A.M. Workshop 1

Exercise Your Right to Write: Fit Writing and Speaking

Exercise has been specifically proven to enhance the quality of life. There is Power in the Written Word! From this workshop, you will learn how to identify your audience; have your message speak with power and conviction as though you are present. Then keep the reader closely paying attention, anticipating the next page—become a winning, fit writer!

Art Doakes is a decorated military veteran, school teacher, motivational speaker and coach at Sussex Academy of Arts & Sciences in Georgetown, Delaware. Arthur Clifton Doakes Jr. holds a Master’s Degree in Divinity and Christian Psychology: B.A. in Behavioral Science, and an A.A.S in Optometric Technology. Art resids in Bridgeville, DE as a devout husband, and is the father of 4 daughters.

A.M. Workshop 2

Note Change of Topic*

Rewriting, Editing, Publishing & Marketing

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression,” and that’s especially true when it comes to your book. So many writers are in such a rush that they don’t take the time, nor rely on the resources needed, to polish their writing. Whether you’re just starting out or are ready to publish, it’s never too early to consider everything needed to perfect your book before it goes into print. Michele will share crucial advice on style, description, dialogue, organization, proofing, formatting, cover design, publishing options, endorsements, marketing tips, and more so your work is ready to succeed when it’s launched into the world!

*The Conference Committee decided to change Michele's workshop topic to offer a better balance of teachings. Her workshop is for everyone--all levels and all genres, whether non-fiction, fiction, memoir, poetry or children’s.

Michele Chynow​eth Is the best-selling author of four contemporary suspense novels that re-imagine Bible stories, an acclaimed public speaker, book coach/editor, college writing instructor, and a graduate of the University of Notre Dame. Michele was last year’s Vine & Vessels Keynote Speaker and has won multiple awards for her works including Book Excellence, New Apple, Selah, Top Shelf Indie and Readers Favorite International book awards and the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference Writer of the Year award. She lives with her husband in North East, MD.

A.M. Workshop 3

The Building Blocks of Fiction, Part 1

Fiction may be a world of make-believe, but it is a world that must be constructed logically and well. Let's talk building blocks: character, conflict, continuity, and what I call reciprocity. Questions welcome.

Gayle Roper has been in love with story for as long as she can remember, whether reading one or writing one. She has authored more than 50 books. She has won the Carol Award, the RITA Award, a Romantic Times Book Report Reviewer’s Choice Award, and finagled repeatedly in the Christy's. She has won the Holt Medallion three times and twice her titles have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Her nonfiction title, A Widow’s Journey, won the 2015 Golden Scroll Award as the best nonfiction of the year. Romantic Times Book Report has given her the Lifetime Achievement Award. Several writers conferences including Mount Hermon CWC, Florida CWC and Greater Philadelphia CWC have cited her for her contributions to the training of writers. She lives in Southeastern PA where she enjoys her family, her friends, and eating out. 

P.M. Workshop 4

Journal Thru Fire: Cancer Warrior

In this workshop, Jan will share how she has successfully turned her intimate struggles into universal experiences that connect with readers. We’ll examine a variety of media, dig into our motives for writing, consider who we’re writing for, and hopefully expand our vision of what it means to be faith-based writers for Christian and secular readers.

Jan Woodard is a Guideposts Writing Workshop winner who encourages others to see themselves as writers. She has published thousands of articles as an award-winning journalist and a United Methodist roving writer. She shares her inspiring journey with advanced breast cancer on Facebook, through a weekly newspaper column, Texting Thru Recovery, and her weekly blog. Contact: janwoodard.com; TextingThruCancer@gmail.com; Texting.Thru.Cancer/Facebook

P.M. Workshop 5

Genealogy Tips

Virginia researched her family and developed a monologue based on her Swedish grandmother. Learn tips on how to develop your own family history and leave a legacy.

Virfinia Leedy Catley was born in Delaware but also raised in Illinois and South Carolina. She graduated from the University of Delaware with degrees in Anthropology, and later, School Psychology. She has been married to Rev Glenn Catley for 34 years and has lived in Chestertown and Salisbury, Maryland. She moved to Lewes, Delaware, when they both retired 6 years ago. Virginia has been a member of the Sussex County Genealogical Society for the past 5 years & is currently serving as coordinator of their Speakers Bureau. In addition, she is an active member at Epworth United Methodist Church and with The Southern Delaware Chorale.

A.M. Workshop 6

The Building Blocks of Fiction,
Part 2
Fiction may be a world of make-believe, but it is a world that must be constructed logically and well. Let's talk building blocks: character, conflict, continuity, and what I call reciprocity. Questions welcome.

Gayle Roper has been in love with story for as long as she can remember, whether reading one or writing one. She has authored more than 50 books. She has won the Carol Award, the RITA Award, a Romantic Times Book Report Reviewer’s Choice Award, and finagled repeatedly in the Christy's. She has won the Holt Medallion three times and twice her titles have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Her nonfiction title, A Widow’s Journey, won the 2015 Golden Scroll Award as the best nonfiction of the year. Romantic Times Book Report has given her the Lifetime Achievement Award. Several writers conferences including Mount Hermon CWC, Florida CWC and Greater Philadelphia CWC have cited her for her contributions to the training of writers. She lives in Southeastern PA where she enjoys her family, her friends, and eating out.