Schedule for 2025 Southern Christian Writers Conference

The 2025 Southern Christian Writers Conference is June 6-7 in Birmingham, Alabama, and we can't wait to see you there!

SCHEDULE

2025 Southern Christian Writers Conference

June 6-7

The Church at Brook Hills (Student Center)

Birmingham, Alabama

                                


Please note:

~ Sessions marked with asterisks ** will also be available virtually.

~ You don't sign up for workshops ahead of time; when you're at the conference, you simply decide which sessions you'd like to attend.

~ Descriptions of each workshop will be sent to you via email in the week before the conference.



THURSDAY, JUNE 5

(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 80s Party

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


FRIDAY, JUNE 6

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


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


12:45 p.m.: Worship music & gathering **

BOOK ROOM OPEN

1 p.m.: Opening Session: “Welcome to the 2025 SCWC” **


2 p.m.: Workshops #1

1. “What Magazine Editors Wish You Knew,” David Bennett ** (Main Room)

2. “Brainstorming with SCWC Staff & F.A.Q." (Room 103)

3. “Writing Romance for Christian Readers,” Vanessa Griggs ** (Room 104)

4. “The Business of Writing,” Sue Mohr (Room 105)

5. “Understanding Traditional, Hybrid, and Self Publishing,” Martine Sharp ** (Room 202)


3 p.m.: Workshops #2

1. “Demystifying AI: The Benefits and Pitfalls,” Wayne Franklin ** (Main Room)

2. “Creativity and the Sacred: Writing as Spiritual Practice,” Christopher Sloan (Room 103)

3. “Writing Poetry in Trying Times,” Jeanie Thompson ** (Room 104)

4. “From Blog to Book,” Joe McKeever (Room 105)

5. “What Christian Book Publishers Want,” John Herring ** (Room 202)


4 p.m: Break time

BOOK ROOM OPEN


5 p.m.: DINNER

Joanne Sloan National Award for the Encouragement of Writers presentation to Jeannie Thompson **


6 p.m.: Keynote presentation, "Anxious for Nothing: Encouragement on the Writing Journey" Caris Snider **


7:15 p.m.: Workshops #3

1. “Get to Know Your Characters,” T.I. Lowe ** (Main Room)

2. “Discovering Our Writing Voice,” Stephanie Rodda (Room 103)

3. “Edit your Own Work,” Dianna Cagle ** (Room 104)

4. “Telling your Story through Personal Essays,” Cheryl Wray ** (Room 202)

5. “Writing for Regional Magazines,” Katie Eubanks ** (virtual only)


8-8:30 p.m.:

Breakout Sessions in the Main Room

(Small discussion groups on the following topics: Writing for Children, Mystery & Suspense Writing, Using Social Media, Writing Memoirs, Podcasting, Playwriting, Writing for Newspapers & others)


8-9:00 p.m.: BOOK ROOM OPEN

9 p.m: Doors close for the night


SATURDAY, JUNE 7

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. “Building a Website the Easy Way,” Bill Fortenberry ** (Main Room)

2. “Brainstorming with SCWC Staff,” Vernet Nettles (Room 103)

3. “Writing Compelling Stories,” Tommy Ford ** (Room 104)

4. “Understanding Traditional, Hybrid and Self Publishing,” ** Martine Sharp (Room 105)

5. “Your Book Should Collect Dollars Not Dust,” Tammie Polk ** (Room 202)


10:30 a.m.: Workshops #5

1. “How I sold My First Novel,” Elise Burke-Brown ** (Main Room)

2. “Brainstorming with SCWC Staff,” Stephanie Rodda (Room 103)

3. “Writing When Your Ideal Schedule Never Happens,” Linda Lyle ** (Room 104)

4. “Just for Fun: How to Sketch,” Joe McKeever (Room 105)

5. “Collaborative Creations: How to Write Together,” Shirley Crowder & Harriet Michael ** (Room 202)


11:30 a.m.: LUNCH


12:30 p.m.: Keynote presentation, "My Writing Journey,” T.I. Lowe **


1:30 p.m.: Workshop #6

1 “Writing Devotional Books,” Caris Snider ** (Main Room)

2. “Brainstorming with SCWC Staff,” Shirley Crowder (Room 103)

3. “What Magazine Editors Wish You Knew,” David Bennett ** (Room 104)

4. “Writing Fiction Where Faith is Felt, Not Forced,” Vanessa Griggs ** (Room 105)

5. “Do I Need a Platform? (A Publisher’s View),” Rebecca George ** (Room 202)


2:15 p.m.: Break

Visit the BOOK ROOM and other areas


3:00 p.m.: Question and Answer Panel w/ T.I. Lowe, Caris Snider, and Cheryl Wray ** (Main Room)


3:30 p.m.: Closing Session **

Door Prizes

2024 SCWC Writing Awards ceremony **

_____________________________

We are already praying for the 2025 Southern Christian Writers Conference! We have prayerfully sought our leaders, and believe that they will provide you with quality information and meaningful encouragement.

Learn more about each of our leaders in this article on our blog.

Email Coordinator Cheryl Wray at scwritersconference@gmail.com if you have questions.