2025 Conference Workshop Electives
As part of your conference registration options, you will be given the choice of one of the following Workshop Electives from each of the available time slots.
Workshop Elective Session 1: Friday - 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Presented by: Joy Massenburge
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Description -
Writers explore practical strategies to overcome perfectionism, celebrate their unique journey to publication, and cultivate a life of balance and joy.
Workshop Outline -
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Cor 5:21
Objective: Explore practical strategies to overcome perfectionism that limits productivity and celebrate your unique publication journey, while cultivating a remarkable writer’s life with balance and joy.
Group Craft exercise:
Group Share: What did you learn?
Presentation: (Adage) Perfect is the enemy of good
Takeaways:
1. Only God is perfect
2. We are uniquely made to need one another. Where you are weak, someone else is strong, and vice versa. Therefore, working together is the perfect solution to the world’s problems.
3. God, in His perfect will, can take our good and put it to great use.
Journal: Journal your experience and state the 1 takeaway you will focus on going forward and how you will implement the concept into your daily routine.
Share Session:
Closing Remarks.
Information Video:-
Presented by: Karen Witemeyer
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Description -
No matter what genre you write, humor can add a spark of life to your manuscript that will gain an editor’s notice and win your readers’ hearts.
Workshop Outline -
I. Stories sharing the relatable realities of comparison, imposter syndrome, measuring up, and other joy-stealers
1. Big Picture - Plotting a. Tropes that lend themselves to humor b. Using a humorous central conflict
2. Quirky Secondary Characters - Crotchety Elders and Precocious Children and everything in between. a. Fewer boundaries than primary characters. They can be outlandish, cantankerous, cute, or silly. They can break social conventions. b. Give them quirks that serve as natural foils to your main characters. c. Children and the elderly can add humor with their lack of filters. d. Utilize unusual occupations or hobbies to set up humorous situations.
3. Zoom in on the Details a. Opening lines b. Ground humor in universal human experience c. The meet cute d. Create situations rich in embarrassment, unexpected trouble, and erroneous assumptions
4. Banter and witty dialogue a. Set up the punch line. b. Create private jokes between your hero and heroine. c. Play on words that tap into your character’s idiosyncrasies. d. Teasing e. Sarcasm f. Banter needs to flow naturally and fit with the character’s voice and personality.
5. Humorous Character Voice - Deep POV. a. Self-deprecating humor. b. Sarcastic thoughts, wild misunderstandings, humorous observations. c. No two characters should have the same humorous voice. d. Timing is everything. Pay attention to the story arc. e. Humor can be romantic.
6. Other Ways to Add Humor a. Funny analogies b. Use unexpected elements c. Running gags d. Add light to a dark moment
Information Video:-
Presented by: Rachel Hauck
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Description -
Setting the Stage for a Dynamic Character Journey
Workshop Outline -
Using elements of the Hero’s Journey, the Story Equation provides tools for authors to build real, empathic characters who have a strong character arc. This inner journey is moved along by the external journey. Elements of the class will be: the dark moment story, the wound, lie, fear, the secret desire and flaw. Also elements such as competence and super power. Asking the big “Why?” Attendees will leave with tools and how to use them.
Information Video:-
Presented by: Bruce Judisch
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Description -
Effective critiquing or beta-reading a manuscript is as much an art as it is a science.
Workshop Outline -
Have you ever had an awkward experience critiquing another author’s work? Having your own work critiqued? Have you ever had a great experience with either of these? What made the difference? We’ll talk about the nuances of constructive critiquing, share our experiences, and hear what other experts in the field have to say (including a surprise guest from ages past!). We’ll discuss the balance between providing and receiving meaningful—even tough—feedback, plus delivering and accepting it in the most effective and beneficial way.
Information Video:-
Workshop Elective Session 2: Friday - 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm
Presented by: Natalie Nyquist
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Description -
A hands-on introduction to (1) realistic self defense for your characters and (2) caring for and training with swords to enhance accuracy and sensory detail in your writing.
Workshop Outline -
In this “touch-and-try” fast-paced workshop, we will focus on self-defense for your characters based on their level of defense knowledge and physical training. After walking through realistic techniques to enhance the accuracy of your action scenes, we’ll move to weapons! After an overview of the forging and terms for the sword comes 10-second blitz demos of Korean and samurai techniques, followed by hands-on (no contact between partners!) practice with a sparring sequence. Finally, to gather sensory details to enhance your writing, a mini “touch and feel museum” will be available with real samurai swords (unsharpened for safety), archery equipment, and other weapons and sparring gear.
Information Video:-
Presented by: Joni M. Fisher
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Learn ten techniques screenwriters rely on to upgrade dialogue from blah to quotable.
Workshop Outline -
We’ve all slogged through novels with boring, predictable, or chit-chat dialogue. In many genres, dialogue makes up half of the novel. It can make or break your bond with readers. This workshop offers ten practical techniques used by award-winning screenwriters to apply immediately to a scene or chapter in your work in progress or to an example scene. Learn how to show, not tell. Discover how to make your dialogue quotable. Discover when and when not to use dialogue Infuse each scene with the right level of conflict Employ text and subtext Create suspense Transform the predictable Cut to the chase, when to show and when to tell Individualize characters through speech markers Apply the stimulus/response pattern for clarity Use three types of tags to reveal goals, motivations, and conflict Format and punctuate dialogue properly.
Information Video:-
Presented by: Janice Thompson
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Description -
Novelists will learn how to use Pinterest as a powerful marketing tool by creating engaging boards, eye-catching pins, and reader-focused strategies that attract book lovers and drive long-term traffic to their books.
Workshop Outline -
Pinterest Marketing Strategies (Outline)
1. Why Pinterest? A Goldmine for Fiction Writers * Unlike social media, Pinterest is a visual search engine (not a feed-based platform). * Readers browse Pinterest looking for inspiration, aesthetics, and book recommendations. * Your pins can drive long-term traffic to your books, website, and mailing list.
2. Board Strategy: Organizing Your Content for Maximum Engagement * Thematic Boards Work Best * Creative Board Ideas for Novelists * Live Demo: Optimize a board in real time.
3. Pin Strategy: What to Post to Attract Readers * More than “Buy My Book” Pins! Give the reader an experience. * Types of Engaging Pins:
4. Growth Strategy: How to Gain Followers from Scratch * Leverage Your Existing Readers * Join Collaborative Boards i * Consistency is Key: Pin 10–15 times per day * Engage & Repin
5. SEO Strategy: Keywords & Search Optimization * Pinterest is a visual search engine * Board Title Optimization: * Pin Description Best Practices: * Pinterest Trends & Analytics
6. Engaging Your Readers Beyond Pinterest * Create interactive pins. * Use Pinterest to build your newsletter list. * Encourage Pinterest-based book clubs.
7. Q&A + Actionable Takeaways * Attendee Challenge. * Hand out a Pinterest Starter Checklist to take home.
Information Video:-
Presented by: Shannon Dunlap
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Description
Workshop Outline
Information Video:
Workshop Elective Session 3: Friday - 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Presented by: Tracey Bateman
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Description -
From her own experience, Tracey shares how to recognize when Godly dreams become corrupted by vain ambition and what steps a new to publishing author can take to avoid the traps.
Workshop Outline -
Introduction: Personal Publishing Story
God’s plans are always good. My heart became corrupted
Writing Pursuit: Selfish Ambition or Hopeful Humility?
Lust of the flesh as it pertains to vain ambition
Lust of the eyes, as it pertains to envy Comparison is the thief of joy
Pride of life—finding worth in what we attain and the admiration of others (1 Sam. 9-11)
Personal Story: Ambition and insecurity fueling foolish decisions
Writing Mindset: Surrender or Striving? (2 Cor. 5:14)
Writing for approval strangles authentic creativity
Purpose over popularity. Write the story God gave you to write
Are You Okay with ordinary? What if what everyone else sees as ordinary, God sees as extraordinary? God’s Kingdom operates in a whole other mindset
Personal Story: Ignoring the nudge to take a less attractive contract because I didn’t want to disappoint—and also, I wanted a car
Writing For God: First Fruits or Leftovers? (John 15:4-5)
Writing Christian content doesn’t equal abiding in Him. First things first
Corporate and one-on-one accountability with believers is key
Personal Story: When I stopped assigning value to church, I lost discernment and conviction
Conclusion
Laying aside every weight and the sin that comes easy to me so that I may run the race set before me with patience knowing that He who began a good work in me will continue it until all of my imperfections and struggles are melted away by one look at the face of Jesus
Surrendering to His plan every day is key. Not my will but Yours be done. Some of us will become best sellers. Others may never be contracted. The assignment is to write for his pleasure and leave the outcome to Him
Closing prayer
Information Video:-
Presented by: Bethany Turner
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Description -
In this workshop, we’ll explore five ways we can choose to respond to rejection and even discover why we, as writers, should be proud of (and even grateful for) our mountains of “thanks, but no thanks” letters.
Workshop Outline -
How a writer chooses to handle rejection will often play a major role in what comes next…after rejection. In this fun and practical workshop, we’ll examine the five options all writers have when deciding how to respond to rejection:
1. We can choose to quit.
2. We can choose to quit submitting.
3. We can choose to blame.
4. We can choose to ignore.
5. We can choose to learn, keep going, and even celebrate.
Over the course of the hour, participants will be given some valuable tools and taught how to use them. We’ll also set out to not only alleviate the pain of rejection but actually come to see that a pile of rejection letters can be something to celebrate—and, in fact, may be one of the most powerful tools in our arsenal as we journey toward publication.
Information Video:-
Presented by: Pepper Basham, Mary Connealy, and Julie Lessman
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Description -
Calling all romance writers—this is your opportunity to pick the brain of three award-winning romance authors on the pros and cons of writing romance and if time permits, on-the-spot opening-paragraph critiques and paperback giveaways plus free e-copy of Julie Lessman’s writer’s workbook, ROMANCE-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Inspirational and Sweet Markets. (Note: If interested in a possible critique, please send your paragraph to Julie Lessman via her website no later than August 31.)
Workshop Outline -
Workshop in which three award-winning romance writers answer questions on the romance-ology of writing successful romance. If time permits, includes opening-paragraph on-the-spot critiques and paperback giveaways plus free e-copy of Julie Lessman’s writer’s workbook, ROMANCE-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Inspirational and Sweet Markets. (Note: If interested in a possible critique, please send your paragraph to Julie Lessman via her website no later than August 31)
Information Video:-
Presented by: Lisa Jordan
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Creating a five-year writing plan will help writers define their writing goals and show how to turn their long-term writing dreams into a clear, actionable plan with achievable steps so they will have a clear roadmap for their writing journey as they build a sustainable career.
Workshop Outline -
dream of finishing books, getting published, and growing a sustainable writing career, but those dreams can feel overwhelming without a plan. This hands-on workshop is designed to help writers transform their long-term dreams into achievable goals with a clear five-year plan. Writers will define their writing vision, determine the number of books they can write, evaluate what skills they need to develop, and envision the kind of writer they aspire to be. They will break down their objectives into manageable quarterly and yearly milestones, using SMART goals to guide their progress. Writers will also create a realistic writing schedule with achievable daily word counts to meet weekly and monthly goals. The workshop will offer resources for tracking methods and accountability tools that will help writers stay motivated, especially when life intervenes. Writers will create a reflection for each year and leave with a concrete roadmap for their writing journey, ready to turn their dreams into reality.
Information Video:-
Workshop Elective Session 4: Saturday - 10:15 am - 11:15 am
Presented by: Sandra Bretting
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Learn the pluses and pitfalls of switching from one genre to another, and discover how to make the move as seamless as possible.
Workshop Outline -
Switching Genres & Staying Sane
1) Famous authors who switched
2) Why would anyone switch genres?
3) Questions to ask yourself before the switch
4) Immediate problems that arise
5) What’s in a name? Pen name pros & cons
6) Consider this before you switch
7) Some things never change, despite the genre
8) Tips for the “after” when you switch genres
Information Video:-
Presented by: Cher Gatto
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Description -
Unlock the secret power of subtext in fiction—learn how to craft dialogue, action, and setting that reveal hidden emotions, unspoken tensions, and deeper meaning without saying a word.
Workshop Outline -
Great fiction isn’t just about what’s on the page—it’s about what lingers beneath it. The best stories are filled with unspoken tension, hidden desires, and truths that remain just out of reach. In this workshop, we’ll explore how subtext creates depth in dialogue, character interactions, and setting. You’ll learn how to let your readers “read between the lines” and feel the emotional weight of a scene without spoon-feeding them. Through hands-on exercises and close reading of masterful examples, you’ll walk away with practical tools to elevate your writing by harnessing the power of what’s left unsaid.
Information Video:-
Presented by: Cara Putman
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A series is a great way to hook readers. This workshop by multipublished author Cara Putman will help you figure out what to include in your series bible to make sure you get your details right.
Workshop Outline -
Information Video:-
Presented by: Sarah Hamaker
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Description -
How to leverage the power of group promotions as part of your marketing strategy.
Workshop Outline -
I. Why participate in group promotions
II. An overview of group promotions run by someone else
a. Booksweeps https://booksweeps.com/
b. Authors XP/ https://authorsxp.com/
c. Celebrate Lit https://www.celebratelit.com/19-2/
III. Running Your Own Group Promotions
a. Control over who joins
b. Ability to tailor to your audience
c. Allow your creativity to shine
d. Give back to the author community
IV. Tools useful for giveaways/promotions
a. Bookfunnel
b. King Sumo
c. Rafflecopter
d. Gleam
e. Promo Simple
V. Multi-Author Promotion Ideas
a. Author newsletter swaps
b. Blog tours—round robin with contests, like genre, authors create schedule where each author shares another author each month,
c. Bookfunnel group promos
d. Themed giveaways
e. Examples
Information Video:-
Workshop Elective Session 5: Saturday - 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
A Q&A with Robin Jones Gunn and Janet Grant
Presented by: Robin Jones Gunn and Janet Grant
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Description -
Join bestselling author Robin Jones Gunn and her longtime literary agent Janet Grant for an exclusive “Ask Us Anything” writers workshop! With over 100 books and 6.5 million copies sold, Robin, alongside Janet’s expert guidance from Books & Such Literary Management, will pull back the curtain on their decades-long partnership. From crafting unforgettable stories to navigating the publishing world, this dynamic duo will answer your burning questions, share insider tips, and inspire you to take your writing journey to the next level. Whether you’re an aspiring author or a seasoned scribe, don’t miss this chance to learn from two trailblazers who’ve turned dreams into page-turning reality!
Workshop Outline -
Presented by: Sami Abrams
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Description
Workshop Outline
Presented by: Matt Jones - Jones House Creative
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In this presentation we will cover:
- Definition of Marketing
- Marketing Tips for Your Author Website
- Leveraging Social Media for Marketing
- Creating and Utilizing a Mailing List
Workshop Outline -
Presented by: Rick Barry
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This workshop will discuss many of the typical ups and downs that occur in a writer’s life to prepare that creative soul mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for both the challenges and blessings.
Workshop Outline -
1.Challenges and Blessings of the Writing Life — Whether you write full-time or part-time, you can expect countless ups and downs in your writing journey. Not so much a how-to session, during this time we will discuss typical experiences that can discourage or uplift writers. Considering these realities in the company of sympathetic colleagues, we will prepare in advance to cope mentally, emotionally, and spiritually with both defeats and victories.
Workshop Elective Session 6: Saturday - 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm
Presented by: Melissa LaShure, Rebecca Reed, and Rebecca Yauger
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Workshop Outline
Presented by: Kimberley Woodhouse
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Let’s tackle some of the hurdles we face as career authors—many that change rapidly in our ever-changing industry.
Workshop Outline -
Career Writing
Navigating the Business of Writing for a Long-term Career
Planning
Hiring Help
Keeping stories fresh after 10+, 20+, 30+ (more) books
Balancing history, authenticity, and the culture of today
Writing in multiple genres
Indie or Trad or hybrid?
AI tools available - pros/cons
Presented by: Marshall Monroe
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Practical insights and methods for developing and deploying stories from a veteran of experiential and media forms. This is a presentation and conversational workshop designed to inspire and inform with a veteran creator and producer, touching on the timeless art of narrative and the latest tech, including thoughts on AI. The session will include an overview of key concepts Mr. Monroe has developed over nearly 40 years working at the highest levels of narrative industries, with suggestions and feedback to help others bring new ideas into the world.
Workshop Outline -
Presented by: Kellie VanHorn
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In this hands-on workshop, we’ll go over simple tips and tricks to line edit your own writing and bring it up to the next level to impress agents and editors.
Workshop Outline -
We’ll start this workshop with a brief overview of the different types of editing and when it might be beneficial to hire an outside editor. Then we’ll move into the meat of the session and go through a series of simple, easy-to-apply editing tips to dramatically improve your prose. We’ll discuss using strong verbs and nouns instead of adjectives/ adverbs, cutting filler words, avoiding distancing words to maintain a deeper POV, and tips for tightening dialogue. We’ll also talk about how to strengthen paragraphs through varying sentence structure and how to increase or slow the story’s pacing through sentence and paragraph length. We’ll take a look at some examples together, and then attendees will have time to use a checklist to edit a small section of their own work. We’ll wrap up the session with time for questions.
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.