Speaker

James Watkins wears more hats then his aunt Luella. He is author/contributor to more than 30 books and over 2,000 articles.He is acquistions editor for Wesleyan Publishing House, a conference speaker, an editorial advisor, instructor, and minister of communications.

Workshop Leaders

Karen O'Connor When Karen speaks, men and women-especially seniors-listen and laugh. Karen is the award-winning author of more than 70 books, and a popular speaker at conferences, retreats, and seniors' groups. She brings hope, humility, and plenty of humor.

Ethel Herr is the author of ten books, teacher, historian, popular conference speaker (our 1st and 10th keynoter), and mentor of Christian writers. She is author ofAn Introduction to Christian Writing; Lord, Show Me Your Glory; andDr. Oma.

Ken Jones has authored four books includingGod Happened to Be in the Neighborhood. He has written for major Christian publications, and in 1994 was Mt. Hermon Writer of the Year. He is a certified life coach, and the Bay Area Director of the Christian Medical and Dental Association.

Cindy Martinusen Coloma is the best-selling author of nine novels includingBeautiful (2009), The Salt Garden (Library Journal's Best Books 2004) andOrchid House (2008 ECPA bestseller), as well as several non-fiction books.

Marlo Schalesky is author of eight books and over 700 articles. Her books include Christy-award winning Beyond the Night and her latest, Shades of Morning, a RITE finalist. Moarlo speaks about writing and the wonder of God at retreats, conferences, and on her Facebook reader page.

John Olson is a scientist and Christy-award-winning novelist who writes scientific thrillers and contemporary fantasies. His latest books includePowers, Shade, andFossil Hunter. John lives in San Leandro with his wife, Amy, and two children.

Pat Sikora is a speaker and author ofWhy Didn't You Warn Me? How to Deal with Challenging Group Members, Critique Groups that Work, Building Blocks of Editing,and a veriety of other publications and articles.

Jan Coleman is a widely published author and speaker. She loves to cheerlead writers and help them find their unique style and voice and break into print. Her classes are informative and entertaining. JanColeman.com.

Pamela Erickson has researched and written over 250 articles for newspapers, magazines, and books. She served as news editor for three newspapers, and one periodical, and teaches creative writing in San Jose.

Cathy Elliott is the auther of two cozy mysteries, including Medals in the Attic an Annie's Attic Mystery, ten educational books for children, and has contributed to various anthologies and other publications.

Denella Kimura is a widely published poet, author, poetry coach, and writing instructor. She was the recipient of the Lucille Gardner poetry scholarship, and received a Masters in English from S. F. State University.

Nancy Hird is the author of children's books, and many articles. She has been for several years was a freelance reviewer of children's books for Focus on the Family's book review site. She also blogs: Books 4 Christian Kids.

Carol Green is a storyteller and teacher who, despite the loss of her sight teaches children "How to Cook a Book." Her talking computer, "George" has allowed her to publish children's books and poems.

John Vonhof writes for Christian and secular markets. He is the author of self-published and mainstream books, with articles in print and on the web. He is an expert on finding ideas and writing for niche markets.

Lynne Thompson can be heard on the Focus on the Family Weekend Broadcast as The Soccer Mom. She is the author ofThe Official Soccer Mom Devotional (Regal). VisitSoccerMomBook.com.

Jeanette Hanscome has three books for teen girls with Focus on the Family, includingWant More? Joy. She is a regular contributor toEncounter-the Magazine and Walk Thru the Bible's Tapestry.

Kari West authored two books,When He Leaves andDare to Trust, Dare to Hope Again. She contributes to national and international publications, and is a frequent media guest and retreat speaker.

Rick Acker is a practicing attorney and the auther of suspense novels for tweens and adults. His books includeDead Man's Rule,Blood Brothers, andWhen the Devil Whistles.

Susy Flory writes true stories for people looking for inspiration and adventure. She has two new books out this year: Dog Tales, and Thunder Dog: A Blind Man, A Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero.

Marci Seither started writing in a small town newspaper. She writes human interest stories, humor, and is a regular countrbutor to the Colfax Record. She recently went to New York as a winner with Guidposts.

Carol Hall wroteFor Those Who Serve: A Devotional for Church Volunteers. In 2006 she won the Most Promising New Novelist of the Year Award at Mt. Hermon. She also writes screenplays and runs an Internet business.

Beth Thompson founded Inspire Christian Writers. When not writing devotionals or a novel, she and her husband cheerlead at their chilren's sporting events or visit their first-born on the beaches of Santa Cruz.

Suzanne Woods Fisheris the CBA/ECPA bestselling author of fiction and non-fiction books including The Waiting, a 2011 Christy Award finalist.

Janet Ann Collinsis the author of three books for kids The Peril of the Sinister Scientist, Service Saint, and Signs of Trouble. She was a columnist for Antique Auction Explorer, and a freelance feature writer.

Mike Lynch'sfirst book,Dublin (2007), was followed by novels When the Sky Fell, American Midnight, After the Cross, and The Crystal Portal. He also published short stories and articles in various media.

Carrie Dameronhelps nurses live out their faith though her devotional book, website nurses4him.org, column for the Journal of Christian Nursing, and international teaching. She directs our Book Table.

All sessions will be digitally recorded. You may gain more benefit from a recording heard repeatedly than sessions heard live. CD's ordered will be made after the Semiar, and mailed to you. They will be 80 minutes of the nonstop recording of the seeion placed on CD.