Will be hosted by the Orange County Christian Writers Fellowship on May 18-20, 2012 in Newport Beach, California
2012 Faculty Bios and Consultation Guidelines
Kathie Fong Yoneda consults with aspiring author
One of the most valuable aspects of attending the OC Christian Writers Conference is the opportunity to meet, mingle, and consult with professional authors, editors, and agents who work in your genre of writing.
As a paid attendee, you can sign up for at least one individual 15-minute consultation with our faculty. If space is available, we will assign attendees two consults on a first-come, first-serve basis. Sign-up for this valuable opportunity during the online registration.
You will also be able to meet and greet the faculty before our Friday night panel discussion. This session gives you a chance to ask our faculty any question you have related to writing and publishing.
You will also be able to dine with the faculty and discuss your writing project with them during our lunch on Saturday and during the awards banquet/dinner Saturday night.
Please review the 2012 faculty bios below. Our faculty are generous with their time and talents and they look forward to helping you meet your professional and personal writing goals.
To learn more about how to choose a faculty member for consultation, please download the pdf document below.
Consultation level: Writers with a WIP that meets the editorial needs of consultant
Rachelle Gardner, Literary Agent ♦ Books and Such Literary Agency
Rachelle Gardner is an agent with Books & Such Literary Agency, representing both fiction and nonfiction. In the publishing business since 1995, Rachelle previously worked for two publishing houses in positions encompassing marketing, sales, international rights, acquisitions and editorial. She has also edited over 100 books. As an agent, she loves helping authors strategize and build their careers, and takes great joy in sharing the important milestones in a writer’s journey.
Rachelle loves sharing information and ideas with writers, both at conferences and through her blog which averages 100,000 monthly page views.
Consultation Guidelines
Rachelle is looking to represent authors with long term publishing potential. She’s looking at all genres of Christian fiction, and prefers stories with strong characters and page-turning plots. Currently her favorite genres are contemporary women's fiction, historical romance, and romantic suspense.
In non-fiction books for Christians, she’s looking for spiritual life, practical self-help, memoir, and a variety of other topics. She wants non-fiction authors with significant marketing platforms who understand the importance of self-promotion via the Internet.
William (Bill) Jensen has worked in book publishing for over 35 years. He has discovered, launched, and championed the publishing careers of numerous best-selling authors. He has acquired and worked with authors such as Stormie Omartian, Michelle McKinney Hammond, Kay Arthur, Greg Laurie, Tony Evans, Pat Robertson, Lisa Whelchel, Jill and Stuart Briscoe, Erwin Lutzer, Dr. James Dobson, Shaunti Feldhahn, Joni Eareckson Tada, and a host of others.
In 2005 Bill opened the William K Jensen Literary Agency; he represents 35 authors such as Ann Voskamp, Mark Hitchcock, Christa Parrish, Allison Pittman, Melanie Shankle (Big Mama Blog) and Sophie Hudson (Boo Mama Blog).
Bill is interested in most types of Christian books, including but not limited to: fiction, Christian living, devotional, marriage, family life, apologetics, biography, children’s, gift books, cookbooks, prophecy, humor, health, inspirational, political, social issues, women’s issues, and men's issues.
When he’s not working he’s likely fly-fishing or listening to classical music or opera. Bill makes his home in Eugene, Oregon, with his wife, Sheila, and has four daughters. For more information go to wkjagency.com.
Consultation Guidelines
William K Jensen Literary Agency will consider Christian books in all genres except science fiction and fantasy.
Mike Nappa, Chief Agent ♦ Nappaland Literary Agency
Mike Nappa is chief agent and founder at Nappaland Literary Agency. He’s also a bestselling and award-winning Christian author with more than a million copies of his books in print, a former acquisitions editor for three Christian publishing houses, and founder of the startup PR firm, Author Echo Public Relations. Mike’s latest books are The Jesus Survey (Baker Books) and 77 Reasons Why Your Book Was Rejected (Sourcebooks).
Mike’s literary agency is currently considering stellar author proposals in the categories of: Young Adult Fiction, Literary Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Pop Culture (non-fiction), Historical Non-Fiction, and Christian Inspiration. Nappaland Literary Agency DOES NOT represent: children’s books, memoirs, or anything about cats. (No exceptions.)
Mike’s startup PR firm is Author Echo Public Relations, and is currently open to clients who are pursuing a traditional publishing career. Payment plans for PR campaigns are available as a 15% commission on future book royalties, or as a flat fee. Due to current market conditions, self-published books are not eligible for a PR campaign through Author Echo.
Mike would love to talk with very skilled writers of Young Adult Fiction, Literary Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Pop Culture (non-fiction), Historical Non-Fiction, and Christian Inspiration. Mike will yawn a lot and gaze off into the distance if you bring him children’s books, your memoirs, or anything about cats. And, after more than two decades in this industry, Mike can answer pretty much any question you may have about book publishing—but were afraid to ask.
Consultation level: Writers with a WIP that meets the editorial needs of the consultant
Steven Lawson, Senior Editor ♦ Regal Books
Steven Lawson is senior editor at Regal Books. He has ghostwritten, edited, developed and/or acquired more than 250 non-fiction books, working with both established and first-time authors. He has been a professional newspaper, book, magazine, television, radio and Internet writer and editor for more than 30 years, and is currently ghostwriting the memoirs of John M. Perkins.
Consultation Guidelines
Steve will talk with published writers, new writers with proposals (a one-paragraph summary is fine) and authors with a platform, unique experience or engaging story to tell. He will talk with writers about their non-fiction book and curriculum ideas (no fiction, poetry or children’s books), and the best way to proceed with their project.
Amy Nappais the Champion and Executive Editor for all adult and church leadership resources at Group Publishing. She’s been in publishing for over 20 years as a best-selling author of numerous books, editor of hundreds of resources, and as a leader in creative development. She’s also a popular speaker, addressing topics such as leadership development, ministry development, and reaching younger generations.
Amy is passionate about helping people grow in their relationships with Jesus and others—and is always looking for fresh and innovative ways to do this! She spends a lot of time connecting with people in ministry to learn more about their dreams and challenges—and then works to create resources to address those needs.
Consultation Guidelines
Amy is looking for proposals for resources to be used with Christian women’s groups, men’s groups, and adult small groups, as well as resources to equip church leaders (such as topics related to managing or training volunteers).
Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 40 books and ghostwritten several others, including her newest release, book two in the Freedom Series, Special Delivery. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences. She won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) and was the 2011 Author of the Year from BooksandAuthors.net. Her novel Red Ink, set in China, was named Novel of the Year by Golden Scrolls and also a finalist for a Carol Award from ACFW. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al.
Kathi Macias will be available as a representative of Westbow Publishers (a division of Thomas Nelson) to consider/critique book manuscripts (both fiction and nonfiction), and as a longtime author and editor, will also be glad to give feedback on other manuscripts as well.
Jeff Minard, General Manager ♦ William Carey Library, Mission Book Publishers A ministry of the US Center for World Missions
Jeff Minardhas worked in the Middle East, and Ukraine, and run or worked in publishing enterprises since 1974. He is General Manager of of the William Carey Library based in Pasadena on the campus of the U.S. Center for World Mission. The William Carey Library publishes materials to mobilize individuals and organizations in global mission. Founded by Dr. Ralph Winter in 1969 to publish the best in current thinking on world mission, William Carey Library has a top reputation assisting the work of the mission executive, the field missionary and his/her home church, and the student of world mission, worldwide.
William Carey Library specializes in academic books and fresh reports from the frontier field by long-time workers and nationals, chronicling what the Lord is doing in the world. We produce academic books for universities, we tell stories, we publish proceedings of worldwide conferences and gatherings. We partner with three mission magazines and the Perspectives course in world mission.
Consultation Guidelines
Jeff would like to speak with authors who have lived in other countries for over 5 years, and have seen the Lord do His work- what did you see? Jeff will also speak with anyone interested in writing books about cross-cultural experiences and telling stories that show ministry in other countries.
Mike Nappa, Chief Agent ♦ Nappaland Literary Agency
Mike Nappa is chief agent and founder at Nappaland Literary Agency. He’s also a bestselling and award-winning Christian author with more than a million copies of his books in print, a former acquisitions editor for three Christian publishing houses, and founder of the startup PR firm, Author Echo Public Relations. Mike’s latest books are The Jesus Survey (Baker Books) and 77 Reasons Why Your Book Was Rejected (Sourcebooks).
Mike’s literary agency is currently considering stellar author proposals in the categories of: Young Adult Fiction, Literary Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Pop Culture (non-fiction), Historical Non-Fiction, and Christian Inspiration. Nappaland Literary Agency DOES NOT represent: children’s books, memoirs, or anything about cats. (No exceptions.)
Mike’s startup PR firm is Author Echo Public Relations, and is currently open to clients who are pursuing a traditional publishing career. Payment plans for PR campaigns are available as a 15% commission on future book royalties, or as a flat fee. Due to current market conditions, self-published books are not eligible for a PR campaign through Author Echo.
Mike would love to talk with very skilled writers of Young Adult Fiction, Literary Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Pop Culture (non-fiction), Historical Non-Fiction, and Christian Inspiration. Mike will yawn a lot and gaze off into the distance if you bring him children’s books, your memoirs, or anything about cats. And, after more than two decades in this industry, Mike can answer pretty much any question you may have about book publishing—but were afraid to ask.
Susan Titus Osborn, Representative ♦ New Hope Publishers
Susan Titus Osborn is the director of the Christian Communicator Manuscript Critique Service where she heads a staff of 18 editors. She has authored 30 books, her latest being Wounded by Words and Too Soon to Say Goodbye, co-authored by Jeenie Gordon and Karen Kosman and published by New Hope Publishers. Susan is a member of the CLASSeminars staff and is also a CLASS speaker. Susan is also a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) and Christian Authors Network (CAN).
Susan's past positions include magazine editor and adjunct professor at four Christian colleges. She has spoken extensively across the US at over 150 writers’ conferences and in eight foreign countries. As an author, Susan represents New Hope Publishers. She lives in Fullerton, California, with her husband Dick. They have five grown children, 12 grandkids, and 2 great-grandsons.
Consultation Guidelines
Susan will represent New Hope Publishers who publish Christian nonfiction books for women and families and books with a missions or ministry focus. Susan is also happy to speak to budding authors and can brainstorm with them on whatever they are working on.
Marilyn White, Publisher ♦ Precious TImes Magazine
Marilyn White is publisher of "Precious Times Magazine," the most trusted source for women and families living a modern lifestyle in faith. The magazine offers a contemporary spiritual perspective that empowers our readers in marriage, single living, work, health, eex, parenting, freindship, and self-improvement. Published quarterly, Precious Times is available at popularnewstands including Wal-Mart, Books-A-Million and other retail outlets. Visit precioustimesmag.com or call 1-800-299-0696 for more information and subscription.
Consultation Guidelines
Marilyn will consider articles suitable for publication in "Precious Times Magazine" and give advice on article writing in general.
Christian Authors, Coaches, Bloggers, Screenwriters
Consultation level: Beginning to Intermediate writers looking for advice, direction, and encouragement
Bill Belewis a professional blogger who pays his sizeable Silicon Valley mortgage and then some with revenue from blog traffic alone. Blogging on 10 unrelated web site topics, he has attracted more than 1,000,000 unique visitors EACH, getting more views on his web sites than there are people who live in France, Italy, the UK or Australia x 3! And he NEVER paid for traffic...EVER.
Bill’s writing on blogging gets distributed to nearly 14 million readers monthly and his own network has seen nearly 5 million readers in one month. BTW...Bill did NOT dress the King.
Julie Brickmanteaches fiction on the faculty of Spalding University’s MFA in Writing program in Louisville, Kentucky. Her fiction has appeared in the North American Review, the Louisville Review, the Barcelona Review, Fireweed, the anthology High Horse. Her book reviews have appeared in the San Diego Union-Tribune; her nonfiction in Canadian Dimension, The International Journal of Women’s Studies, Canadian Psychology. She has received grants from the Canada Council, a nomination for a Pushcart prize, served as guest editor in fiction and creative nonfiction for the Louisville Review, and spent three months as writer-in-residence at the Berton House in Dawson City, Yukon. Her novel What Birds Can Only Whisper was published by Turnstone Press in Canada. Julie has an M.F.A. in Writing and a Ph.D. in Psychology. She lives in Laguna Beach with her husband, Bob Hoyk.
Consultation Guidelines
Point of view, character, structure, style, voice, theme, empathy, significance: you name the craft issue or bring a paragraph or page of your writing and Julie Brickman will talk about it with you. Also bring any questions you might have about what you might get from an MFA program in writing, since she's taught fiction at the Spalding University brief-res one for the last decade.
Alice Crider is an Author Coach whose mission is to empower authors to realize their publishing dreams and live a life that thrills them. She began her career in book publishing in 1998 at Cook Communications in Colorado Springs. In 2001, she went to work at Alive Communications Literary Agency for three years before joining the editorial team at WaterBrook Press, a division of Random House Publishing, Inc.
In 2011, Random House launched an early retirement program, and Alice accepted the offer and took a leap of faith in a new direction (even though she's way too young to retire!). In her new role as Author Coach, she seeks to develop writers and authors in creating publishable books, building strategic publishing careers, and finding balance, freedom, and joy in the process. To do so, she goes beyond the basics of writing to explore the personal and professional development authors need in order to achieve their highest level of success.
Consultation Guidelines
Alice is available for feedback and brainstorming on book projects or proposals as well as mini coaching sessions to help authors get unstuck and move forward.
Merrie Destefano, a full-time novelist, writes fantasy and science fiction for both adults and young adults. Her two adult novels, Afterlife and Feast, were published by HarperVoyager and are available in bookstores and online.
In a previous life, she was the editor of Victorian Homes magazine, founding editor of Cottages & Bungalows magazine, and contributing editor of Romantic Homes magazine, and as such, she wrote for a combined circulation of approximately 250,000.
With 20 years experience in publishing, she worked for a variety of publishing/broadcasting companies that include Focus on the Family, The Word For Today, and PJS Publications (now Primedia). Besides editing and writing, her background includes print buying, writing/producing radio promos, directing photo shoots, developing new products, writing jacket copy for books, creating sales media packets and organizing direct mail campaigns.
Born in the Midwest, she currently lives in Southern California with her husband, two German shepherds, a Siamese cat and the occasional wandering possum. Her favorite hobbies are reading young adult novels and watching Vampire Diaries, and her incurable addiction is writing. She loves to camp in the mountains, walk on the beach, watch old movies, and listen to alternative music—although rarely all at the same time.
Consultation Guidelines
Fantasy and science fiction author, Merrie Destefano, also has experience as a national magazine editor. She can advise writers on the following: writing for the general market, writing fantasy/science fiction, writing magazine articles, writing query letters, and submitting to agents.
Mike Duran is a novelist, blogger, and freelance writer whose short stories, essays, and commentary have appeared in Relief Journal, Relevant Online, Breakpoint, Rue Morgue magazine, and other print and digital outlets. He is the author of the supernatural thriller The Resurrection (Realms, 2011), which was a finalist in the 2011 INSPY awards, an e-book fantasy novella entitled Winterland, and The Telling (Realms May 2012). Mike contributes monthly commentary at Novel Rocket, one of Writer’s Digest 101 Most Helpful Websites for Writers.
Mike is an ordained minister and lives with his wife and four grown children in Southern California. Mike's novels explore the boundaries of belief, the fragile tether between science and superstition, the depths of despair and the reaches of faith. You can learn more about Mike Duran, his writing projects, favorite music, cultural commentary, and arcane interests, at mikeduran.com.
Consultation Guidelines
Mike would love to talk to fiction writers who need advice on how to improve their craft, speculative fiction writers seeking to place their stories, the Christian fiction market as it relates to speculative fiction, advice on blogging, e-book and self-publishing vs. traditional publishing, and advice on finding a critique group that works for you.
Bonnie Compton Hanson is a former editor at Scripture Press. She has served for several years as curriculum writer with five other Christian educational publishers and on the editorial staff of Trails ‘n’ Treasures, Christian Parent, Kid’s Corner,California Southern Baptist, and Write On!
She has authored or co-authored more than 30 books, including 13 for children, Besides two picture books, these include the award-winning Hattie series, the popular seven-book Ponytail Girls series, and a new suspense novel for girls, Holly Jean and the Secret of Razorback Ridge (book #2 in the series is due this summer).New for adults include her award-winning Songs for a Mockingbird (a sequel’s coming later this year),and the humorous Rinse Cycle Rejoicing for women.
Bonnie has also authored many resource products and books for church and school use, including the Winkie Bear Preschool series. Among her hundreds of articles and poems published are 33 in Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Bonnie is a founding member of Orange County Christian Writer’s Fellowship and loves to mentor aspiring writers.
Ken Kuhlken’sstories have appeared in Esquire and dozens of other magazines and anthologies, been honorably mentioned in Best American Short Stories, and earned a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship. He has been a frequent contributor and a columnist for the San Diego Reader.
With Alan Russell, in Road Kill and No Cats, No Choclate, he has chronicled the madness of book tours.
His novels are Midheaven, a finalist for the Ernest Hemingway Award for best first novel, The Loud Adios (Private Eye Writers of America Best First Novel, 1989), The Venus Deal, The Angel Gang, The Do-Re-Mi (a finalist for the Shamus Award for Best PI Novel), The Vagabond Virgins, and The Biggest Liar in Los Angeles, (San Diego Book Awards Best Mystery of 2010).
In Writing and the Spirit, he offers a wealth of advice to writers and everyone looking for inspiration. Reading Brother Lawrence is an account of his remarkable spiritual journey.
He resides on the web at kenkuhlken.net, teaches creative writing at Perelandra College and serves on the faculty of the Southern California Writers' Conference and the Florida Christian Writers' Conference.
Bill Myers is an author/director/producer whose work has won over 70 sales and creative awards including two New York Film Festivals. His books and videos have sold over 8 million copies. His “McGee and Me” book and video series which he co-created/co-wrote/co-produced has aired on 80 national and international networks including the BBC and ABC. He has authored over 100 books for adults and children. His 12 part Forbidden Doors book teen series won the C.S. Lewis Honors Award and his children’s book series, “My Life as . . .” has sold 2.1 million copies. Nearly all of his adult novels have made CBA’s best selling list. His latest novel, “The God Hater,” is enjoying both critical and popular success.
His voice over credits include multiple audio books, writer/director/actor for Focus on the Family’s Adventures in Odyssey, and the voice of Jesus in the NIV Audio Bible.
He has a degree in stage directing from the University of Washington, was trained as a film director at the Italian State Institute of Cinema and Television, and has an honorary doctorate from Nimes Theological Institute in France. He also lectures nationally and internationally and is a church lay college pastor. His website is billmyers.com
Bestselling and award-winning children's author Nancy I. Sanders has over 80 books published with houses such as Concordia, Tyndale, Standard, Barbour, Scholastic, and Chicago Review Press and writes feature fiction and nonfiction for Focus on the Family's Clubhouse Jr. She loves to inspire God's scribes how to be ones who hang out with Jesus so He can send them out to the world (Matthew 23:34a).
Nancy is the author of the must-have award-winning book for every children's writer, Yes! You Can Learn How to Write Children's Books, Get Them Published, and Build a Successful Writing Career. Visit Nancy at nancyisanders.com.
Consultation Guidelines
Nancy I. Sanders will look at your manuscript or story for children and discuss the next step you can take in the journey God has planned for you as a writer.
Mick Silva's editing hall of fame includes Fred Stoeker, co-author of Every Man's Battle, Milan and Kay Yerkovich, authors of How We Love, and Ann Voskamp, best-selling author of One Thousand Gifts. He brings a mentor's eye to the process of creating experiences readers can't ignore, and agents and publishers praise his passion for a story well told. A native of Southern California, he runs the writing community at YourWritersGroup.com and lives with his wife and two daughters in Portland, Oregon.
Consultation Guidelines
Mick Silva took pitches as an acquisitions editor for 10 years. Now he is a mentor offering guidance in professionalism, excellence, next steps, and publishing options.
Pamela Jaye Smith is a writer, mythologist, international speaker and consultant, and award-winning writer-director with over thirty years experience in the entertainment industry.
Raised Catholic for her first nine years, Pamela then attended the First Christian Church where she taught Sunday School, headed the Church Youth group, produced and directed church plays, attended summer church camp, and was Camper of the Year. She also took three years of private Bible study and at one time intended to become a medical missionary. She attends St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Hollywood.
Smith authored THE POWER OF THE DARK SIDE, INNER DRIVE, SYMBOLS-IMAGES- CODES, and BEYOND THE HERO’S JOURNEY.
Pamela helps creative people enhance their stories using Mythic Themes, Archetypes, Symbols, and Imagery. Besides the standards she specializes in myth, metaphysics, the military, and Masonry. These classic tools work for any style and any genre, in any stage of development.
Clients and credits include Microsoft, Disney, Paramount, Columbia-Sony, Universal, RAI-TV Rome, UCLA, USC Film School, American Film Institute, Thot Fiction Marseille France, Natl. Film Institute of Denmark, Romance Writers of America, Pepperdine University, Natl. Assoc. of Broadcasters, Act One Christian Writers workshops, and various film festivals and story conferences.
Consultation Guidelines
Pamela Jaye will help you clarify your theme, protagonist, antagonist, dangers, symbolism, and solution so that you can create a solid, understandable, and engaging pitch to potential buyers, producers, and publishers.
B.J. Taylor turns personal experiences into stories that sell. She's been published more than 30 times in Chicken Soup for the Soul, as well as in Guideposts and many other publications. B.J. compiled her own stories, plus the riveting stories of others, into three e-books titled SUNNY SIDE UP: Inspirational Stories for Tough Times / Women / Dog & Cat Lovers. In her spare time, B.J. enjoys walking, golfing, traveling, and her new dog, who is the subject of her recent book: CHARLIE BEAR: What a Headstrong Rescue Dog Taught Me about Life, Love & Second Chances. Converse with B.J. through her website: bjtayloronline.com or follow her blog: bjtaylorblog.wordpress.com. She loves to talk with writers, and would enjoy meeting you one-on-one.
Consultation Guidelines
B.J. is willing to discuss inspirational writing, particularly personal experience short stories, but book-length as well.
Kathie Fong Yoneda, with over 30 years in film and television, has worked as a story analyst/development exec for Paramount Television, Universal, 20th Century Fox, Disney TV Animation, Island Pictures, and Walt Disney Pictures, on live action and animated projects.
Kathie is a story consultant and author of The Script-Selling Game: A Hollywood Insider’s Look at Getting Your Script Sold and Produced, and has conducted workshops all over North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. She was a guest of the Soviet Peace Committee for a symposium on Stereotypes and the Media and was keynote speaker for The Smithsonian for Asian-Pacific Heritage Month.
She is a member of the core faculty of Writers University where she teaches the popular on-line class, Pitch & Presentation. Kathie also co-exec produced the cable series Beyond the Break and serves on the Advisory Boards for French production company IMAGO and the annual web series event LAWEBFEST.
Consultation Guidelines
If you are working on a screenplay or want to practice your pitch and get some feedback and direction, Kathie would like to talk to you.
