| Friday, September 18, 2020 | ||
| 10:00 am - 11:00 am | WS 1: Now What? The Proposal Examining the eight components of the proposal that make the beginner, intermediate, and experienced writer irresistible to the publisher. Presented by Joy Massenburge | |
| 10:00 am - 11:00 am | WS 2: Behind the Seen: Weaving the Spiritual Journey into Your Story If the internal, emotional struggle of a character keeps people reading, then it’s the spiritual journey that God uses to change readers’ lives. This workshop will explore a variety of ways to build spiritual themes into story without being preachy, but with a tender touch to lead readers into a closer walk with God. Presented by Tara Johnson. | |
| 11:30 am - 12:30 pm | WS 3: Make ‘Em Weep: Evoking Emotion Readers read novels in order to experience emotion. How can you best evoke emotion in your reader? Having a character cry isn't enough, so what is the secret? Angela Hunt will tell you. | |
| 11:30 am - 12:30 pm | WS 4: Video Marketing for Authors Learn how to market your brand and books with a regular video presence on social media. Presented by Hallee Bridgeman | |
| 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm | WS 5: Conflict: The Heartbeat of the Story Learn how to incorporate conflict on every page—and you don’t have to have a body count to do it! Presented by Lynette Eason and Dani Pettrey | |
| 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm | WS 6: Thriving as a Hybrid Balancing traditional contracts with the needs of indie publishing isn’t always easy, but with a bit of planning and the right team on board, you can leverage both publishing models to support the other and grow your author career—without losing your mind! Presented by Misty Beller. | |
| 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm | WS 7: Visual Plotting Easy plotting for those who hate to plot! Presented by Carrie Stuart Parks | |
| 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm | WS 8: Adjust and Trust Finding your spiritual footing when your writing goals crumble. Presented by Cynthia Ruchti. | |
| Saturday, September 19, 2020 | ||
| 10:00 am - 11:00 am | WS 9: The Essentials of Editing Using examples from her own books, Tessa will demonstrate techniques for creating a better story, and show us how to transform a mediocre first draft into writing that captivates readers. Presented by Tessa Afshar. | |
| 10:00 am - 11:00 am | WS 10: The Genesis Secret to Creativity In the first pages of the first book of Scripture, God reveals the blueprint for brilliant, breathtaking, timeless creativity. In this fast-paced, mind-blowing session, discover how knowing God as Creator and Father holds the secret to us creating in confidence, overcoming chaos, avoiding formula, and savoring our creations. Presented by Allen Arnold. | |
| 11:30 pm - 12:30 pm | WS 11: From Book to Movie Two bestselling authors with film experience will answer all your burning questions about the book-to-movie process, including tips on how to make your book more viable for film adaptation. Presented by Rachel Hauck and Denise Hunter | |
| 11:30 am - 12:30 pm | WS 12: Why You Need an Agent Authors need a friend in the industry to navigate today’s complex publishing market. That friend is your literary agent. Find out more about why you need an agent, how to get an agent, and what to expect once you sign with an agent. Bring your most burning question! Presented by Tamela Hancock Murray. | |
| 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm | WS 13: Staying Organized Amid the Chaos of Writing a Novel Chaos is often a good description of a novelist’s life. A writer must keep track of plot, characters, productivity, and much more. Over nearly forty years as a writer, Robin has developed a number of techniques and strategies to help her stay organized even in the midst of chaos. This workshop will look at many of the tools she uses or has used to organize her characters from book to book, to make sure her imaginary world comes to life, and to keep herself as productive and positive as possible. Presented by Robin Lee Hatcher. | |
| 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm | WS 14: Industry Insights This virtual "panel" of industry experts will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and victories in the publishing world and how authors can learn to surf on the waves, rather than be knocked flat by them. From booksellers, publisher representatives, editors, agents, reviewers, and other industry professionals, you'll gain the benefit of a seat at their virtual table conversation. | |
| 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm | WS 15: Writing Better An upper-level craft workshop. Presented by Susan May Warren. | |
| 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm | WS 16: Understand Branding, Discover Yours, and Apply it Immediately to Your Website In this workshop, branding expert James L. Rubart will teach students what branding is, how they can discover their own unique brand, then use that knowledge to transform their websites with content and themes that will resonate deeply with readers and potential readers. | |
| 4:30 pm until... | ACFW Awards Gala | |
You must be at least 18 years old to attend conference without a parent/guardian present with you at all times.
Participation of an individual presenter, agent, editor, or publisher in the ACFW conference does not constitute endorsement by ACFW. Conference attendees are advised to use due diligence and take personal responsibility when choosing industry professionals with whom to schedule appointments or enter into agreement.