Invaluable Insights and Support

As you scroll through the profiles below, you’ll discover the rich backgrounds and unique specialties of our faculty members. Each one brings a unique perspective to writing and publishing, ensuring that every attendee leaves with a broadened outlook and enhanced skills.

Prepare to be inspired, educated, and encouraged by our faculty at the Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference. With their guidance, you’ll not only hone your skills but also gain the confidence to navigate the complex path to publication. Let’s meet the minds behind your next creative breakthrough!

Michelle Medlock Adams

Publisher, Wren & Bear Books

Michelle Medlock Adams is an inspirational speaker and a best-selling author of more than 100 books including Dinosaur Devotions, The Christmas Devotional, Love Connects Us All, and Dachshund Through the Snow. She is also a New York Times best-selling ghostwriter and has won more than 90 industry awards for her own journalistic endeavors, including an ECPA Gold Medallion for Our God is Bigger Than That! Michelle is married to her high school sweetheart, Jeff, and they have two married daughters, six adorable grandchildren, three spoiled miniature dachshunds, and two kitties. When not writing or teaching writing, Michelle enjoys bass fishing with her husband, watching Doris Day movies, and all things leopard print.  To find out more go to michellemedlockadams.com. 

Alyssa Avant

Author and Virtual Assistant

Alyssa Avant is a virtual assistant, author, and podcast host who has been serving Christian authors, speakers, and coaches for over 16 years. She is the founder of Alyssa Avant & Company, where she specializes in helping clients build and maintain their online presence through marketing, content creation, and strategy. Alyssa is passionate about equipping and encouraging writers to pursue their calling with confidence, and she shares practical tools and inspiration through her podcast, The Christian Business Advantage. To find out more go to alyssaavantandcompany.com.

Tez Brooks

Award Winning Author and Writing Coach

Whether he’s working as a missionary journalist overseas, coaching aspiring writers, or writing devotions, Tez’s passion for walking with God is evident. His book, The Single Dad Detour won Book of the Decade with Serious Writer Academy and recently Christianity.com featured him in “50 Authors You Should Know.”

As a multiple award-winning author, filmmaker, and international speaker, Brooks was recently named one of the Top Writing Coaches by the Coach Foundation. Each year he serves on faculty at several Christian writers conferences around the country. His work appears in Guideposts, Power for Living, The Upper Room, CBN.com, YouVersion, Focus on the Family, Best Christian Workplaces, and more. Learn more at tezbrooks.com.

Craig von Buseck

Award Winning Author

From webcasts to television and radio, and from conferences and churches to boardrooms, Dr. Craig von Buseck has been in the public eye for 40 years. As a sought-after keynote speaker, he has spoken across America and overseas. Craig is an award-winning, multi-published author. He is also a contributing writer for FocusontheFamily.com, The Write Conversation Blog, and MTL Magazine. Craig’s biography, Victor! The Final Battle of Ulysses S. Grant, won the Christian Market Book Award as the Nonfiction Book of the Year. Craig’s recent book, I Am Cyrus: Harry S. Truman and the Rebirth of Israel, won the prestigious Selah award for nonfiction, and was a finalist for the Truman Award from the Truman Presidential Library. Learn more at vonbuseck.com.

Laine Lawson Craft

Award Winning, Best-Selling Author, and Podcast Host

Laine Lawson Craft is celebrated as a best-selling author, the revered host of the Warfare Parenting Podcast, and a leading parenting expert. Her pivotal work, The Parent’s Battle Plan, not only clinched the 2023 Nonfiction Book of the Year but also set a new standard for its pioneering strategies and profound spiritual depth.

Now, Laine is also at the forefront of AI integration in the writing and marketing world. She seamlessly harnesses AI’s power to amplify her message and reach more readers without sacrificing the authentic, compelling voice that resonates deeply with her audience. Laine is passionate about empowering others to harness the potential of AI while upholding their core values and maintaining genuine expression. Find more info at lainelawsoncraft.com.

Sally Cressman

Award Winning Author 

Sally Cressman is the award-winning author of The Dance of Easter. She has written children’s Sunday school curricula, devotions, and articles. Her publishing credits include LifeWay Ministry, Focus on the Family, Moms in Prayer, and Nashville Christian Family magazine. When she’s not writing, Sally enjoys running in her neighborhood, sipping green tea in the morning, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers in the fall. Currently, she and her husband find an easy rhythm south of Nashville, Tennessee, not far from her grandson. She’d love to connect with you on her website sallycressman.com.

Ginny Cruz

Author and Physical Therapist 

Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT, is a pediatric physical therapist, an award-winning author, and a Speak Up Certified speaker. She is a member of Word Weavers International and was the founding president of the Pensacola chapter. Ginny is an encourager and teacher at heart. All her work aims to help others, especially new moms. She is a regular contributor to The Write Conversation, Focus on the Family, and her personal blog. Be on the lookout for her next book, The New Mom’s Guide: Help and Hope for Baby’s First Year. She is the mother of two grown sons and married to her college sweetheart. She enjoys hiking, camping, and reading. She’d love to connect with you at ginnycruz.com.

Dawn Damon

Award Winning Author, Speaker, Podcast Host

Dawn Damon is an award-winning author, popular podcast host, captivating speaker, and sought-after success coach for authors, speakers, and women entrepreneurs. With an extensive ministry career that includes radio, media interviews, TV appearances, and frequent guest spots on podcasts, Dawn brings a unique blend of faith, inspiration, and practical strategy. She empowers others to fulfill their calling, elevate their voice, and achieve bold success. Learn more at dawndamon.com.

Crystal Daye

Publisher, DayeLight Publishers, and TV Host 

Crystal Daye is an award-winning author of 11 books, International Speaker, Corporate Trainer, and Monetization Strategist. She has combined her strong business acumen to become a sought-after expert in personal branding, digital marketing, book publishing, and book monetization. As the CEO of DayeLight Publishers, she helps new and emerging authors to write, publish, market, and monetize their books so they can advance their business and career goals.

As a woman of faith, Crystal believes in servant leadership, and she unselfishly uses the platforms God has given her to positively influence and impact lives globally. She is the host of The DayeLight Show aired on MTM TV and also the visionary behind the Reach Millions Author Live and Kingdom. Learn more at crystaldaye.com.

Submission Guidelines: 

DayeLight Publishers is a faith-based publishing and marketing consultancy dedicated to helping new and aspiring authors bring their book to life. We exist to serve purpose-driven authors who are ready to release transformational messages into the world. We are more than a publishing service—we’re your partner in impact, equipping you to publish boldly and profitably. At DayeLight, you retain 100% of your royalties because you own your story. Our role is to coach, support and equip you with the tools and professional resources needed to reach your target audience and leave a lasting legacy.

REQUIRED SUBMISSION MATERIALS:

• Completed Book Information Form: This is provided by us, which includes your book title, target audience and other key project details.
• Professional Headshot
• Manuscript submitted in Microsoft Word format
• Cover Design Details
• Book Blurb: A compelling, well-written back summary (no more than 300 words)
• Author Bio
• Other: Acknowledgment/Introduction/Preface/ Dedication & Conclusion (optional)

HOW TO SUBMIT:

Sign up for a complimentary consultation call to discuss the project before documents are submitted
Documents are submitted to dayelightpublishers@gmail.com.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Incomplete submissions may delay the publishing timeline
• If you’re unsure about your blurb, bio or manuscript readiness, our team offers coaching support
• A contract will be issued before any payments are made
• A publishing coordinator will review your materials and follow up with the next steps

Sharon Elliott

Agent, AuthorizeMe® Literary Firm

Dr. Sharon Norris Elliott encourages us to “Live significantly!” This inspiring message has driven Dr. Sharon to become an award-winning author, editor, agent, engaging speaker, and licensed minister. She is a cum laude graduate of Biola University and author of 17 books. Dr. Sharon serves as a board member of the WCCW conference and AWSA. She is a Christian broadcaster with HSBN.tv, and founder/CEO of the successful AuthorizeMe® Literary Firm at AuthorizeMe.net. Dr. Sharon lives in Southern California. She serves on the pastoral staff at her home church, Christ Second Baptist Church of Long Beach, and enjoys traveling to visit her children and grandchildren.

Linda Gilden

Award Winning, Best-Selling Author

In Loving Memory of a Faithful Servant who Died October 2025. Her Light Still Shines through Her Words and Witness!

Linda Gilden is a bestselling writer, speaker, award-winning editor, marketer, and speaking coach, ghostwriter, and writing coach. Author of 40 books and 1,800+ magazine articles, Linda appreciates a great story and believes with our stories we can change the world one word at a time. She loves to encourage others through writing coaching. Her newest book cowritten with Dana Russell was released in November: Trading Shadows – Exchanging a Life of Secrets, Fear, and Doubt for a Life of Freedom with the Almighty.

Linda’s greatest joy is family time where their secret love note is folded potato chips. She loves to be in the pool with a good book surrounded by the cutest seven grandchildren in the world – great fodder for writing! Find more at lindagilden.com.

John Gilden

Bookstore Coordinator

John Gilden has been working with Christian conference bookstores for almost 13 years. He has worked with the Carolina Christian Writers Conference, Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, and the Florida Christian Writers Conference book stores. He enjoys helping authors and conference attendees. John is a people person who enjoys visiting with people from different parts of the country. A writer and excellent editor himself, bookstore opportunities have helped him meet and become friends with many publishers and editors. John has been married to his favorite author for over 52 years.

Virginia Grounds

Publisher, Breakthrough Christian Publishing

Virginia Grounds is an author, self-publishing coach, and publisher for Breakthrough Christian Publishing. Her latest book, an anthology, WINGS: Hope for Widows in New Growth Seasons, was released recently. Virginia has taught Bible studies in her home church for 35 years and is still teaching and speaking today. She has written several other books including Guide to Deeper Prayer, Rock Solid Trust, and Ricky the Racecar (a children’s book). Learn more at virginiagrounds.net.

Submission Guidelines: 

We accept fiction and nonfiction from Christian writers who weave hope, encouragement, and messages of faith into their story from an evangelical Christian worldview. We are especially interested in Bible Studies, Devotionals, and Christian Living manuscripts. We do not allow profanity, graphic sex, or graphic violence in our published works. A consultation is required to help you determine if we are a good fit for you. Our mission is to publish Christian books of hope, encouragement, and a message of faith woven into the story from an evangelical Christian worldview, therefore expanding the kingdom of God. We are not self-publishing or vanity publishing. We are like hybrid publishing but with a personal touch to produce a professional book you can be proud of and that meets industry standards with your investment in Breakthrough Christian Publishing. Manuscripts should be submitted in Word, double-spaced, with 12 pt font. The writer’s name, email, and phone number should be in the header.

John Herring

Publisher, Iron Stream Media

John Herring, the CEO/Owner of Iron Stream Media, has dedicated over 40 years to serving churches or church-related entities. His expertise spans publishing, curriculum development, strategic thinking/planning, discipleship, staff development, mentoring, and bridging connections between ministries and people.
John’s favorite topics of discussion are his Lord, his family (especially his grandsons), missions, business as ministry, and coffee. He holds a Doctor of Educational Ministry degree and a Masters in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a bachelor’s degree from Samford University.
John and his wife, Stacy, reside in Birmingham with their little dog, Bo, short for Bogey. They are blessed with two children and four grandchildren. Learn more at ironstreammedia.com.

Submission Guidelines

Iron Stream Media (ISM), drawing inspiration from Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another,” focuses on the process of discipleship. ISM provides a range of solutions for churches, missionaries, and non-profits, including comprehensive Bible study curricula, Christian book publishing, custom publishing, and consultative services through its division, Brookstone Creative Group. Its web-based offerings feature full-year and short-term Bible study teaching plans, along with printed devotionals, Bibles, and discipleship curricula. The ISM family includes Iron Stream Books, Iron Stream Fiction, Iron Stream Kids, Life Bible Study, and Brookstone Creative Group.

Gretchen Huesmann

Award-Winning Author

Gretchen Huesmann is a teacher, speaker, and award-winning author. Her speaking career began 30 years ago as a young pastor’s wife to moms and women’s groups. In 2004, she led her first three-day women’s retreat and later added educators to her list of audiences, creating and presenting original seminars. In 2021, she presented the keynote to the Iowa State Early Childhood Conference. Gretchen is a member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association and serves as president of the Pensacola Word Weavers chapter. Her first book, It’s A Good Day to be a Teacher: 52 Devotions to Equip and Encourage Educators (Iron Stream Media) is available on Amazon. Her first picture book, A Time for Everything (Our Daily Bread) will join the world in 2027. Find out more at gretchenhuesmann.com.

Heather Iseminger 

Publisher, Brookstone Creative Group

Heather Iseminger is a self-proclaimed hoarder of words and caffeine. She holds a BA in English Writing from FSU and an MA in Christian Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She and her Prince Charming, Mike, have been married for over 20 years and have two children, Ella and Caleb. After almost 25 years as an educator, Heather recently stepped out of the classroom and is now a consultant with Brookstone Creative Group where she works to equip authors as they pursue God’s call in publishing. She is also a local photographer and an award-winning freelance author. Her deepest passion lies in teaching others biblical truths, so they understand how to pursue a radical, Jesus-loving life.

Submission Guidelines: 

Brookstone Creative Group is the hybrid publishing imprint of Iron Stream Media. Understanding the ins and outs of publishing and distribution can seem daunting. Our team of industry pros can walk you through each step to ensure your message and final product are poised for success. BCG offers solutions to provide writers, authors, speakers, and pastors with tools they need to be successful. We will work hard so you are well equipped to reach the largest audience possible.

Brookstone Creative Group is open for submissions in all categories, but specializes in nonfiction:
● Bible Studies
● Christian Living/Ministry/Evangelism
● Church Growth/Life/Renewal
● Culture/Contemporary Issues
● Curriculum/How-To/Teaching
● Discipleship/Personal Growth
● Marriage/Family/Parenting
● Men’s Books
● Prayer & Spiritual Warfare
● Women’s Interests

Mike Logan

Assistant Conference Director and AV Technology Coordinator

Mike enjoys retirement from corporate America and keeps busy as a Tour Guide at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Mike has been affiliated with the Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference since 2016 and has been our computer and technology person since 2016 and at the Florida Christian Writer’s Conference since 2021. Mike won a Living Waters Honorable Mention Award in 2022 for a non-fiction work he is still working on, Poppy’s Proverbs. Now living in Lexington, Kentucky, Mike and his wife Brooks live their best life between Church, writing, and six grandchildren. 

Babbie Mason

Award Winning Singer, Songwriter, and Speaker

Babbie Mason is an award-winning gospel singer, songwriter, author, speaker, and television talk-show host. She is the recipient of two Dove Awards and a USA Today Best-selling author award. Babbie has received nominations for the Grammy, the Stellar, and the Emmy Awards. In 2010 Babbie was recognized for her contributions in Gospel music and was inducted into The Christian Music Hall Of Fame. In 2021, Babbie received the Golden Scroll Award, for excellence in writing, from the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. Learn more at babbie.com.

Janet McHenry

Award Winning Author, Speaker, and Coach

Janet McHenry is an award-winning author who loves helping writers understand how to structure nonfiction books and how to craft them well. A certified writing coach, she is the author of thousands of devotions, articles, and stories well as twenty-seven traditionally published books—including the bestselling PrayerWalk and Praying Personalities. Her nonfiction books include Christian living books, devotionals, Bible studies, and gift books. Janet hosts the Sierra Valley Writers Retreat, edits books, speaks at numerous writers conferences across the country, and teaches online writing courses. She and her husband, Craig, live in the Sierra Valley in northern California, where he raises cattle and they raised their four kids. Learn more at janetmchenry.com.

Karisa Moore

Author, Podcaster and Soul Care Speaker

Karisa Moore helps families in crisis express heartache and identify God’s presence in all circumstances by speaking, sharing stories of hope, writing devotions, and poetry. She is expanding our mental health vocabulary to include Christ-centered hope through creative expression. She is a Word Weavers International Mentor and the author of Broken Butterflies: Emerging Through Grief and Turning the Page: Devotions to Help the Griever Hope. Learn more at turningthepageonsuicide.org

Alice Murray

Acquisition Editor, GO! Magazine

After 35 years as a Florida adoption attorney, Alice H. Murray now pursues a different path as a writer. Her work includes contributions to several Short and Sweet books, The Upper Room, and Chicken Soup for the Soul. Alice is a regular contributor to GO!, a quarterly Christian magazine in the Florida Panhandle, and she has three devotions a month published online by Dynamic Women in Missions. Her devotions have also appeared in compilation devotionals such as Ordinary People Extraordinary God (July 2023) and Guideposts’ Pray A Word A Day, Vol. 2 (June 2023) and pray a word for Hope (September 2023). Alice’s first book, The Secret of Chimneys, was an annotated Agatha Christie mystery. Alice’s second book, God Adopted Us First/Faith Lessons from an Adoption Attorney’s Adventures, was published by Iron Stream Media in 2025.

Submission Guidelines

GO! Magazine is a quarterly Christian publication based in Northwest Florida. The magazine offers quality content to an audience of more than 30,000. Writers receive $50 per article published with pieces running 600 to 1,000 words and being edited prior to publication. Articles need to include faith testimonies in order to lead people into relationship with Jesus. Other topics run the gamut from book reviews, marriage and family, financial help, and health with all pieces pointing people to faith in Christ. Add to your writing resume by having an article published in GO! Your article has the potential to reach readers beyond the local area as the magazine is distributed in a tourist destination and has subscribers in more than 20 states.

Susan Neal

Conference Director, CEO of CIPA and CAN

As a Certified AWSA Writer Coach, Susan Neal RN, MBA, MHS, desires to help others publish and sell their God-given message. She is the author of eight healthy living books. Her self-published, award-winning, best-seller, 7 Steps to Get Off Sugar and Carbohydrates, won the Selah award and sold over 20,000 copies in four years. Susan won the 2020 Christian Author Network Excellence in Marketing Award for Outstanding Broadcast Media for her book marketing campaign. She is a trusted advisor for authors and helps many sell more books. Susan is the Director of Christian Indie Publishing Association (CIPA), Christian Authors Network (CAN), and the Christian Indie Awards. Learn more at susanuneal.com.

Linda Evans Shepherd

Best-Selling Author and Founder of AWSA

Linda Evans Shepherd is an award-winning author, international speaker, and ministry leader with a passion for inspiring writers and readers alike. With 39 published books, including Praying Through Hard Times, and other bestsellers on prayer, faith, and inspiration, Linda has reached millions with her words of hope. As the founder of Right to the Heart Ministries and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA.com), she empowers writers to hone their craft and share their stories. Known for her engaging presentations, Linda offers wisdom, encouragement, and practical insights. Her dynamic blend of storytelling and spiritual depth makes her a sought-after keynote speaker and mentor. Learn more at gotopray.com.

Dr. Mel Tavares

Editor, Arise Daily Devotionals 

Mel is an award-winning book author, teacher speaker, podcast and media guest. Mel has a 35-year concurrent background in writing, ministry, and the secular counseling and coaching world; holds a Doctorate of Ministry in Pastoral Counseling. She is the author of multiple books in her Healthy Living in a Toxic World series, which includes 21 Days to Improved Mental Well-Being. Mel is the editor for Arise Daily Devotionals. She is a member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA). Find out more at drmeltavares.com.

Cecil Taylor

Award Winning Author

Cecil Taylor is the founder of Cecil Taylor Ministries, teaching Christians how to live a seven-day practical faith. His ministry offers books, small group video studies, study guides, blogs, devotions, and the Practical Faith Academy podcast. Cecil became an author in 2022 and has written four award-winning books, including his latest, Unison Parenting. He also writes for Chicken Soup for the Soul and Guideposts. Cecil’s business background included software development, high-tech international business, and sportscasting. Married for 40 years, Cecil has three adult children and lives in the Dallas area. His hobbies are travel, sports, fantasy football, pin collecting, and everything Texas Longhorns. He welcomes the chance to help fellow authors. Find out more at ceciltaylorministries.com/

PeggySue Wells

Award Winning Author 

PeggySue Wells is the award-winning USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of 45 books including the mystery suspense title of the year, Unnatural Cause. Action and adventure, romantic suspense, military romance, and cozy mystery are the page-turning novels by P.S. Wells including Chasing Sunrise, Homeless for the Holidays, and The Patent. How to live better, easier, and simpler is the focus of her nonfiction including The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make. PeggySue is a frequent media guest and writing collaborator. Find out more at peggysuewells.com.

Tina Yeager

Publisher, Inkspirations Online, Podcast Host, Life Coach

Award-winning author, speaker, and life coach Tina Yeager hosts the Flourish-Meant Podcast and Flourish Today radio show on Christian Mix 106 and publishes Inkspirations Online, a weekly writers’ devotional. She has been licensed as a counselor since 2005. Yeager serves on the marketing team for the upcoming streaming series, STRUCK. She is also Director of Traditional Groups with Word Weavers International and NRB representative on the AWSA steering committee. For holistic emotional wellness coaching, prayer-led creative journey mapping, purpose coaching, or event speaking, contact her at tina@tinayeager.com.

Submission Guidelines: