Northwest Christian Writers Renewal Conference
May 16, 2026
Dive into an inspiring journey at the 2026 NCWA Renewal Conference, where our exceptional lineup of workshops will elevate your writing and publishing skills to new heights! Don't miss this opportunity to connect with industry experts eager to share their insights and support your growth in the craft of writing. With a diverse array of workshops available, there truly is something to spark the creativity of every writer.
Choosing between these incredible sessions might seem daunting, but rest assured, we've got you covered. All workshops will be recorded, allowing you to revisit and enjoy each session at your convenience. Join us for an unforgettable experience that will enrich your writing journey!
Note: Additional faculty or details may be added as confirmations come in.
One-Hour Workshops
Unlock your potential with our dynamic series of one-hour sessions led by industry experts in writing, speaking, and marketing. Designed to equip you with the skills and insights needed for the next step in your growth, these enriching sessions offer invaluable knowledge and practical strategies. Whether you're looking to enhance your writing, refine your public speaking, or elevate your marketing techniques, each session provides a powerful boost to propel you toward your professional goals. Join us and take the next step in your career with confidence and clarity.
Rachel Linden is the bestselling author of Recipe for a Charmed Life, The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie, The Enlightenment of Bees, and other novels featuring strong women, travel, food, and second chances at love. Her years working abroad with a faith-based aid organization and travels to more than fifty countries inspire her stories’ sense of adventure and gentle magical realism. She lives with her husband and children on a small island near Seattle and enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest, camping, sushi, and dreaming up her next hopeful tale.
KEYNOTE / WORKSHOP |
When not reading or writing, Ande Pliego can usually be found dabbling in art, scheming up her next trip, or making constant expeditions to the library. Born in Florida, raised in France, and having left footprints all over the globe, Ande is settled in the Pacific Northwest with her little son. Ande Pliego is the bestselling author of You Are Fatally Invited and The Library After Dark.
KEYNOTE / WORKSHOP: Discovering and honing your voice This workshop would focus on giving attendees tools to find and sharpen their own unique voice. We’ll discuss the difference between character voice and author voice, and dissect a few effective examples to see what makes them stand out. We’ll also look at voice in terms of genre conventions, and how writers can either lean into them with their voice or use it to subvert a genre. We'll discuss how to describe prose and read a book to dissect voice, discuss what styles of writing the attendees find themselves drawn to, and talk about finding their 'voice parents'--authors whose prose has influenced their own the most. If the format allows, the writers will have the opportunity to experiment writing the same paragraph three different ways. Either in the workshop or as a parting encouragement, I’d also encourage them to swap the paragraph they feel best represents their writing with their peers and comment on what unique traits they notice in each other’s work. MENTORING Appointments: 6 |
Val Barschaw - AuthorVal is an author, former business consultant, and trusted guide for creatives who want to thrive—not trip—under Washington State's complex tax and regulatory rules. Before turning to writing, Val built a consulting practice that specialized in setting up small-business books, identifying financial red flags, and even conducting forensic accounting when things didn't add up. Over her career, Val has helped more than 100+ businesses navigate their financial foundations, including both non-profit and for-profit entities.
WORKSHOP: The Business of Writing in Washington State
Authors attending this NCWA session will walk away with confidence, actionable steps, and a simple framework they can use to ensure their writing business is structured the right way—so they can write with confidence, knowing their business foundation is solid and compliant. Topics covered include: navigating unpredictable income, mixing personal and creative expenses, handling royalties, and conquering the maze of state tax requirements—including B&O tax obligations.
Lynette Bonner - Author
USA Today Bestselling author Lynnette Bonner was born in Malawi, Africa, and spent the first years of her life reveling in warm equatorial sunshine and the late evening duets of cicadas and hyenas. The year she turned eight she was off to Rift Valley Academy, a boarding school in Kenya where she spent many joy-filled years and graduated in 1990. That fall, she traded to a new duet—one of traffic and rain—when she moved to Kirkland, Washington to attend Northwest University. It was there that she met her husband and a few years later they moved to the small town of Pierce, Idaho.
WORKSHOP: Writing Romance |
Steve has spent the last 27 years helping some of the nation’s top Fortune 500 corporations and nonprofits, as well as individuals and start-ups, to build brands that matter and last. A passionate follower of Jesus, he also writes, paints, photographs, designs and builds furniture, composes, cooks, and travels in search of the world’s best gelato. |
WORKSHOP: How to build your author brand
Most authors love writing but hate marketing. What they don’t realize is that your brand is the missing piece between the two. In this workshop, you’ll learn what a brand is (and isn’t) and why building your own is both easier and more enjoyable than you imagine. You’ll learn the five key steps of branding and how to get started building your own brand with some simple and fun exercises. You don’t have to be an expert on branding, just an expert on you.
Christine Cohen - Author
Christine lives in a rural pocket of the Pacific Northwest where the chances of uncovering portals are quite high. She is the director of the Camperdown MFA program at New Saint Andrews college where she teaches novel writing and short story classes. Her first two books are The Winter King (2020 Christy Awards finalist) and The Sinking City. Her debut middle grade novel, The Second Greatest Thief, will be published with Viking Penguin in Spring of 2027. She is represented by Lindsay Auld at Writers House.
WORKSHOP: Worldbuilding and Voice:
How to use metonymy (the substitution of the name of an attribute or adjunct for that of the thing meant, for example suit for business executive, or the track for horse racing.), metaphors, and other literary devices to craft a unique voice that adds depth to the world of your novel.
Susie loves to write and teach about the life and joy that Jesus brings to all ages. By sharing God’s Word in simple and relatable ways, Susie refreshes hearts with creativity and hope. Susie has taught children in public schools for over 35 years. She currently teaches music, physical education, art, and technology at an all-kindergarten building. She is the author of Just One Word: 90 Devotions to Invite Jesus In (Harvest House, 2018, reprinted by Credo House Publishers 2023), Lighthearted 100-Day Devotional: One-Word Promises to Lighten Your Load and Lift Up Your Heart (B & H 2024), Where is Sheep 100? A Skip-Counting Story About the Good Shepherd’s Love (B & H 2025) and the co-author of the Bible study Covered: Finding Hope for Heavy Emotions. Susie’s work can also be found in Guideposts Pray a Word a Day Volume 2, and magazines including Homelife, Mature Living, Keys for Kids, and Mighty Kind Kids. Susie and her husband live in the Puget Sound region of Washington State. They love to hike, kayak, discover new coffee shops, and cheer for Seattle sports teams. Most of all, they enjoy spending time with their two adult sons—one in the Northwest and one in Hawaii. Susie is a member of the Northwest Christian Writers Association, the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Her inspiration and resources for hearts of all ages can be found at www.susiecrosby.com. |
WORKSHOP ONE: The Inside Story: Crafting and Publishing Books for ChildrenDiscover how a children’s book goes from a spark of inspiration to a professionally published work. In this practical, encouraging workshop, author Susie Crosby shares insights from her traditional publishing journey. She offers clear guidance on crafting a strong manuscript, tips for finding an agent, and a behind-the-scenes look at the editorial process, including illustrations and marketing. If you are interested in writing for children, you will find the tools and confidence to move your ideas forward and take the next step toward publication. WORKSHOP TWO: ACT on the Word: Writing Devotions that Lead to TransformationLearn how to guide readers from curiosity to connection to change. Susie Crosby, author of Just One Word: 90 Devotions to Invite Jesus In and Lighthearted 100-Day Devotional has created a simple framework for writing devotions that impact hearts and lives. In this workshop, you will learn how to use ACT—Attention, Connection, Transformation, and gain practical strategies for opening strong, writing with authenticity, and offering transformational insights rooted in Scripture. Perfect for writers seeking to deepen both their craft and their ministry impact. |
Ocieanna Fleiss has written several books including her memoir, Love Like There’s No Tomorrow. She taught the Bible for more than a decade, always delighting in how God’s love is shown throughout his Word. Ocieanna and her husband have four kids and make their home in Washington State. |
WORKSHOP: How NOT to bore your non-fiction readers |
Dori writes and edits full time, and as an editor she releases over 25 books per year. Dori enjoys working with publishers and indie authors. She served as managing editor of a hybrid press for nearly five years, and she now edits for Kregel Publications and Our Daily Bread. In addition, she’s an initial manuscript reviewer for a trad pub. An award-winning writer and editor, Dori has indie published a short novel and novella and is a USA Today best-selling author. She has published more than 1,000 articles in newspapers and magazines nationwide. |
WORKSHOP ONE: Increase Tension Through Dialogue We will cover modern-day dialogue structure . . . and that is one thing that would level up many a writer! WORKSHOP TWO: Edit Yourself Out of the Slush Pile |
Talia Messina is a writer, editor, speaker, and teacher with a love for storytelling and a deep faith in Jesus. She earned her English degree from Gordon College and has worked in publishing since 2017. Best known for her annual Christmas short stories—a tradition since age eight—she also writes fantasy and mystery. After living in Israel, Italy, and Boston, she now calls Chicago home, where she enjoys dancing, rock climbing, and board games like Everdell. |
WORKSHOP: Understanding the Publishing Pipeline |
 Nova McBee - Author
Nova McBee is the award-winning author of the Calculated series, which is currently in development to become a major motion picture. Emmy-Award winning screenwriter, Ann Peacock, best known for The Chronicles of Narnia, will adapt the novel for the screen in partnership with One Door Studios. Nova, a PNW native, has lived over 20 years of her life in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. When she is not writing, she thrives on deep conversation and ends of the earth adventures with her family and friends. WORKSHOP: First Chapters! Hook your reader right from the start |
Steve Rzasa - Author
Steve doesn’t slay monsters, but he defeats word count goals. He’s the author of several dozen novels, novellas, and short stories of science-fiction and fantasy, including the award-winning Mercury Hale series. When he's not writing, this former journalist and librarian is reading ... or planning the next adventure.
WORKSHOP ONE: Speculative Worldbuilding
Every story has a setting, but when it comes to speculative fiction, the world can make or break the tale. This session looks in depth at key elements that can be considered in sci fi and fantasy worldbuilding, as well as considering how much and how little worldbuilding is actually needed depending on the story itself.
WORKSHOP TWO: Collaboration is Key: Partnerships with Other Writers
We’re inundated with lessons about how to become authors on our own, but what about partnering with other writers? This session will explore the mechanics of collaboration such asco-authoring and anthologies.
Angela Strong - Author
Angela Ruth Strong survived breast cancer, works as a flight attendant, and uses her own crazy life experiences as inspiration for the stories she writes. Her books have earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been nominated for a Christy, won the Cascade Award, and become Amazon bestsellers. She and her husband also got to play extras when her novel Finding Love in Big Sky was adapted for film. To help aspiring authors, Angela started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho.
WORKSHOP: Ending Strong
Ending Strong: Learn how to weave together plot, character, message, and symbolism to create the ultimate climax/resolution and leave readers pondering long after the last page. We'll study examples from bestsellers and brainstorm twists for student stories in order to both better surprise and satisfy. Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers.