Speaker

Dave Meurer is the author of six books and so many magazine articles that he cannot count them (mostly because he was a "communications major" which is a code term for "bad at math"). Dave received the top humor writing award from the Evangelical Press Association and was selected as the "Humor Writer of the Month" by the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop. In his day job, Dave is an aide to a Member of Congress (and he thinks this should make you slightly nervous).

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 50 books, and a popular speaker at conferences, retreats, and seniors' groups. She brings hope, humility, and plenty of humor.

Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. Her first bookA Question of Innocence, a true crime, landed her on national TV (Leeza andPhil Donahue). She has now written 21 books, including 19 novels and her how-to on fiction,Getting Into Character.

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.

Laura Jensen Walker is the award winning author of 17 books, including the 2006 Women of Faith Novel of the Year,Reconstructing Natalie. She won the 2005 Mt. Hermon Pacesetter Award. Her latest novel,Becca by the Book, coming in January.

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.

Thomas Parham is a professor of theater, film, and television at Azusa Pacific. He has written for the CBS dramaJAG, the Family Channel sitcomBig Brother Jake, and served as a writers' assistant forTouched by an Angel. Thom teaches for Act One: Writing for Hollywood.

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.

Marlo Schalesky is author of over 600 articles, and numerous novels including her latestIf Tomorrow Never Comes and the Christy Award winningBeyond the Night. Her nonfictionEmpty Womb, Aching Heart, tackles the topic of infertility. Her next novel,Shades of Morning, will be released in May.

Pat Sikora is a speaker and author ofWhy Didn't You Warn Me? How to Deal with Challenging Group Members as well as booklets, bible studies, and articles. She blogs (two!) and is an active social networker.

Jan Coleman is a busy speaker, and author of five books. A former journalist and speech writer, she's now penning a travel column and working on a regional television show. Jan loves to cheerlead writers.

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.

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 written for Clubhouse, Brio and Beyond, Breakaway and Children's Ministry Magazine. She is currently writing for Focus on the Family.

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.

Judi Braddy is a popular motivational speaker and author of five books includingProdigal in the Parsonage, Simple Seasons, It All Comes Out in the Wash, True North, andCamp Gramma.

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 the author of suspense novels for teens and adults. His books includeDead Man's Rule (4.5 stars, Romantic Times),Blood Brothers (4 stars, Romantic Times), andWhen the Devil Whistles.

Susy Flory is cowgirl, writer, and speaker who inspires women to start a little adventure. She is author of two books, her latest beingSo Long Status Quo: What I Learned From Women Who Changed the World.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an author of fiction and non-fiction books and a former contributing editor toChristian Parenting Today. Her newest releaseThe Choice, was the Main Selection for the Crossings Book Club.

Marci Seither has entertained readers with family humor columns for over four years. She has written feature stories, is a stringer for Gold Country Media, speaks and teaches, and is writing a book of family humor.

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 blogs and writes novels and screenplays.

Janet Ann Collins wrote feature articles for newspapers and periodicals. Her recently published books for kids areThe Peril of the Sinister Scientist andSecret Service Saint.

All sessions will be digitally recorded. You may gain more benefit from a recording heard repeatedly than sessions you attend in person.