The Art of Writing 2022

A conference for writers, storytellers, and publishing curators

November 17 | Lipscomb University | Nashville

Business casual attire. $139 special bundle price with The Christy Award Dinner Gala. $99 conference only.
For those staying for Gala, changing rooms and luggage holds will be available.

Sessions

When Weary & Discouraged: How We Can Care for Our Writing Souls

With so much going on, from world events to the ever-changing landscape of publishing, it’s hard not to be weary and discouraged. How do we keep our creative souls fed and encouraged to continue to pursue our God-given dreams? In this session, author Carolyn Weber will inspire and hearten your writing spirit and remind us, whether unpublished or seasoned authors, of the unique giftings and callings we all have as writers.

Carolyn Weber

Carolyn Weber is the author of the award-winning memoir Surprised by Oxford (Thomas Nelson), Holy is the Day: Living in the Gift of the Present (InterVarsity Press) and most recently Sex and the City of God: A Memoir of Love and Longing (InterVarsity Press). Surprised by Oxford is now being made into a feature film directed by Ryan Whitaker. Carolyn enjoys living in a quirky old house out in the country with her husband, four spirited children, and grandma, along with their animal menagerie. She loves oh so many things, but especially books, tea, nature walks in solitude, messes with children, chocolate, animals, and a circle of good friends by a fire. She also loves loyalty, decency, courtesy, integrity and kindness. And her husband, who embodies these things, and more. Valiant, magnificent, gentle and just – the four crowns of Narnia – are what she aspires to be. Those with any wisdom to share are encouraged to reach out. New friends are welcome. There is always a comfortable chair waiting by the fire …

To Tok or Not to Tok

If you’re on social media, you’ve no doubt seen a TikTok video and maybe even joined in. They’re hard to miss, especially as TikTok continues to prove itself to be an effective tool in creating buzz about books – whether new releases or backlist. Instagram Reels also continue to grow in popularity and engagement. So what’s an author to choose? And what if you’re overwhelmed at the mere thought of doing either one? In this session you’ll learn some tips and tricks from two creative authors who are pros at TikTok and Reels. You’ll come away with tips on how to get started, understanding the difference between the two, and how it really can be fun.

Emilie Haney

Emilie Haney (also writing under the pen name Bell Renshaw) grew up in the Pacific Northwest and has a love for the outdoors that matches her love for the written word. In addition to writing, she is a graphic designer who creates promotional graphics for writers, designs book covers, and has built a thriving community around her Instagram platform and brand CreateExploreRead. Emilie writes YA science fiction and fantasy as well as adult contemporary fiction with strong themes of romance and suspense and believes that--no matter what--love fights for what's right. Connect with her: www.eahcreative.com, Instagram, Etsy

Kristi Ann Hunter

Award-winning author Kristi Ann Hunter has spun chocolate, faith, and diet lemonade into more than a dozen Christian Fiction Regency romances. Find out more about her books, her speaking, and her mascots at KristiAnnHunter.com and listen to her podcast, A Rough Draft Life. She can also be found on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

How reading diverse books makes us better authors and humans

One of the gifts of reading from voices different from our own experience is we are able to see new perspectives about life and faith. Not only that, but reading diverse books make us better writers.

What Makes a Gush-Worthy Book?

What makes a book one that people can’t stop talking about? Hear from our panel of people who LOVE books; including a book influencer, an agent, and an editor. They’ll share what they look for in a book and what they’re drawn to. You’ll walk away with your imagination sparked and ready for new ideas (and probably a few more books to add to your TBR!).

Carrie Schmidt

Carrie Schmidt is an avid reader, book reviewer, story addict, KissingBooks fan, book boyfriend collector, and cool aunt. She also loves Jesus and THE Story a whole lot. Carrie started the popular blog ReadingIsMySuperPower.org in 2015 and since then has had the honor of co-founding the Christian Fiction Readers' Retreat and JustRead Publicity Tours. In addition to these endeavors, she is a regular contributor to Seekerville and has written for magazines such as RT Book Reviews and Christian Market. Carrie now lives in Georgia with her husband, though her roots range from East Tennessee to Central Kentucky and northern Illinois. You can connect with Carrie on ReadingIsMySuperPower.org, Facebook @meezcarriereads and everywhere else social at @meezcarrie.

Kelsey Bowen

Kelsey Bowen is a Senior Acquisitions Editor at Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, where she acquires both fiction and nonfiction. She has a degree in creative writing and, when she’s not editing, she loves to read fiction with a strong cup of coffee close by. She is the Worship Director for her church, and sells her cakes and cupcakes to friends and family in the West Michigan area (find her on Instagram @kelseybooksandbakes). She currently lives with her husband Kyle, their daughters Peyton and Lauren, and their dog Izzo, in Allendale, MI.

Cynthia Ruchti

Cynthia Ruchti is author, agent, and advocate for stories that offer hope, whether fiction or nonfiction. She serves as Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a senior literary agent with Books & Such Literary Management. Her storytelling career began with three decades writing scripted radio, then novels and nonfiction. Now she is invested in her own writing projects and in helping other authors tell their stories well and find the publisher and readers who have been waiting for them. cynthia@booksandsuch.com or hemmedinhope.com

Jamie Lapeyrolerie

Moderator, Jamie Lapeyrolerie is an editor for WaterBrook & Multnomah, imprints of Penguin Random House and a writer. She is actively involved in the publishing industry, including PubU, The Christy Award® Advisory Board, and part of various DEI groups that seek to amplify voices of color. Her own writings have appeared in Christ + Pop Culture, Ekstasis Magazine, and Beloved Women. Originally from Southern California, she is now based in Colorado. You can find her writings at www.musingsofjamie.com and around social @musingsofjamie.

Program co-directed by Jamie Lapeyrolerie and Carrie Schmidt.