PROCLAIM HIS TRUTH
Experienced writers will be spiritually renewed as they sharpen their word-smithing skills and learn about Christian publishing at this annual conference.
Daily Inspirational Sessions
Appointments with Editors and Bestselling Authors
Continuing Morning Series
Work-in-Progress Seminars
Afternoon Workshops
Afternoon Series
Faculty Panel Discussion
Great Evening Programs
Professional Critiques and Consults
Hands-on Mentoring Opportunities
We are so excited for the 2026 Montrose Christian Writers Conference. In an ever-shifting culture, we know that proclaiming His truth is of greater importance than ever. That is why this was the theme we chose for this year’s conference. We want to equip and encourage writers of faith to be voices that proclaim His truth in everything we share. Join us for a week of being challenged, uplifted, and encouraged in your writing journey.
Amy Radford
MCWC Director 
Schedule
Monday
3:30 REGISTRATION OPENS
4:00 WELCOME & ORIENTATION FOR NEW ATTENDEES
5:00 SUPPER
6:15 OPENING SESSION
Keynote Address: Pastor Rollin Howard
7:00 FACULTY PANEL
Tuesday-Thursday
8:00 BREAKFAST
8:45 MEDITATION
9:00 MORNING CHALLENGE
T: Marsha Hubler
W: Zach Peterson
Th: Rachel Pratt
10:00 MAJOR MORNING CLASSES
12:00 LUNCH
1:00 AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS
4:00 CRITIQUE GROUPS or FREE TIME
5:00 SUPPER and FREE TIME
6:15 Thursday: WRITERS’ THEATER
Friday:
8:00 BREAKFAST
9:00 MAJOR MORNING CLASSES
11:00 CLOSING SESSION: Amy Radford
12:00 LUNCH
Continuing Classes
Designed to provide in-depth learning and participation. Most valuable when taken as a series but all are open to those who cannot attend every day.
MAJOR MORNING CLASSES 10:00-11:30 TUESDAY - Thursday and 9:00-10:30 FRIDAY
1. An Author WoRth Fighting For - Janelle Leonard
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that a writer in possession of a dream must be in want of discernment. Armed with ambition, hope, and far too much caffeine, they embark on their quest. But what does it truly mean to be an accomplished author—on the page, in the process, and in every interaction along the way? This class explores how cultivating Christlike character shapes not only your writing life, but also your relationships with editors, agents, peers, and the publishing journey itself, equipping you to become an author worth fighting for.
2. Beginners - Edwina Perkins
Whether you’ve never written a word or you’re just finding your footing, these workshops meet you where you are and walk with you toward where you want to go. For the next three mornings, we’ll explore essentials of the writing process, uncover tools and techniques to help you find your voice, shape your story, and connect with readers in meaningful ways.
3. Dig Deep into Nonfiction - Annette Whipple
Do you have ideas for writing nonfiction for adults, teens, or children but need to take it to the next level? Annette takes you through the writing process, including brainstorming, researching, and consulting with experts. Attendees leave with strategies and ideas to write creative stories that are 100% true for their audiences (or heavily-researched fiction).
4. Fiction - Janeen Ippolito
What sets science fiction and fantasy apart from every other genre? The fantastical world-building and concepts! But having ideas is only the beginning. How do you fit them into an irresistible narrative? How do you create unforgettable characters? How do you meld it all together with powerful themes that connect to readers without preaching? In this continuing session, experienced sci-fi and fantasy author and coach Janeen Ippolito will share key tricks and tips for writing irresistible sci-fi and fantasy stories, including deep dives into worldview/theme, characters, narrative, and genre/reader expectations. Learn to embrace the creativity of sci-fi and fantasy storytelling for the kingdom of Christ. Come away rejuvenated and excited about your story world—and your story!
Work-in-Progress Seminar 10:00-11:30 TUESDAY - Thursday and 9:00-10:30 FRIDAY
Picture Books - Pam Halter & Kim Sponaugle
LIMIT: 12 CONFEREES ($40 per person)
Led by award-winning author/illustrator team Pam Halter and Kim Sponaugle, this clinic will break down the picture book process so participants leave with either a manuscript or the tools needed to revise with confidence.
Pam & Kim will review each manuscript in advance and tailor workshops to te the group’s needs while covering key fundamentals. Each conferee also receives one-on-one time as others work on guided assignments.
What sets this clinic apart is the dual perspective-Pam as an author & editor and Kim as an illustrator- offering both narrative and visual insight so attendees can craft engaging stories that inspire young readers to say "Read it again, please!"
Prerequisite – Applicants need to have a finished picture book manuscript (Christian or a story that does not oppose Christian values) 1,000 words or less, which needs to be emailed to Pam a month before the conference. Since personal attention is given to each manuscript from both the author and illustrator, the clinic is limited to 12 participants. There is an additional fee for this since participants will receive a critique from both Pam and Kim.
Teen Writing Track (Ages 13-16)
10:00-11:30 TUESDAY - Thursday and 9:00-10:30 FRIDAY
Cathy Mayfield
($20 per person)
To write from hearts of TRUTH, writers draw from the Sword of the Spirit. Teen writers who wield this Sword turn articles and stories into powerful entities that can change the world for their peers and adults. These interactive classes focus on the acronym S.W.O.R.D. to make writing endeavors stronger in the TRUTH that matters, with or without mentioning God. Class discussions and exercises in fiction and nonfiction will show how each part of the S.W.O.R.D. works and give ideas/tips to use in current and future projects. Each session will include a “TRUTH guideline” from special guest peer-mentors.
Faculty
Lisa Betz, Ellen Byham, Don Catlett, Michele Chenowyth, Sue Fairchild, Pam Halter, Pastor Rollin Howard, Marsha Hubler, Janeen Ippolito, Michele Lazurek, Janelle Leonard, Robin Lufrig, Julie Manwarren, Cathy Mayfield, Zach & Leah Peterson, Marti Pieper, Edwina Perkins, Sarah Scranta, Kim Sponaugle, Craig Von Buseck, Annette Whipple
Afternoon Workshops
Tuesday
101: Julie Manwarren: “Research Tips for Historical Fiction and Nonfiction Writers”
102: Sue Fairchild: “Writing with Friends—How to Find or Form a Critique Group”
103: Pastor Howard: “Understanding the Value of Biblical Narrative: Part 1”
104: Michele Chenowyth: “Which Publishing Path to Take? (Traditional vs. Self-Publishing)”
201: Michelle Lazurek: “The Agent/Client Relationship”
202: Marti Pieper: “Writing Interrupted”
203: Marsha Hubler: “Bring Out the Child in You” (Chapter Books)
204: Sarah Scranta: “We Have a Better Story”
301: Robin Luftig: “Have Them Lean In When You Speak”
302: Ellen Byham: “Everyone is a Poet”
303: Julie Manwarren: “Breaking the Story: Journalism in 2026”
304: Pastor Rollin Howard: “Understanding the Value of Biblical Narrative: Part 2”
Wednesday
401: Marsha Hubler: “Breathing Life Into your Children’s Story”
402: Sue Fairchild: “Tracking Changes: Tools for Editing”
403: Lisa Betz: “Perfecting Your Media Pitch”
404: Michele Chynoweth: “Make it Your Business!”
501: Michelle Lazurek: “Writing to Shape Culture”
502: Marti Pieper: “Writing for Fun and Nonprofits”
503: Don Catlett: “The Ethics of AI”
504: Sarah Scranta: “Creating Print Marketing Materials: Part 1”
601: Robin Luftig: “Drawing Attention to Your Memoir”
602: Ellen Byham: “Next Gen Poetry”
603: Sarah Scranta: “Creating Print Marketing Materials: Part 2”
604: Annette Whipple: “Writing for Children and Teens.”
Thursday
701 Craig von Buseck: “The Power of Telling True Stories”
702: Sue Fairchild: “Getting Social: A Guide to Social Media Platforms”
703: Lisa Betz: “RX for the Creative Soul”
704: Michele Chynoweth: “Lights, Camera, Action: Publicity and Platform”
801: Michelle Lazurek: “The Power of Collaboration”
802: Marti Pieper: “The Accidental Ghostwriter: Lessons in Writing from the Heart”
803: Craig von Buseck: “Fiction Techniques in Nonfiction Writing”
901: Robin Luftig: “An Author’s Legacy: How to Keep Your Work Alive”
902: Ellen Byham: “Devotional Writing Outside the Box”
903: Zach and Leah Peterson: “The Psalms: -Rhythm and Rhyme and Nature in Time-”
Pricing
Adult Tuition $210
Teen Tuition $75
Lodging & Meals range from $316 to $340 per person based on double occupancy for adults. Single occupancy add 25%.
RV & tent sites also available.
Commuters are welcome and can add meals to their tuition.
$20 discount if registered by June 15th
$10 discount for each first-timer you bring.
A complete list of all pricing and options is available on the registration page.
Part-time lodging options are not available until after June 15th.
Professional Critiques
This is a great opportunity to have your work evaluated by a published professional. Receive a written evaluation of your manuscript plus a 30-minute private appointment to discuss ways to improve and/or market your piece.
Register for MCWC by June 1st and request guidelines for emailing your manuscript. $40.00 per critique.
| Faculty |
Genre |
Limit |
| Lisa E. Betz |
Historical or Mystery
|
3 |
| Sue Fairchild |
Historical Fiction or Middle Grade |
2 |
| Marsha Hubler |
Children's Fiction |
2 |
| Michelle Lazurek |
Nonfiction or Children’s |
10 |
| Edwina Perkins |
Fiction or Sensitivity Readings |
5 |
| |
|
|
Other Opportunities
EDITORIAL APPOINTMENTS
Private 15-minute appointments with editors and agents to show them your work, which may be suitable for their publications and/or to discuss ideas for stories. Sign-up sheets are available at the conference. Bring professionally prepared manuscripts. Be sure to bring copies! No charge.
CRITIQUE GROUPS and GENRES of INTEREST GROUPS
Opportunity for feedback from other writers. No charge.
BOOK TABLE
Features books by faculty and conferees. When registering, please indicate books you’ve written which you would like to sell. Please tag all books with prices rounded to a dollar.
MP3 RECORDINGS
Listen to the sessions you missed or those you want to hear again.
THURSDAY: WRITERS’ THEATER
Here’s another opportunity for you to shine! Bring your own work, an excerpt from a short story, memoir, novel, or a poem and trimmed to three minutes and read it to the conferees at the Writers’ Theater, a delightful program that celebrates your creativity. Some faculty and conferees consider this evening so special, they “dress up” to present their work. You are certainly welcome to do that, as well.
Scholarships
Shirley Brinkerhoff Memorial Scholarship
$200 grant for tuition: Awarded to a writer actively striving to hone the craft of writing who’s not yet secured a publishing contract. Link to the application at the bottom of the page. Deadline July 1
General Scholarship
Help available according to need. For more information, go to the About Montrose tab and click on scholarships.
Register now or update your rEGISTRATION