SCWC 2024 Workshop Sessions and Leaders
Get to know our leaders for this year's Southern Christian Writers Conference
The 2024 Southern Christian Writers Conference takes place on June 7-8 at Valley View Baptist Church in Leeds, Alabama (right outside Birmingham). The conference features three keynote presentations and 24 workshops on a variety of writing topics and genres. The conference takes place in person beginning Friday, June 7 at 11:30 a.m. and concludes on Saturday, June 8 at 4 p.m. (Note also that a special Thursday night event kicks off for those who want to participate in our Share & Critique Party.)
Our keynote presenters and workshop leaders have years of professional, writing, and publishing experience and bring a world of knowledge and inspiration to our conference this year. We look forward to learning and drawing inspiration from them.
(Note: in-person attendees will choose from a selection of workshops, and also have access later to other workshops online; virtual attendees will receive virtual access to keynote presentations and select workshops. )
Learn about our leaders and their workshop sessions below.
Keynote Speakers
David Bennett
* Keynote talk at the Friday night dinner in conjunction with his receipt of the Joanne Sloan National Award for Encouragement of Writers
* Workshop: "How to Pitch to a Magazine Editor"
Denise George
* Keynote presentation on Saturday titled "When God Calls..."
* Workshop: "How to Build a Speaking and Writing Ministry"
Grace Hitchcock
Grace is the award-winning author of multiple historic novels and novellas, including the "American Royalty," "True Colors," and "Aprons & Veils" series. She knew from a young age that she wanted to be a writer and wrote her first novel as a senior in high school; she went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in history and a Master's in Creative Writing. She signed with an agent in 2015 after completing her third novel and sold three novellas (in the "Second Chance Brides" collection) to Barbour Publishing; she followed that with a contract in 2020 with Bethany House Publishers for the "American Royalty" series, which included the novels My Dear Miss Dupre, Her Darling Mr. Day, and His Delightful Lady Delia. Her latest books are the first book, To Catch a Coronet, in the humorous "Best Laid Plan"s Regency romance series for Kregel Publications and the first book in her independently-published series called Aprons & Veils. She's currently writing away at her next Regency book. Grace lives in a cottage on the northshore of New Orleans with her husband Dakota, sons, and daughter; when she's not writing or chasing babies, she loves to bake and read.
Javacia is an award-winning freelance journalist and essayist and the founder of See Jane Write, a website and community for women who write and blog. Her essay collection, Find Your Way Back: How to Write your Way through Anything, explores how she used writing to cope with cancer and everything else life has thrown her way. Javacia was included in Southern Living Magazine's list of "Innovators Changing the South," along such names as Dolly Parton and Reese Witherspoon. She was a recipient of the 2022 Alabama State Council on the Arts Fellowship. With a focus on women's lifestyle, wealth, and wellness, Javacia has written for local, regional, and national media outlets including USA Today, Business Insider. Good Grit, and Essence; her column for Birmingham Magazine was awarded "Best Magazine Column" by the Alabama Press Association. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband Edward, eating tacos, and listening to Beyonce.
Shirley is a book author, speaker, and devotional writer who also works as a Biblical counselor. Her books include Glimpses of Prayer: A Devotional, Easter Meditations for Addicts, Hope for New Beginnings: 31 Devotions for the Adventure, Glimpses of the Savior, and the seasonal books (Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn in the Glimpses of God devotionals for women. Her most recent release is Wonder and Worship: 65 Days of Devotion with co-author Harriet E. Michael coming out in April 2024. Her "Paper Pulpit" articles appear in The Gadsden (Alabama) Times, and her pieces have also appeared in publications by David C. Cook, Student Life, and Woman's Missionary Union. She contributes to several blogs, and is published as an author, co-author, and contributing author of 12 books. Shirley serves as Vice President of The Addiction Connection, WMU Director for the Birmingham Baptist Metro Association, and is a staff member of the Southern Christian Writers Conference. The daughter of missionaries, Shirley was born in a mission guest house under the shade of a mango tree in Nigeria, West Africa (where her parents were missionaries).
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Billy is a pastor and worship leader who brings souls closer to God through heartfelt songs and Christian counseling. He's worked for more than 50 years as a pastor and has a PhD. in Clinical Pastoral Counseling. A professional songwriter since 1985, Billy has earned Grammy and Dove Award nominations and has been published by more than 30 professional groups and individual singers (such as gospel legends The Kingsmen,The Speers, and Karen Peck & New River) in the gospel music industry. He's currently writing A Christian Songwriter's Journey, a comprehensive book on the art of Christian songwriting. Billy has been married for 40 years to his wife Larke (who is also presenting at this year's SCWC) and is the proud parent of four children and six grandchildren. He and Larke live in Mississippi.
Larke is a retired teacher and writer who loves finding and sharing Biblical applications and life lessons in the ordinary and extraordinary. She's the founder of the Christian Writer's Community of Southern Mississippi, a group that meets monthly to equip, educate, and encourage Christian writers. She believes that finding one's "tribe" is important to the writing journey. Larke and her husband, Billy have been in ministry together for 40 years and have co-authored many devotional books for churches they have served. Larke has served in women's ministry across the Southeast and has led numerous retreats, seminars, Bible studies, and women's events. She is passionate about the home and shares her insights and creativity at her website ,www.designforheartandhome.com; she also provides virtual assistance work and graphic design services for writers. She and Billy are currently empy-nesters living in Hatteisburg, Mississippi, using their creative gifts to serve the Lord.
Stephanie is an author, freelance article and devotional writer, inspirational speaker, and SCWC staff assistant. She's written pieces for such publications as Birmingham Parent and Focus on the Family, and is the author of the novel How Then Shall We Live? and the devotional book Hope and Help for Homeschooling Parents. She also writes devotional thoughts regularly on her social media platforms. Her most recent project is her first children's book, Backyard Betsey, which was inspired by her 15 years of foster parenting. (She and her husband Henry cared for 45 children during those years, seven of whom they adopted. ) This year has found her determined to SIP--Strategic, Intentional, Prayerful---and it's her hope to encourage other writers, no matter how far along they are on their journey.
* Keynote presentation on Friday evening titled "What's Got Your Pen?"
* Workshop: "7 Steps from Idea to Inspirational Novel"
Workshop Sessions and Leaders
Javacia Bowser
Workshop: "Start Blogging in 2024"
Javacia is an award-winning freelance journalist and essayist and the founder of See Jane Write, a website and community for women who write and blog. Her essay collection, Find Your Way Back: How to Write your Way through Anything, explores how she used writing to cope with cancer and everything else life has thrown her way. Javacia was included in Southern Living Magazine's list of "Innovators Changing the South," along such names as Dolly Parton and Reese Witherspoon. She was a recipient of the 2022 Alabama State Council on the Arts Fellowship. With a focus on women's lifestyle, wealth, and wellness, Javacia has written for local, regional, and national media outlets including USA Today, Business Insider. Good Grit, and Essence; her column for Birmingham Magazine was awarded "Best Magazine Column" by the Alabama Press Association. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband Edward, eating tacos, and listening to Beyonce.
Shirley Crowder
Workshop: "Sharing Glimpses of God through Devotionals"
Shirley is a book author, speaker, and devotional writer who also works as a Biblical counselor. Her books include Glimpses of Prayer: A Devotional, Easter Meditations for Addicts, Hope for New Beginnings: 31 Devotions for the Adventure, Glimpses of the Savior, and the seasonal books (Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn in the Glimpses of God devotionals for women. Her most recent release is Wonder and Worship: 65 Days of Devotion with co-author Harriet E. Michael coming out in April 2024. Her "Paper Pulpit" articles appear in The Gadsden (Alabama) Times, and her pieces have also appeared in publications by David C. Cook, Student Life, and Woman's Missionary Union. She contributes to several blogs, and is published as an author, co-author, and contributing author of 12 books. Shirley serves as Vice President of The Addiction Connection, WMU Director for the Birmingham Baptist Metro Association, and is a staff member of the Southern Christian Writers Conference. The daughter of missionaries, Shirley was born in a mission guest house under the shade of a mango tree in Nigeria, West Africa (where her parents were missionaries).
John Herring
John is CEO/Owner of Iron Stream Media, an emerging media company that includes the imprints Iron Stream Books, Iron Stream Fiction, Iron Stream Kids, Life Bible Study, and Brookstone Creative Group. John started his career serving local churches as an executive pastor, discipleship pastor, and consultant and has been in the publishing industry since 2006. He sees his work in the industry as a way to continue serving churches and ministries with curriculum development, strategic thinking, discipleship, staff development, mentoring, and connecting the dots between ministries and people. John and his wife, Stacy, live in Birmingham with their little dog Bo (short of Bogey); they have two children and two grandchildren. Of Iron Stream's work with authors, John says that the company only accepts agented submissions unless he meets authors at a writers conference. (Please be prepared with a one-pager and sample writing. First-time authors need to have a complete manuscript.) Current Iron Stream needs are NONFICTION (Bible studies, Christian living/ministry/evangelism, Church growth/life/renewal, Culture/contemporary issues, Curriculum/how-to/teaching, Discipleship/personal growth, Marriage/family/parenting, Men's books, prayer, spiritual warfare, and women's interests.
Carissa is a wife, mother, speaker, and writer from North Alabama. Her children's books include Seeds for Sharing, which chronicled the way in which her family adapted to changes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic; subsequent books in the The Sharing Sisters picture book series are Lemons for Blessings and Stitches for Kindness. Her newest book is Ella's Alphabet Adventures (2024). Carissa also authors the inspirational column, "Carissa's Corner," for the Athens Now Newspaper and writes often for various women's ministries. The granddaughter of missionaries, Carissa grew up with a unique perspective on the virtue of giving back and making a difference through even the simplest of actions. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and received a master's degree in Public Administration with a focus on Nonprofit Management. While pursuing her degrees, she served as founding member and president of the local United Way chapter and has served as a Habitat for Humanity volunteer. Today she uses her books to teach simple Biblical truth while inspiring young children to serve others.
Sue is a Master Certified Life/Business Coach who specializes in helping creatives and small business owners navigate their personal and professional journeys. She currently serves as an executive consultant for a television show, and is also a traditionally-published book author, scriptwriter, and director of multiple music episodes and tv episodes. She's written and teaches her own Bible study curriculum, "FiftyNess," designed for women over 50. She's also an ordained minister who counsels young couples and families. Sue uses the enneagram personality test and program in the creative (including writing) process and serves as the creative director for a corporate group of enneagram practitioners. Sue's most recent publication is Hope is..., a devotional written with her writing group sisters Kristy Ensor and DeAnn Starling. Sue lives in Spring Hill, Tennessee, with her husband Keith and believes in laughter and positivity and lives by the belief that there's no such thing as a stranger.
Vernet is an author, poet, and retired educator who dedicated herself for 30 years to the advancement of students considered underserved and less likely to succeed. She holds a bachelor's degree from Xavier University, a master's degree from the University of South Alabama, and a doctorate in education from Nova Southeastern University. Vernet has worked in administration with the Alabama State Department of Education and in two of the largest school systems in the state, and has followed God's call in working with children and youth through the youth programs, praise dance teams, and choirs in the churches she has served. Her published books include Why Should I Be Bound? Musings on a Journey with God, Moments of Grace: A Devotional Planner, UnSpoken Words: Life's Heartfelt Whispers, Walking with Grace: A Fresh Start Devotional, and Beautiful, Just Like Me. Vernet also serves as a staff assistant for the Southern Christian Writers Conference.
Brock and Jessica Parker are co-hosts of the Bama Geeks Podcast. They, along with Bo Bearden and Kevin Gardner, discuss pop culture topics that primarily tie back into Alabama. They created Bama Geeks in March 2021 ad a way to publicly share conversations they were already having about their favorite movies and shows. Since then, they've gained more than 4800 subscribers on their YouTube channel and thousands of downloads on their audio version. Brock's love of podcasting comes from more than 30 years of working in media. He began as a radio disc jockey in 1992. He also served as a part-time hockey announcer during his U.S. Air Force service before earning his bachelor's degree in broadcast news in 2004. After college, he worked as a television reporter in the Columbia, Georgia market before transitioning to a writer and multimedia producer at Auburn University. He now works as senior writer and producer at the University of Alabama, where he also recently completed his master's degree in journalism and creative media. Brock and Jessica have a blended family of three teenage and adult children, and live and worship in Hueytown, Alabama.
Doyce refers to himself as the "Backyard Travel Writer" and began his travel writing career after attending the 2005 Southern Christian Writers Conference. Writing under the name D. Jay Powell, his travel columns "Road Trip Treasures" and "South of the Smokies" have reached more than 100,000 readers in the local market. He's published a series of travel books highlighting day trips in the Appalachian foothills, and also publishes free resources for ministries, churches, schools, families, and groups in the region; his travel guide series can be found in all Georgia Welcome Centers. Since 2010, Doyce has served on local and regional tourism committees and also operates the South of the Smokies website (www.SouthoftheSmokies.com). He's also the author of the books Road Trip Treasures: Appalachian Foothills, Be Inspired: 101 Inspirational Thoughts for Every Christian Writer, God's Little Raindrops, and Prayer Life of Jesus: Seven Daily Nuggets to Strengthen Every Week. Doyce loves to help fellow writers understand the local group market and how to find travel writing opportunities in their own backyards. He lives in the Appalachian foothills of northwest Georgia with his wife Alice; he has two daughters and four grandsons.
Jennifer is the president and editor-in-chief of TAB Media Group which includes The Alabama Baptist and The Baptist Newspaper. She started at TAB Media Group in 1996 as a news writer and worked her up to managing editor then executive editor before being named editor-elect in 2015. At her appointment, she became the first female editor of a major Baptist newspaper. Jennifer earned her associate's degree from Northwest Community College, a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Alabama, and a master's degree in theological studies from Beeson Divinity School at Samford University. She also has an honorary doctor of human letters degree from Judson College. Throughout her career, she has helped lead the TAB editorial team to win more than 300 national awards and was honored with the Joanne Sloan National Award for the Encouragement of Writers in 2021. Jennifer has served as the president of Baptist Communications Association, vice president of Associated Church Press, president of the Association of State Baptist Publication and in various positions with the Religion Communicators Council, Evangelical Press Association, and Alabama Press Association. She and her husband Jason live in Birmingham and worship at NorthPark Baptist Church in Trussville.
Workshop: "Trends in Christian Publishing Today"
John is CEO/Owner of Iron Stream Media, an emerging media company that includes the imprints Iron Stream Books, Iron Stream Fiction, Iron Stream Kids, Life Bible Study, and Brookstone Creative Group. John started his career serving local churches as an executive pastor, discipleship pastor, and consultant and has been in the publishing industry since 2006. He sees his work in the industry as a way to continue serving churches and ministries with curriculum development, strategic thinking, discipleship, staff development, mentoring, and connecting the dots between ministries and people. John and his wife, Stacy, live in Birmingham with their little dog Bo (short of Bogey); they have two children and two grandchildren. Of Iron Stream's work with authors, John says that the company only accepts agented submissions unless he meets authors at a writers conference. (Please be prepared with a one-pager and sample writing. First-time authors need to have a complete manuscript.) Current Iron Stream needs are NONFICTION (Bible studies, Christian living/ministry/evangelism, Church growth/life/renewal, Culture/contemporary issues, Curriculum/how-to/teaching, Discipleship/personal growth, Marriage/family/parenting, Men's books, prayer, spiritual warfare, and women's interests.
Carissa Lovvorn
Workshop: "Writing Children's Books that Inspire"
Carissa is a wife, mother, speaker, and writer from North Alabama. Her children's books include Seeds for Sharing, which chronicled the way in which her family adapted to changes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic; subsequent books in the The Sharing Sisters picture book series are Lemons for Blessings and Stitches for Kindness. Her newest book is Ella's Alphabet Adventures (2024). Carissa also authors the inspirational column, "Carissa's Corner," for the Athens Now Newspaper and writes often for various women's ministries. The granddaughter of missionaries, Carissa grew up with a unique perspective on the virtue of giving back and making a difference through even the simplest of actions. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and received a master's degree in Public Administration with a focus on Nonprofit Management. While pursuing her degrees, she served as founding member and president of the local United Way chapter and has served as a Habitat for Humanity volunteer. Today she uses her books to teach simple Biblical truth while inspiring young children to serve others.
Sue Mohr
Workshop: "Character Development Using the Enneagram"
Sue is a Master Certified Life/Business Coach who specializes in helping creatives and small business owners navigate their personal and professional journeys. She currently serves as an executive consultant for a television show, and is also a traditionally-published book author, scriptwriter, and director of multiple music episodes and tv episodes. She's written and teaches her own Bible study curriculum, "FiftyNess," designed for women over 50. She's also an ordained minister who counsels young couples and families. Sue uses the enneagram personality test and program in the creative (including writing) process and serves as the creative director for a corporate group of enneagram practitioners. Sue's most recent publication is Hope is..., a devotional written with her writing group sisters Kristy Ensor and DeAnn Starling. Sue lives in Spring Hill, Tennessee, with her husband Keith and believes in laughter and positivity and lives by the belief that there's no such thing as a stranger.
Vernet Nettles
Workshop: "Brainstorming with Vernet"
Vernet is an author, poet, and retired educator who dedicated herself for 30 years to the advancement of students considered underserved and less likely to succeed. She holds a bachelor's degree from Xavier University, a master's degree from the University of South Alabama, and a doctorate in education from Nova Southeastern University. Vernet has worked in administration with the Alabama State Department of Education and in two of the largest school systems in the state, and has followed God's call in working with children and youth through the youth programs, praise dance teams, and choirs in the churches she has served. Her published books include Why Should I Be Bound? Musings on a Journey with God, Moments of Grace: A Devotional Planner, UnSpoken Words: Life's Heartfelt Whispers, Walking with Grace: A Fresh Start Devotional, and Beautiful, Just Like Me. Vernet also serves as a staff assistant for the Southern Christian Writers Conference.
Brock and Jessica Parker
Workshop: "Podcasting for Beginners"
Doyce Powell
Workshop: "Travel Writing's Hidden Opportunities"
Doyce refers to himself as the "Backyard Travel Writer" and began his travel writing career after attending the 2005 Southern Christian Writers Conference. Writing under the name D. Jay Powell, his travel columns "Road Trip Treasures" and "South of the Smokies" have reached more than 100,000 readers in the local market. He's published a series of travel books highlighting day trips in the Appalachian foothills, and also publishes free resources for ministries, churches, schools, families, and groups in the region; his travel guide series can be found in all Georgia Welcome Centers. Since 2010, Doyce has served on local and regional tourism committees and also operates the South of the Smokies website (www.SouthoftheSmokies.com). He's also the author of the books Road Trip Treasures: Appalachian Foothills, Be Inspired: 101 Inspirational Thoughts for Every Christian Writer, God's Little Raindrops, and Prayer Life of Jesus: Seven Daily Nuggets to Strengthen Every Week. Doyce loves to help fellow writers understand the local group market and how to find travel writing opportunities in their own backyards. He lives in the Appalachian foothills of northwest Georgia with his wife Alice; he has two daughters and four grandsons.
Jennifer Rash
Workshop: "Brainstorming with Jennifer"
Jennifer is the president and editor-in-chief of TAB Media Group which includes The Alabama Baptist and The Baptist Newspaper. She started at TAB Media Group in 1996 as a news writer and worked her up to managing editor then executive editor before being named editor-elect in 2015. At her appointment, she became the first female editor of a major Baptist newspaper. Jennifer earned her associate's degree from Northwest Community College, a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Alabama, and a master's degree in theological studies from Beeson Divinity School at Samford University. She also has an honorary doctor of human letters degree from Judson College. Throughout her career, she has helped lead the TAB editorial team to win more than 300 national awards and was honored with the Joanne Sloan National Award for the Encouragement of Writers in 2021. Jennifer has served as the president of Baptist Communications Association, vice president of Associated Church Press, president of the Association of State Baptist Publication and in various positions with the Religion Communicators Council, Evangelical Press Association, and Alabama Press Association. She and her husband Jason live in Birmingham and worship at NorthPark Baptist Church in Trussville.
Billy Ready
Workshop: "Christian Songwriting 101"
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Billy is a pastor and worship leader who brings souls closer to God through heartfelt songs and Christian counseling. He's worked for more than 50 years as a pastor and has a PhD. in Clinical Pastoral Counseling. A professional songwriter since 1985, Billy has earned Grammy and Dove Award nominations and has been published by more than 30 professional groups and individual singers (such as gospel legends The Kingsmen,The Speers, and Karen Peck & New River) in the gospel music industry. He's currently writing A Christian Songwriter's Journey, a comprehensive book on the art of Christian songwriting. Billy has been married for 40 years to his wife Larke (who is also presenting at this year's SCWC) and is the proud parent of four children and six grandchildren. He and Larke live in Mississippi.
Larke Ready
Workshop: "How to Start a Local Writing Group"
Larke is a retired teacher and writer who loves finding and sharing Biblical applications and life lessons in the ordinary and extraordinary. She's the founder of the Christian Writer's Community of Southern Mississippi, a group that meets monthly to equip, educate, and encourage Christian writers. She believes that finding one's "tribe" is important to the writing journey. Larke and her husband, Billy have been in ministry together for 40 years and have co-authored many devotional books for churches they have served. Larke has served in women's ministry across the Southeast and has led numerous retreats, seminars, Bible studies, and women's events. She is passionate about the home and shares her insights and creativity at her website ,www.designforheartandhome.com; she also provides virtual assistance work and graphic design services for writers. She and Billy are currently empy-nesters living in Hatteisburg, Mississippi, using their creative gifts to serve the Lord.
Stephanie Rodda
Workshop: "Your Writing Plan: Strategic, Intentional, and Prayerful" and "SCWC 101: Tips for Newbies"
Stephanie is an author, freelance article and devotional writer, inspirational speaker, and SCWC staff assistant. She's written pieces for such publications as Birmingham Parent and Focus on the Family, and is the author of the novel How Then Shall We Live? and the devotional book Hope and Help for Homeschooling Parents. She also writes devotional thoughts regularly on her social media platforms. Her most recent project is her first children's book, Backyard Betsey, which was inspired by her 15 years of foster parenting. (She and her husband Henry cared for 45 children during those years, seven of whom they adopted. ) This year has found her determined to SIP--Strategic, Intentional, Prayerful---and it's her hope to encourage other writers, no matter how far along they are on their journey.
Gene Rowley
Gene is an award-winning voice actor and radio host who began his career by accident in high school when he was hired to dig a ditch at a local radio station in Dover, Delaware; he fell into the ditch and sprained his ankle, but the station's program director heard his voice and offered him a job on the spot. Gene went on to work in radio in Birmingham and Houston, climbing the ladder to Los Angeles at KKLA. He started the local non-profit APH Radio in 2011 in Shelby County (Ala.) to be a voice for small businesses, charities, and civic organizations. He owns Gene Rowley Voiceover, and has been nominated three times for Audiobook Narration of the Year by the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences. Gene has also served as a paratrooper and master parachutist in Afghanistan and Iraq. Also an author, Gene is working on his fourth novel and also owns Jumpmaster Press, a publishing company dedicated to innovative distribution. While working at Classic Rock 99.5 in Birmingham, Gene met his wife Mandy and they have three daughters.
Ellen is Editorial Director and founder of Little Roni Publishers, LLC, an independent traditional publishing company. Along with her partner, author, and filmmaker Stephanie Bain, she produces six to 10 titles a year in many genres. Besides editing dozens of books and helping authors self publish with her company, The Author's Mentor, Ellen has authored award-winning Christian fantasy fiction (including the novel Chasing Beth Rider and others in The Rabbit Saga, under the name Ellen Maze). She enjoys reading and writing in her free time, and lives in central Alabama with her husband and very bossy kitten. Ellen invites interested authors to visit the website www.LittleRonniPublishers.com to get an idea of genres and titles she publishes. Her company "publishes what we believe in, and what we believe we can sell" and also notes they she accepts submissions year-round from SCWC authors and conference attendees.
Jessica is CEO of Keen Vision Publishing LLC, a full-service independent publishing company that has published more than 550 books for authors in 35 states and three countries since 2016. Keen Vision works with authors from diverse walks of life and has a mission to platform impactful voices, elevate intentional pens, and safeguard the quality of literature. Her company provides a variety of services to authors (editing, formatting, writer coaching book design distribution, and marketing) and publishes most genres of books including devotionals, self-help, novels, children's books, and workbooks. You can learn more about Keen Vision at www.publishwithkvp.com. Jessica is a native of the Black Belt in Wilcox County, has lived in Huntsville and now calls Tuscaloosa, Alabama home, where she lives with her husband Barry and sons Chad and Tylon. She attributes her company's growth and success to her faith and total dependence on Jesus Christ.
Chandra is an editor, speaker, and award-winning author and blogger. She's the owner of West End Publishing, LKC, and was the consulting editor for Arabasque romance at Kensington Publishing. She has also edited for Random House, Moody Publishes, Kimani Press, and Hyperion as well as several New York Times, USA Today and Essence bestselling authors. She was copy editor for Good Housekeeping, Newsday, and The Morning Call and has written for Black and Married with Kids, Brides Noir, Wedding pages, and Romantic Times. Her blog Black Fiction Addiction provides reading recommendations, and she's the author of multiple novels including Black Girl Dreaming, Speak, Shine, and Get it Together. Her young adult novel Spin it Like That was chosen as a popular paperback for young adults by the Young Adult Library Services Association. Chandra is married and the mother of college-age daughter Jessica.
Christopher is a freelance writer whose publications include magazine articles, columns, short stories, novels, and novellas, both in print and online. He's the author of the fantasy novel The Forgotten Heroes and the how-to book Ultimate Strength among other publications. He has published scores of articles focusing on strength building and fitness in national magazines and been a contributing editor for Planet Muscle and Ironman magazines. He currently works as the contributing editor and writer for Northport (Ala.) Living magazine. Christopher's real passion is spirituality, and he often writes about the topic on his blog and in articles He's especially interested in the way spirituality intersects with the writing and creative process. Christopher worships in the Orthodox Christian tradition, lives in Northport, and is a SCWC staff assistant.
David is the co-founder with wife Joanne of the Southern Christian Writers Conference and professor emeritus of journalism at the University of Alabama. With undergraduate degrees from East Texas State University and a PhD from the University of Texas, David taught at the University of Arkansas and the University of Alabama while also serving as a newspaper editor. The author of more than 50 books, he was honored with the American Journalism Historians Association's Kobre Award for Lifetime Achievement and was recognized as one of the five "most significant" members of the Kappa Tau Alpha journalism honor society. Most of his books have covered mass communication, history, and writing, but he also serves as editor of Regimen Books--a series of historical Christian books related to theology and biography. His most recent books include Prayers: From the Past, For the Present, to the Eternal and I Remember: A Memoir. He lives in Northport, Alabama, and he and Joanne have two children, five grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.
Kelly has a BFA in graphic design and over 20 years in the industry, including significant experience in marketing and advertising. She works today in self-publishing, with a focus on Amazon's Print on Demand services. She seen personal success with her own books on Amazon and has been a key player in helping her students and clients achieve bestseller status. In addition to publishing and client work, Kelly runs a product-based art and stationery business; her work is influenced by her Christian faith and Southern roots. She will focus in her workshop on demystifying Amazon KDP while highlighting its potential in supporting and amplifying authors' brands and business strategies. Her approach emphasizes using unconventional methods such as workbooks, devotionals, and other materials to enhance an author's brand.
Lori is a professional copy editor, book author, and avid reader. After graduating from the University of Alabama and then working there for 25 years in student services, Lori now works as a board-certified Christian counselor while also running her own copyediting business. A graduate of the University of California at San Diego's copyediting program, Lori own the Line by Line company to offer a variety of services to writers and book authors. She's also the author of various articles and the book Precious Stones and Alabaster: Gifts of Advice for Christian Women Starting College. She lives in Tuscaloosa, Alabama with her husband Eric.
Cheryl is the coordinator of the Southern Christian Writers Conference and a freelance writer and book author with experience also as a copy editor for a book publishing company and a sports reporter for The Birmingham News and Al.com. Cheryl has written more than 2500 articles for a variety of newspapers and magazines over the years and has authored numerous books on the writing process including the popular Writing for Magazines: A Beginner's Guide (which was a Featured Selection of the Writer's Digest Book Club). Today she works as the cover story writer for Christian Family Publications and is working on a travel guide book on the college towns and campuses in the Southeastern Conference. She and her husband Gary have three daughters (all SCWC staff members) and six grandchildren; they worship at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church in McCalla, Alabama.
Cheryl will be joined in this workshop by Scout, who serves asTechnical Director for the Southern Christian Writers Conference and runs its social media platforms and YouTube channel. The owner of an online bookstore and active book and reading community on social media, she is especially equipped to provide information on how writers and other creative professionals can effectively use today's technology.
Joanne founded the Southern Christian Writers Conference in 1991 with husband David Sloan, and coordinated the conference until 2019. She continues to be involved with the SCWC and its annual award (the Joanne Sloan National Award for the Encouragement of Writers) is named for her. Joanne is a freelance writer with hundreds of credits to her name and currently writes a column for The Alabama Baptist on important Christian figures from history. She's the author or co-author of numerous nonfiction books (including Faith Stories and A Life that Matters, with SCWC coordinator and daughter Cheryl Wray) and author of the novel The Widows' Tea Challenge; she's currently working on a sequel to the book. Joanne is a former high school English teacher, a popular speaker, and a great encourager of writers.
McKenna is an author who writes often on parenting and family topics, while also working as Childcare Director for the Legacy YMCA in Bessemer, Alabama. Her articles have appeared in the Birmingham Mom Collective and other parenting publications, and she's the author of a series of guidebooks for homeschooling parents and co-author with Bree Thompson of Roles of Motherhood: A 30 Day Devotional for Moms. She and her husband Jake operate Vision Press, a publishing company specializing in college textbooks in communications and books on various Christian topics. They are parents of six children (Caden, Peyson, Ramsey Cate, Piper, Riker, and Cohen) and live in Concord, Alabama. McKenna also works as a SCWC staff assistant.
Delaney is Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Oxford, Alabama, and an accomplished worship leader. She holds a bachelor's degree in religion from Birmingham-Southern College and a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a recently ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, and is involved in a variety of activities through the denomination's North Alabama Conference. Delaney is the author of The Sacred Practice of Rest: 21 Days of Sabbath Keeping, and plays both guitar and piano. She is married to Dylan, an English teacher at Oxford High School, and they are proud pet parents of dog Ginny and cat Khloe.
Workshop: "The Basics of Audiobooks"
Gene is an award-winning voice actor and radio host who began his career by accident in high school when he was hired to dig a ditch at a local radio station in Dover, Delaware; he fell into the ditch and sprained his ankle, but the station's program director heard his voice and offered him a job on the spot. Gene went on to work in radio in Birmingham and Houston, climbing the ladder to Los Angeles at KKLA. He started the local non-profit APH Radio in 2011 in Shelby County (Ala.) to be a voice for small businesses, charities, and civic organizations. He owns Gene Rowley Voiceover, and has been nominated three times for Audiobook Narration of the Year by the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences. Gene has also served as a paratrooper and master parachutist in Afghanistan and Iraq. Also an author, Gene is working on his fourth novel and also owns Jumpmaster Press, a publishing company dedicated to innovative distribution. While working at Classic Rock 99.5 in Birmingham, Gene met his wife Mandy and they have three daughters.
Ellen Sallas
Workshop: "Tips for Pitching your Project" (at Thursday night's Share & Critique Party)
Ellen is Editorial Director and founder of Little Roni Publishers, LLC, an independent traditional publishing company. Along with her partner, author, and filmmaker Stephanie Bain, she produces six to 10 titles a year in many genres. Besides editing dozens of books and helping authors self publish with her company, The Author's Mentor, Ellen has authored award-winning Christian fantasy fiction (including the novel Chasing Beth Rider and others in The Rabbit Saga, under the name Ellen Maze). She enjoys reading and writing in her free time, and lives in central Alabama with her husband and very bossy kitten. Ellen invites interested authors to visit the website www.LittleRonniPublishers.com to get an idea of genres and titles she publishes. Her company "publishes what we believe in, and what we believe we can sell" and also notes they she accepts submissions year-round from SCWC authors and conference attendees.
Jessica Sanders
Workshop: "How to Pitch to a Book Publisher or Agent"
Jessica is CEO of Keen Vision Publishing LLC, a full-service independent publishing company that has published more than 550 books for authors in 35 states and three countries since 2016. Keen Vision works with authors from diverse walks of life and has a mission to platform impactful voices, elevate intentional pens, and safeguard the quality of literature. Her company provides a variety of services to authors (editing, formatting, writer coaching book design distribution, and marketing) and publishes most genres of books including devotionals, self-help, novels, children's books, and workbooks. You can learn more about Keen Vision at www.publishwithkvp.com. Jessica is a native of the Black Belt in Wilcox County, has lived in Huntsville and now calls Tuscaloosa, Alabama home, where she lives with her husband Barry and sons Chad and Tylon. She attributes her company's growth and success to her faith and total dependence on Jesus Christ.
Chandra Sparks Splond
Workshop: "The Importance of Diversity in Writing"
Chandra is an editor, speaker, and award-winning author and blogger. She's the owner of West End Publishing, LKC, and was the consulting editor for Arabasque romance at Kensington Publishing. She has also edited for Random House, Moody Publishes, Kimani Press, and Hyperion as well as several New York Times, USA Today and Essence bestselling authors. She was copy editor for Good Housekeeping, Newsday, and The Morning Call and has written for Black and Married with Kids, Brides Noir, Wedding pages, and Romantic Times. Her blog Black Fiction Addiction provides reading recommendations, and she's the author of multiple novels including Black Girl Dreaming, Speak, Shine, and Get it Together. Her young adult novel Spin it Like That was chosen as a popular paperback for young adults by the Young Adult Library Services Association. Chandra is married and the mother of college-age daughter Jessica.
Christopher Sloan
Workshop: "The Spirituality of Creativity: Tips Both Practical and Spiritual for Enhancing Creativity"
Christopher is a freelance writer whose publications include magazine articles, columns, short stories, novels, and novellas, both in print and online. He's the author of the fantasy novel The Forgotten Heroes and the how-to book Ultimate Strength among other publications. He has published scores of articles focusing on strength building and fitness in national magazines and been a contributing editor for Planet Muscle and Ironman magazines. He currently works as the contributing editor and writer for Northport (Ala.) Living magazine. Christopher's real passion is spirituality, and he often writes about the topic on his blog and in articles He's especially interested in the way spirituality intersects with the writing and creative process. Christopher worships in the Orthodox Christian tradition, lives in Northport, and is a SCWC staff assistant.
David Sloan
Workshop: "You Should Write your Memoirs: Here's How"
David is the co-founder with wife Joanne of the Southern Christian Writers Conference and professor emeritus of journalism at the University of Alabama. With undergraduate degrees from East Texas State University and a PhD from the University of Texas, David taught at the University of Arkansas and the University of Alabama while also serving as a newspaper editor. The author of more than 50 books, he was honored with the American Journalism Historians Association's Kobre Award for Lifetime Achievement and was recognized as one of the five "most significant" members of the Kappa Tau Alpha journalism honor society. Most of his books have covered mass communication, history, and writing, but he also serves as editor of Regimen Books--a series of historical Christian books related to theology and biography. His most recent books include Prayers: From the Past, For the Present, to the Eternal and I Remember: A Memoir. He lives in Northport, Alabama, and he and Joanne have two children, five grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.
Kelly Surace
Workshop: "Beyond the Book: Creative Publishing with Amazon KDP"
Kelly has a BFA in graphic design and over 20 years in the industry, including significant experience in marketing and advertising. She works today in self-publishing, with a focus on Amazon's Print on Demand services. She seen personal success with her own books on Amazon and has been a key player in helping her students and clients achieve bestseller status. In addition to publishing and client work, Kelly runs a product-based art and stationery business; her work is influenced by her Christian faith and Southern roots. She will focus in her workshop on demystifying Amazon KDP while highlighting its potential in supporting and amplifying authors' brands and business strategies. Her approach emphasizes using unconventional methods such as workbooks, devotionals, and other materials to enhance an author's brand.
Lori White
Workshop: "Line by Line: Copyediting your Own Work"
Lori is a professional copy editor, book author, and avid reader. After graduating from the University of Alabama and then working there for 25 years in student services, Lori now works as a board-certified Christian counselor while also running her own copyediting business. A graduate of the University of California at San Diego's copyediting program, Lori own the Line by Line company to offer a variety of services to writers and book authors. She's also the author of various articles and the book Precious Stones and Alabaster: Gifts of Advice for Christian Women Starting College. She lives in Tuscaloosa, Alabama with her husband Eric.
Cheryl Wray and Scout Wray
Workshop: "Social Media Marketing for Writers"
Cheryl is the coordinator of the Southern Christian Writers Conference and a freelance writer and book author with experience also as a copy editor for a book publishing company and a sports reporter for The Birmingham News and Al.com. Cheryl has written more than 2500 articles for a variety of newspapers and magazines over the years and has authored numerous books on the writing process including the popular Writing for Magazines: A Beginner's Guide (which was a Featured Selection of the Writer's Digest Book Club). Today she works as the cover story writer for Christian Family Publications and is working on a travel guide book on the college towns and campuses in the Southeastern Conference. She and her husband Gary have three daughters (all SCWC staff members) and six grandchildren; they worship at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church in McCalla, Alabama.
SCWC Staff
In addition to our keynote presenters and workshop leaders, we also have a full Southern Christian Writers Conference staff here to serve you.
David Sloan, SCWC Founder
Joanne Sloan, SCWC Founder
Joanne founded the Southern Christian Writers Conference in 1991 with husband David Sloan, and coordinated the conference until 2019. She continues to be involved with the SCWC and its annual award (the Joanne Sloan National Award for the Encouragement of Writers) is named for her. Joanne is a freelance writer with hundreds of credits to her name and currently writes a column for The Alabama Baptist on important Christian figures from history. She's the author or co-author of numerous nonfiction books (including Faith Stories and A Life that Matters, with SCWC coordinator and daughter Cheryl Wray) and author of the novel The Widows' Tea Challenge; she's currently working on a sequel to the book. Joanne is a former high school English teacher, a popular speaker, and a great encourager of writers.
Cheryl Wray, SCWC Coordinator
Shirley Crowder, SCWC Assistant/Prayer Team
Vernet Nettles, SCWC Assistant
Jennifer Rash, TAB Media Representative
Stephanie Rodda, SCWC Assistant/Prayer Team
Christopher Sloan, SCWC Assistant
Scout Wray, SCWC Assistant/Technical Director
McKenna Erwin, SCWC Assistant
McKenna is an author who writes often on parenting and family topics, while also working as Childcare Director for the Legacy YMCA in Bessemer, Alabama. Her articles have appeared in the Birmingham Mom Collective and other parenting publications, and she's the author of a series of guidebooks for homeschooling parents and co-author with Bree Thompson of Roles of Motherhood: A 30 Day Devotional for Moms. She and her husband Jake operate Vision Press, a publishing company specializing in college textbooks in communications and books on various Christian topics. They are parents of six children (Caden, Peyson, Ramsey Cate, Piper, Riker, and Cohen) and live in Concord, Alabama. McKenna also works as a SCWC staff assistant.
Tracey Fronz, SCWC Photographer
Tracey is the co-owner of Novel Photos with her husband Travis. She's also a freelance writer who has publishing credits for a variety of newspapers and magazines. She takes photos at the SCWC that are then available to view afterwards.
Stacy Hudson, SCWC Photographer
Stacy will be offering professional author headshots at this year's Southern Christian Writers Conference. You can sign up ahead of time by filling out THIS FORM or by signing up when you arrive at the SCWC.
Delaney Holloway, SCWC Worship Leader
Delaney is Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Oxford, Alabama, and an accomplished worship leader. She holds a bachelor's degree in religion from Birmingham-Southern College and a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a recently ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, and is involved in a variety of activities through the denomination's North Alabama Conference. Delaney is the author of The Sacred Practice of Rest: 21 Days of Sabbath Keeping, and plays both guitar and piano. She is married to Dylan, an English teacher at Oxford High School, and they are proud pet parents of dog Ginny and cat Khloe.
Jessica Ingram, TAB Media Representative
Jessica is Project Manager and Event Coordinator for TAB (The Alabama Baptist) Media in Birmingham; her role involves coordinator of speaking schedules of staff members, on-site workshops, and outside events such as the Southern Christian Writers Conference.
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Ready to sign up for this year's Southern Christian Writers Conference? Fill out our REGISTRATION FORM and get ready to attend!
The 2024 SCWC is June 7-8 at Valley View Baptist Church in Leeds (Birmingham), Alabama. In addition to the keynote presentations and workshops listed above, the weekend includes: three meals (Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, Saturday lunch), coffee and refreshment station, worship experience, prayer room, announcement of SCWC Writing Award winners, door prizes, 1-on-1 consultations with editors and publishers, author headshot station, publication opportunities, book room where attendees can sell their books, and much more.
We can't wait be with you in June, and are already praying for a wonderful time of fellowship and learning together!
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