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Meet Our Faculty

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Becky Antkowiak | Author, Represents Christian Writers Institute

Candy Arrington | Author, Blogger, Speaker

Twila Belk | Author, Speaker

Jessica Brodie | Contest Coordinator, Editor for SC United Methodist Advocate

Athena Dean Holtz | Author, Represents Redemption Press

Rhonda Dragomir | Author, Speaker

Lynette Eason | Author, Agent-Steve Laube Agency

Linda Gilden | Author, Writing Coach, Conference Director

Linda Goldfarb | Author, Speaker, Podcaster
Lori Hatcher | Author, Chaplain

Katy Kauffman | Author, Editor

Terri Kelly | Author, Manuscript Coordinator

Shawn Kuhn | Author, Brainstormer, Marketing Expert, Agent-EA Books

Larry Leech | Author, Editor, Writing Coach

Edie Melson | Author, Speaker, Editor, Writing Coach
Maureen Miller | Author, Speaker

Edwina Perkins | Represents Harambee Press

Molly Jo Realy | Author, Editor
Rhonda Robinson | Author, Represents Focus on the Family

Mae Frances Sarratt | Author, Pastor/Speaker
Cindy Sproles | Author, Represents Iron Stream Media and ChristianDevotions.us

Dawn Stephens | Children's Author, Represents EA Books Publishing

Craig von Buseck | Author, Speaker
Terry Whalin | Author, Represents Morgan James

Jean Wilund | Humorist, Bible Study Author, Podcaster

Becky Antkowiak

Recording Specialist

"Becky Blue” Antkowiak's mission is educating, encouraging, and equipping writers to create clean, clear, compelling, life-changing content. She is CEO of the Christian Writers Institute (CWI) and Executive Director of the 540 Writers Community, a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to making free, stellar education accessible to every writer. An award-winning writer and editor with over 20 years of experience, she writes articles and radio spots. She offers developmental editing and copyediting. Her favorite contribution at conferences—both in-person and online—is her signature introvert-friendly networking session. Known for clear, humorous communication and strong commitment to excellence and diversity, Becky Blue is dedicated to helping Christian writers make connections, experience encouragement, improve craft, and find publishing opportunities through CWI, 540, and the Write to Publish conference.

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Candy Arrington

Author, Blogger, Speaker

Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy's books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group). Candy's blog, Forward Motion, focuses on moving beyond what holds you back. candyarrington.com/blog

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Twila Belk

Author, Speaker

Also known as The Gotta Tell Somebody Gal, Twila Belk is a writer, speaker, encourager, editor, consultant, and champion for writers. She has authored eight books (including the bestselling "Raindrops from Heaven" and "The Power to Be") and contributed to many others, as well as written numerous articles and promotional materials.

Jessica Brodie
Contest Director, Editor for SC United Methodist Advocate

Brodie holds a Master of Arts in English, and she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor
of Science in communications/print journalism from Florida International University. Born and
raised in Miami, Brodie now lives in Lexington, South Carolina, just outside Columbia. She has
also lived in Ohio and in the mountains of western North Carolina. She and her husband, Matt
Brodie, have a blended family of four teenage children and stepchildren.

Athena Dean Holtz

Author and Publisher for Redemption Press

Athena Dean Holtz has been around Christian publishing since 1987 when she
helped their ministry self-publish an important resource for Vietnam veterans
and their families. That book went on to be picked up by a royalty publisher and
has since sold over 250,000 copies with a million in print.
Redemption Press is passionate about getting your book out there with
excellence. Because God has called them to help people just like you to share a
message of hope with their world. We do it with excellence and bathe each
project in prayer. We can’t wait to meet you! You’re just click away from
entering a publishing family that will support you every step of your journey.

Rhonda Dragomir

Author and Speaker

An avid reader and writer, Rhonda Dragomir is a seventeenth-generation direct descendant of Martin
Luther. She lives in the heart of idyllic horse country in central Kentucky, and her degree in Social Work
from Asbury University prepared her for more than forty years of ministry as a pastor’s wife. Rhonda has
written articles and opinion pieces for many denominational and regional publications, and she now writes
full-time. She has won awards for both fiction and nonfiction writing, and she was named the 2019 Writer
of the Year by Serious Writer, Inc. Her website may be viewed at www.rhondadragomir.com.

Lynette Eason
Author and Agent

Lynette Eason is the bestselling, award-winning author of over fifty books including the Women
of Justice series, the Deadly Reunions series, the Hidden Identity series, the Elite Guardians
series and the Blue Justice series. She writes for Revell and for Harlequin’s Love Inspired
Suspense line. Her books have appeared on the CBA, ECPA, and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller
lists. She has won several awards including the Carol Award, the IRCC award, the Selah, and
the Christian Retailing’s Best Award. She placed in the top ten in the James Patterson 2016 co-
writer contest. The movie, Her Stolen Past, based on Lynette’s novel with the same title, aired
February 2, 2018, on the Lifetime Movie Network. Lynette is a member of American Christian
Fiction Writers (ACFW), Romance Writers of America (RWA), Mystery Writers of America
(MWA), International Thriller Writers (ITW), and Faith, Hope, and Love (FHL) chapter of RWA
as well as the Kiss of Death (KOD) chapter. Lynette can be found online
at www.lynetteeason.com and www.facebook.com/lynette.eason and @lynetteeason on Twitter.

Linda Gilden
Director, Carolina Christian Writers Conference | Author

Linda Gilden is an experienced writer, speaker, editor, and writing coach. Author
of Every Child is a Winner, the Love Notes series, Mommy Pick-Me-Ups, Mama
Was the Queen of Christmas, PERSONALity Perspectives, Called to Write, Called
to Speak, Articles, Articles, Articles!, Trading Shadows, and many ghostwritten
books. She especially enjoys writing articles and has written over 1500 of them
for various publications As a freelance editor and writing coach, she encourages
others to make their writing the best it can be. Linda enjoys helping others polish
their speaking and writing skills on their journeys to clear, concise
communication.


Her favorite time is family time where their special love note is folded
potato chips. Linda’s favorite activity is floating in the pool while reading a good
book surrounded by splashing grandchildren. Linda and her hubby live on a
beautiful farm in the country with their chickens, cows next door and goats at
their neighbor’s house.

Linda Goldfarb

Author, Speaker, Podcaster

Whether sipping frothed coffee with friends, hiking with Sam, engaging in fun activities with her children and grandchildren, or speaking truth with gentle boldness, Linda Goldfarb strives to be transparent and real. Linda is an award-winning multi-book author and podcaster, a board-certified advanced-level Christian life coach, an audiobook narrator, an international speaker, and a board member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She is also a frequent keynote speaker, workshop leader, and multi-session continuing class teacher at writer's and speaker’s conferences each year. Linda emcees the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and serves as the third member of the BRMCWC Leadership Team.

 

Linda and her hubby, Sam, are the proud parents of four adult children, numerous grandchildren, and one great-grandson. They live on the edge of the Texas Hill Country with their two rescue pups, MeMe and DJ. Linda credits a combination of faith, humor, and personality awareness with growing their relationship into a thriving adventure lasting more than 38 years.

Lori Hatcher
Chaplain | Author

Lori Hatcher is an author, blogger, writing instructor, women’s ministry speaker, and career
dental hygienist. She writes for Our Daily Bread, Guideposts, Revive Our Hearts, and
Crosswalk.com. Lori’s written five devotionals, including Refresh Your Hope, 60 Devotions for
Trusting God with All Your Heart, which released on January 3. Her legacy book, 100 Moments
with God for Couples, co-authored with her husband, released this spring. Lori’s a Toastmasters
International Contest-winning speaker (ACG, ALB) and has encouraged women’s ministry
groups as far away as Mexico and Japan. She and her husband live delightfully close to their
four grandchildren in Lexington, South Carolina. Connect with her at www.LoriHatcher.com.

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Katy Kauffman

Author, Editor

Having taught at twenty writers’ conferences, Katy Kauffman loves connecting with writers, hearing about their projects, and encouraging them to see their writing as an adventure with God. She is a Bible teacher, an award-winning author, and a co-founder of Lighthouse Bible Studies which publishes Refresh Bible Study Magazine. She also compiles and edits book compilations such as Sustaining Life’s Victories. Katy shares encouragement and writing tips in her quarterly newsletter called The Lighthouse Connection. 

Terri Kelly 
Author, Manuscript Coordinator and Appointment Scheduler

Terri Kelly is the author of Ida Scudder Missionary Doctor and Mary Slessor Missionary Mother. As a writer, she has contributed to multiple compilations, including Divine Moments, Stupid Moments, Additional Christmas Moments, Faith and Family, and Spirit and Heart. In addition to numerous online publications, she has published articles in multiple magazines including, Clubhouse, WHOA Magazine, Kids’Ark Magazine, and Asheville Lifestyles. Terri teaches at writing conferences and is assistant director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Follow Terri at:


                                    Amazon     Instagram     Twitter     Facebook

Shawn Kuhn

Author, Brainstormer, Marketing Expert, Agent-EA Books

Shawn Kuhn, Director of Sales and Marketing, has more than 35 years of experience in publishing and book retailing. He was the owner and primary buyer for a regional chain of bookstores, responsible for buying and selling millions of books and creating in-store promotions. Shawn helped his wife, Suzanne "SuzyQ,” start Brookstone Creative Group, which Ironstream Media acquired. He is a screenwriting coach, content coach, and ghostwriter and truly loves helping authors bring their stories to readers.

Larry J. Leech II
Author, Editor, Writing Coach

Speaker and writing coach of award-winning authors, Larry has
spent more than 40 years working with words. After a 23-year journalism career that began in
1981 and 2,300 published articles, Larry moved into freelance writing and editing in 2004. He
has ghostwritten 30 books, edited more than 400 manuscripts, and his freelance clients have
won more than 70 awards. Larry teaches at numerous conferences nationwide and can be
found online on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Edie Melson

Author, Speaker, Editor, Writing Coach

Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers experiencing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking about faith, writing, or social media, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” Her reputation as an online expert is well-deserved. Her blog reaches thousands daily and has been on the Writer’s Digest Top 101 Sites for Writers since 2017. In her role as social media coach she’s worked with clients that range from authors and speakers to business and ministry leaders. Her bestselling eBook on this subject, has been updated, expanded and re-released with co-author DiAnn Mills as Social Media for Today’s Writer. She’s the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, board member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and author of numerous books. She’s quick to remind those she meets about the practical and personal applications of God’s infinite love. Visit her online at www.EdieMelson.com

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Maureen Miller

Author, Speaker

Maureen Miller is an award-winning author with stories in more than twenty collaboratives. She contributes to Guideposts’ All God’s Creatures, her local newspaper, and several online devotion sites. Married for thirty-five years to her childhood sweetheart Bill, she enjoys life with their three born-in-their-hearts children and three grand-girls. They live on Selah Farm, a hobby homestead nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina. She’s passionate about encouraging others in their journeys and seeks to serve as a “connector”—helping writers discover their place in God’s bigger plan through intentional relationship. She blogs at www.penningpansies.com, telling of God’s extraordinary character discovered in the ordinary things of life, and her debut novel, Gideon’s Book, will be released in 2025.

Edwina Perkins

Managing Editor for Harambee Press

Edwina Perkins is the coordinator for Mentoring Moments and the manager for Sensitivity Between the Lines. Edwina is the managing editor for Harambee Press, an imprint of End Game Press. As a longtime member of Word Weavers International, she serves as a member of the advisory board. She also served as the Emerging Leader Coordinator with ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishing Association). Edwina is an award-winning writer, experienced teacher, speaker, freelance editor, and authenticity/sensitivity consultant, and has been published in numerous publications. One of her passions is to address the need for sensitivity and diversity in the publishing industry. 

Molly Jo Realy

Author, Editor

A Southern Belle from Southern California, Molly Jo is a writer, editor, social media ninja, and producer of Aaron Gansky’s Firsts in Fiction podcast. She has been featured in children’s magazines, on blogs and devotional websites, and her short stories have earned her awards and scholarships from nationally acclaimed writing programs. She is the founder of New Inklings Press and author of The Unemployment Cookbook: Ideas for Feeding Families One Meal at a Time and other books available through her website and on Amazon. She offers seminars and personal coaching on self publication and building social media/marketing platforms. Frankly, My Dear . . . is her blog where she shares her thoughts on Faith, Family, Food, and Fun, and her corner of the world affectionately known as Bedford Manor (the lesser known one, of course), named after Bedford Falls because, after all, it is a wonderful life. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and as a regular contributor to several blogs.

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Rhonda Robinson
Manager, Content Producer, Focus on the Family

Rhonda Robinson is the manager and content producer for Focus on the Family’s Marriage and
Parenting website pages. Beginning in the late 1990s, Rhonda’s work was featured in
newspapers as a columnist on the social, political, and parenting issues impacting the family.
Her voice later transitioned to articles and blogs for high-traffic Christian and conservative
websites.


Rhonda’s true claim to fame comes from the titles of mother to nine and grandmother to 37.
Currently, she resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with her high school sweetheart, as they
settle into an empty nest.

Mae Frances Sarratt

Author, Pastor/Speaker

Mae Frances Sarratt is an author, speaker, writing contest judge, Podcast guest, and Sunday school curriculum developer. She is a minister and often speaks at women’s retreats and senior centers. She has been featured in All About Seniors Magazine, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and I Ascend Magazine. She has contributed to The Gaffney Ledger and Getting Old Ain’t for Wimps. Her newest project, “The Savvy Senior Connector,” was published in 2023.

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Cindy Sproles
Author

Cindy K. Sproles is a novelist, speaker,  and conference teacher. She is the co-founder of Christian Devotions Ministries and www.christiandevotions.us. Cindy has worked as an acquisitions editor, process editor, and currently works as a freelance editor and writing mentor with WRAMS (Writing Right Author Mentoring Service). Cindy is an award-winning, best-selling author in fiction and non-fiction. She is available to teach and can be reached at www.cindysproles.com.

Dawn Stephens

Children's Author, Acquisitions Editor and Marketing Coach with EABooks

Dawn is an award-winning author and illustrator; first and foremost, she is a Fruit Pot! In other words, she is a vessel through which the Potter has chosen to grow the fruit of the Spirit. It took a long time for her to discover that. She searched for purpose as a teacher, wife, mother, fundraising director, sales manager, and school principal. As God emptied and refilled her with new roles, she believed she had found the one thing He wanted her to be. Each time, she let the things she held define her. Eventually, she realized God was more concerned about what could grow through her. She shares her journey through a children’s book called The Little Pot. Her creator continues to bear fruit through the teacher resources, curriculum, illustrations, blogs, and children’s books, and now as an Acquisitions Editor and Marketing Coach with EABooks. You can learn more at DawnStephensBooks.com and EABooksPublishing.com

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Craig von Buseck

Author, Speaker

From webcasts to television and radio, and from conferences and churches to boardrooms, Dr. Craig von Buseck has been in the public eye for 40 years. As a sought-after keynote speaker, he has taken the stage across America and overseas. Craig is an award-winning, multi-published author. His books include Victor! The Final Battle of Ulysses S. Grant, winner of the Nonfiction Book of the Year with the Christian Market Book Awards; I Am Cyrus: Harry S. Truman and the Rebirth of Israel winner of the Selah Award for Nonfiction, nominated for the Truman Award by the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library, and Finalist for the Serious Writer Book of the Decade Award; Telling the Truth: How to Write Narrative Nonfiction and Memoir, Educational Book of the Year with the Christian Market Book Awards; Praying the News, co-written with 700 Club Co-Host Wendy Griffith; and Nobody Knows: The Harry T. Burleigh Story. He holds a Doctor of Ministry and an MA in Journalism from Regent University. Craig has extensive speaking experience and travels often to conferences, professional events, churches, and writer seminars. Learn more at vonbuseck.com.

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Terry Whalin

Author, Represents Morgan James Publishing

W. Terry Whalin understands both sides of the editorial desk. A former literary agent, Terry is an Acquisitions Editor at Morgan James Publishing. He has written more than 60 books for traditional publishers and several books have sold over 100,000 copies. Terry has also written for more than 50 magazines. As a frustrated editor in 2004, Terry wrote Book Proposals That Sell, 21 Secrets to Speed Your Success which has over 130 Five Star reviews and has helped many authors. Terry is an active member of the American Society of
Journalists and Authors and lives in Southern California.

Jean Wilund

Humorist, Bible Study Author, Podcaster

Jean Wilund is the author of the Selah award-winning Embracing Joy: A 8-Week Transformational Bible Study of Habakkuk and Ease into the Bible: How to Wade into the Water of God’s Word with Confidence. Jean is passionate about encouraging others to pursue a greater understanding of the Bible and a deeper relationship with God through her writing and speaking. She contributes regularly ReviveOurHearts.com. Connect with Jean at JeanWilund.com.

Meet Our Staff

Michele Brady | Sound Specialist

John Gilden | Co-Conference Director

Ginger Nichols | Assistant Conference Director

Gloria Penwell-Holtzlander | New Writer Consultant
Courtney Rhodes 
| Worship Leader

Dana Russell | Worship Leader

Gerry Wakeland | Hostess

Michele Brady

Sound Specialist

Michele has been a media specialist for decades. She serves the Lord with her technical talents on a weekly basis.

John Gilden

Co-Conference Director

John Gilden has been working with Christian conference bookstores for almost 13 years. He has
worked with the Carolina Christian Writers Conference, Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers
Conference, and the Florida Christian Writers Conference bookstores. He enjoys helping
authors and conference attendees. John is a people person who enjoys visiting with people
from different parts of the country. A writer and excellent editor himself, bookstore
opportunities have helped him meet and become friends with many publishers and editors.
John has been married to his favorite author for over 52 years.

Ginger Nichols

Assistant Conference Director, Bookstore

Ginger Nichols has intimate knowledge of life with writers. For more than the past 3 decades, she has been providing fodder for a writer to use in books and articles. Ginger loves interacting with writers at the CCWC bookstore, which she has run for the last 3 years. She enjoys all things digital, including assisting writers with graphics and websites to help further their message and the love of Christ.

Ginger enjoys her homestead. She and her husband love playing with the dogs, chickens, and rabbits and look forward to adding goats and cows to the homestead in the next year

Gloria Penwell-Holtzlander

New Writer Consultant

Gloria has been helping writers for the past 40 years. She loves helping new writers find their writing voice and encouraging them in their publishing journey.

Courtney Rhodes

Worship Leader

Courtney has been singing all her life. She uses her God-given talent weekly in her church's worship team and at special events alike.

Dana Russell

Worship Leader

Dana Russell is a whole-hearted creative with multiple interests. She has spent nearly twenty years touring as a vocalist with world-renowned Steinway Artist, Emile Pandolfi, lead vocalist in several dance bands and spent time in Christian radio and television. She has a BA in Clinical Christian Counseling and is currently pursuing her Masters. She enjoys watching her two girls become godly women, wives, and looks forward to one day becoming a grandmother.

Gerry Wakeland

Hostess

With over fifty years of ministry experience, Gerry Wakeland currently serves on the staff at Oakland Heights Baptist Church in Longview, TX. When she's not writing and editing church publications, you will find her in the church kitchen preparing meals for many of the groups at the church.

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