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!

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.

Rachel Coggins

Chaplain

Dr. Rachel Coggins, called to ministry in 1974, serves as the Prayer Team Leader for this writers’ conference. Licensed, ordained, and commissioned, she dedicated 25 years as an Army Reserve Chaplain, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Her book, Gateway to Iraq, shares heartfelt stories from her time with military service members. In 1992, she founded Rachel’s Well Ministries, a writing and speaking ministry. Rachel remains active in ministry through writing, community service, and global outreach, drawing inspiration from her travels, education, and experiences for God’s glory.

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.

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.

David Hollenstein

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

Teresa Janzen

Publisher, Abundance Books

Teresa Janzen is the founder and editor in chief of Abundance Books, an independent publishing house focused on fiction, devotional works, Bible studies, narrative nonfiction, including memoir, and select children’s titles. She brings extensive experience in publishing, editorial development, and market positioning, and works closely with authors to clarify purpose, audience, and craft. In pitch appointments, Teresa is looking for well-developed projects with a clear reader focus and a strong sense of story.  Learn more at https://abundance-books.com/.

Submission Guidelines:

Abundance Books publishes purpose-driven books that reflect God’s transformational love and are crafted to inspire, instruct, and encourage readers.

What We Publish

• Nonfiction (memoir, Bible studies, Christian living, devotionals)
• Clean fiction for adults, young adults, and children
• Children’s books for both Christian and general markets

Our Commitment

• About 50% of new titles are reserved for emerging authors with fewer than five books in print

• We welcome first-time authors who are open to collaboration and growth

What We Look For

• A clear audience and compelling concept

• Strong, well-structured writing

• Alignment with Abundance Books’ mission and values

Submission Requirements

• One Word document including a cover letter, project overview, and sample content

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.

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.

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.

Marilyn Turk

BLCWC Founder

Award-winning author Marilyn Turk is the founder of the Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference. She has been published in Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse Jr., The Upper Room, Guideposts, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Lighthouse Digest, and Coastal Christian Family, and has contributed to Daily Guideposts (now Walking in Grace). Her books include Lighthouse Devotions, contemporary and historical novels spanning the Civil War and World War II, and the Coastal Lights Legacy series set around Florida lighthouses. A Maggie Award finalist, she often weaves lighthouses into her stories and hopes to encourage others to pursue their God-given dreams. Find out more at https://pathwayheart.com/.