Keynote Speaker
Bill Myers
Conference Keynote Speaker
Bill Myers is a renowned author, film director, and producer, best known for his work in Christian fiction. Born in Seattle, Washington, Myers has penned numerous books across various age groups, including children's, young adult, and adult fiction. His stories often blend elements of comedy, adventure, and faith, captivating readers with their relatable characters and inspiring messages. Myers' most notable creation is the popular animated series McGee and Me!, which follows the adventures of a young boy named Nicholas and his imaginary friend, McGee. The series has been instrumental in teaching children valuable life lessons and spiritual principles. In addition to his writing, Myers has also directed and produced films and has been involved in various media projects. His work has received widespread acclaim and has touched the lives of countless individuals.
We may add more faculty members over the coming weeks
Conference Director / Emcee / Teacher
Robynne Elizabeth Miller
Conference Director
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.
As well as being the Director of the Vision Christian Writers Conference at Mount Hermon, she is also 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.
Worship Leader
Dustin Pounders
Worship Leader
Dustin has been a musician His whole life and a worship leader for a good chunk of that time. He has traveled all over the country playing guitar and singing with Todd Tilghman. He loves the lord and has a heart for the people who the church labels as unreachable and for seeing the gospel of Jesus spread in a genuine way!
Dustin currently serves as Worship Pastor at Hope City Church in Meridian, MS. He is married and a father of four beautiful children and lives in western Alabama.
Major Morning Track Faculty
Leann Barna
Scripts & Adaptations
For over 15 years, Leann Barna has worked in film and television development with studios like Disney, NBCUniversal, and Affirm/Pure Flix.
She is also pursuing a Ph.D. in Strategic Media at Liberty University, focusing on women in faith-based media.
Robin Jones Gunn
The Spiritual Life of a Writer
Robin Jones Gunn is the bestselling and award-winning author of over 100 books including the Christy Miller, Glenbrooke, Sisterchicks® and Suitcase Sisters series along with 8 nonfiction and gift books, plus 14 children’s books. Sales top 6.5 million copies. Four Hallmark Christmas movies were created from Robin's novels.
Robin’s passion for speaking and teaching has taken her around the world. She served on the Board of MAI and currently co-hosts the Women Worth Knowing podcast.
David Hyde
Scripts & Adaptations
DETAILS COMING SOON
James L. Rubart
Fiction
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 author of sixteen novels and loves to send readers on mind-bending spiritual journeys they'll remember months after they finish one of his stories. He's also a branding expert, audio book narrator, and speaker.
He lives with his amazing wife on a small lake in eastern Washington.
Cynthia Ruchti
Crafting & Drafting
Cynthia Ruchti serves as a Senior Literary Agent with Books & Such Literary Management, representing a wide range of authors writing for the Christian market. 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. 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
Daniel Schwabauer
YA/Fantasy/Speculative
Daniel Schwabauer, ThD, teaches English at MidAmerica Nazarene University and writes award-winning fantasy and science fiction novels. His professional work includes textbooks, stage plays, radio scripts, short stories, newspaper columns, comic books, scripting for the PBS animated series Auto-B-Good, and theology.
He earned an MA in creative writing under science fiction legend James Gunn and completed his doctoral work in semiotic theology with Leonard Sweet. He lives in Olathe, Kansas, with his wife and dogs.
Specialty Faculty
Bill Myers
As a writer/producer Bill’s work has sold over 8 million books/videos and has won over 80 national and international awards including the C.S. Laws Honor Award.
His favorite kid series is The Incredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle (2.2 million copies sold) and his favorite fiction for adults is the Rendezvous with God series.
Workshop Faculty
Bob Hostetler
Bob Hostetler is an award-winning author, international speaker, and literary agent (with The Steve Laube Agency). His more than fifty books include Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door (co-authored with Josh McDowell) and The Shakespeare Devotional.
He and his wife, the lovely Robin, live in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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 children’s picture and board books.
Rhonda Robinson
Rhonda Robinson is an award-winning author, an editor, and seasoned content strategist with over 25 years in publishing. As managing editor for Focus on the Family’s Parenting and Marriage content, she mentors writers and leads editorial teams crafting high-impact, high-traffic content. Her own publishing journey has included hundreds of articles, two nonfiction books, and a third releasing in 2026.
Rhonda’s greatest accomplishment? Raising nine children—and with the bonus prize of 43 grandchildren. She lives in Colorado Springs with her high school sweetheart.
Mentoring Faculty
Lindsay Franklin
Lindsay A. Franklin is the Carol Award-winning author of The Story Peddler, ECPA best-selling author of Adored, and Managing Editor of Enclave Publishing. She would wear pajama pants all the time if it were socially acceptable. Lindsay lives happily among the rain and evergreens of the Pacific Northwest with her scruffy-looking nerf-herder husband, their three (nearly) grown geeklings, and three demanding thunder pillows (a.k.a. cats).
Linda Howard
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 leads the kids' team, developing overall strategy for Tyndale Children and Youth, acquiring projects, and overseeing product development of all books. She and has worked with best-selling authors Tony Dungy, Esau McCaulley, Ann Voskamp, Karen Kingsbury, Mike Nawrocki, Amy Parker, and more.
Non-Teaching Faculty
Teddi Deppner
Teddi Deppner is an indie author, veteran web designer and internet marketer. She co-founded Havok Publishing in 2019 and has a passion for encouraging and equipping fellow creatives. Havok publishes award-winning flash fiction in two formats: a daily ezine and seasonal anthologies (both ebook and paperback). Topics she never tires of: the myriad benefits of writing short stories, partnering with God in all things, toy photography, and the joy of tacos.
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
Adjunct Faculty
Luverta Reames
Luverta Reames is an acquisition editor with Chosen Books, an imprint of Baker Publishing Group. She partners with authors to develop books that inspire and equip readers in their faith, acquiring nonfiction that highlights the Holy Spirit’s work and empowers lives for Jesus Christ. She began in publishing as a freelance proofreader and later served as an editorial assistant at WaterBrook and Multnomah.
Luverta holds an M.S. in Publishing from Pace University. Beyond editing, she supports the writing community through weekly prayer—interceding for authors and agents. Her passion for both the spiritual and editorial sides of publishing fuels her mission to encourage and equip writers at every stage.
Marci Seither
Marci Seither’s writing career began after her humor article was published in a small-town newspaper. Since then, she has authored four books and hundreds of articles for local papers as well as Guideposts and Focus On The Family.
Marci enjoys teaching workshops, speaking, and photography. She is the co-host of a weekly radio show and podcast, The Biscuit Book Club.
Her biggest joy, besides being married to John, raising six kids who have all flown the nest, and creating memories and messes with her six grandkiddos is baking anything that includes butter.
Hannah Prewett
Hannah is a wife and mom of three who has been drawing and telling stories all of her life. She is an author/illustrator who loves creating tales that reflect Christ's truth and light while adding a bit of whimsy.
When she's not drawing, spending time with her family, or thrifting 80s toys for her collection, she can be found walking in her favorite neighborhood park and dreaming up her next story idea. That, or searching closets for Narnia.
Ann Roecker
Ann Roecker is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism. She has worked as a newspaper reporter, award-winning book and publications editor, and certified fundraising executive advancing not-for-profit missions. She has worked with young adult Christian ministries at Stanford University, University of Colorado, and Central Philippine University, and in an East Los Angeles African American church.
Ann is married to Tim Cranston, a cum laude graduate of Harvard University and Kellogg Graduate School of Management. He sounds like Uncle Cliff in Ann's groundbreaking apologetics fiction, "The Revelation of Emery Audubon." Ann's writing mission: To smuggle God's truth across enemy lines using story as a cover.
Lainey La Shay
Lainey La Shay is a writer who shines light on the deep issues of life and brings hope to readers facing insurmountable odds. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her two cats and is a lover of God’s creation.
She adores a good cup of tea and a good adventure—especially where active volcanoes are involved. Lainey is the author of the devotional journal "More Than a Survivor" and writes for Focus on the Family.
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 (Tyndale) earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly, and was a finalist in the Carol and Christy awards. Tara has been published by Tyndale House, Annie’s, and Guideposts. In addition to being published in a variety of digital and print magazines, she is a certified body language expert and has been on radio, television and podcasts. In 2025, she was named president of Incubator Creative Group and Publishing. She, her husband, and children live in Arkansas.
Torrie Sorge
Torrie is a bridge-building communicator who helps people navigate the intersection of diversity and discipleship with clarity, grace, and hope. Through thoughtful speaking, sensitive editing, and transformative consulting, Torrie equips high-capacity leaders, authors, and everyday believers to see and love others like Jesus—boldly, inclusively, and authentically.
Rooted in faith and guided by empathy, her work creates space for hard and holy conversations that turn intention into grace-filled impact.
Staci McLean
Staci McLean is a New Zealand author and speaker whose work is grounded in the transformative power of faith, resilience, and hope. Drawing from her journey overcoming addiction, depression, and grief, she inspires others to live with purpose and authenticity. Within the pages of her books, she delves into themes of personal growth, spiritual healing, and the brave pursuit of God-given dreams. Through candid storytelling and practical wisdom, Staci empowers her audiences to move beyond excuses and limitations, embrace their identity in Christ, and step boldly into a joy filled life. Staci invites others to find healing in their own stories and embrace the fullness of life God intends for them.
Rick Hamlin
Rick Hamlin is the author of numerous books on prayer, including Pray for Me, Ten Prayers You Can’t Live Without, Finding God on the A Train (a Book-of-the-Month Club alternate selection) and novels such as Reading Between the Lines and Mixed Blessings. A long-time editor (and former executive editor) at Guideposts magazine, he’s written several op-eds for the New York Times. His most recent book is Even Silence Is Praise. He and his wife, Carol, live in New York City, where they sing in their choir, although most Sundays they're shepherding their two East Coast grandkids at the Episcopal church in Greenwich, CT, where his son is associate rector. In March 2026, his newest book Everlasting Jesus will be published.
Janelle Roselli
Janelle Roselli is the founder of Better There Socials, where she helps Christian creatives grow platforms that feel more like altars and less like stages. She offers coaching, account management, and courses to help you build strategy that’s sustainable and life-giving. When she’s not cheering on clients, she’s reading, writing, or planning her next bucket list getaway.
She lives in San Diego, golfs with her husband way too much, and is completely obsessed with her two very well-loved (a.k.a. spoiled) rescue pups.
Lyneta Smith
Lyneta Smith (Lye-NEE-tuh) is a procurer of archaic, cool-sounding words, but as much as she loves them, she edits them out for clarity. She delights in helping her clients shape and polish their stories that display God’s goodness and faithfulness. Her book, Curtain Call: A Memoir won a Selah award and a Cascade award.
She graduated summa cum laude from Oregon State University and earned her professional editing certificate from UC Berkeley. When she’s not writing or editing, you can find her on the floor with her grandkids—building with Lego blocks, reading great books, and snuggling.
Shadia Hrichi
Shadia Hrichi is a passionate Bible teacher, award-winning author, and speaker who has a heart for seeing lives transformed by the power of God’s Word. She holds a master’s in biblical and theological studies as well as a master’s in criminal justice. Shadia is the author of several award-winning Bible studies, including RAHAB, TAMAR, HAGAR, LEGION, and WORTHY OF LOVE. In addition to writing, Shadia is often invited to speak at churches, conferences, women’s retreats, as well as serve on faculty for a number of Christian Writers conferences. Currently residing in northern California, Shadia loves to visit the ocean each week for “a date with Jesus.”
Lori Roeleveld
Lori Stanley Roeleveld is a traditionally published, award-winning author, coach, freelancer, editor, speaker, and disturber of hobbits. She’s authored six books, contributed to twelve+ more, and book number seven releases April 2026 from Our Daily Bread Publishing. Winner of AWSA's Golden Scroll Christian Book of the Year 2024, her books have also won Selahs, Director's Choice, and other Golden Scrolls. Through Take Heart! Coaching and Freelance, Lori has coached over 200 Christian writers toward their goals.
Lori writes online content for Substack, Salem Media and Guideposts. She’s an experienced ghostwriter, collaborator, and speechwriter. Though she has degrees in psychology and biblical studies, this Rhode Island author learned the most from studying her Bible in life’s trenches.
Karen Moderow
Karen Moderow is a Bible teacher and award-winning author who brings a storyteller's perspective to Scripture. Her passion for story and the Bible led her to create The Bible Companion, a simple, flexible Bible Study series to help people read through the Bible from beginning to end.
She holds master’s degrees in theology and creative writing and loves introducing others to Jesus through the stories told in God’s Word. To reach the broadest audience, she publishes on a variety of platforms including print, ebook, and audible books.
Stephanie Rousselle
A recognized leader in Christian podcasting, Stephanie Rousselle manages Gospel Spice, a Top 1% podcast in all-categories globally, reaching many 1000’s in 180 countries.
This globe-trotting, 100% French native is a public speaker, writer, Bible teacher, coach, mentor, prayer warrior, former women’s ministry director and strategy consultant. She aims to glorify God by serving and encouraging His people. She delights in providing in-depth value in all she does, and can't wait to serve YOU!
Curtis M. Miller
Curtis Miller is an L.A.-based playwright, columnist, and kids author. As an in-house creative for PragerU Kids, he's written many 'edutainment' books and animated / live show episodes. He's also co-authoring a book based on the popular 'Dot Conner: Webtective' series.
Live theater played a prominent role in Curtis's faith and career journey. His articles on theater have appeared in City Journal and The Federalist, while his plays have delighted audiences in Los Angeles, Sacramento, Idaho, and the U.K. His lockdown comedy 'All Packed' was recognized by the Kennedy Center and is in development with New Threads Theater Company in Tennessee.
Curtis lives in SoCal with his wife, two young sons, and some fine, hand-me-down surfboards. His monthly Substack column is 'Shelf of Crocodiles.'
Jill Osborne
Jill Osborne loves Jesus and kids. She’s written thirteen books for middle graders, including The Good News Shoes series, The Belt of Truth 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. Her passion is to write words of life that will guide the next generation to the Author of Life. When she's not writing, Jill can be found adventuring outdoors near trees, rivers, and mountains (and hopefully not bears). When she can't participate in a live adventure, she'll find one in the pages of a great book.
Rachel Dodge
Rachel Dodge is the bestselling author of the award-winning Anne of Green Gables Devotional, The Little Women Devotional, The Secret Garden Devotional, and Praying with Jane: 31 Days through the Prayers of Jane Austen.
She teaches writing classes, speaks at conferences and retreats, and writes for Jane Austen’s World blog. With a background in public relations and marketing, she is always seeking fresh ways to help authors grow their reach and build their platform. A true kindred spirit at heart, Rachel loves books, bonnets, and ballgowns.
Mary Pero
Mary Pero is a certified ghostwriter, book coach, and self-proclaimed memoir lover who helps authors turn big ideas into marketable literary properties. From pitch-perfect proposals to full manuscripts, she works behind the scenes to craft stories that captivate and sell.
In an earlier chapter, she lived in Poland and Ireland, led worship around the world, and opened her heart and home as a foster parent—equally the best and the hardest decision of her life. Now she spends her days reading, writing, and dreaming up new projects for her husband to do in their historic English Revival home in Southern California.
Katherine Briggs
Katherine Briggs crafted her first monster story at age three. Since graduating from crayons to laptop, she continues to devour and weave fantasy tales while enjoying chai tea.
She, her coadventurer husband, and rescue dog reside outside Houston, where she classically educates amazing middle school students, teaches ESL to adults, and enjoys studying other languages.
Austin Boyd
Austin Boyd started as a farmer, seeking to be an astronaut as a Navy pilot. He nearly achieved his goal, but left the Navy to care for what he loved more... his wife. As a poet, a prolific technical author, and a story teller, he wrote about the space travel career he'd narrowly missed... and that fiction trilogy (Mars Hill Classified) became a best seller for NavPress. More novels followed on bioethics (Nobody's Child, Zondervan), spiritual fantasy (H2O, Living Ink Press), and ghost writing (Oliver North, Lifeway Press).
Then, he founded Whitespace Innovations in 2014 to write technical proposals for defense contractors, authoring nearly 20,000 pages of work to win $6.5B for his clients. Nevertheless, new stories and characters thrive in his heart, and his author knife is keenly honed!
Chantel Mathson
Chantel Mathson is a dynamic leader in marketing & branding. As CEO of Inspirational Inc. & Tea with Chantel Trainings, she empowers individuals through innovative programs & coaching. With a master's in human behavior training & development, Chantel has a unique approach that blends marketing expertise with deep insights. A sought-after speaking coach & international speaker who has delivered her message of hope at Notre Dame & NASA. Her impact extends further as an award winning college professor of leadership, marketing, speech, & communication.
She believes that connection begins with simple acts, like sharing a cup of tea. Chantel is a proud military spouse who has three children, & two dogs. A Cali girl who loves the beach & connecting one cup of tea at a time.
Julie Bonn Blank
Julie Bonn Blank is a dedicated author, freelance speaker, and certified domestic violence advocate. As a survivor of a near-death experience, she offers a unique perspective that inspires and motivates others. She is committed to spreading hope and healing to all. On her Heaven Blog, you can find her near-death story, recovery journal, miraculous stories, and much of what God has been teaching her since her return.
Julie is the author of an award-winning suspense fiction series focused on human trafficking, which has sold thousands of copies. With her background in marketing, PR, and social media, she employs unique strategies to build platforms and sell books. When she is not writing, she designs websites, mentors authors and writers, and oversees Cascade Christian Writers.
Stephanie Miller
Stephanie Miller, M.A., is a certified Spiritual Growth and Writing Coach, 2x international best-selling author, editor, and speaker passionate about helping faith-filled writers conquer fear, find their voice, and transform their writing. As founder of Butterfly Beginnings Coaching, she offers 1:1 coaching, editing, and workshops to help writers grow in clarity and confidence. Her book, The Butterfly Blueprint, reflects her belief that when we lean into God’s call, our words can change lives.
Whether teaching, speaking, podcasting, or writing on Substack, her mission is the same: to help writers boldly pursue their God-given calling—one story at a time.
Stephanie Dooley
S.L. Dooley is an author looking for a neverending story to go boldly through the wardrobe into another adventure. She's the bestselling author of the Portal Slayer trilogy, the Delgara Duology and over a dozen short stories and novels.
She's a wife and mother of two grown kids and lives in Texas and part time in Hawai'i where she collects old books and new journals.