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Charles Christian


Charles Christian is the managing editor for both Grace & Peace and Holiness Today magazines. He served as a Nazarene pastor for more than twenty-five years.

He taught systematic and moral theology at a variety of colleges, universities, and seminaries, Including the Nazarene Theological Seminary and Nazarene Bible College. He continues to teach as an adjunct professor of theology at MidAmerica Nazarene University.

Charles will be teaching the workshops Writing an Article and Academic vs. Popular Writing. Visit the workshop page for more information.

Charles will also be available to schedule a one-on-one with and talk to about

We asked Charles a few questions to help you get to know him better.

Did a parent or grandparent say something to you that you have remembered for a lifetime? My grandmother, who lived to be 93, always said that I should not fear growing old, because it beats the alternative! 

What or who inspired you to become an author or singer or preacher?I had many friends, relatives (including my parents and grandparents), and even teachers who would tell me throughout my life that God may call me to be a preacher. They saw some things that would take me years to see for myself!

What is your favorite hobby? How does it help or influence your writing? I have been a musician most all of my life (I play several musical instruments). My own love for music is fueled in part by musicians who write their own songs, so I became interested in song writing at about the same time I became interested in other forms of writing.

Catch up with Charles at the conference and visit with him about what you have to offer Grace and Peace or Holiness Today.

Jackie Mahr

Jackie Mahr is the host of Share His Light Ministries on AM 660 KCRO, and a senior account executive at Walnut radio in Omaha. With years in the business, Jackie is passionate about working with individuals and businesses to develop marketing ideas for the unique market of Christian radio, KCRO and KOTK, and Boomer Radio in Omaha and The Mix and Big Dog in Fremont.

Jackie will be teaching the workshop Giving your work a Voice Through Radio Marketing. Visit the workshop page to learn more.

We asked Jackie a few questions to help you get to know her better.

Do you set goals for the new year? If so, does it help you produce more? Yes, I love setting goals ~ I’m ‘carrot’ driven!  Love to challenge myself to do/be more!

What fills your basement and why? (basement is my garage)Toys, lots of toys!  Golf cart, corvette, beach floats, bicycle, lawn chairs.

What is your favorite hobby? How does it help or influence your writing?I read every morning for an hour or so – mainly bible, devotionals, Christian living books, journal. It helps me put together my To Do list for the day as stuff pops up.  Ie:  call that friend, finish that proposal.

How do you deal with writer’s block? Pray!

Do you have a favorite scripture, if so, how has it helped you? 1 John 2 – Beloved, I wish above all things that you would prosper and be in good health even as your soul prospers!  – (I could preach that all day!)

Do you read for relaxation? If so, what authors do you keep close by?I read nonfiction, devotionals and Christian living.  Bill Johnson, Max Lucado

A Few Things to Know about the Wordsowers Christian Writers Conference
A Few Things to Know about the Wordsowers Christian Writers Conference

There are always a few last minute questions. We’ve gathered a few, along with the answers, we think someone might be asking.

You can still register at the door on Friday night or Saturday morning. The cost at the door: $100. We do not discount for those only attending on Saturday only.

Come prepared to meet editors, publishers and authors. It doesn’t matter if you are an introvert or an extrovert, whether you are published or not. From the leadership right down through the volunteers or those leading workshops, we want this to be a positive experience for you. If you have questions, ask. 

Network, network, network. Use the time at the conference to exchange business cards and connect with other writers. You may glean a great idea for your next article or novel.

Every manuscript you bring needs your name, email and page number. Most people reading your material will not accept a hard copy at that moment, but if they did, could they find you?

Basic Submission Formatting: Use font—Times New Roman; 12 pitch; double space. Set your paragraph for 0.5 (do not hard indent.) Use single space between sentences.

Thank you for praying for WCWC leadership and all the volunteers who are working hard to help you become a published author.

Pam Morgan

Pam Morgan Pam Morgan is a Christian speaker, author, and recording artist who has appeared on various radio and television shows, including Oprah.  She and her singer/songwriter husband, Phil, have released fifteen gospel CDs and travel nationwide, inspiring audiences from Alaska to the Caribbean.  Although Pam enjoys photography, scrapbooking, teaching women’s Bible study, French Vanilla coffee, and (of course) chocolate, she says nothing compares to her two favorite pastimes: sharing the hope of Christ and spending time with her beloved husband and their two young adult daughters, Kayla and Alisha, at home in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

Pam will be leading the workshop Speak Up You Have a Great Book! Visit the workshop page to learn more.

We asked Pam a few questions to help you get to know her.

Pam Morgan: Did a parent or grandparent say something to you that you have remembered for a lifetime? When my oldest daughter was a day old, I thought I might have to send her back.  We had hardly slept all night.  With a bottle in her grip, Mom scooped my crying baby out of my arms, sent me to bed and said, “Pam, don’t wish away these days.  You will blink, and she’ll graduate high school.”  I tried to cherish each moment, but without my permission, time flew and now my nest is empty.  Both of my daughters are out of the house.  Don’t get me wrong – I am super proud of my girls (who are now successful young women), and I love the freedom their launch into life has returned.  But waves of nostalgia tinged with sadness sweep over me now and then when I see a young mom chasing her kiddos at church or trying to quiet them in the grocery store.  Life truly is a vapor.  Someone else once said, “the days are long, but the years are short.”  Let’s make them count. 

What fills your basement and why? Christmas decorations!!  Ok, they don’t fill the entire basement, but most of our storage space.  I love the beauty and hope of the Christmas season and how the lights, ornaments, and decorations hold memories of moments with those I love.  My sister (now in heaven) shared my affinity for the season (her house always a wonderland of glitter and garland), and when she passed away I acquired a bunch of her stuff.  Thankfully, my sweet husband lugs (most of) it out and back into the basement every year!

Do you have a favorite scripture, if so, how has it helped you? It is extremely difficult to zone in on ONE favorite scripture…there are so many.  So I will focus on the one I usually list when I autograph my books and the one included in my email signature: Isaiah 40:31 – …those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.I could probably write a book about how this one verse has helped me, but to be brief, it reminds me that hoping in the the Almighty, all-powerful, Alpha and Omega Yahweh, the great “I AM” will, not might, it WILL renew my strength.  I struggle with weakness daily.  If we are honest, we all do.  It’s part of living with sin in a fallen world.  But this promises that placing my hope in the proper place (specifically, in the lovingkindness of a gracious and merciful God) WILL bring everything I need to do whatever He calls me to do, whether that be soaring, running or walking physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually.  I need that assurance! 

Visit Phil and Pam’s website to discover more about their music and ministry.

Phil Morgan

Phil Morgan along with his wife Pam have traveled the country in full-time music ministry since 1996, appearing on various radio and television programs including Oprah, Montel, and the 700 Club.  Phil has written two books and hundreds of songs, plus a weekly email devotion than highlights his humorous and creative way of expressing Biblical truth.  Most recently, Phil has accepted a staff writing position with Valley Songs, the publishing division of Chapel Valley Music in Nashville

Phil will be leading the workshop Song Painting. Visit the workshop page to learn more.

We asked Phil a few questions to help you get to know him.

Phil Morgan: Do you remember a gift you received that seemed so useless and nonsensical and you didn’t know how to express your gratitude? How did you handle the situation? Years ago at a concert someone left a gift for us on the piano bench.  It was a plaster head of Jesus with a light bulb below, but the face was concave as if Jesus had stuck his face in wet plaster and left an impression.  We appreciated the gesture, but it looked a little hokey, like a crushed velvet picture of Elvis.  When we took it home, I was wondering what to do with it and decided to at least plug it in before we filed it away in the basement.  When the light came on, Jesus’s head popped out in 3D and his eyes appeared to follow as you moved around the room.  Way COOL!!!  That was a huge reminder for me not to take everything at face value, but look for what is hidden inside.  When Jesus shines, his light can transform the goofy into the glorious, so there’s hope for me yet!  By the way, that Jesus lamp sits proudly in my office and is still shining today.

What is your favorite hobby? How does it help or influence your writing? I’ve recently taken up woodworking.  It helps me in two ways.  One, it is a completely different creative outlet from writing and gets me out of my office (or prison as it feels some days). Second, it teaches me patience.  There are no shortcuts to creating a thing of beauty. The most crucial and monotonous step is the sanding, but if hurried or skipped the results are never spectacular.  The same goes with editing and rewriting, it’s not fun, but so necessary to craft a masterpiece.  To see some of my humble efforts, check out my flickr page .

Do you have anything posted around your writing desk–a reminder of why you sit at a computer for hours on end? I have a black piece of construction paper my daughter gave me years ago. In big, silver sharpie letters she wrote “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58” Amen to that!

Visit Phil and Pam’s website to discover more about their music and ministry.

Pat Mingarelli

Pat Mingarelli is an award-winning nature photographer. As an outdoor photographer he has spent countless hours observing God’s hand in creation. He has learned that God speaks to us through His creation and the creation speaks to us about God. Pat’s passion is to help people better experience God through his nature photography and His Word so they may better understand His power and majesty and feel His presence.

Pat will be teaching the workshop Complimenting Great Writing with Great Photos. Visit the workshop page for more information.

We asked Pat a few questions to help you get to know him better.

Pat Mingarelli What fills your basement and why? A sectional sofa and a treadmill. Because our basement is small and they are big!

What is your favorite hobby? Hiking and being outside, with or without my camera.

How does it help or influence your writing? Immensely. I write about encountering and experiencing God in and through His creation and what nature can tell us about God (thats’ probably too many ands for one sentence). If I didn’t go outside, I would have nothing to write about.

Do you have anything posted around your writing desk–a reminder of why you sit at a computer for hours on end? Yes, but my desk is so cluttered anything posted just blends in with the clutter. 

Visit Pat’s website, The Creation Speaks, and learn more about Pat, his photography and his speaking.

I have never attended a writers conference

Is this your first time to attend a writers conference? Are you feeling a bit lost or overwhelmed about the upcoming conference? Here are a few suggestions to make this a great experience!

Dress comfortable. But remember, you are meeting with editors and publishers. Think like you are applying for a new position. Dress appropriately.

Bring Pen and Paper for Note taking. As we are not set up to record the workshops, so you will want to take plenty of notes. There will be a plethora of great information shared.

Hang on to the folder you are given when you check in. This folder will contain the conference schedule and other information and be a great place to keep your workshop notes together.

Study the workshop leaders and the workshop information before you arrive. We have a workshop page set up with all this information. Checking this out ahead of time allows you to hit the ground running. Download a printable copy of the workshops to bring to the conference with you. This will give you a photo of the presenter and the info to remind you of the class.

Check out the directories posted to find your classes. Instead of printing out the workshop lists for each attendee, we will have several locations where you can read up on the workshops.

Team up with other attendees when you want to attend two workshops presented at the same time. If you know another writer, possibly you can share notes following the workshops. If you came alone, you might ask if there is someone else attending the second workshop and share the notes. Unfortunately, we are not set up to record workshops.

Thank you for praying for Wordsowers Leadership and all the volunteers ready to give you a great experience in increasing your writing ability.

writers conference, christian writers

We are thrilled that so many registered during our half price special. We are now taking registrations at our new special rate of $65. Still a great deal. Share about Wordsowers conference with your friends.

Use #wordsowers2019 when you share the news about Wordsowers Christian Writers Conference.

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Special Announcement

Because of interest in previous years, we have added an option for non-writing spouses who don’t wish to take in the local sights or hang out at their hotel, to attend our conference with our $50 spouse special –half off the full price registration. The price remains the same regardless of date of registration.

This price DOES include Friday night sessions, the keynote address as well as the workshops and snacks and coffee provided for paid registrants. It does NOT include one on ones or any of the add ons available for an extra charge to attendees.

If your spouse is also a writer, they will need to pay the normal rate for the conference. Thank you for your understanding and helping us to keep the overall cost of the conference at a reasonable price.

If you have already registered, and would like to take advantage of this special, feel free to use the short form to register you spouse. However to complete the purchase, you will still need to use the PayPal button on the registration page and choose the non-writing spouse special.

We are excited to see you all at the 7th Annual Wordsowers Christian Writers Conference!

Are you ready to come and be inspired? To connect with other writers? And to go home equipped to move to the next step on your writing journey?

Stop by our conference page and discover what we have planned for you at the conference or go directly to the Conference Registration page to claim your ½ price special.

We are looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones April 26-27, 2019, in Omaha, Nebraska. The conference will be held in the same location as last year, at Grace Central Church.

Help us spread the word. Feel free to save the image below and share to wherever you hang out on social media!

Register now for the 2019 Wordsowers Conference!

See you soon!

Meet Jennifer Slattery, 2017 Wordsowers Conference workshop leader. She will be teaching Avoiding Story Deflators. 

Jennifer Slattery is a multi-published author, freelance writer, editor, and the founder of Wholly Loved Ministries, a ministry that seeks to help women discover, embrace, and live out who they are in Christ. She writes Christian living articles for Crosswalk.com and is the managing and acquisitions editor for Guiding Light Women’s Fiction, and imprint with Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Visit her online at JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com

Connect with Jennifer

  Facebook   Twitter   Website   Pinterest

What would you like conference attendees to know about you? Maybe something that would help them feel comfortable approaching you. My heart is first and foremost for the writer. I love seeing men and women discover, grab hold of, and live out who they are in Christ and what He’s called them to do. In other words, though I’m looking for strong manuscripts for my women’s fiction imprint, I’m also coming to this conference as a fellow traveler, cheerleader, encourager, and friend.

What do you see as the greatest take away from your workshop? Who will get the most out of your workshop? Though this workshop is geared toward fiction writers, we’ll be looking at some key components of strong writing. Therefore, writers of all genres should be able to glean helpful information that, if applied, will bring their writing to the next level.

If you could share only one piece of information/tip/encouragement with a writer, what would it be? Can I share two? First, I’d say, if this is something you truly want (to get a publishing contract, article acceptance, or whatever your personal writing goal is), pursue it with perseverance and diligence. Learn as much as you can, and recognize that the more teachable you are, the stronger your writing will be. Also recognize that this is a long, difficult journey, one where many quit along the way. Determine now what you’ll do when (not if) rejections come and the writing becomes difficult. Write this in your journal and pray over this often.

Jennifer’s books are sure to encourage you. Enjoy her most recent release.

Restoring Love

Mitch, a contractor and house-flipper, is restoring a beautiful old house in an idyllic Midwestern neighborhood. Angela, a woman filled with regrets and recently transplanted to his area, is anything but idyllic. She’s almost his worst nightmare, and she s also working on restoring something herself. As he struggles to keep his business afloat and she works to overcome mistakes of her past, these two unlikely friends soon discover they have something unexpected in common, a young mom who is fighting to give her children a better life after her husband’s incarceration. While both Mitch and Angela are drawn to help this young mother survive, they also find themselves drawn to each other. Will a lifetime of regrets hold them back or unite them and bring redemption along with true love?

Purchase your copy

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Our next introduction is Anne Rauth. She will be leading the workshop Jesus Would be on Linked In at the 2017 Wordsowers Christian Writers Conference.

An award winning author, Anne received her MBA from the University of Kansas and started her professional career at Hallmark Cards in the Advertising and Hallmark Hall of Fame Division.  Currently she works at Mercy and Truth Medical Missions, a safety net clinic in the Kansas county with the lowest healthcare rankings in the state.

PS  Don’t try to link with Anne before the conference.  Come to her workshop to find out why.

 What would you like conference attendees to know about you? Maybe something that would help them feel comfortable approaching you. Anne Rauth grew up in a small town in Northwest Missouri and can make a post, or any other inanimate object, talk to her.  So, if you want to engage in lively “small talk banter”, find her.  As the mom of three boys, and wife of almost 25 years to Scott, there’s no shortage of devotional topics to write about; just shortage of time to jot them down.  If you must have a conversation starter, ask her about the time she found her oldest son asleep in their claw foot bath tub, and blamed Abbie the Labbie, their family dog.

What do you see as the greatest take away from your workshop? Who will get the most out of your workshop? Anne’s workshop is “Jesus would be on Linked In”.  If you’ve always wanted to “link up” on this social media platform, which has the largest business audience in the world this workshop is for you.  You’ll gain  a better understanding of Linked In, learn how to get an “All Star Profile” and hear insights about Linked In that Anne has learned along the way.

Anne believes the biggest takeaway from using Linked In is the power of relationship building and how much knowledge you can gain about someone before you meet them.

If you could share only one piece of information/tip/encouragement with a writer, what would it be? Anne encourages writers with her “one word” of the year (it’s hyphenated) to:   PRESS-ON.  This word was taken from Philippians 3:14:  “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”  PRESS-ON with your writing while PRESSING IN to Jesus.