2020 Christian Writers Conferences (Updated)

NOTE: After writing all this up, I realized that some folks may wish to share some or all of the information herein. Please feel free, and if you feel led to give me credit for my research that would be nice, but credit is certainly not required. Share as you see fit. This will also be posted on kychristianwriters.com.

Way back in 2019, Hallee and I registered to attend the Midsouth Christian Writers Conference near Memphis, TN as attendees. We have been a part of that conference since the very first conference, either teaching, accepting pitches, or in other ways supporting the conference. This year, we so looked forward to just sitting in classes as students and taking advantage of that time to catch up with our friends in person.

Sadly, like many other conferences, Midsouth had to cancel in light of recent world events. While a perfectly understandable and responsible decision, we were still a little sad.

Hallee is the director of the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference (KCWC) held in Elizabethtown, KY each year and scheduled for June 19-20. We realized the advisory and executive boards had some difficult decisions to make. After a lot of prayer and a tremendous amount of coordination and work, we were able to transform the conference for 2020 to an online venue.

More information here:

[www] Kentucky Christian Writers Conference (KCWC)
* Bob Hostetler keynote
(web- https://kychristianwriters.com/)

Given the economic impact recent word events have had, everyone involved in the conference from faculty to agents and editors to staff all prayerfully agreed to lower the cost of the entire conference to just $20.20 for all attendees this year. The conference will be held live online with all four tracks and three keynotes delivered by Bob Hostetler, and we will also keep video recordings of all the live sessions online for 6 months after the conference.

This represents a radical change and we are working hard to prepare for a successful conference in this entirely new space. With all of these events central to my life, I started keeping an eye on all kinds of other conferences, and thought it might be helpful to share my experiences here.

What follows is a somewhat incomplete list of conferences to be aware of or keep an eye on through the end of 2020.

Conferences Scheduled for the Remainder of MAY

Scheduled for May 15-16, 2020
[X] Northwest Christian Writers Renewal (NCWA)
Bothell, WA
(web- https://www.nwchristianwriters.org/2019Renewal)
Status: Cancelled for 2020 (web- https://www.nwchristianwriters.org/page-1829502)

Scheduled for May 16, 2020
[X] Oregon Christian Writers Winter One-Day Conference
Eugene, OR
(web- http://oregonchristianwriters.org )
Status: Cancelled for 2020 (web- https://oregonchristianwriters.org/2020-spring/)

Scheduled for May 24-28, 2020
[live – rescheduled] Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference ( BRMCWC)
Ridgecrest, NC
(web- https://www.blueridgeconference.com/ )
Status: Rescheduled to November 15-19, 2020

Conferences Scheduled for JUNE

Scheduled for June 1-2, 2020
[X] Publishing in Color Conference, New Jersey
Madison, NJ
(web- https://publishingincolor.com )
Status: Cancelled for 2020 (web- https://publishingincolor.com/conferences/)

Scheduled for June 3-5 2020
[X] The Business of Being a Spiritual Writer, New Jersey
Madison, NJ
(web- https://writingforyourlife.com/conferences )
Status: Cancelled for 2020

Scheduled for June 4-6, 2020
[X] Write! Canada
Ancaster, ON, Canada
(web- https://thewordguild.com/write-canada-conferences )
Status: Cancelled for 2020 (web- https://thewordguild.com/write-canada-conferences/)

Scheduled for June 5-6, 2020
[???] Grand Rapids, Mich. ACW Mentoring Retreat
Grand Rapids, MI
(web- https://regaforder.wordpress.com/mentoring )
Status: No notice on website regarding cancellation/rescheduling. Keep watching. (web- https://regaforder.wordpress.com/mentoring/#grandrapids )

Scheduled for June 11-13, 2020
[live – smaller format] Cedar Falls Christian Writers Workshop
Cedar Falls, IO
(web- http://www.cedarfallschristianwritersworkshop.org/ )
Status: The 2020 workshop runs from JUNE 11-13 and is limited to the first 40 participants.

Scheduled for June 12-13, 2020
[Virtual] Southern Christian Writers Conference (SCWC)
Tuscaloosa, AL
(web- https://www.southernchristianwriters.com/schedule )
Status: Moved to virtual venue (Zoom). Rescheduled to July 24-25. Price dropped to $50.00.

Scheduled for June 17-20, 2020
[X] Write-to-Publish Conference
Wheaton, IL
(web- http://writetopublish.com/ )
Status: Cancelled for 2020

Scheduled for June 18-20, 2020
[Virtual] Kentucky Christian Writers Conference
Elizabethtown, KY
(web- https://kychristianwriters.com/ )
Status: Moved to virtual venue (Zoom). Live sessions recorded and available for 6 months post conference. Special 2020 price of $20.20.

Scheduled for June 24-28, 2020
[X] Granta & Wesleyan Writers Conference
Middletown, CT
(web- https://www.wesleyan.edu/writersconference/ )
Status: Cancelled for 2020 (web- https://www.wesleyan.edu/writersconference/ )

Scheduled for June 24-28, 2020
[X] St. Davids Christian Writers’ Conference
Grove City, PA
(web- http://stdavidswriters.com )
Status: Cancelled for 2020 (web- https://mailchi.mp/a4af28334ef4/special-announcement-for-2020-conference ).

Scheduled for June 29, 2020
[X] The Business of Being a Spiritual Writer, New York City
New York, NY
(web- https://writingforyourlife.com/conferences )
Status: Assume cancelled for 2020. No longer listed on the site.

Conferences Scheduled for JULY

Scheduled for July 8-11, 2020
[Virtual] SoCal Christian Writers Conference
La Mirada, CA
(web- https://socalcwc.com/ )
Status: Moved to virtual venue (Zoom). Tier 1 Basic conference (General Sessions only) Free. Teir 2-3 = $99-$299. (web- https://socalcwc.com/registration-information/)

Scheduled for July 9-11, 2020
[Virtual] Speak Up Conference
Grand Rapids, MI
(web- http://speakupconference.com )
Status: Moved to virtual venue (Zoom). Tier 1-2 = $100-$550. (web- https://speakupconference.com/registration-info/)

Scheduled for July 10-12, 2020
[???] Windsor International Writers Conference, Windsor, Ontario
Windsor, ON, Canada
(web- https://windsorinternationalwriters.com/ )
Status: No notice on website regarding cancellation/rescheduling. Keep watching. (web- https://windsorinternationalwriters.com/conference/)

Scheduled for July 10-11, 2020
[???] Atlanta, Ga. ACW Mentoring Retreat
Atlanta, GA
(web- https://regaforder.wordpress.com/mentoring )
Status: No notice on website regarding cancellation/rescheduling. Keep watching. (web- https://regaforder.wordpress.com/mentoring/#atlanta )

Scheduled for July 16-18, 2020
[???] Realm Makers Writers Conference
Atlantic City, NJ
(web- http://realmmakers.net/conference)
Status: No notice on website regarding cancellation/rescheduling. Keep watching. (web- http://realmmakers.net/conference)

Scheduled for July 12-17, 2020
[???] 31st Annual Montrose Christian Writers Conference
Montrose, PA
(web- https://www.montrosebible.org/OurEvents/tabid/113/page_550/1/eventid_550/1362/Default.aspx)
Status: No notice on website regarding cancellation/rescheduling. Keep watching.

Scheduled for July 18, 2020
[Live – Rescheduled] Roaring Lambs Writers Conference
Dallas, TX
(web- https://www.roaringlambs.org/conferences)
Status: Website states will be rescheduled to a later date TBD. Keep watching.

Scheduled for July 21-23, 2020
[X] Concordia Seminary Faith & Writing Workshop
Saint Louis, MO
(web- https://www.csl.edu/event/faith-and-writing-workshop-9)
Status: Assume cancelled for 2020. No longer listed on the site.

Scheduled for July 22-25, 2020
[Live – On Hold] Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference
Philadelphia, PA
(web- http://philadelphia.writehisanswer.com)
Status: Per website plans on hold regarding holding conference or cancellation/rescheduling. Keep watching.

Scheduled for July 23-25, 2020
[Virtual] Taylor University Professional Writing Conference
Upland, IN
(web- https://taylorprofessionalwritersconference.weebly.com)
Status: Moved to virtual venue. No additional details on website. Keep watching.

Scheduled for July 24-25, 2020
[???] Northwestern Christian Writers Conference
Saint Paul, MN
(web- https://www.northwesternchristianwritersconference.com/)
Status: No notice on website regarding cancellation/rescheduling. Keep watching.

Scheduled for July 31-Aug. 1, 2020
[Virtual] She Speaks Conference
Charlotte, NC
(web- http://shespeaksconference.com)
Status: Moved to virtual venue. (web- http://shespeaksconference.com/faq/)

Conferences Scheduled for AUGUST

Scheduled for Aug. 1, 2020
[X] Texas Christian Writers Conference
Central Houston, TX
(web- http://www.centralhoustoniwa.com)
Status: Cancelled for 2020. (web- http://www.centralhoustoniwa.com/2020_Conference_Cancellation.pdf)

Scheduled for Aug. 7-8, 2020
[???] Minneapolis, Minn. ACW Mentoring Retreat
Minneapolis, MN
(web- https://regaforder.wordpress.com/mentoring)
Status: No notice on website regarding cancellation/rescheduling. Keep watching. (web- https://regaforder.wordpress.com/mentoring/#minneapolis)

Scheduled for Aug. 14-16, 2020
[???] Advanced Writers and Speakers Association – AWSA
Wilmington, DE
(web- http://awsa.com/?page_id=4726)
Status: No notice on website regarding cancellation/rescheduling. Keep watching. (web- https://awsa.com/?page_id=4726)

Scheduled for Aug. 17-20, 2020
[X] Oregon Christian Winter Summer Four-Day Coaching Conference
Eugene, OR
(web- http://oregonchristianwriters.org)
Status: Cancelled for 2020. (web- https://oregonchristianwriters.org/summer-conference/)

Scheduled for August 20-23, 2020.
[???] Killer Nashville
Nashville, TN
(web- https://killernashville.com/)
* Not STRICTLY Christian. Conference open to all genres incorporating mystery, thriller, and suspense genres but very Christian friendly
No announcement regarding cancellation/rescheduling on the website. Keep watching.

Conferences Scheduled for SEPTEMBER

Scheduled for Sept. 11-12, 2020
[???] Phoenix, Ariz. ACW Mentoring Retreat
Phoenix, AZ
(web- https://regaforder.wordpress.com/mentoring)
Status: No notice on website regarding cancellation/rescheduling. Keep watching. (web- https://regaforder.wordpress.com/mentoring/#phoenix)

Scheduled for Sept. 17-20, 2020
[X] American Christian Fiction Writers Conferenc (ACFW)
Saint Louis, MO (2020 only, venue changes annually)
(web- https://www.acfw.com/conference/)
Status: Cancelled for 2020. (web- https://www.acfw.com/conference/2020_acfw_conference)

Scheduled for Sept. 18-19, 2020
[Live – new format] Write2Ignite
Tigerville, SC
(web- http://write2ignite.com)
Status: Full conference cancelled. Venue changed to new format described as “intimate, hands-on Master Class in Writing Fiction for Children and Young Adults.” Registration $99.00. No details on website as to headcount, etc.

September 19, 2020, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. (half day)
[Live] Christian Authors Guild – Atlanta Christian Writers Retreat
Woodstock, GA
(web- http://www.christianauthorsguild.org/coffee-quill-2/)
Status: No notice on website regarding cancellation/rescheduling. Keep watching.

Conferences Scheduled for OCTOBER

Scheduled for Oct. 1-3, 2020
Norton Shores, MI
[???] Maranatha Christian Writers Conference
(web- https://www.maranathachristianwriters.com/)
Status: No notice on website regarding cancellation/rescheduling. Keep watching.

Scheduled for Oct. 2-3, 2020
[???] Nashville, Tenn. ACW Mentoring Retreat
Nashville, TN
(web- https://regaforder.wordpress.com/mentoring)
Status: No notice on website regarding cancellation/rescheduling. Keep watching. (web- https://regaforder.wordpress.com/mentoring/#nashville)

Scheduled for Oct. 4-7, 2020

[X] Mountainside Novelist Retreat
Ridgecrest, NC
(web- http://ridgecrestconferencecenter.org/event/mountainsidefiction)
Status: Assume cancelled for 2020. No longer listed on website. (web- https://ridgecrestconferencecenter.com/events/)

Scheduled October 8-10, 2020
[?] Write Like a Pro with InD’Scribe Conference
East Peoria, IL
(web- https://www.writelikeaproauthorconference.com/)
*Allie Pleiter et al. Not STRICTLY Christian. Focus is on Indie and Hybrid authors of all genres but is very Christian friendly.
The website has no announcement regarding cancellation or rescheduling. Keep watching.

Scheduled for Oct. 8-11, 2020
[???] ReNEW Retreat for New England Writing
Hartford, CT
(web- https://renewwriting.com)
Status: No notice on website regarding cancellation/rescheduling. Keep watching.

Scheduled for Oct. 9-10, 2020
[???] Breathe Christian Writers Conference
Grand Rapids, MI
(web- http://breatheconference.com)
Status: No notice on website regarding cancellation/rescheduling. Keep watching.

Rescheduled for October 9, 2020
[live – rescheduled] The Business of Being a Spiritual Writer, Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI
(web- https://writingforyourlife.com/conferences)
Status: Rescheduled for October.

Rescheduled for October 10, 2020
[live – rescheduled] Publishing in Color, Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI
(web- https://publishingincolor.com/publishing-in-color-milwaukee-2020/)
Status: Resceduled to October.

Scheduled for Oct. 12, 2020
[???] Minnesota Christian Writers Guild – Fall Seminar
Minnetonka, MN
(web- http://www.mnchristianwriters.com/seminar/fall-seminar/)
Status: No notice on website regarding cancellation/rescheduling though a May event was cancelled. Keep watching.

Rescheduled for October 14, 2020
[live – rescheduled] The Business of Being a Spiritual Writer, Minneapolis
Minneapolis, MN
(web- https://writingforyourlife.com/conferences)
Status: Rescheduled for October.

Scheduled for Oct. 21-25, 2020
[???] Florida Christian Writers Conference (FCWC)
Leesburg, FL
(web- https://word-weavers.com/floridaevents)
Status: No notice on website regarding cancellation/rescheduling. Keep watching.

Conferences Scheduled for NOVEMBER

Scheduled for Nov. 12-13, 2020
[???] Publishing in Color Conference, Nashville
Nashville, TN
(web- https://publishingincolor.com)
Status:

Scheduled for Nov. 13-14, 2020
[???] Orlando, Fla. ACW Mentoring Retreat
Orlando, FL
(web- https://regaforder.wordpress.com/mentoring)
Status:

Scheduled for Nov. 14, 2020
[???] The Business of Being a Spiritual Writer, Nashville
Nashville, TN
(web- https://writingforyourlife.com/conferences)
Status:

Rescheduled for November 15-19, 2020
[live – rescheduled] Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference
Ridgecrest, NC
(web- https://www.blueridgeconference.com/)
Status: Originally scheduled for May 24-28, 2020

Conferences Never (or maybe just not yet) Scheduled for 2020

[X] Green Lake Christian Writers Conference
Green Lake, WI
(web- https://glcc.org/2020-conference-schedule.html)
Status: Not found on 2020 website. Assume cancelled.

[X] Heart of America Christian Writer’s Conference
Overland Park, KS
(web- http://www.hacwn.org/)
Status: Not found on 2020 website. Assume cancelled.

[X] North Georgia Christian Writers Conference
Toccoa, GA
(web- https://mytoccoa.com/cwc)
Status: Not found on 2020 website. Assume cancelled. (web- https://mytoccoa.com/events/)

[X] Orange County Christian Writers Conference
Santa Ana, CA
(web- https://www.facebook.com/OCChristianWritersConference)
Status: Not found on 2020 facebook page. Assume cancelled.

[X] Called to Write Conference
Pittsburg, KS
(web- https://calledtowriteconference.wordpress.com/2020-conference)
Status: Not found on 2020 website. Assume cancelled.

[X] Hope Writers Conference
(web- https://www.hopewriters.com/conference)
Status: Apparently cancelled for 2020. Recorded livestream of 2019 conference available for $197.00.

—

Yours in Christ;
Gregg Bridgeman, Editor-In-Chief