Workshop Descriptions for 2026 Southern Christian Writers Conference

                   
This year's Southern Christian Writers Conference takes place on June 19-20 in Birmingham, Alabama, and we can't wait!

Our slate of workshop speakers are ready to deliver great insight, valuable instruction, and encouragement for attendees on a wide variety of topics.

Below is a description of the workshops being offered at the SCWC.

Learn more about our workshop leaders here.

See a conference schedule here.

“Writing for Lifeway Publications” with David Bennett

As Lifeway celebrates its 135th birthday, get in on the party. Publishing everything except novels and fiction, there's not much you need to know to get your foot in the door. This session is not for the overly impatient or easily disappointed.

“First Person: Writing from Your Personal Experiences” with Javacia Bowser

Participants will explore how journaling can serve as a powerful foundation for both fiction and nonfiction writing. This session will show writers how to mine their journal entries for compelling stories, transform personal moments into universal narratives, and overcome the fear of sharing their truth. Attendees will also learn practical techniques for crafting vivid, emotionally resonant personal narratives that connect with readers.

“Writing for Denominational Publications” with Dianna Cagle

Being able to pivot your writing will allow more flexibility with stories. Most denominations deal with the same issues and topics so you should be able to pitch the same ideas to a variety of denominations (ex. ways to deal with stress, how to choose a Bible or Bible study, etc.).

“Feature Stories that Shine” with Solomon Crenshaw

Award-winning newspaper and content writer Solomon Crenshaw will give his advice on writing feature stories that go to the next level. “Writing a good feature story is a lot like baking a cake. The ingredients you add are very important. So too are the ones you omit.”

“How Spiritual Gifts Shape your Words” with Shirley Crowder

Every Christ‑following writer has been uniquely equipped by the Holy Spirit, not only with abilities, talents, skills, and imagination, but with spiritual gifts that shape the very way we communicate God’s truth. The Gifted Pen invites writers to discover how their God‑given gifts influence their voice, message, tone, and approach to their ministry of words. Whether you write devotionals, fiction, articles, Bible studies, poetry, or memoir, your spiritual gifts quietly guide the way you see the world, the themes you return to, and the needs you feel compelled to address.

In this practical and encouraging workshop, participants will explore the biblical foundations of spiritual gifts, identify the gifts most evident in their writing, and learn how to steward those gifts with clarity, humility, and joy. Through Scripture, reflection, and guided exercises, writers will gain fresh insight into how the Spirit works through their unique design to build up the body of Christ. You’ll leave with renewed confidence, a deeper sense of calling, and a clearer understanding of how the Spirit shapes the words you offer to the world.

“Creative Marketing Techniques” with Tanya Eavenson

In Creative Marketing Techniques, I’ll walk you through simple but practical ways to increase your visibility and help your author name become more familiar to readers. We’ll also cover marketing tips for promoting your books, along with ways to use your story’s world and elements within it to strengthen your connection with readers. You’ll leave with clear ideas you can begin using right away, with time set aside for questions.

“Newsletters for Authors” with Tanya Eavenson

As we walk from 2016 to 2026 in Newsletters for Authors, we’ll explore how social media and author trends have changed, especially when it comes to newsletters. What once felt optional has now become a key way to connect with readers, and through this interactive class, we’ll talk through simple ways to make your newsletter work for you, with time to ask questions and a promotional opportunity you can use right away.

“Persistence in the Writing Journey” with Kristy Ensor

Join author Kristy Ensor for an inspiring session on persevering in your writing journey through life’s hardest chapters. Kristy will share her deeply personal story of writing through chronic health challenges, including mental illness, as well as other obstacles — offering practical tips and real-life applications like consistency in both writing and author branding. You will leave encouraged, equipped with practical takeaways, and reminded that persistence pays off.

“Organizational Skills for the Writing Life” with McKenna Erwin

Following God's call to be a writer and get your story down on paper is so fulfilling, but can also bring unanticipated struggles, like time management and how to stay organized when you are getting your pen to the paper! In this session, we will cover 10 practical tips to help you stay organized, including time blocking, technology aids, organizational resources and tools you can use for FREE, and so much more. Let me help you get your writing plans in order and provide you with the tools you need so that you can focus on the most important thing- your writing!

“Christian Book Publishing” with John Herring

Join publisher John Herring for an insider’s look at what publishers are really looking for—from standout proposals and market alignment to voice, platform, and mission fit. This workshop will equip writers with practical tools and industry insight to position their manuscripts for success.

“Telling and Writing Stories for Children” with Linda Holloway

The author will share her own personal journey regarding how she wrote and uses her books. Enjoy hearing from Linda’s children’s books and learning valuable tips and information on how you can succeed in this area.

“The Rights of the Writer” with Heather Iseminger

During this workshop, discussions will center around the different rights and responsibilities a writer should expect to have based on different types of publishers, agents, and editors. We will define and explain terms like automatic copyright, exclusive rights, fair use limits, rights within distribution, adaptation, and reproductions, as well as so much more. Knowing your rights and responsibilities up front, will help minimize mistakes and stress later in the publishing process.

“Bible Studies that Let Scripture Speak for Itself “ with Heather Iseminger

It is a weighty and significant call to lead others through the Bible. Crafting lessons founded in scripture has life-changing potential. This workshop teaches the fundamentals of how to draw lessons from the biblical text, allowing the truths of scripture to accurately guide your study. Writers will learn how to engage their readers, structure their study, and correctly balance commentary and scripture, leaving the workshop better prepared to honor the Holy Word with their words.

“Road Map for Travel Writing: Pitch, Plan, Produce” with Valerie Luesse

Learn the difference between merely describing a destination and delivering what editors are really looking for—a focused pitch with an interesting angle that will grab readers' attention. Then follow through with the kind of research and exploration that will set your story apart. Finally—package, package, package. (In other words, get the art director excited about it.)

“Creating the Cozy Mystery” with Deborah Malone and S.C. Merrett

Join S.C. and Deborah for an overview of all things cozy. They'll talk about everything from planning and plotting, to building your new world from scratch and tips on turning that book into a series!

“Substack 101” with Stephanie Miller

Starting a Substack can feel overwhelming, but it’s a free, user-friendly space designed to help writers share their voice and build meaningful connection. Stephanie will walk you through the essentials using her Know, Grow, Show model so you can understand the platform, grow your presence, and share with confidence. You’ll leave inspired, equipped, and ready to make Substack your new favorite creative space.

“Break Through from the Inside Out” (group coaching) with Sue Mohr

What if your next writing breakthrough came not just from your own questions, but from hearing how others struggle with the very same barriers you face? Join Coach Sue Mohr in this fast-paced, power-packed group coaching workshop as she guides writers with practical strategies, mindset shifts, and creative solutions. You'll have the opportunity to to be coached live—or simply listen and gain powerful insights as others are coached in real time. Either way, you'll leave encouraged, equipped, and inspired to break through from the inside out. 

“Finding and Following God’s Purposes for Your Writing” with Anna Nash

This workshop will give insight into how to stay grounded in calling rather than comparison, platform pressure, or publishing expectations as you seek His designs along the way.

“Writing as Outreach: Reaching Readers with Hope” with Vernet Nettles

We are called to comfort each other in times of struggle. Write as Outreach explores how different forms of writing can become meaningful forms of inspiration, ministry, and encouragement. When we share hope, we remind others and ourselves that there is time and space for God’s faithfulness in all situations.

“A Novella Approach” with Stephanie Rodda

A novella is much more than a short novel. We will discuss this increasingly popular choice for writers and readers alike. What are the guidelines, the benefits and the challenges of taking a novella approach?

“Plotting and P.O.V in Fiction” with Ellen Sallas

Publisher and bestselling Christian fantasy novelist Ellen Sallas will lead this fast‑paced workshop on crafting strong plots and demystifying POV. She’ll break down the essentials of building cause‑and‑effect plots and keeping POV clean and immersive. Writers will leave with clear tools they can apply immediately to strengthen any work‑in‑progress.

“The Joy of Creativity: Tips for Enhancing Productivity and Finding Joy in your Writing” with Christpher Sloan

This thoughtful workshop will discuss the holy aspects of creativity and provide tactics to find joy in writing.

“Generating Ideas for your Writing” with Joanne Sloan

SCWC co-founder Joanne Sloan will share from her own experiences in writing for decades. She believes that ideas are EVERYWHERE, and will give tips and advice on finding ideas for writing both fiction and nonfiction.

“Writing Devotions that Change Hearts” with Cindy Sproles

A devotion may be somebody's only Bible for the day. Learn to make the most impact you can using Hook, Book, Look, and Took to craft a devotion that touches the heart.

“The Nuts and Bolts of Self Publishing” with Steve and Laura Young

You’ve finished your manuscript—now what? In this fun, interactive session, Steve & Laura break down the self-publishing process into simple, doable steps—from illustrations and layout to cover design and getting your book live on Amazon’s KDP. Expect practical tips, a few “don’t do this!” moments, and the confidence you need to turn your polished pages into a published book

“Querying and Writing Magazine Articles” with Cheryl Wray

This workshop will take you through the steps of proposing an article to a magazine editor through the use of an effective query letter. It will then discuss how to get your article ready for submission.

“Brainstorming with SCWC Staff”

Various sessions throughout the weekend (with leaders Dianna Cagle, Shirley Crowder, McKenna Erwin, Vernet Nettles, Stephanie Rodda, and Cheryl Wray) provide attendees a chance to discuss their writing projects and ask questions in a casual and welcoming setting.

"Question & Answer Panel" with Ramona Richards and Cheryl Wray

Join publisher and acquisitions editor Ramona Richards and SCWC founder Cheryl Wray for a time of questions and answers from attendees.

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The Southern Christian Writers Conference was founded in 1991 and its purpose is to educate and encourage writers of faith. The conference each June is its flagship event, with other activities including regional workshops, online challenges, annual book awards writing contests, and much more. 

The 2026 SCWC is June 19-20 at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama. There are just five spots left for in-person attendance (we'd love to have you!) and you can also sign up for virtual access (which includes recordings of keynote addresses from Charles Ghigna and Cindy Sproles as well as workshops). You can find the registration form here.