CCWC 2026 CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
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COACHING CLASSES:
(Participants usually select a specific teacher or topic and attend that series throughout its duration.)
Writing Retreat & Life Theme
This retreat-style class offers space to slow down, write, and reconnect with your message. Through low-impact activities and reflection, we’ll explore your life theme, the deeper thread running through your story and shaping what you’re called to share. We’ll gather briefly at the beginning and end of each session for discussion and guided prompts, with the majority of the time set aside for you to write and reflect.
Jesse Rivas is the founder of Above The Sun, a Christian mentorship community helping authors move from inspiration to publication. He has guided hundreds of writers through the book process and is passionate about helping people uncover their message, write with purpose, and share stories that carry lasting impact.
Secrets of Scriptwriting: From Page to Screen
In this hands-on coaching class, participants will develop a screenplay from idea to execution—learning how to craft a compelling story, build strong structure, write dynamic characters and dialogue, and confidently pitch their work. Along the way, they will explore industry techniques for creating screen-ready scripts and gain practical experience bringing a scene to life on camera, connecting the writing process directly to filmmaking.
Leann Barna is a screenwriter, filmmaker, and media scholar with extensive experience in both the entertainment industry and education. She is the founder and lead writer of Mining Company Media. Her professional background includes creative development roles at Disney Channel, NBCUniversal, MarVista Entertainment, PureFlix, and Pinnacle Peak Pictures. Leann holds a master’s degree in Cinema and Television with a concentration in Screenwriting and a master’s degree in Biblical Studies from Regent University. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Strategic Media at Liberty University.
Build It: Structuring Your Nonfiction Book
Want to write a book, but don’t know where to start? Just as a house dream begins with a plan, so does a nonfiction book. In this workshop, Janet will teach how to structure five different kinds of books: Christian living, devotionals, Bible studies, gift books, and memoirs. Within varied frameworks, you will learn different approaches, how to introduce and teach Scripture, and how to write a winning book that meets readers’ felt needs.
Janet McHenry is an inspirational speaker and the author of 27 books in eight different genres—both fiction and nonfiction. Eight of those are about prayer, including the best-selling PrayerWalk—in its 25th year—and Praying Personalities, a 2025 Christian Book Award finalist. Janet teaches widely at writers’ conferences around the country and enjoys coaching writers, editing books, and hosting the twice-annual Sierra Valley Writers Retreat in her home in the Sierra Valley of northern California. She has been writing for the Christian publishing industry for 40 years and enjoys watching lightbulbs go on in writers’ eyes. She can be reached through her website, www.janetmchenry.com.
More Than Memoir: Your Story, God’s Glory, and a Path to Healing
It’s my story—but is it memoir?
In this class, we’ll take a holistic look at your story, your desires, and what God may be doing in and through your writing life. From book positioning to guided brainstorming, we’ll explore the many ways your personal narrative can be shaped into meaningful writing—from memoir and Christian living to devotionals, articles, blogs, and more. Led by a certified ghostwriter, author coach, and lifelong lover of memoir, you’ll gain clarity on what memoir is (and isn’t), learn how to shape your story with purpose, and begin writing toward healing and wholeness. We’ll also spend time on the craft of narrative nonfiction—drawing inspiration from some of the great memoirs—helping you shape scenes, reflection, and meaning on the page.
Whether you’re a professional writer, devoted journaler, memoir enthusiast, or preserving a family story, you’ll leave with greater clarity about your story, a renewed sense of purpose, and practical tools to take the next steps.
Bonus: Behind-the-scenes tips and tricks from a professional ghostwriter.
Mary Pero is a certified ghostwriter, book coach, and self-proclaimed memoir lover who helps authors turn big ideas into marketable literary properties. From pitch-perfect proposals to full manuscripts, she works behind the scenes to craft stories that captivate and sell.
In an earlier chapter, she lived in Poland and Ireland, led worship around the world, and opened her heart and home as a foster parent. These days, you can find her reading, writing, and dreaming up new projects for her husband to do in their historic English Revival home in Southern California.
Indie Publishing Your Children’s Book
You have a children’s book idea—now let’s bring it to life. Move from creative inspiration to practical execution with clarity and confidence. Learn how to shape your vision, manage the unique process of illustrated book production, and decide what to handle yourself or outsource. You will also get a simplified guide to setting up and navigating your Amazon KDP account. Plus, gain insight into designing or directing a compelling, professional book cover. Whether you’re just starting or feeling stuck in the process, this class will help you move forward with purpose and momentum.
J. Todd McMillan loves to “Write for Jesus.” This has been his muse since he began writing in 2022. Since then, he has published nine books ranging from children’s illustrated picture books to middle grade, young adult, and adult self-help. He lives with his wonderful wife, Naomi, in beautiful Camas, Washington, where he also takes care of his mom. In his spare time he makes an “actual living” as a licensed home inspector.
What I’ve Learned About Being an Author
Panel With Nick Harrison, Andrew Breeden, TBA
In this Q&A panel, experienced authors reflect on what they’ve learned along the way, from writing and publishing to marketing and perseverance. You will hear honest insights, practical advice, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from doing the work. Bring your questions and join the conversation as we explore what it really means to grow as an author.
Nick Harrison is a literary agent with WordServe Literary and the author of more than a dozen books including Magnificent Prayer, Power in the Promises, and five books in the One-Minute® Prayer series. Nick graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in English and a minor in journalism. For 15 years Nick served as a senior editor at Harvest House Publishers, acquiring both fiction and nonfiction. Nick and his wife, Beverly, are the parents of three grown daughters and grandparents to two boys and two girls.
Andrew Breeden is a graduate of Lipscomb University and Vanderbilt University Divinity School, both in Nashville. He lives in Charlotte, Tennessee.
WORKSHOPS:
Writing the Invisible: The Art of the Unsaid, Part 1 & Part 2 (Workshop A&B)
What if the most important part of your story isn’t what your characters say—but what they’re trying not to say? In this workshop, we’ll uncover how subtext grows from the hidden wounds, fears, and longings your characters carry. You’ll learn how text and context combine to create emotional depth, how personality shapes what’s masked or deflected, and how small choices in dialogue, body language, and setting can reveal powerful truths.
Subtext in our stories invites readers to feel instead of being told—and that’s where the connection happens. Join us for Part A (The Heart of Subtext) and Part B (Practical Strategies) as we explore how to write beneath the surface and craft stories that resonate with lasting impact.
Cher Gatto is an award-winning author of faith-rooted fiction exploring identity, belonging, and hope for adult and young adult readers. She and her husband (and their five children) founded a ranch in Mexico (www.ranchoelcamino.org) that works with at-risk youth, families in crisis, and those with a history of trauma. Their family has also recently developed a recovery farm (www.recovery-hub.org) in NJ for those struggling with addiction. Cher has a master’s degree in psychology, but credits ten years in the desert, raising five children, and following the heart of God with any wisdom she may impart through her life and her words.
Her debut novel, Something I Am Not, received several awards, including 2016 ACFW Genesis Award for Best YA, 2020 Christian Indie Award for Best YA, 2021 Carol Award Finalist, and 2024 Screencraft Cinematic Book Award Finalist. Her second book, Regent, was a finalist in the 2021 Fire Award. Her third novel, Something Else, the sequel to Something I Am Not, released January 15, 2025, and she is currently writing her fourth novel.
Cher has a passion for encouraging other writers and serves as ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Northeast Zone Director and president of the NY/NJ chapter.
Website: www.chergatto.com
The Heart of Branding (Workshop A)
Share Your God-Given Message with heart… not hype. Step into a more natural way of sharing your book—one that feels like a real conversation, not a performance. In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to talk about your message with clarity and sincerity, without feeling pushy or forced. We’ll walk through simple ways to share your story, shape a clear and genuine pitch, and connect with others through everyday moments. You’ll hear real examples, explore practical ideas, and have space to ask questions, so you can move forward with a voice that feels like your own.
Cara Grandle Author, Macro Assessment Coach, and Publicist
Cara Grandle is the author of adventurous historical romance set in the 1800s Oregon Territory, including The Ribbon and The Rock. Her writing journey began later in life, sparked by a single word from the Lord: “Start.” With humor, heart, and a love of authentic connection, Cara champions fellow authors in embracing their stories and sharing them boldly. Known for her warm presence and experience as a speaker and podcast guest, she blends industry knowledge with a passion for helping writers find their voices and step confidently into the publishing world.
Marylin Furumasu – Launch Team Specialist, Proofreader, and Promotional Graphics Creator
Marylin Furumasu is a passionate book lover turned creative professional who helps authors bring their stories to life visually and editorially. What began as a love for reading—losing herself in stories and devouring eBooks—quickly grew into a mission to support authors through every detail of their publishing journey. Marylin started as a beta reader then expanded into proofreading, copy editing, and ultimately crafting beautiful promotional graphics and videos that capture the heart of a book. With an eye for design and a heart for storytelling, she delights in helping authors polish their words and create visuals that invite readers in, making their books irresistible from cover to launch.
Jesse Rivas – Author, Mentor, Web Designer, Newsletter Builder, and Publishing Assistant
Jesse is the founder and CEO of Above The Sun, a Christ-centered organization that mentors authors from inspiration to publication. With a deep passion for helping Christian writers bridge the gap between calling and craft, Jesse equips authors to launch their books with clarity, authenticity, and trust in God’s timing. He is known for creating safe spaces where authors feel seen and supported, blending practical publishing experience with spiritual wisdom. Through workshops, mentorship, and community leadership, Jesse has guided dozens of writers to share their God-given stories in a way that feels natural, joyful, and full of purpose.
The Nuts & Bolts of Compelling Flash Fiction (Workshop A)
Flash fiction can take many forms, but the most satisfying experience for a reader is a complete story in miniature (not an excerpt or vignette). Learn how to avoid common flash writing mistakes and to craft a story that takes a reader on an emotional journey in 1,000 words or less.
Teddi Deppner is an indie author, veteran web designer, and internet marketer. She cofounded Havok Publishing in 2019 and has a passion for encouraging and equipping fellow creatives. Havok publishes award-winning flash fiction in two formats: a daily ezine and seasonal anthologies (both ebook and paperback). She has led retreats and Bible studies and taught in diverse venues such as churches, corporate seminars, and chambers of commerce.
Fantasy World Building (Workshop A)
This session will guide writers through creating immersive, believable, and richly detailed settings that enhance storytelling. We’ll begin with the foundational building blocks necessary to form cohesive cultures, histories, and magic systems, while maintaining internal consistency and narrative relevance. Next, we’ll explore more advanced topics such as:
· Incorporating theme into world-building
· Tailoring your world for different ages of readers
· Avoiding pitfalls that can harm pacing and character development
· Considerations when writing a series
The aim of this class is to help writers develop the skills and confidence to build vivid, dynamic story worlds that will thrill their readers for years to come.
Best-selling author Karen Grunst’s love of fantasy series with a Christian world view inspired her to write her own series, The Sacred Fire Saga. The first three highly rated novels have thrilled readers looking for clean fantasy romance and adventure. More stories of faith and fire are yet to come, with book four releasing fall of 2026. When Karen is not writing, revising, or planning her next book launch, she often can be found on the tennis court taking her literary frustrations out on a little, yellow ball. She also enjoys hiking with her family in national parks. The spectacular landscapes provide rich setting ideas for future novels.
Kandi J Wyatt lives with dragons, most in human form—and some even blow fire! She spent the last 18 years providing space for teens to be themselves and spilling hope into their world. When she’s not hanging out with fictional characters, Kandi homeschools her five-year-old granddaughter and chilling with family, watching anime or playing games. Her toddler granddaughter keeps everyone running—often in circles—and full of joy.
Story Threads (Workshop A)
Many successful novelists write by the seat of their pants—but that freedom often comes at a cost: sagging middles, wandering subplots, and endings that don’t land. In this workshop, Karen will show how discovery writers can maintain narrative momentum without abandoning their intuitive process. We will explore practical techniques for tracking story threads, strengthening cause-and-effect, and navigating synopsis requirements without abandoning a discovery-writing approach.
Ideal for pantsers who love creative freedom but want to finish stronger, cleaner novels.
What’s in a Proposal (and What’s Not) (Workshop B)
In this workshop, we will look at what you need to make sure you have in a book proposal. This will apply to fiction and nonfiction. We’ll also look at how to take out a portion of the proposal and use it for self-publishing, which still requires a marketing plan.
Blythe Daniel is a literary agent, author, and marketer. Her agency markets books through podcasts, blogs, launch teams, and traditional media, and represents adult nonfiction and select fiction along with some children’s fiction and nonfiction titles. Blythe has been the publicity director and marketing director for Nelson Books, now Harper Collins Christian Publishing, and has spent the last 20 years as a literary agent. The agency represents new and best-selling authors primarily in the Christian market. Blythe and her mother, Dr. Helen McIntosh, have co-authored two books: Mended: Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters (Harvest House) and I Love You Mom: Cherished Word Gifts from My Heart to Yours (Tyndale). Blythe and her daughter, Calyn, have written Let’s Be Friends: A Tween Devotional on Finding and Keeping Strong Friendships (Harvest House, 2023). Blythe, her mother, and her son, William Daniel, have written I Love You, Dad! Words to Honor and Humor You (End Game Press). Blythe lives in Colorado with her family.
Point of View in Fantasy: Crafting an Immersive Reader Experience (Workshop B)
In this session, we’ll explore the range of POV options from the intimate first-person narrative to the third-person distant narrative, and even touch on the lesser-used omniscient POV. Next, we’ll delve into related considerations such as:
• When and how to use multiple POV characters in your story
• Approaches to establishing the POV character in a scene, and why you might vary these
• The advantages, and occasional disadvantages, of immediate scene
• Narrative distance for world building and character development
The ultimate goal of this session is to help writers employ POV techniques to intrigue and challenge their readers, while avoiding pitfalls that confuse or frustrate them.
Best-selling author Karen Grunst’s love of fantasy series with a Christian world view inspired her to write her own series, The Sacred Fire Saga. The first three highly rated novels have thrilled readers looking for clean fantasy romance and adventure. More stories of faith and fire are yet to come, with book four releasing fall of 2026. When Karen is not writing, revising, or planning her next book launch, she often can be found on the tennis court taking her literary frustrations out on a little, yellow ball. She also enjoys hiking with her family in national parks. The spectacular landscapes provide rich setting ideas for future novels.
How to Ask Good Questions: When the Five W’s Are Not Enough (Workshop B)
Using the Classical Tools of Inquiry, help your readers go deeper into your stories, Bible studies, and devotional books. Socrates, Aristotle, and Jesus used these types of questions, and you can too! Linda Hartwig taught for 15 years using these tools. She now incorporates them when she leads Bible studies, as follow-up questions in her books, and to dig deeper into any subject. She wishes she knew them when she was parenting—she would have asked more questions to lead her children to truth instead of sermonizing (which is definitely not a proven positive parenting technique!).
Linda Hartwig, author of The 80-Foot Fall: Affirming God’s Goodness in Troubled Times (not yet found in bookstores), has an insatiable curiosity. As a Christian-classical educator, she was paid to ask questions. By using the right questions, she finds deeper connections with other image-bearers: As a Bible study leader, she points toward truth. As an author, she expands her message. She is the mother of five grown, adopted children. She lives on a farm in the coastal range of Oregon with her husband, Mike, where they raise beef and grow blueberries. Linda writes children’s books and historical fiction.
Running Your Writing Business (Workshop B)
Award-winning author Steven Rogers draws on his business background to help writers clarify their mission and approach their work with a business mindset. This workshop will explore the essential pillars every successful venture must establish.
• Production: writing, editing, publishing.
• Marketing: selling books, making contacts, and creating a brand.
• Finance: managing finances, determining how to invest resources, and prioritizing spending.
Steve Rogers is an award-winning author and novelist. A lifelong lover of books and literature, he dreamed for years of a time he could fully commit to learning the craft. Since retiring from the corporate world in 2016, Steve has done just that, completing two novels and a half-dozen stories. His novel Into the Room was published in May 2021 and the long-awaited follow-up, A Year in the Room, was published in November 2024.
Who Do We Write For? (Workshop C)
Award-winning author Steven Rogers discusses his experience in learning how a faith-based writer can be personally impacted by what he/she writes and how their spiritual journey can be positively affected. He encourages Christian authors to allow themselves to be revealed through their writing, a practice that creates authentic stories and increased relevance for the reading audience. The workshop includes a discussion of how writing his novels Into the Room and Beyond the Room freed Steven’s heart from anger, fear, and resentment.
Steve Rogers is an award-winning author and novelist. A lifelong lover of books and literature, he dreamed for years of a time he could fully commit to learning the craft. Since retiring from the corporate world in 2016, Steve has done just that, completing two novels and a half-dozen stories. His novel Into the Room was published in May 2021 and the long-awaited follow-up, A Year in the Room, was published in November 2024.
Demystifying the Technical Side of Author Marketing (Workshop C)
Nobody warned you that becoming an author meant becoming a website and graphic designer, online socialite, content marketer—or that you might end up paying someone else to manage it all for you. Registering a domain name, choosing a website host and finding email newsletter providers, social media scheduling apps, password managers, online privacy settings . . . the list goes on. What do you really need, and how does it all work? This workshop will provide a solid understanding of the essentials for your online author presence.
Teddi Deppner is an indie author, veteran web designer, and internet marketer. She cofounded Havok Publishing in 2019 and has a passion for encouraging and equipping fellow creatives. Havok publishes award-winning flash fiction in two formats: a daily ezine and seasonal anthologies (both ebook and paperback). She has led retreats and Bible studies and taught in diverse venues such as churches, corporate seminars, and chambers of commerce.
What I Learned About Being an Indie Author (Workshop C)
With Kandi J Wyatt, Teddi Deppner, Amy Earls, and Christina Nelson
What does it really take to succeed as an indie author? In this interactive Q&A panel, published writers share honest insights into the realities of self-publishing—from first drafts to book launches and beyond. You will hear what worked, what didn’t, and what they wish they had known when they started. Bring your questions and get practical advice, encouragement, and next steps tailored to where you are in your writing journey.
Kandi J Wyatt lives with dragons, most in human form—and some even blow fire! She spent the last 18 years providing space for teens to be themselves and spilling hope into their world. When she’s not hanging out with fictional characters, Kandi homeschools her five-year-old granddaughter and chills with family, watching anime, or playing games. Her toddler granddaughter keeps everyone running—often in circles—and full of joy.
Teddi Deppner is an indie author, veteran web designer, and internet marketer. She cofounded Havok Publishing in 2019 and has a passion for encouraging and equipping fellow creatives. Havok publishes award-winning flash fiction in two formats: a daily ezine and seasonal anthologies (both ebook and paperback). She has led retreats and Bible studies and taught in diverse venues such as churches, corporate seminars, and chambers of commerce.
Amy Earls writes fiction that explores intersections between life issues and faith. A college advisor, she holds a master’s degree in education for adult learners, with an emphasis on writing. Amy lives in Oregon’s Willamette Valley with her husband and two daughters.
Christina Suzann Nelson is an inspirational speaker and the award-winning author of If We Make It Home, Swimming in the Deep End, More Than We Remember, The Way It Should Be, and Shaped by the Waves. She writes and speaks about hope after dysfunction. Christina is over the top about her passion for faith, family, fiction, and foster care. When she’s not writing, she’s working with the Every Child Initiative, chasing escaped steers, reading, breathing in the sweet smell of her horse, hiking with her dog, or enjoying her just-as-crazy family.
Common Fiction Mistakes That Hold Manuscripts Back (Workshop C)
Readers will forgive a lot—but not stories that repeatedly break their trust or distance them from the narrative. In this workshop, we will examine a range of common fiction mistakes that quietly undermine immersion and emotional impact. Topics include weak or inconsistent characters, point-of-view slips, telling instead of showing, an overreliance on backstory, research missteps, and much more. Through examples and discussion, writers will learn how these issues signal inexperience to editors and readers—and how to revise with greater confidence.
Ideal for writers preparing a manuscript for submission or publication.
Karen Barnett is the award-winning author of eight books including When Stone Wings Fly and the Vintage National Parks novels. A former park ranger, Karen enjoys photography, hiking, playing the guitar, and collecting craft supplies she doesn’t have time to make. She and her husband live in Albany, Oregon.
Whether It’s for You or Your Imaginary Friends (Workshop D)
Whether you write for others or you write for an audience of One, this workshop will encourage you to write well and target the key areas you want to make sure are in your book. We’ll spend most of the time focused on nonfiction but will lightly cover fiction.
Blythe Daniel is a literary agent, author, and marketer. Her agency markets books through podcasts, blogs, launch teams, and traditional media, and represents adult nonfiction and select fiction along with some children’s fiction and nonfiction titles. Blythe has been the publicity director and marketing director for Nelson Books, now Harper Collins Christian Publishing, and has spent the last 20 years as a literary agent. The agency represents new and best-selling authors primarily in the Christian market. Blythe and her mother, Dr. Helen McIntosh, have co-authored two books: Mended: Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters (Harvest House) and I Love You Mom: Cherished Word Gifts from My Heart to Yours (Tyndale). Blythe and her daughter, Calyn, have written Let’s Be Friends: A Tween Devotional on Finding and Keeping Strong Friendships (Harvest House, 2023). Blythe, her mother, and her son, William Daniel, have written I Love You, Dad! Words to Honor and Humor You (End Game Press). Blythe lives in Colorado with her family.
Writing a Meditation for The Upper Room (Workshop D)
In this workshop, participants will learn about making connections between their lives and what God is doing in the world. While some of the content will have broad application to writing short devotional pieces in general, it will address writing for The Upper Room more specifically. In our time together, we will look at a published meditation, discuss it, and then participants will have the opportunity to write their own and submit it for possible publication in a future issue of The Upper Room, an international publication with a readership of more than four million people worldwide.
Andrew Garland Breeden is acquisitions editor of The Upper Room devotional magazine in Nashville, Tennessee. He is a graduate of Lipscomb University and Vanderbilt University Divinity School, both in Nashville. He lives in Charlotte, Tennessee.
Character Development—Making Memorable Characters (Workshop D)
How do we make characters who will last after the last page is read? Come prepared to flesh out one of your own characters.
Kandi J Wyatt lives with dragons, most in human form—and some even blow fire! She spent the last 18 years providing space for teens to be themselves and spilling hope into their world. When she’s not hanging out with fictional characters, Kandi homeschools her five-year-old granddaughter and chilling with family, watching anime or playing games. Her toddler granddaughter keeps everyone running—often in circles—and full of joy.
Weasel Words Changed My Life (Workshop D)
In this hands-on workshop, award-winning author Steven Rogers introduces his favorite tool for sharpening prose: a list of “Weasel Words.” Steven first encountered this technique when he received his initial contract from Elk Lake Publishing. Along with the contract came a list of words to eliminate or reduce during revisions. Applying the list cut 3,500 unnecessary words from his manuscript and dramatically improved the narrative flow. Since then, he has relied on this method as a cornerstone of his first-round edits.
Participants will learn how to identify and trim their own Weasel Words and see authentic examples of the process in action. In addition, they will leave with a practical, customizable list to strengthen future manuscripts.
Steve Rogers is an award-winning author and novelist. A lifelong lover of books and literature, he dreamed for years of a time he could fully commit to learning the craft. Since retiring from the corporate world in 2016, Steve has done just that, completing two novels and a half-dozen stories. His novel Into the Room was published in May 2021 and the long-awaited follow-up, A Year in the Room, was published in November 2024.
Don’t Just Self-Publish When You Can Publish Like a Pro (Workshop D)
This workshop gives authors a clear, confidence-building roadmap to professional-grade publishing. Learn how to plan your project, prepare your materials, manage your ARCs, avoid scams, optimize your formats, market with intention, and manage record-keeping without losing your mind. With practical tools and insider strategies, this workshop transforms overwhelmed writers into empowered, informed, professional-level publishers.
Kendy Pearson spent decades teaching high school before stepping into a professional writing career. Now she is the author of four award-winning Christian historical novels and the owner of Pear Blossom Books, a fledgling endeavor to bear fruit through purposeful publishing with eternal impact. She has taught writing workshops across the US and enjoys connecting with Jesus-loving writers and readers. Wife to one, mom to four, and grandma to five, she has mastered working at her desk with one dachshund tucked behind her back and another curled in her lap.