2024 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Check out the schedule for the 2024 SCWC below!

We're excited to have you join us at the 2024 Southern Christian Writers Conference on June 7-8 at Valley View Baptist Church in Leeds (Birmingham), Alabama. 

The schedule below will help you in planning your weekend. 

Yes, it's as jam-packed with information as it appears. You will be filled with knowledge, ideas, and excitement--but in a very good way! We can't wait for you to experience it for yourself. 

If you haven't registered for the conference yet, fill out our registration form here >> REGISTER

(Note: This schedule is subject to change. Sessions marked with asterisks ** will also be available virtually.) 

THURSDAY, JUNE 6 

 (The Thursday event is only for those registering/purchasing it as an add-on to the conference.) 

 6:00 p.m.: Doors open for Share & Critique Luau 

6:30-8:00 p.m.: Share & Critique Luau, featuring “How to Pitch Your Idea” with Ellen Sallas

FRIDAY, JUNE 7

11:30 a.m: Check-in begins (until 12:45 p.m.) 

12:00 p.m.: “SCWC 101: Tips for First Timers,” Stephanie Rodda 

 12:30 p.m.: Worship music ** 

 BOOK ROOM OPEN 

1 p.m.: Opening Session: “Welcome to the 2024 SCWC” ** 

2 p.m.:  Workshops #1 

1. “Trends in Christian Publishing Today,” John Herring ** 

2. “Sharing Glimpses of God through Devotionals ,” Shirley Crowder 

3. “Writing Children’s Books that Inspire,” Carissa Lovorn ** 

4. “Character Development Using the Enneagram,” Sue Mohr 

3 p.m.:  Workshops #2 

1. “Travel Writing’s Hidden Opportunities ,” Doyce Powell ** 

2. “Line by Line: Copyediting your Own Work,” Lori White 

3. “Beyond the Book: Creative Publishing with Amazon KDP,” Kelly Surace ** 

4. “Brainstorming with SCWC Staff,” Jennifer Rash 

4 p.m: Break time 

(Visit the BOOK ROOM, hospitality, and other areas.) 

5 p.m.: DINNER 

Joanne Sloan National Award for the Encouragement of Writers presentation to David Bennett ** 

6 p.m.: Keynote presentation, "What’s Got Your Pen?" Grace Hitchcock ** 

7:15 p.m.: Workshops #3 

1. “How to Build a Speaking and Writing Ministry” Denise George  ** 

2. “Social Media Marketing for Writers,” Cheryl and Scout Wray ** 

3. “How to Pitch to a Book Publisher,” Jessica Sanders ** 

8-8:45 p.m.: 

BOOK ROOM OPEN 

9 p.m: Doors close for the night 

SATURDAY, JUNE 8 

8:00 a.m.: Check in & BREAKFAST 

BOOK ROOM OPEN 

9 a.m.: Opening Session: “Welcome Back for Day 2” 

9:30: a.m.:  Workshops #4 

1. ”Writing Plans: Strategic, Intentional, and Prayerful,” Stephanie Rodda ** 

2. “Podcasting for Beginners,” Brock and Jessica Parker ** 

3. “How to Start Blogging in 2024,” Javacia Bowser ** 

4. “You Should Write your Memoirs: Here’s How,” David Sloan 

10:30 a.m.:  Workshops #5 

1. “7 Steps from Idea to Inspirational Novel,” Grace Hitchcock ** 

2. ”Christian Songwriting 101,” Billy Ready 

3. “The Importance of Diversity in Writing,” Chandra Splond ** 

4. “Brainstorming with SCWC Staff,” Vernet Nettles 

 11:30 a.m.: LUNCH 

12:30 p.m.: Keynote presentation, "When God Calls,” Denise George ** 

1:30 p.m.:  Workshops #6 

1. “Spirituality as Creativity,” Christopher Sloan 

2. “How to Start a Local Writing Group,” Larke Ready 

3. “The Basics of Audiobooks,” Gene Rowley ** 

4. “How to Pitch to a Magazine Editor,” David Bennett ** 

 2:15 p.m.: Break 

Visit the BOOK ROOM and other areas 

3:00 p.m.: Question and Answer Panel w/ David Bennett, Edna Ellison, Grace Hitchcock, and Cheryl Wray ** 

 3:30 p.m.: Closing Session ** 

Door Prizes 

2024 SCWC Writing Awards ceremony ** 

Note: In-person and virtual participants will receive recordings of all sessions marked with **.

All in-person and virtual participants will receive handouts and presentation slides (when used) for ALL sessions (even those not recorded). This allows you to receive information and resources from ALL 2024 sessions. 

Note: If you are attending in person, you DO NOT have to pre-select your sessions ahead of time.