Thank you to our sponsors: Annual Conference …their presentation, but please do so quietly so as to not disrupt the speaker or attendees. Please be considerate of your ap-pointment

Annual ConferenceNashville • 2016

Thank you to our sponsors:

Annual ConferenceNashville • 2016

Thank you to our sponsors:

“The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light.” Matthew 6:22 (NASB)

If Jesus had a tagline, it might have been His oft-repeated “Come and see.”

To fishermen and accountants, artisans, tentmakers, and farmers He said, “Come (and see what a life lived for God is like.)”

To the doubters like Thomas, He stretched out His hands and invited, “Come and see.”

To those weighed down by burdens, Jesus said, “Come to me. Come and see how light My burden is compared to what you assumed it was, how easy My yoke is to bear compared to the limitations you’ve placed upon yourself. Come and see,” (taken from Matthew 11:28-29).

He said to His weary disciples, “Come by yourselves to a secluded pace and rest for a while” (Mark 6:31 CEB).

To the blind, He said, “Come. And see.”

Of all the healings Jesus orchestrated, the majority recorded in God’s Word relate to bringing sight to the blind. Come. And see.

Is He exercising that tagline at this year’s ACFW conference? “Come and see what’s happening within the industry. Come see the new opportunities on your horizon. Come see what others are doing and how your unique gifts and writing style fit. Come and see what I’ve prepared for you here. Come. But don’t just come to this location. See. Let your eyes and your whole being be flooded with light.”

“But there’s so much uncertainty, Lord. Where do I go next in my career? What path do I take? How can I improve my storytelling? What do I need to know about marketing? How do I manage the barrage of things I don’t know without drowning in the rip current?”

“Come and see,” He says. “Open your eyes and your heart. When others are distracted by shiny things or foggy futures, by sparkling expectations or clouds that stand between them and their goals, keep your eyes clear and focused on Me. Watch for Me in your appointments, in your casual conversations over meals and in lobbies, in your interactions with hotel staff and conference staff, in the keynote addresses and the faculty presentations. Keep your eyes clear and watch for Me.”

That’s our prayer for each one of you for the 2016 conference. Watch for where God is working, be-cause He is.

Your ACFW Executive Board, Conference team, and staff

acfw.com • ACFW Conference • 1

Welcome


By Michael Ehret

Sure, you know Ted Dekker is a New York Times bestselling author. Sure, he’s written 35 books. Sure, those books have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. You probably also know he grew up as a missionary kid (MK) among tribes of headhunters in Indonesia and that two of his books have been made into movies—with more planned.

You know he’s written in three genres–suspense thrillers, fan-tasy, and most recently, historical (what?)–but you don’t know Ted Dekker.

But, we’re going to help you. Here’s what Ted had to say about his journey and life as a writer. It may not be what you expect.

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?Deep inside, I knew when I read The Stand by Stephen King in the ninth grade, deep in the jungles of Indonesia. But it wasn’t until I read an article about Frank Peretti in World Magazine that I suddenly realized, if he could do it, so could I. End of story. Or rather, beginning of story.

When did writing become a career, rather than a side job?After writing my first novel and failing to garner any inter-est from readers, I set down my pen. A year later, however, unable to rid myself of that haunting call, I dove back in. I knew then. Writing was life-giving to me, for me, and through

me—regardless of what readers think. It was just what I was going to do.

What does your writing day look like?When I am writing, I adhere to a strict schedule that allows creativity to flow. Decks cleared, mind centered, music turned on, world shut off, no interruptions, enter new world of my own imagination, edit previous day’s story, write until I’ve lengthened the story by at least 2,000 words. Then up, pump my fist, and celebrate in some way. Sleep, and do it again. I used to do this six days a week; it’s now down to five.

What do you do as a writer that you never expected to do as a writer?Letting go. Surrendering to the story. Practicing Metanoia, the Greek word for repentance, which actually means going beyond the mind and into that great creative spirit that is our very fabric. Striving constricts the creative process; inten-tioned surrender allows it to flow. Clearing that which blocks the flow is found only in surrendering to the light.

How do you keep yourself fresh?By living my life and singing my song—by changing the story of my life as I sit at the feet of those who have traveled before me. I am a voracious reader and consumer of story, as I live my own. No one learns to tell stories alone. As storytellers, we are one. We write in community, whether or not we know it. That’s why conferences and gatherings are so useful to us. In fact, I probably talk about story more than I write it. That keeps me fresh.

As successful as you’ve been, what goals have you yet to accomplish?Doing it again. Not just another book, but the whole journey in a new way. We are here for our own transformation. As writers we get to do that using story, which is quite special because we all live in the story of our own lives. In a way, all of my accomplishments are only notes in a song that ends when I die. There is no true accomplishment but the song itself. What good is a single note? But the song—I’m still writing my song.

•••

Ted Dekker is a New York Times best-selling author of over thirty five novels. He is best known for stories which could be broadly described as suspense thrill-ers with major twists and unforgettable characters, though he has also made a name for himself among fantasy fans. Ted’s latest work, a historical fiction based on the teachings of Jesus, is a radical departure from previous outings and is receiving critical acclaim.

You Don’t Know Ted

4 • ACFW Conference • Nashville 2016

Wear Your Name Badge At All Times:Your name badge is essential for networking and identifying you as a registered attendee. It also serves as your meal pack-age ticket. Admittance to sessions or meals will not be allowed without your name badge.

Attending Sessions:Room assignments for each session are made according to the number of attendees registered for each session. Please arrive on time at your appointed workshop so you can find a seat without interrupting the presenter. You should have re-ceived an email with handouts for your specific sessions you signed up for. The schedule is tight to maximize your learning opportunities, so please respect the speaker’s time when the class is over. They most likely have responsibilities immedi-ately following, and the conference staff will need to clear the room to prepare for the next presentation.

Appointments:Conference Appointment Coordinator, Casey Miller, and As-sistant Conference Appointment Coordinator, Cheryl Wyatt, will be available to answer your appointment questions and provide assistance. Please report to the appointments desk prior to your appointment time. Staff will direct you from there.

Appointments take place during workshop times, and pre-senters understand you may have to leave or return during their presentation, but please do so quietly so as to not disrupt the speaker or attendees. Please be considerate of your ap-pointment times. Arrive a little early so you don’t keep anyone waiting. It’s imperative that you comply with the time allot-ment and the time keepers’ instructions. You don’t want to infringe on another member’s appointment time. Etiquette during appointments speaks highly of you as a professional.

No Faculty-Hosted Meals:Due to the size of the conference, there are no faculty-hosted meals this year. Most of the agents, editors, mentors, and in-dustry professionals make themselves available in the lobby areas after the day’s events are concluded.

Prayer Room:The prayer room is open throughout the course of the confer-ence for all attendees. You can choose to pray alone, if you prefer, or ask one of the prayer room volunteers to pray with you. Because ACFW members come from a wide range of denominational backgrounds, please be respectful of others’ emotions, needs, and traditions in the prayer room.

Babies and Children:The ACFW conference is a professional event. Babies (even nursing infants) and children are not allowed in any general sessions, meals, worship sessions, workshops, or spotlights.

GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE


Session Recordings:Most of the conference sessions will be available for purchase. This year, we’re proud to offer the addition of the Early Bird session as well as the post-conference session for an addi-tional fee. If you didn’t utilize the option during registration, you may visit the ACFW website and order the conference on cd while onsite and receive the discounted price. After con-ference, the price will increase, so don’t wait. Because of our contract with the hotel and recording companies, recording and/or videotaping is only allowed by ACFW or ACFW’s con-tracted recording company.

Fragrance Free:Many conference attendees have serious sensitivities to smells. Please refrain from using perfume, fragranced lotions, oils, etc.

Thursday Night Genre Celebration:Our first dinner together, we’ll celebrate genre and story. Feel free to dress in costume, character, or the historical era in which you write, if you choose. Start a conversation at the dinner table over your character and make instant connec-tions with other writers in your genre.

Friday Zone Breakfast:Breakfast Friday morning is designated as the Zone Break-fast. Make face-to-face connections with ACFW members from your area. Tables will be designated by zones for this meal. Swap stories and contact information, share local re-search interest, and establish friendships or the beginnings of new ACFW local chapters. Chapter acknowledgements will be awarded at this time.

Hotel:Please remember to keep the noise level down in the halls at all times, but especially at night or early morning. Also re-member that your attitude toward the hotel staff reflects di-rectly on the Christ you represent. Express gratitude, tip well, and exercise patience. Finding Help:If you have questions or need assistance on site and don’t know who to address, stop by the registration desk or confer-ence office. Remember to relax and enjoy yourself. If you need to skip a session to spend time alone with the Lord or be with a friend, feel free to do so. This conference is for YOU.

GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE


hotel floor plan


By Michael Ehret

Janette Oke, this year’s recipient of ACFW’s Lifetime Achievement Award, believes in the power—and ministry—of story. She’s seen it in her own life and in the lives of her readers time and again.

“First of all, let me say upfront that being a writer is a le-gitimate and worthy occupation or side interest—as all work is. It is quite okay for the Christian author to see writing as ‘my line of work,’” Oke said. “However, we, as writers, do have a rather unfair advantage over many occupations. In writing we put so much of ourselves into our work, therefore our faith can and should be evident. As we develop our sto-ries we’re able to shape, to mature, to refine, and reform. All without preaching.”

She noted she’s heard from readers who found them-selves praying for her characters. Other readers have seen themselves in her characters and been able to deal with issues that were holding them back by paying attention to what her characters did in similar circumstances. “There have been many who have found or renewed a relationship with God because of the faith they have seen exposed and expressed by book characters.”

The power a writer holds brings a great responsibil-ity, Oke said, but also a great freedom. The responsibility comes in preparing through prayer before writing, while the freedom is in knowing that the ministry is in the hands of the Holy Spirit.

“God reminded me that ministry only takes place when His Spirit is involved,” she said. “We are only the vessel through which He works. He can, and does, take the reader beyond the words I put on the page to the needs of the heart. My job is to do my best, to seek to honor Him, and to pray that He will bless the work to hurting or hungry hearts.

“That is a huge privilege. We live in a hurting world. Many are lonely, loveless, confused, and empty. They appear to relate more to the characters in the book than to people in their lives.”

Oke encourages writers of Christian fiction to consider seven tactics to help them stay tapped into the Holy Spirit’s power as they write:

1. Pray. Not every writer need write for ministry. “If, when praying, you feel that God desires you to use writing as a ministry, then release it to Him and His Will.”

2. Make your characters real—neither holy beyond belief nor wishy-washy beyond comprehension. “If they fail, let them repent, if they change or grow, explain how and why.”

3. Keep it real. “Not everyone will be saved, regardless of how much we love them.”

4. Let your characters show the reader what real faith looks like.

5. Keep those characters consistent, believable, and like-able. “If the reader does not care about them, the plot will not matter.”

6. Understand your theme and follow it through. “Pick one. Don’t try to include all of the lessons of Scripture in the same novel.” What will be the takeaway? What emotions will be stirred? What responses? “Books do change us. We need to remember this as we write.”

7. Pray again. “Pray that God will bless and use your book for His glory and for the good of some reader, some-where. That is why you write.”

Janette Oke: Embracing the Power and Ministry of Story


Wednesday, August 24, 2016 Time Event Location 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm Registration Desk/Appointments Level Two: Prefunction Area 10:00 am – 10:00 pm Set-up Marketplace Legends D Thursday, August 25, 2016 Time Event Location 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Registration Desk Level Two: Prefunction Area 8:00 am – 2:30 pm Early Bird Session – Donald Maas Broadway Ballroom ABCD 8:00 am – 11:00 pm Prayer Room Mockingbird 3 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm First-time Attendees Orientation Legends Ballroom ABC 3:00 pm – 4:45 pm General Session: Broadway West FGHJK 3:00 pm – 3:20 pm Welcome & Introduction 3:25 pm – 3:45 pm Prayer & Worship 3:45 pm – 4:00 pm Introduce keynote speaker – Ted Dekker 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm Keynote address

5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Genre Dinner Broadway West FGHJK 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Spotlight On…Publishing Houses Spotlight 1 – Bethany House Broadway CD Spotlight 2 – HarperCollins Christian Publishing Legends E Spotlight 4 – Howard Books Broadway B Spotlight 5 – Waterbrook Multnomah Legends F Agent Panel 1 – Karen Ball, Ann Byle, Rachelle Gardner, Broadway E Greg Johnson, Natasha Kern, Steve Laube, Wendy Lawton, and Karen Solem 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm Spotlight On…Publishing Houses Spotlight 6 – Love Inspired Legends F Spotlight 7 – Monarch Books and Lion Fiction Broadway A Spotlight 8 – Revell Books, a Division of Baker Publishing Group Broadway CD Spotlight 9 – Tyndale House Publishers Legends E Spotlight 10 – Gilead Publishing Broadway B Agent Panel 2 – Sue Brower, Linda Glaz, Michelle Grajkowski, Broadway E Julie Gwinn, Mary Keely, Jessica Kirkland, Chip MacGregor, Tamela Hancock Murray, and Les Stobbe

Conference Office: Music Row 5 Sponsor tables/Zone table: Foyer Editor/Agent appointments 9:30am-11:30am & 1:15pm-3:30 pm: Cumberland 1-6 Interview/Media rooms: Mockingbird 1, 2

Wednesday/Thursday Schedule


Friday, August 26, 2016 Time Event Location 8:00 am – 11:00 pm Prayer Room Mockingbird 3 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Registration Desk Level Two: Prefunction Area 9:30 am - 11:45 am Appointment Desk Level 3 Foyer: Top of Escalator 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm 8:00 am – 8:45 am Zone Breakfast Broadway West FGHJK 9:30 am – 11:45 am Marketplace Legends D 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm 9:45 am – 11:45 am Continuing Education Sessions Part One CE 1 – Level ALL: The Two Creative Realms: Allen Arnold Broadway E CE 2 – Level Freshman: Write Like a Pro…for Beginners: Cara Putman & Deborah Raney Legends E CE 3 – Level Sophomore: How To Think Like Your Editor: Erin Healy Broadway AB CE 4 – Level Junior: Seven Steps to Successful Self-Publishing: Hallee Bridgeman Broadway CD CE 5 – Level Senior: Using The Power of Innovation to Revolutionize Your Career: James Rubart Legends F

Noon – 12:45 pm Lunch Broadway West FGHJK 12:50 pm – 1:45 pm 12:50 pm – 1:00 pm Introduce keynote speaker Broadway West FGHJK 1:00 pm – 1:45 Keynote address – Ted Dekker 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm Continuing Education Sessions Part Two CE 1 – Level ALL: The Two Creative Realms: Allen Arnold Broadway E CE 2 – Level Freshman: Write Like a Pro…for Beginners: Cara Putman & Deborah Raney Legends E CE 3 – Level Sophomore: How To Think Like Your Editor: Erin Healy Broadway AB CE 4 – Level Junior: Seven Steps to Successful Self-Publishing: Hallee Bridgeman Broadway CD CE 5 – Level Senior: Using The Power of Innovation to Revolutionize Your Career: James Rubart Legends F

8:00 pm – 9:00 pm Zone Meeting For Zone Directors, Area Coordinators, and Chapter Presidents Gibson Boardroom-Level 3 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm Non-Moderated Opportunities Brainstorming Room 1 Legends E Brainstorming Room 2 Legends F

9:30 pm – 10:30 pm Worship & Write – optional musical worship Broadway West


Friday Schedule


Saturday, August 27, 2016 Time Event Location 8:00 am – 11:00 pm Prayer Room Mockingbird 3 8:15 am – 12:15 pm Registration Desk Level Two: Prefunction Area 1:45 pm – 3:30 pm 8:30 am - 9:15 am General Session Worship & Announcements Broadway West FGHJK 9:30 am – noon Appointment Desk Level 3 Foyer: Top of Escalator 1:45 pm – 4:45 pm 9:30 am – 12:15 pm Marketplace Legends D 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm 9:30 am – 10:30 am Workshops WS 1 – (All) Critique or Consequences: Ane Mulligan Legends E WS 2 – (Freshman) How To Build A Platform When You’re A Nobody: Jaime Wright Broadway CD WS 3 – (Senior) Writing Naked: Ami McConnell Broadway AB WS 4 – (Sophomore) Good vs. Great: The Difference Between Selling and Slushing: Julie Gwinn Broadway E WS 5 – (Sophomore) Sustaining a Lucrative Writing Career: Janice Thompson Legends F

11:00 am – noon Workshops WS 6 – (All) Soul Care for Storytellers (Panel): Allen Arnold, Kristy Cambron, Legends F Katherine Reay, & Mary Weber WS 7 – (Freshman) Do I Have a Voice?: Dani Pettrey Legends E WS 8 – (Sophomore) Get Out of the Dumps! Turning Backstory into Broadway CD Character Development: Ramona Richards WS 9 – (Sophomore) Working with an Agent in the New Publishing Economy: Chip MacGregor Broadway AB WS 10 – (Junior) How to Write for ABA While Keeping Your CBA Values: Broadway E Natasha Kern and Karen Solem

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch: State of ACFW Broadway West FGHJK 1:45 pm – 2:00 pm Awards ceremony rehearsal for all Carol Award and Genesis finalists Broadway West FGHJK 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Workshops WS 11 – (Junior) Developing a Thick Skin: Key to Your Long-Term Career: Legends E Tamela Hancock Murray & Steve Laube WS 12 – (Sophomore) Make Me Care: Kathleen Y’Barbo Broadway CD WS 13 – (Sophomore) The Antagonistic Setting: DiAnn Mills and Edie Melson Broadway AB WS 14 – (Senior) Being Traditional AND Indie: Chip MacGregor Legends F WS 15 – (All) Industry Panel: Boots on the Ground Broadway E

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm Workshops WS 16 – (Junior) Supercharge your Series: Susan May Warren Broadway E WS 17 – (Freshman) Pitching and Proposals (Plus More!) with the Pros: Ann Byle & Linda Glaz Broadway CD WS 18 – (Sophomore) FINISH THAT BOOK The Chunky Method Way: Allie Pleiter Legends E WS 19 – (Junior) Don’t Lie to Me: Carrie Stuart Parks Broadway AB WS 20 – (Senior) Extreme Survival Skills: Dani Pettrey Legends F

6:00 pm – 9:30 pm ACFW Annual Awards Gala Broadway West FGHJK 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm: Dinner 7:45 pm – 9:30 pm: Awards Presentation


Saturday Schedule

acfw.com • ACFW Conference • 1 1

As you review the Continuing Education Session and Work-shop Elective options available for this year’s Annual Confer-ence, you will see that each class is marked with a Level. The Levels are a tool to help you determine which classes will be most beneficial FOR YOU.

Sessions are open to any conferee. However, conferees will benefit most by selecting workshops and Continuing Educa-tion sessions nearest their current skill level and experience as noted in the descriptions below:

Level Definitions

All GradesThese sessions focus on the spiritual life of the writer, or such specifics as genres, social media, etc. that would benefit all writers.

FreshmanThese sessions will best benefit writers with some experience writing and little to no conference history.

SophomoreThese sessions will best benefit novelists with moderate writ-ing experience. The material will be presented for those writ-ers making progress on a novel or novels. These classes will delve deeper into strengthening the elements of a good manu-script and proposal as well as help identify the areas a writer needs to improve to help advance his/her career.

JuniorThese sessions will best benefit novelists with significant writ-ing experience, conference history, contest finals or wins, and editorial or agent interest. The material in these sessions will be beneficial to those authors who are published. In these classes you will learn the next step to publication as well as continue to strengthen your prose and publishing knowledge.

SeniorWriters who are published or recently contracted will get the most from these classes. The material presented in these ses-sions are geared toward multi-published authors, career nov-elists. Classes will also cover organization, marketing, public relations and speaking, and the business side of writing.

Sunday, August 28, 2016 Time Event Location 8:00 am – noon PS session – Rachel Hauck and Susan May Warren Broadway West F-K 8:00 am – 10:00 am Breakdown of ACFW Marketplace Legends D 8:00 am – 1:00 pm Prayer Room Mockingbird 3

Course Level Definitions

Sunday Schedule

Cynthia HickeyAuthor

Gail Gaymer MartinAuthor

Gayle RoperAuthor

Jennifer DeshlerOwner, Skywrangler Strategic

Jason JonesPublicist

Jeane WynnPresidentWynn-Wynn Media

Katie SchroderPR/Marketing

Jandra SuttonDigital Media Director

MentorsSpecialty Appointments



Ann ByleCredo Communications LLC

Sarah FreeseWordServe Literary Group

Rachelle GardnerBooks & Such Literary Management

Jim HartHartline Literary Agency

AGENTS

linda glazHartline Literary Agency

Michelle GrajkowskiThree Seas Literary Agency

julie gwinnSeymour Agency

Jessica KirklandThe Blythe Daniel Agency

Steve LaubeSteve Laube Agency

Chip MacGregorMacGregor Literary, Inc.


Les StobbeStobbe Literary Agency

Karen SolemSpencerhill Associates, Ltd.

AGENTS

Tamela Hancock MurraySteve Laube Agency


CE 1 The Two Creative Realms Level: All Grades Presented by: Allen Arnold

So many writers feel overwhelmed, burnt-out, disheartened, and alone in their creative journey. This is your invitation to discover your “truer” calling and enter into an entirely new creative realm defined by freedom and intimate fellowship with the Creator. This foundational experience fuses the prac-tical with the mysterious in a way that will change how you approach the stories you write AND the Story you are living. The class includes a live interview with Ted Dekker as well as a notebook personalized for each attendee. Don’t miss it!

CE 2 Write Like a Pro…for Beginners Level: Freshman Presented by: Cara Putman and Deborah Raney

Two veteran, award-winning authors share tricks of the craft learned over a combined three decades of writing for the CBA market and beyond. Deborah Raney and Cara Putman teach new writers foundational basics of writing that take a writer’s craft from beginner level to writing that is professional, con-fident, and compelling. These tips will help take your manu-script from the slush pile to the let’s-talk pile.Topics include: characterization, plot, point-of-view, theme and much more. Writers will leave with the tools to write like a pro.

CE 3 How To Think Like Your Editor Level: Sophomore Presented by: Erin Healy

Does your manuscript suffer from one of these 10 common early-draft weaknesses?

1. Characters who don’t win over your readers 2. Improperly motivated characters 3. Clichéd phrases and events 4. “Suspense” (no matter your genre) that relies on withhold-ing information rather than on true anxiety 5. Bloated passages that don’t advance the plot 6. Poorly conjured or cluttered scenes 7. Badly timed revelations 8. Ineffective points of view 9. Purple prose 10.On-the-nose dialog

More importantly, if you don’t know whether your manu-

script has any of these problems, how can you tell? Becoming a great self-editor is all about learning how to see your own work with new eyes, from new angles and perspectives. In this hands-on Continuing Education session, Erin will offer you a new set of “glasses” to wear—a self-editing process that will improve your self-awareness and change the way you look at your stories for the better. You’ll leave with more than a dozen practical steps you can take after your first draft is finished to improve the impact of your storytelling and the quality of your writing, whether you’re a veteran novelist or a novice.

CE 4 Seven Steps to Successful Self-Publishing Level: Junior Presented by: Hallee Bridgeman

Best-selling indie author Hallee Bridgeman will go over the seven steps to successful self-publishing, and then show you tips and tricks for the current market.

CE 5 Using The Power of Innovation to Revolutionize Your Career Level: Senior Presented by: James Rubart

After you’ve published and marketed four, five, six novels or more, the creativity and innovation you used to get this far can fade. You understand? You know the bottom of the barrel far too well? Yet without ongoing innovation—in our novels, marketing, social media, in our interactions with our agents, with editors and readers, our careers will not only stall, but fade to black.

In this continuing education track, veteran marketing pro (and best selling, Christy Award winning author) James L. Rubart will teach you techniques to inject fresh creativity into your fiction, yes, but more importantly, show you how the power of innovation can accelerate and revitalize every aspect of your career.

Continuing Education Sessions


Beth AdamsHoward Books

Dawn AndersonKregel Publications

Kelsey BowenRevell/Baker Publishing

Karli JacksonHarperCollins Christian Publishing

EDITORS

Tony CollinsMonarch Books and Lion Fiction at Lion Hudson

Melissa EndlichLove Inspired

Tina JamesLove Inspired

David LongBethany House Publishers


Sheryl ZajechowskiWaterfall Press

Katie SandellHoward Books

Becky MondsHarperCollins Christian Publishing

Jan StobTyndale House Publishers

EDITORS

Shannon Mar-cheseWaterbrook/Multnomah Publishing Group

Ami McConnellHoward Books

Raela SchoenherrBethany House Publishers

Shaina TurnerTyndale House Publishers


Name Location RegionACFW Pennsylvania Akron, PA MidAtlantic

ACFW-Virginia Woodbridge, VA MidAtlantic

ACFW Central Florida Chapter Florida Southeast

ACFW North Georgia Chapter Atlanta, GA Southeast

ACFW South Carolina Chapter Anderson, SC Southeast

ACFW Chicago Chapter Chicago, IL Midwest

ACFW Great Lakes Chapter Elmer, MI Midwest

ACFW Indiana Chapter Indiana Midwest

ACFW Minnesota Chapter Minneapolis, MN Midwest

ACFW WI Southeast Chapter Burlington, WI Midwest

ACFW Alamo City Chapter San Antonio, TX Southwest

ACFW Arkansas Chapter Little Rock, AR Southwest

ACFW Central Texas Chapter Round Rock, TX Southwest

ACFW DFW Chapter Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX Southwest

ACFW Houston Houston, TX Southwest

ACFW Louisiana Chapter Bossier City, LA Southwest

ACFW Oklahoma City Chapter Oklahoma City, OK Southwest

ACFW The Woodlands Chapter The Woodlands, TX Southwest

ACFW Kansas City West Chapter Kansas City, MO Central

ACFW MozArks Chapter Springfield, MO Central

ACFW Southcentral Kansas Chapter Wichita, KS Central

ACFW Colorado Springs Chapter Colorado Springs, CO Rocky Mtns

ACFW CO Western Slope Rifle, CO Rocky Mtns

ACFW Dakotas Jamestown, ND Rocky Mtns

ACFW North Denver Chapter Denver, CO Rocky Mtns

ACFW South Denver Chapter Parker, CO Rocky Mtns

ACFW Arizona Chapter Arizona West

ACFW Orange County CA Santa Ana, CA West

ACFW San Francisco Bay Chapter Palo Alto, CA West

ACFW Portland/Vancouver Chapter Portland, OR Northwest

ACFW Memphis Memphis, TN Ohio Valley

ACFW Mid-Tennessee Nashville, TN Ohio Valley

ACFW Ohio Chapter Ohio Ohio Valley

ACFW Beyond the Borders Online The World

ACFW Chapters

2016 Carol Award Finalists


The 2016 Carol Awards are ACFW’s recognition for quality fiction published in the previous calendar year.

ContemporaryFinding Me by Kathryn Cushman,

Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editors David Long, Charlene Patterson

The Art of Losing Yourself by Katie Ganshert, Waterbrook/Multnomah (Random House),

editors Shannon Marchese, Lissa Halls-Johnson

As Waters Gone By by Cynthia Ruchti, Abingdon Press, editors Ramona Richards, Jamie Chavez

HistoricalShadows of Ladenbrooke Manor by Melanie Dobson,

Howard (Simon & Schuster), editors Beth Adams, Jenny Baumgartner

Secrets She Kept by Cathy Gohlke, Tyndale House, editors Stephanie Broene, Sarah Riche

Luther and Katharina by Jody Hedlund, Waterbrook/Multnomah (Random House),

editor Shannon Marchese

Historical RomanceBeyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden,

Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editor Raela Schoenherr

Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group,

editor Vicki Crumpton

A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing,

editors David Long, Charlene Patterson

Mystery/Suspense/ThrillerThe Aleppo Code by Terry Brennan,

Kregel Publications, editors Dawn Anderson, Jannelle Tromp

Blessings in Disguise by Nancy Mehl, Guideposts Publications,

editors Susan Downs, JoAnne Simmons

Finding Amanda by Robin Patchen, ACFW QIP (Independently Published), editor Holly Lorincz

novellaA Bride for Bear from The Convenient Bride Collection

by Erica Vetsch, Barbour Publishing, editor Rebecca Germany

A Palace on the Plains from The Homestead Brides Collection by Erica Vetsch, Barbour Publishing, editor Rebecca Germany

The Archaeologist’s Find from The Most Eligible Bachelor Ro-mance Collection by Erica Vetsch, Barbour Publishing,

editor Rebecca Germany

2016 Carol Award Finalists


SpeculativeVinnie’s Diner by Jennifer AlLee,

Abingdon Press, editors Ramona Richards, Katherine Johnson

Heir of Hope by Morgan L. Busse, Enclave Publishing, editor Karen Ball

The Five Times I Met Myself by James L. Rubart, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Amanda Bostic, Erin Healy

Young AdultAngelhood by A.J. Cattapan,

Vinspire Publishing, editor Jessica DamienThe Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson,

HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editor Becky MondsDauntless by Dina L. Sleiman,

Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editors David Long, Karen Schurrer

Debut NovelThe Thornbearer by Pepper Basham,

Vinspire Publishing, editor Jessica Damien The Calling of Ella McFarland by Linda Brooks Davis,

Mountainview Books LLC, editor Carol Kurtz DarlingtonThe First Principle by Marissa Shrock,

Kregel Publications, editor Dawn Anderson

romanceThe Beekeeper’s Son by Kelly Irvin,

HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editor Becky Monds

Until the Harvest by Sarah Loudin Thomas, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editor David Long

Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Beth K. Vogt, Howard (Simon & Schuster),

editors Jessica Wong, Beth Adams

romantic suspenseNo Place to Hide by Lynette Eason,

Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editor Andrea Doering

Submerged by Elizabeth Goddard, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editor Elizabeth Mazer

Miracle Drug by Richard L. Mabry, M.D., Abingdon Press, editor Ramona Richards

short novelCovert Justice by Lynn Huggins Blackburn,

Love Inspired (Harlequin), editor Elizabeth Mazer

The Christmas Family by Linda Goodnight, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editor Allison Lyons

The Doctor’s Second Chance by Missy Tippens, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editor Emily Rodmell

The Genesis Contest is the ACFW contest for unpublished Christian fiction writers. Genesis has a number of categories/genres to enter, the opportunity for unbiased feedback on writers’ work by published authors and experienced judges, and the chance for the category finalists to have their work read by Christian pub-lishing house editors and literary agents. ACFW has been pleased to see many previous category winners and finalists move further in their writing careers to become published authors.

Contemporary Allison GarciaCher GattoDavid Rawlings Historical Kendy PearsonJoanna Davidson PolitanoLinda Thompson Historical Romance Kathleen AndersonElizabeth Ann BoylesTara Johnson Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Mark RhyneHolly Sawyer Smit (double-finalist) Novella Megan BesingIola GoultonCynthia Herron

Romance Tari FarisCynthia HerronLaura Conner Kestner Romantic Suspense Jaycee Bullard Darlene L. TurnerHope Welborn Short Novel Mary AgiusKerry JohnsonSally Jo Pitts

Speculative Megan BlessingEmma CarrieDawn Ford Young Adult Jebraun CliffordDiane StewardMargaret Stortenbecker

2015 First Impression Winners The First Impressions contest gives unpublished writers the opportunity to have the first five pages of their Christian fiction manuscript evaluated by an industry professional.

Contemporary - Emily Conrad HistoricaL - Christy Distler Historical Romance - Deb Garland Mystery/Suspense/Thriller - Amanda Holland Novella - Cynthia Herron

Romance - Tanya Agler Romantic Suspense - Chawna Schroeder Speculative - Jamin N.S. Goecker Young Adult - Jebraun Clifford


2016 Genesis Award Finalists


Mentor of the Year nominees:Misty BellerColleen CobleCynthia HickeyTara JohnsonJean Thompson KinseyKathi MaciasJoy Avery MelvilleDiAnn MillsLucette NelJames RubartVirginia SmithBeth Wiseman

Mentor of the Year Finalists:Cynthia HickeyJames RubartVirginia Smith

Editor of the Year Finalists:Stephanie Broene Tyndale House Publishers Jamie Chavez Freelance Editor Raela Schoenherr Bethany House Publishers

Agent of the Year Finalists:Jim Hart Hartline Literary Agency

Greg Johnson WordServe Literary

Jessica Kirkland Blythe Daniel Agency

Lisa Jordan-Volunteer Service Award, Mary Sue Seymour-Agent of the Year, Mike Ehret-Member Service Award

2015 Nominees

Awards

Awards


2015 Carol Award Winners

2015 Genesis Award Winners

Workshop Descriptions


WS 1: Critique or Consequences Presented by: Ane Mulligan Level: All

A common misconception about critique groups is they strip away your individual style and voice. It can be circumvented, if you know how. This workshop offers advice on how to find critique partners, work with different genres, and how to blend your unique strengths and weaknesses to form a top-notch group, and avoid discouragement. Novelist and Novel Rocket president, Ane Mulligan, has been with her critique partners for over 12 years. She mentors the Penwrights, a large critique group that has seen most of its members pub-lished. She also led ACFW’s monthly course on Critiquing for two years. This workshop will discuss the attitude necessary to give and receive critiques, how to be tough on each other and dig deep, while remaining encouraging.

WS 2: How To Build A Platform When You’re A Nobody Presented by: Jaime Wright Level: Freshman

How to build a platform when you’ve never been published, no one knows you from Joe Schmo, and you don’t want to look or sound like an absolute narcissist.

WS 3: Writing Naked Presented by: Ami McConnell Level: Junior

Ami McConnell sees herself as something of a midwife and has learned that no two book-births are the same. Each is delightfully, terrifyingly, wonderfully unique. McConnell’s session will help provide context for your intensely personal journey. As a seasoned professional author, you’ll be encour-aged and inspired by this session that focuses on being both vulnerable and authentic—not hiding behind anything—be-ing honest and true and vulnerable with the reader.

WS 4: Good vs. Great: The Difference Between Selling and Slushing Presented by: Julie Gwinn Level: Sophomore

An in-depth analysis and step-by-step breakdown of the ele-ments that make a manuscript sell.

WS 5: Sustaining a Lucrative Writing Career Presented by: Janice Thompson Level: Sophomore

This interactive class is perfect for serious money-making writers who are in it for the long-haul and want to develop strategies that will help them sell today, tomorrow and long into the future.

Workshop Elective Session 1: Saturday- 9:30 am – 10:30 am

Workshop Descriptions(continued)


WS 6: Soul Care for Storytellers (Panel) Presented by: Allen Arnold, Kristy Cambron, Katherine Reay, Mary Weber Level: All

Soul Care for Storytellers: A breathe-deeper approach to the writer’s calling.

In the Greek, the word soul literally means: breath. It’s life it-self. One of the most neglected areas of a storyteller’s world is the internal arena of their soul. Nothing has a greater impact than soul care on an author’s identity, marriage, relationships, and imagination. In this session, a fellowship of four share their unique experience as writers and publisher from this perspective. The group will share a complete care package in (4) key areas of soul-care: SPIRIT, SOUL, BODY, and COM-MUNITY, drawing back the curtain on the impacts of the writing life and offering up quick-hit strategies for attendees to walk away empowered to pursue the full scope of the writ-ing craft.

WS 7: Do I Have a Voice? Presented by: Dani Pettrey Level: Freshman

Find your voice, your wiring, and your audience.

WS 8: Get Out of the Dumps! Turning Backstory into Character Development Presented by: Ramona Richards Level: Sophomore

Tips on identifying and eliminating backstory and info dumps in a novel.

WS 9: Working with an Agent in the New Publishing Economy Presented by: Chip MacGregor Level: Sophomore

With the advent of self-publishing and the expansion of small presses, it’s fair to wonder who needs an agent in the new world of publishing.

WS 10: How to Write for ABA While Keeping Your CBA Values: Part Two Presented by: Natasha Kern and Karen Solem Level: Junior/Senior

As opportunities for fiction writers within CBA are shrink-ing both with publishers and with the CBA stores, learn how to write the kind of story you are committed to but for the general marketplace.

Workshop Elective Session 4: Saturday- 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm



WS 11: Developing a Thick Skin Key to Your Long-Term Career Presented by: Tamela Hancock Murray and Steve Laube Level: Junior

Literary Agents Steve Laube and Tamela Hancock Murray teach how to cope with the criticism that assails every suc-cessful author to ensure a healthy and happy long-term career.

WS 12: Make Me Care Presented by: Kathleen Y’Barbo Level: Sophomore

In a world where books are cheap or free and choices abound, the only way to make our readers stop shopping around for their next book and read ours is to make them care.

WS 13: The Antagonistic Setting Presented by: DiAnn Mills and Edie Melson Level: Sophomore

Creating an antagonistic setting raises the stakes for a compelling read in every story no matter the genre.

WS 14: Being Traditional AND Indie Presented by: Chip MacGregor Level: Senior

How to succeed as a hybrid author in today’s hyper-competi-tive world of publishing.

WS 15: Boots on the Ground (panel) Presented by: Industry Guests Level: Junior/Senior

What can authors learn from the industry professionals (reviewers/retailers) who influence readers to purchase and read our books?




WS 16: Supercharge your Series Presented by: Susan May Warren Level: Junior

Learn how to plot a series.

WS 17: Pitching and Proposals (Plus More!) with the Pros Presented by: Ann Byle and Linda Glaz Level: Freshman

Two veteran agents/writers take beginning authors through the basics of pitching, proposals, one-sheets, formatting and genre terms, and talk about an agent’s role and industry trends, all in a fun, hands-on, practice-filled format.

WS 18: FINISH THAT BOOK The Chunky Method Way Presented by: Allie Pleiter Level: Sophomore

Learn a stress-free, practical, dependable method to meet your writing goals even when the rest of your life doesn’t cooperate.

WS 19: Don’t LIE to Me Presented by: Carrie Stuart Parks Level: Junior

Learn how to write, recognize, and understand the forensic elements of deception.

WS 20: Extreme Survival Skills Presented by: Dani Pettrey and Becky Wade Level: Junior

Our workshop offers both Biblical and practical encourage-ment for Christian writers struggling to survive (and even thrive) in the face of the insidious ‘joy stealers’: comparison, stress, discouragement, and burn-out.



2016 Executive Board members (left to right): (front row) Brandilyn Collins, Rachel Hauck , Cara Putman (back row) Allen Arnold , Deborah Raney, Colleen Coble, Rick Acker.

Executive Board

Conference Volunteers


Ian AchesonRick AckerDorothy AdamekJerusha AgenYvonne AndersonAngela E. ArndtLinda AttawayJoy L. Avery MelvilleAmanda BarrattPepper BashamSally BaylessPatricia BealLori BeattyKathy BeliveauMisty BellerLynn BlackburnPat BradleyLauren BrandenburgSusan BrannockKate BreslinKelly BridgewaterBarbara BrittonRalene BurkeMorgan BusseKristy Cambron

Lisa CarterLee CarverHeidi ChiavaroliSherma ClarkAshley ClarkEmily ConradHannah ConwayJon CoonAngela CouchMarie CoutuKatie CushmanGeorgiana DanielsSusan DavisClari DeesAngie DickenJan DrexlerLoretta EidsonMary EllisAmanda EverettMary FelkinsMelissa FergusonJune FosterJulie FugateRobin FusonMichelle Griep

Janet GrunstMichele HarperLindsay HarrelTeresa HaughCasey HerringshawKristi HunterCurt IlesKelly IrvinKara IsaacJill KemererRonie KendigSara LarsonKelly LibertoElizabeth LudwigSharlene MacLarenDan MadrigalSusan MasonJoy MassenburgGabrielle MeyerPamela S. MeyersCarol MoncadoNatalie MonkPatti Jo MooreKathryn MooreMichele Morris

Thank you to the many who help make our conference a great success!

Conference Volunteers


Christen MorrisAne MulliganElizabeth MusserDonna MynattChristina Suzann NelsonMindy ObenhausCarrie Fancett PagelsMarilyn ParkerCarrie Stuart ParksJessica R. PatchLoRee PeeryAllie PleiterAnne PradoCara PutmanKen RaneyDonna RiceDana RoaeMartha RogersGayle RoperCynthia RuchtiShelley SabgaLinda SamaritoniKaren SargentSandy SchomakerJennifer Slattery

Regina SmeltzerGinny SmithChandra Lynn SmithDonna SmithBecky SmithLaurie SmithGinger SolomonSharon SrockBetsy St. AmantVirginia StarrettBrandy SteffensenAngela StrongCathryn SwalliaGinger TakamiyaJeanne TakenakaLinda ThompsonBecky ThurstonLiz TolsmaLaurie TomlinsonDelores TopliffPatricia TrainumRuth TrippyCarrie TuranskyDarlene TurnerTeresa Tysinger

Beth VogtBecky WadeSuzie WaltnerGina WelbornRonda WellsSuzanne WesleyPreslaysa WilliamsAllison WilsonKaren WitemeyerDaphne WoodallJaime Jo WrightBecky YaugerLinda Yezak

Thank you to the many who help make our conference a great success!

Friends of ACFW

GOLD

Ian AchesonMelina AliMatthew AndersonLorraine BeattyKristin BillerbeckBruce BlizardAndrea BoeshaarDianna BooherPatricia BradleyGregg BridgemanHallee BridgemanSusan BrowerTimothy D. Browne, M.D.Marci J. BurkeVictoria BurksBonnie S. CalhounLee CarverMary Lou CheathamColleen CobleBrandilyn CollinsStan CraderKathryn CushmanJan DrexlerLynette EasonLoretta EidsonDanica FavoriteTamara FickasKristin Noel FischerDavid A. FitzwaterCathy GohlkeShirley GouldMarie GraceKathy Harris

Liz Curtis HiggsC.E. HilbertLynn HobbsRalph HueskeDenise HunterLisa JordanWilliam KealyNina M. KellyRonie KendigNatasha KernMary Ann KerrVirelle KidderJane KirkpatrickMargie LawsonTomi LeslieJulie LessmanLenora LivingstonLoree LoughKariss LynchMary MannersGail Gaymer MartinCarol McAdams MooreTanara McCauleyHenry McLaughlinEdie MelsonDana MentinkDiAnn MillsAne MulliganTamela Hancock MurrayElizabeth MusserK.A. NeelyJ.M. NorwoodRondi OlsonDani PettreyAllie Pleiter

Deborah RaneyKatherine ReayRamona RichardsFrancine RiversSandra RobbinsMartha RogersGayle RoperCynthia RuchtiRoxanne RustandKim Vogel SawyerMarc SchooleyChandra Lynn SmithCharlotte SneadFred St. LaurentLaura StolmeierChris StormChristine SunderlandMelissa TaggJanice ThompsonKristena TunstallJudy VandiverHolly VarniBeth K. VogtGary L. WadeBecky WadeSusan May WarrenGina WelbornCass WesselCatherine WestPreslaysa WilliamsSusan WingateDaphne WoodallKathleen Y’Barbo TurnerGlynn YoungMark Zona


Friends of ACFW


SILVER

Scott J. AbelJennifer AllenMesu AndrewsCathleen ArmstrongDavid ArpLinda AttawayJanet Lee BartonPatricia BealMisty M. BellerRenee BlareCarmella BowenLauren H. BrandenburgSusan M. BrannockJeannine BrummettVictoria BuckAmy ClipstonHannah ConwayConnilyn CossetteLinda Brooks DavisMelanie DickersonRuth DouthittTina Ann EllerbyMary EllisGeorgia EvansMarianne EvansAnn GabhartNorma GailDeborah HackettSarah HamakerCarol Moesta HamiltonEmilie HendryxVie HerlockerCynthia M. HickeyNancy Ellen HirdMolly JebberJulia Kay JettVikki KestellChrista KindeChristy LaSheaTosca LeeBetsy LoweryElizabeth LudwigSusan LyttekRose Allen McCauleyDineen MillerNatalie MonkPatti Jo MooreJanelle MoweryMary Netreba

Kathy ParishRobin W. PearsonMarilyn PevetoJerri Kelley PhillipsTina PinsonWendy ReeseDennis RicciLinda RobinsonAmber SchamelBarbara ScottPatti SheneRegina SmeltzerDonna L.H. SmithVirginia SmithDavalynn SpencerLes StobbeSarah SundinLinda ThompsonC. Kevin ThompsonDarlene L. TurnerKathy TyersTeresa TysingerCindy Woodsmall

BRONZE

Johnnie AlexanderAngela E. ArndtMarie BastKathy BeliveauDonna J. BensonJean BloomSuzanne BratcherShari Lynn BrownDar BuchholzRalene BurkeJack BusiekKristy L. CambronJanice CantoreSally ChambersMichele ClaudioPaul CookeLisa CraytonGeorgiana DanielsMarilyn EudalyJulie FugateR.A. GiggiePenny Nadeau-HaavigEva Maria HamiltonLinda Hammett

Mary HawkinsKathleen HelgesenBruce HenniganJ.E. Herb, Jr.Casey HerringshawBill HiggsJudythe MorganClarice G. JamesMara KimDeanna KlingelA.G. LarsonCathy LiggettMichelle LimLauren LuckhartGeorge Gaio ManoJ.A. MarxShirley MaynardAngela MoodyTimothy MoynihanD.J. MynattMary P. NettlesMindy ObenhausAnnette O’HareV. Joy PalmerPeggy Blann PhiferRachael PhillipsElizabeth PinaRuth ReidPatricia Reece KrugelKaren H. RichardsonNanci RubinRachel DylanMichelle ShockleeJanice SeigleCynthia L. SimmonsKristina SoboleskiKathryn SpringerAlena TauriainenRuth TredwayCarrie TuranskyMarilyn TurkJohn TurneySuzie WaltnerLinda J. WhiteBrigitte WhitingLinda WichmanLenora WorthLinda W. YezakStacey ZinkAaron M. Zook, Jr.


Robin MillerConference Director

Pam Hillman,Conference Treasurer

Casey MillerAppointment Coordinator/

Conference Sponsorship Liaison

Dineen A. MillerRegistration Desk Specialist

Suzanne WesleyConference Administrative

Assistant

Lisa DavisConference Office Assistant

Becky YaugerContests Administrator

Rachel HauckConference Worship Leader

Brandilyn CollinsPrayer Room Coordinator

and Emcee

Casey HerringshawCarol Awards Coordinator

Betsy St. AmantGenesis Coordinator

Billy WyattConference Audio/Video,

Head Technician

Heather TiptonConference Administration

Robert TurnerConference Administrative

Assistant

Cynthia Ruchti ACFW Professional Relations

Liaison

Emilie HendryxConference Photographer

2016 Conference Staff

Cheryl WyattAssistant Appt Coordinator

Documents

Thank you to our sponsors: Annual Conference …their presentation, but please do so quietly so as to not disrupt the speaker or attendees. Please be considerate of your ap-pointment