Workshops 2026 - Vision Christian Writers Conference

Below is the listing of currently confirmed workshops for the 2026 conference.

Julie Bonn Blank

The Substack Starter Kit for Writers

Explains the benefits of Substack and helps you build your theme and content.

Set up your publication with intention, find your focus and audience, create posts with purpose, and use it as a launchpad for encouragement, ministry, and publishing options.

Learn to develop meaningful connections and grow with potential and purpose.

Austin W. Boyd

The Job Left Undone: The Secret to Successful Sales

“Whitespace” in a market is defined by Harvard Business Review as “the job left undone.” Every author needs to understand the target editor, publisher, and/or agent so well that there is no question what that person sees as “the job left undone” in his or her market. While you may feel compelled to write a particular work of art, if you want your work to sell you must either (a) write to what the buyer is buying, or (b) find buyers who want what you have written. A wiser course of action is option (a). This workshop shows you how to unpack “the job left undone” with editors, publishers, and agents, and then describes a “battle rhythm” to keep track of these various potential consumers and how to address each of their needs… where those needs are addressed by your work, your interests, and your availability.

This process works. Austin Boyd has built a multi-million dollar business around the identification of the job left undone in the defense aerospace market, building strategies and writing more than 20,000 pages of proposals that have won his clients $6.5B. As a novelist with contracts on six books, the technique he uses to sell defense contractors and Federal officials also translates directly to successful connections in the publishing industry.

Come learn more about how to write to the market, and how to find a market for what you write.

Katherine Briggs

Worldbuilding 101

Where do ideas for setting come from? Does setting impact plot? How do writers immerse readers in their story worlds? How do we take the Goldilocks approach by not describing too much or too little?

Rachel Dodge

The Heart of Devotional Writing

Devotional writing is a gift and a calling! In this workshop, we’ll explore the art and craft of devotional writing, discuss the nuts and bolts of short-form and long-form devotions, and help you find your niche.

You’ll learn how to structure a devotional entry, use stories and Scripture to engage your reader, and clarify your message. If you desire to minister to hearts for Jesus, this is the workshop for you!

Stephanie Dooley

The Writers’ Side Hustle

Most writers don’t make a living at their craft. But that doesn’t mean you can’t draw an income from what you love.

You’ll leave this session with a list and a game plan for how to use your creativity to pay the bills.

Ian Feavearyear

KDP101: Kickstarting Your Digital Publishing Journey

Want to publish your book on Amazon? In this workshop, we’ll walk step-by-step through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) so you can see exactly how to set up both an ebook and a print book. You’ll learn what to upload, what options to choose, and how to make sure your book is ready for readers. We’ll also talk about why a great cover design matters and how it can help your book stand out.

Lindsay Franklin

Strong Story Arcs: Beginning, Middle, and End

Unforgettable stories all have one thing in common: a strong arc that carries readers from Once Upon a Time to The End. In this workshop, we’ll explore the art and craft of story arcs—how to create beginnings that hook, middles that maintain momentum, and endings that feel earned. Whether you’re drafting something new or breathing fresh life into a work-in-progress, you’ll leave with practical tools to make every part of your story work harder and shine brighter.

Rick Hamlin

1. How to Make a Devotional Transformative

People are busy and devotional length might be all the sacred reading they can fit in. How do you connect to the reader? Where can you help them? How do you get specific, down-to-earth while also offering something deeply spiritual.

Rick has published hundreds of devotionals over the years and his newest book Everlasting Jesus: 40 Days of Divine Wisdom is in the same vein.

2. How to Write Something Readable About Me

You yearn to share your own experiences. You want to pass along the helpful wisdom you have absorbed. Your head is brimming over with personal anecdotes. How do you put down something a reader doesn’t want to put down.

Bob Hostetler

1. Publishing 101: An Overview of the Process

Ins and outs and insider tips from a multi-published author and literary agent on how to put together a fiction proposal that will catch the eye of agents and publishers alike.

2. The Business of Writing

Tips, tools, and techniques of writing from a full-time freelancer: equipment, records, habits, and attitudes of the writing professional.

3. What Agents Want, and How to Give it to Them

What agents are looking for, what they do, how to pitch to them, and how the agent/writer relationship works … or sometimes doesn’t … from a top literary agent.

Shadia Hrichi

1. Ink to Impact: Amplify Your Message Through Speaking

Elevate your ministry by transforming your written words into powerful presentations! This dynamic workshop equips you with 10 essential tips to transform your writing into engaging spoken messages. Learn how to captivate audiences, amplify your message, and impact more hearts for Christ.

2. Seven Essential Elements of a Transformational Bible Study

Bible studies are not all created equal. Some have the power to transform lives—and those are the ones we remember. In this workshop, we will explore the seven essential elements for writing Bible studies that truly draw our hearts closer to God.

Tara Johnson

1. Story Spark

This workshop delves into the tools of brain science to craft a new alternative to creating riveting plots and complicated characters beyond plotting and “pantsing”. Explore the third strand of the story braid that will make your story shine.

2. Villainy 101

Explore how to craft the perfect villain, including understanding suspicious body language, core wounds, and delve into the four dangerous personality types (narcissism, predators, emotionally unstable, and the paranoid).

Lainey La Shay

Superpower Your SEO

If you want your website and writing to appear at the top of Google’s search results and reach your readers, you need to understand search engine optimization (SEO). Learn tips and tricks to put your site at the top.

Chantel Mathson

Get Booked & Build Your Brand … Marketing Yourself as a Speaker to Promote Your Book and Ministry

Writing the book is just the beginning—now it’s time to amplify your message.

In this strategic and practical workshop, Christian writers will learn how to market themselves as speakers and use speaking opportunities to grow their platform, promote their book, and build lasting ministry impact. We’ll cover what event planners are looking for, how to pitch yourself, what to charge (and when to speak for free), and what you can sell at the back of the room. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to grow your speaking ministry, this session will give you the tools to take your next step with clarity and confidence.

Staci McLean

The Power of Story: Impactful Storytelling for Kingdom Influence

Explores the transformative role of storytelling. In this workshop you will discover how to craft and share personal testimonies, biblical truths, and redemptive narratives that reflect Christ and carry eternal impact.

Whether you’re a ministry leader, content creator, aspiring author, or seasoned writer, you’ll be equipped to steward your story for God’s purposes—on the page, on a platform (including public speaking and social media) and in everyday life. Tell stories that resonate, glorify God, and leave a lasting legacy.

Stephanie Miller

Harness the Power of Prewriting and Brainstorming

Ever stare at a blank page, wondering where to start? You’re not alone! Before the words start flowing, the real magic happens in the pre-writing and brainstorming phase. In this session, we’re diving into powerful strategies to spark creativity, organize your thoughts, and build a strong foundation for your writing—without the overwhelm.

You’ll learn simple tools to turn scattered ideas into clarity—while embracing the truth that writing isn’t linear, and why that’s a good thing. Whether you’re writing a book, blog, or devotional, these tools will bring clarity, confidence, and consistency to your writing process.

Curtis M. Miller

Playwriting 101: Pro Tips From the Stage

‘Movies make you famous, TV makes you rich, but theater makes you good.’ The old saying that applies to acting careers applies handily to writing as well. With an audience that could get up and walk away at any moment, playwrights leverage tension, dialogue, action, and tight structure for maximum payoff.

From Aristotle and Shakespeare to blockbuster musicals, writing for the stage is a unique challenge — and an evergreen opportunity for Christians looking to sharpen their skills and engage the culture with bold, potent storytelling.

Participants in this workshop will learn timeless principles and practice techniques that power onstage storytelling. Techniques such as:
-Restriction
-Writing to genre
-Three act, one act, and ten minute structure
-Dramatic forwards
-Scene and beat pacing
-Tactical dialogue

Workshop will also include an overview of
-Formatting
-Play development
-Play submission dos and don’ts
-History of Christianity and theater up to / including challenges facing contemporary (secular) theater and where Christians can step up.

Participants who don’t write plays (novelists, nonfiction writers, and of course, screenwriters) will recognize parallels between playwriting techniques and their own genres; the crossover is incredible. After all, holding the reader’s attention from start to finish is a similar business.

Karen Moderow

Join the Growing World of Audible Books

Audible books are the fastest growing segment of the book market today with double digit growth expected to continue well into the future.

This class will consider what this trend means for your publishing journey. We will explore how to create an audible book through ACX (Amazon’s Audible division), review recording and narrator options, costs, marketing perspectives, and realistic earnings expectations. The goal is to help you evaluate the benefits of converting your ebook into an audible book. A simple step-by-step guide will get you started.

Bill Myers

1. Comedy: The Great, Unused Tool

Writer’s avoid it, are afraid of it, claim only funny people use it. But comedy, like any other craft, can be learned. Come understand the basics and how to use them… whether you’re funny or not.

2. Fiction for YA and 8-12 Readers

From McGee and Me (aired on 80 international networks) to My Life As… (2.3 million sales and counting) to Forbidden Doors (winner of the C.S. Lewis award) Myers has published over 80 novels for youth. Learn the secrets of holding youth’s attention and creating relatable characters and implementing Biblical truths.

3. Engaging Nonfiction

Nonfiction is the easiest and most successful genre to sell in the Christian market. We’ll be studying how to write captivating Bible studies, topical issues, as well as biographies.

Karen Neumair

1. How to Structure a Nonfiction Book

Have valuable experience and expertise but are unsure how to turn it into a marketable book? Literary agent Karen Neumair will guide you in organizing and structuring your content in a compelling and winsome way. (Target audience: beginning writers regardless of publishing path).

2. Proposals Publishers Love

3. So You Want to Write a Children’s Book?

How hard could it be? It turns out there is more to it than you might expect. Join Literary Agent Karen Neumair as she explores the key elements, industry standards, and market trends for board books and picture books. (Target Audience: Aspiring Children’s Authors with no publishing experience)

Jill Osborne

Mastering Middle Grade

Funny, awkward, loud, goofy, sassy, smart–today’s preteens are a cool bunch They know lots of facts, but have a boatload of questions. They love challenges, but are plagued with irrational fears. They want responsibility, but often act like a three-year-old.

How can adults write effectively to bring hope to this fascinating group of readers? What subjects are appropriate? What spiritual truths can they understand? What will keep them turning the pages? And what is the most important thing a writer must do before writing for middle graders? Bring your inner twelve-year-old and find out.

Mary Pero

1. More Than Memoir: Writing the Stories that Define Us

It’s my story—but is it memoir? What if I’m writing on behalf of someone else?

In this workshop, we’ll explore some of the often-overlooked forms of personal narrative, including essays, op-eds, biographies, and even prescriptive nonfiction. (Don’t worry—we’ll talk about memoir too!) Whether you’re writing your own story or ghostwriting for someone else, you’ll learn how to uncover a story’s deeper meaning, choose the best form for your project, navigate ethical considerations when writing about others, and transform the stories that define us into compelling narratives that resonate with others.

2. Sacred Story, Healing Heart: Memoir as Spiritual Practice

Not every story is meant for publication—but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t write it!

In this workshop, we’ll explore how to make meaning through writing as we mine our stories for God’s hidden riches and seek Him for the next steps in our journey.

You’ll discover how writing can be a form of prayer, a way to process your past with the Holy Spirit, and a spiritual practice that uncovers deeper truths—not just for others, but for your own formation—as you begin to discern whether your story is the message or simply a step toward what God is calling you to next.

Hannah Prewett

A Beginner’s Guide To Digital Art Using Apple’s Procreate

Curious about digital art? In this class, we’ll discuss Apple’s “Procreate” digital art software and how artists and authors can use it for everything from lettering to illustration.

Come discover if this intuitive and fun program is a good fit for you. Free artwork stickers will be provided, and one attendee will win a free digital art print!

Luverta Reames

1. Praying Through the Publishing Process: A Behind-the-Desk Perspective

What happens after your manuscript lands on an editor’s desk? In this eye-opening and spiritually grounded workshop, you’ll hear from an acquisition editor who actively prays over the manuscripts, authors, and decisions made behind the scenes.

Learn how prayer shapes publishing choices, aligns projects with God’s timing, and builds eternal impact through books. Writers will leave encouraged to trust the spiritual process unfolding beyond what they can see.

2. The Editor’s Eye and the Spirit’s Voice: Praying Your Manuscript into Submission

What does it take to capture the attention of a busy editor, especially in a highly competitive industry? As someone who’s worked as an editorial assistant in a Big Five publisher and now serves as a Christian acquisition editor, I’ll offer unique insights into what editors look for in both content and presentation. We’ll also dive into how prayer can refine your manuscript, bringing out its full potential, and how to spiritually prepare yourself for the submission process.

This workshop will equip you with tools for both crafting a compelling proposal and aligning your writing with God’s timing.

Rhonda Robinson

1. From Memoir to Ministry: Turning Your Story into Christian Living

God has done miraculous things in your life—and now He’s calling you to share it. Learn how to shape your personal story into a compelling Christian Living book that inspires, teaches, and meets the needs of today’s readers, agents, and publishers.

2. Writing That Gets Clicked: Feeding the Online Beast with High-Quality Content

Want to get published and paid? Learn how to write content editors are eager to accept. This workshop covers how to pitch, craft clickable articles, and use SEO and Google’s algorithm to build credibility and land paying assignments.

3. Writing with AI: A Creative Partner, Not a Replacement

Learn how to use AI as a writing assistant to brainstorm, edit, and boost productivity—without losing your voice. We’ll separate myth from reality so you can use AI wisely, creatively, and ethically.

Ann Roecker

Reaching Youth Through Apologetics Fiction

In this lively workshop packed with stories from the drama of real life, YA apologetics fiction author Ann Roecker introduces writers to the world of apologetics fiction and how to write it. Ann shares:

What is apologetics fiction?
Why does it matter NOW?
Where does it fall on the spectrum of Christian fiction?
Surprising examples of well-known apologetics fiction – whether you noticed or not
Key elements of apologetics fiction
How to start writing it or revise the story you have to increase its impact
How to use it as a ministry tool
Daring to be different | daring to get bold

Your mission … if you choose to accept it.

Lori Stanley Roeleveld

Soul-Satisfying Branding and Marketing

How is a Christian writer to think about promotion? How do we discover our brand while cultivating humility?

Explore a biblical approach to developing your brand, expanding your platform using tools such as Substack, and understanding the basics of creating an effective marketing plan that reaches readers while reflecting your heart.

Janelle Roselli

Redeeming Social Media: Where Spiritual Formation Meets Content Creation

What if the resistance you feel toward social media isn’t a sign of failure, but a holy nudge to approach it differently?

If you’ve ever said, “I love writing, but I hate marketing…”
If you’ve ever felt torn between sharing your message and tossing your phone in the ocean…
If pressing post makes your chest tight or your stomach sink—

This workshop is for you.

As Christian creatives, we’re called to show up differently.
Not to perform, but to offer.
To build platforms that look more like altars than stages—places of obedience, surrender, and trust.

We’ll hold space to reflect on why content creation can feel heavy and gently explore the root of that discomfort. Then we’ll discuss how to start anchoring your process in peace.
Yes, we will discuss strategy, but through the lens of joy, alignment, and trust, not fear and overwhelm.

You’ll leave with more than tools.
You’ll leave feeling spiritually grounded, purposefully equipped—and maybe, just maybe—even ready to post with freedom.

(Also… Jesus offered fishes and loaves to those He taught; I’ve got giveaways and candy. Just sayin’. 🍬😉)

Stephanie Rousselle

1. Be That Irresistible Podcast Guest

Become the darling of podcasters and radio show hosts! Everything you need to know as an author/speaker to be booked (and invited back), from research to booking to follow-up. As a global podcast host, Stephanie receives a lot of requests to be invited on her show. Like most podcasters, she says no to most of them. So… how can you make it near-impossible for podcasters to refuse you? Here is a practical checklist.
Extreme added value in a key aspect of ministry growth.

In more details:
Publishing is your dream; what if guesting on podcasts led you there? Learn how be booked as a podcast guest. Stage-shy author or stage-loving speaker, master podcasting to fit YOUR needs and style! Reach your audience with your message—until and beyond that book contract.
Being guested on numerous and influential podcasts is now an integral part of any promotion effort. But how do you differentiate yourself from the other communicators seeking to be guested too? How do you make your pitch quasi-irresistible to the podcasters you are approaching?
Exclusive bonus: curated list of podcasts to reach out to as potential guest.

2. Grow Your Podcast Strategically and Successfully

You’ve launched your podcast, and you’re now actively managing it. This workshop will tackle the various areas of challenges you now face to generate, brainstorming and ideas to keep growing your existing podcast, including:

Growth strategies — how to keep marketing and promoting your podcast
Networking — tools and avenues available to network among peers
Social media — how to make your show stand out
Community — why and how to grow interactions with your audience in a community setting
Monetization — strategies and tips that work

Time permitting, there will be a group conversation and Q&A.
Value-packed Bonus: The episode playbook to make it easier to manage your show.
Come ready to take your show to the next level.

Marci Seither

1. Five Steps to Interview Like A Pro

Whether you are doing the interview or being interviewed, I will teach you five simple steps to help you stand out as a professional.

In this class, you will leave feeling more confident behind the mic and in front of an audience. Learning how to guide a conversation back to your key talking points, setting up questions ahead of the interview so they don’t sound like you’re reading from a script, and how to draw out the stories your audience wants to hear will be an asset to your writing and marketing.

2. Frame It Up

Taking good photos to share on social media, Substack, or your blog is a valuable way to connect with your readers. Yet, many people still rely on stock photos from Google because they lack the confidence to take their own images.

In this class, we will learn basic photography skills that will help you gain the confidence you need to take photos you can post. You don’t need a fancy camera because chances are you already have one in your hand, your phone. In this class, I will teach you how to frame up a photo, look for the best lighting, and create a composition that captures a story.

Lyneta Smith

Who, What, When, Where, and How: Working with an Independent Editor

Who is your ideal editor? What type of editing do you need? When is your work is ready for an editor? Where can you find a great editor? How much does it cost? All the things professional editors wish their clients knew.

Torrie Sorge

Writing Beyond Your Bubble: Why Diversity Matters in Every Genre

Your words shape how readers see the world—and who they see in it. Learn why diversity matters in both fiction and nonfiction, how to spot blind spots, and how to write with clarity, compassion, and a Jesus-centered lens.