelieve.com and YouVersion. Her speaking appearances include She Speaks, Hope*Writers, FlourishWriters, and Entrusted Women’s Conference. Her blog, Inside Out with Courtnaye reaches thousands of women across the globe!
Stephanie Rousselle
Stephanie Rousselle hosts the globally top-ranking Gospel Spice Podcast. Her personal motto, “God’s glory, our delight” inspires her to live at the intersection of Scripture and culture as a public speaker, Bible teacher, and former women’s ministry director.
Born and raised in France, she has lived for her One Lord over the last 2 decades on 3 continents, 4 countries and 5 cities through 6 professional roles. This dark-chocolate-fueled, not-so-tech-savvy podcaster loves few things more than a good laugh, especially at herself. She and her Gospel Spice Ministries team aim to inspire our generation to delight in God.
Rachel G. Scott
Rachel G. Scott is a writer, speaker, podcast host, and Owner of RGS Group Brand Agency. She holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology.
Rachel has been featured worldwide on television, podcast, and radio. She’s a former Huffington Post contributor and current YouVersion and Moody Radio Partner.
In addition, she supports writers as a COMPEL Focus Group Leader and is represented by Blythe Daniel Agency.
Mary Snyder
Mary Snyder is a speaker, speaker coach, author, event planner and tour producer with over 20 years in the Christian events industry. She has been on the stage, behind the stage and booked & coached some of the most influential speakers of our time. Tapping into her unique combination of speaker skills and event planner experience, Mary shares her knowledge and experience with speakers who are looking to start or grow their speaking career.
Mary’s weekly podcast, Take the Stage, is one of the places you’ll find her sharing insights and tips of speaking.
Carrie Talbott
Raised at The Herm, Carrie’s heart beats for clever writing and anything wood. After twelve years in Baja, Carrie and her family now live in SoCal. She wrote for magazines, wrote a children’s book about bullying, and is now writing an unconventional devotional. Next is a memoir about their bizarre and convoluted years in ministry. She never planned on returning to the States, buying another track house or wearing bell-bottoms again, but here we are.
Carrie is dedicated to Jesus and avocados, and blogs regularly with optimism, wit and helpful tips. She believes normal is boring and clever is better.