Patricia is a writer who explores the sacred space of God's everyday grace. She is an introvert who craves community, a Michigander who hates being cold, and a hopelessly loud car singer who can’t carry a tune to save her life. She explores loss and grief—miscarriage, childlessness, losing a parent—and what it’s like to navigate those experiences in a world that often wants us to just get over it already. She has written for The Mudroom, Fathom Magazine, SheLoves Magazine, Perennial Gen, and many others. Patricia also solves many of the world’s problems while relaxing with a skein of yarn and a crochet hook. Connect with her at patriciaalderman.com

Judy Allen is a writer and a Bible teacher who explores the intersection of work, retirement, Christianity and growing faith. Although she didn’t understand it years ago, her goal has always been, and still is, to discover, grow, understand, and communicate. She has been published in Fathom Magazine, The Institute for Faith Work and Economics, Open the Bible, The Sage Forum, The Mudroom, and iBelieve. She lives near Chicago with her husband, Dan, has three children in different parts of the country and five grandchildren. Connect with Judy on Instagram, @judylarsonallen, Facebook, Judy Larson Allen, or her newsletter Reimagining Retirement at judyallenwrites.substack.com.

Connie Armerding is a storyteller. She believes in the power of story and is passionate about communicating the transforming work of the Gospel in a variety of life’s contexts through her writing, speaking and leading. She has worked in public education, the nonprofit sector and extensively in the local church. She currently works as a Content Developer at Joy Of It , Curriculum Writer/Editor for JOI Friendzy. She serves at her local church, Alongsiders Church in Portland, Oregon, as a member of the preaching and teaching team. She is furthering her education at Wheaton College Graduate School (MA- Leadership and Evangelism) in collaboration with Propel Women. Connie is a reader who loves to write stories. She finds great joy in writing down the stories of everyday life. Her published works can be found at TRUTH + LOVE. Connie has been married to her husband, Taylor, for sixteen years and they have four elementary aged children. They live in Lake Oswego, Oregon and love exploring the outdoors.

Lindsay Banton, author of "Follow Me: An Interactive Encounter with the Words of Jesus" (June, 2024) and "Trail Guide: A Simple Manual for Understanding the Bible" (CruPress, 2023) is a writer, speaker and U.S. missionary. She and her husband were born and raised in Virginia, but relocated to north east Connecticut to pioneer a campus ministry at a large state university. This relocation has caused her to improve her boot collection, strengthen her soup making skills, and become well-versed in the world of quality winter gear. Together they have three children and one very large dog. Lindsay writes for a number of homeschool curriculum companies, her fellowship of churches, and a few other blogs here and there. She has a passion for writing and teaching about the topics of true discipleship, raising whole kids, anything having to do with the life of Jesus, and resources to help people feel equipped to read and encounter the Bible effectively. The older she gets, the more she loves children’s books and doing more of the simpler things in life.

Paola Barrera worked in the business world for fifteen years. After a seasoned career in market research and communications, she pivoted to invest her time and skill in words. A writer and speaker, Paola shares how the Bible informs everyday life. She's written articles for Fathom Magazine, Servants of Grace, and Women Encouraged, and led workshops, and spoken at various events in Canada and the US. To spark a thoughtful reflection about life, faith, and theology is her aim when writing or speaking. Born in Venezuela, she spent her formative years between Europe and the United States. She returned to her birth country in her late 20s, where she met her husband. A Third Culture Kid for the first half of her life, she became an immigrant in her 40s. Canadian through the gift of immigration, Paola calls Montreal home, where she lives with her husband Gustavo.

Pacific Northwest naturalist, photographer, and author Cheryl Grey Bostrom delights in the ways God speaks through his creation. In her weekly posts at CherylBostrom.com she captures surprising and beautiful ways he does—and plants readers in their midst. A former columnist for Women of Faith (back in their conference days), she's published essays, photography, and poetry in a wide variety of publications. On Camera: Scripture in Creation, her column in the American Scientific Affiliation’s God and Nature Magazine, publishes quarterly. She has also written five books. Her novels include the award-winning Sugar Birds, Leaning on Air, and a third slated for a 2025 release—all through Tyndale House. Earlier non-fiction books include The View from Goose Ridge: Watching Nature, Seeing Life (Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins) and Children At Promise: Nine Principles To Help Kids Thrive in an At-Risk World, with Dr. Tim Stuart (Jossey-Bass/Wiley). When Cheryl and her veterinarian husband aren’t visiting kids and grands too far away, they live in rural Washington State with three irrepressible Gordon Setters.

Rachel is a British-born, author, blogger, and speaker living in the USA. Her passion is leading women in becoming comfortable and confident in their conversation with God. Rachel is a graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary with a Masters in Religion. She is Executive Content Director for RADIANT NYC, an online magazine equipping young NYC women to live radiant and unashamed. She is co-director of reNEW - retreat for New England Writing and Speaking. Her 501(c)(3) non-profit organization enables Rachel to educate and equip women writers and speakers to effectively share their unique story and message, and reach women without a faith in Jesus. Raised on the east coast of England, Rachel moved to New England in 1995. She now resides in New York City with her husband. They have three young adult children scattered across too many time zones. Rachel cannot live without a mug of English tea.

Kendra Broekhuis lives in the city of Milwaukee where she spends her days job driving four of her children from one place to another in her minivan. She's written, spoken, and created non-fiction content for over a decade, including her first book called, Here Goes Nothing: An Introvert's Reckless Attempt to Love Her Neighbor. In 2017, she was the recipient of Dordt University’s Horizon Award, recognizing alumni who are community-minded and entrepreneurial. Now, Kendra is excited to be publishing two novels with WaterBrook, the first of which debuted in March 2024, called Between You and Us. You can find most of her sarcastic ramblings and serious encouragement in her newsletter, on social media, and at www.kendrabroekhuis.com

Melissa is a writer, licensed therapist, and founder of Thrive Counseling Collective. She has over 10 years of experience as a clinician, specializing in the treatment of trauma, attachment, spiritual issues, and relational conflict with a story-focused, highly interpersonal style. In her writing, Melissa invites her readers to explore the intersection of mental health and faith as they engage their personal stories in light of the redemptive story of Jesus. She is a So-Cal transplant and midwesterner at heart, pastor's wife, and mom to two amazing boys. Connect with her at melissabrownback.com or on Instagram (@melissabrownback).

Marie Chan writes about connecting deeply with Christ and community through life’s challenges. She shares about God giving her diverse motherhood experiences of adopting an older child internationally, conceiving after struggling with infertility, and mourning the stillbirth of her son on her blog, calmmamabear.com. Marie also leads an adoption support group focused on trauma-informed parenting. Being the daughter of Taiwanese immigrants inspired Marie to share stories that highlight hidden figures in Asian American history. Marie’s picture book biography, Mamie Takes a Stand: The True Story of Mamie Tape, a Chinese American Girl's Fight for School Rights (Harvest House/Ten Peaks Press), will be released in 2024. She lives in California with her husband, two children with a third in heaven, and their giant 12-pound rabbit. Connect with Marie on Instagram @mariechanbooks and mariechan.com

Dr. Amy F. Davis Abdallah preaches and teaches for churches, conferences, and other ministries in the United States and internationally. She is Professor of Theology and Bible at Nyack College and especially enjoys taking students to Greece to walk the footsteps of St. Paul. Amy is passionate about encouraging Christian women to expand the Kingdom of God through the educational program Empower as well as a rite of passage for Nyack College Seniors. She is the author of The Book of Womanhood; her writing has been featured in Everbloom, , The Wonder Years, and by Christianity Today, CBE International, Redbud Writers Guild, InterVarsity Fellowship, and Missio Alliance. When she’s not writing or speaking, Amy loves to sit her backyard with family, friends, and yummy food and drink. Her husband and sons are her favorite people and she runs, bikes, hikes, and explores the world with them. Find her on the web at amyfdavisabdallah.com and on twitter @amyfdavisa

Keren Dibbens-Wyatt is a chronically-ill contemplative, writer and artist. She has a passion for prayer, poetry, story and colour. Her writing features regularly in literary journals (including Fathom, Amethyst Review, The Blue Nib) and on spiritual blogs (Contemplative Light, Godspace Light). She is the author of the book Recital of Love (Paraclete Press, 2020). Keren lives in England and suffers from M.E. which keeps her housebound and out of the trouble she would doubtless get into otherwise.

Katelyn J Dixon is a writer and photographer from Auburn, Washington. As a writer and poet, her work focuses on beholding the Kingdom of God in unexpected places, exploring the many paradoxes of life and faith, and celebrating the beauty of the Divine all around and within us. Her experience in a former abusive marriage as well as her graduate level training in Counseling Psychology has given her a passion to partner with the Spirit in advocating for abused and trafficked women. Although she never wanted to be married to a pastor, that is the delightful position she now finds herself in and she wouldn’t have it any other way. She has written for Ekstasis Magazine, The Joyful Life Magazine, Renovaré, Vita Poetica, and Heart of Flesh Literary Magazine.

Judy Douglass is a writer, speaker, encourager, advocate. She loves to encourage God’s children—especially His daughters—to be and do all God created them for. She partners with her husband, Steve, to lead Cru/Campus Crusade for Christ globally, speaks all over the world and is the author of six books—the latest is When You Love a Prodigal: 90 Days of Grace for the Wilderness. Known for her “realness,” Judy writes at www.judydouglass.com. You can find her on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/JeedooDouglass) and follow her on Twitter and Instagram @judydouglass417. She has three children and nine grandchildren.

Sara Easterly is an adoptee and the author of books that include Adoption Unfiltered: Revelations from Adoptees, Birth Parents, Adoptive Parents, and Allies (Rowman & Littlefield, 2024), co-authored with birth parent Kelsey Vander Vliet Ranyard and adoptive parent Lori Holden, as well as the award-winning spiritual memoir, Searching for Mom (Heart Voices, 2019). Her essays, articles, and book reviews have been widely published, and she is the founder of Adoptee Voices, supporting other adoptees in their storytelling. Sara is also a co-host of the Adoption Unfiltered podcast, and previously led the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) of Western Washington, where she was recognized as SCBWI Member of the Year. She is a trained course facilitator with the Neufeld Institute and brings 20+ years of experience as a publicist and event planner orchestrating book tours, launch campaigns, and large-scale events. Find her at saraeasterly.com.

Sara Fichtner is a Hoosier-Filipina writer, reader, and cultural connector. She writes from her experience navigating the in-between spaces searching for connection. “In the Mix with Sara” (https://inthemixwithsara.substack.com) is her quarterly Substack letter filled with writing and resources on connecting through culture. Sara and her Argentine husband have two sons and are short-term foster parents to immigrant children journeying to connect with family in the U.S. You can connect with her on @_sarafichtner and on Facebook at @writersarafichtner.

Kim Findlay is a writer, speaker, and ministry leader. She is the author of Breathing in Ashes, a self-published memoir about the death of her youngest daughter. She has written curriculum for Big Idea, Inc. and David C. Cook. Her writing can also be found with Facets of Faith. Kim earned her B.S. in Special Education with a focus in Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Newly transplanted to the Boston, Massachusetts area, her blended family includes two kids by birth and three kids by choice. Kim blogs at www.abigumbrella.com and www.talesfromablender.net and you can follow her on Instagram at @abigumbrella7.

Mari Fitz-Wynn is a nonfiction author, novelist, and Bible teacher. She spends much of her time nurturing the spiritual well-being of church communities worldwide as a teacher and trainer for healing prayer ministry. She is the author of Take Heart 26 Steps to a Healthy Home School, Connect the D.O.T.S, God's Whispered Dreams: Messages, Meaning and Miracles (2024), and a poetry collection, Rise Up! Poems of Protest Poems of Praise. Mari has contributed to several anthologies, including Connect. Faith, The Timing of Everything Promised Vol.1, and Poetry Ink. Her work has been published in several women’s ministry magazines and, most recently, in Jerry Jazz Musician magazine. In 2022, she founded Faith Journey Publishing, a long-time goal and heartfelt mission to empower Christian BIPOC women forty-five and wiser to write their stories.

Sharla Fritz has been described as an amazing eye-opening speaker and author. Her books Measured by Grace, God's Relentless Love, Enough for Now, and Waiting have given thousands of women the tools to dig into Scripture and experience a transformation of their attitudes and heart. With light-hearted stories and thought-provoking applications, she makes Bible study fun and uplifting. Sharla’s articles have appeared at incourage.com, iBelieve.com, The Redbud Post, Today’s Christian Woman, Just Between Us, and Lutheran Women’s Quarterly. Stitching her messages with humor and honesty, Sharla speaks to hundreds of women each year at retreats, luncheons, and mom’s groups. Sharla makes her home in the Chicago area where she is also a pastor’s wife, mother, grandmother, musician, and confirmed chocoholic. And if she isn’t sitting at her piano or computer, you might find her stalking fabulous fashion finds at the local resale shop.

Carla Gasser has been speaking, teaching, and writing for over thirteen year. She blogs weekly on her website, At the Crossroads www.carlagasser.com, writes for online magazines, contributes to several faith-based and inspirational blogs, and has self-published two devotionals as well as several e-books. She recently won a Blue Seal award for a short nonfiction article at the Ohio Christian Writers Conference (OHCWC) in November 2017 and will publish a devotional on the Fruit of the Spirit with Bethany House Publishers for release in early 2021. She has been a keynote speaker at women’s retreats, conferences, and outreach events. Carla’s passions are storytelling, teaching, and connection. She believes when people share their stories with authenticity they can encourage, inspire, and challenge one another. Carla writes and speaks about the messy, ordinary, and unexpected ways her life and her faith intersect. She is a work in progress, seeking fellow travelers on the journey.

Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young is a sought-after speaker, podcaster, former newspaper reporter, and the award-winning author of numerous books, including the coming books, Chasing God’s Glory (Waterbrok Multnomah/PRH), Create in Me a Heart of Mercy (Revell), and Breathing Through Grief (Ink & Willow/Penguin Random House). Dorina leads as the president of the Redbud Writers Guild and the visionary director for Lead Loved, equipping Christian women leaders. She writes for (in)courage by Dayspring and Proverbs 31 Ministries. Dorina is a remarried widow. She and her husband, Shawn, are raising three daughters to be leaders in Central California. Connect with her at www.DorinaGilmore.com

Liz Charlotte Grant’s lyrical, raw voice beckons her readers to ask the toughest questions of faith and living. She studied creative writing (Wheaton College, 2009), and has published her nonfiction essays at Patheos, the Curator Magazine, On Faith, Mothers Always Write, Neutrons Protons, and Dappled Things (forthcoming), among others. She speaks about practical, on-the-ground faith issues to Jesus-loving church and MOPs groups. She’s currently editing a literary memoir in which she reckons with the healing power of God as she goes blind in one eye. Liz, her husband, and two wild children live in Denver. Follower her on Instagram and Facebook @LizCharlotteGrant and her website.

Dorothy Littell Greco writes about marriage and family, leadership, race, aging, and theology. She is the author of two books: Making Marriage Beautiful (David C Cook, Jan 2017) and Marriage in the Middle (IVP, winter 2020). She also works as a professional photographer. When she's not at her computer or behind her camera, Dorothy loves to kayak with her husband, bake paleo desserts, and go for long walks on the beach. You can find more of her work on her website or by following her on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. She is also a member of The Pelican Project. Twitter @dorothygreco FB: Words&Images by Dorothy Greco Website: dorothygreco.com

Diana Gruver writes about discipleship and spiritual formation in the every day. Her passion is encouraging and nurturing disciples of Jesus, giving them a vision for how He speaks to every aspect of the story of their lives. She holds a M.A. in Spiritual Formation from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Her first book, Companions in the Darkness (IVP, winter 2020), is about individuals in church history who struggled with depression. Diana lives in south-central Pennsylvania, where she can often be found singing in the kitchen with her husband and ever-curious daughter. Diana blogs at www.dianagruver.com and can be found online on Facebook or Twitter.

Sharon is a speaker, author, and traveler. She serves as the Director of Missions at Centreville Presbyterian Church, connecting the local church with mission partners worldwide. Her forthcoming book, Mapping Church Missions (InterVarsity Press, September 2018) equips the church to do missions better. Sharon writes regularly for print and digital publications on missions and discipleship. She lives in Virginia with her husband and occasionally-visiting young adult children. Connect with Sharon on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook or her website.

Taryn grew up in a town with 75 people, three million chickens, several dogs, and two imaginary friends. She went on to live in two other countries and visit a host of others on six continents. Taryn started writing in mid-life and has authored four books: One Degree of Freedom and Two Lights of Hope are young adult historical fiction set in Cold War Romania; Sentenced to Life is the story of a prisoner who finds redemption; and We Wait You: Waiting on God in Eastern Europe is a memoir about her years as a single missionary in Eastern Europe. Taryn and her husband live in a sleepy town in North Carolina. She recently obtained a master's degree in writing and is an adjunct writing instructor at a small university. She has come full circle, minus the imaginary friends.

Joylanda is a poet, photographer, and plant enthusiast living in Virginia. She's had poems and essays appear in magazines such as Fathom, Rogue Agent, Think Christian, and Resolute. Visit http://itsjoylanda.com or chat with her on Insta/FB @itsjoylanda.

Jennifer Kinard lives in the rolling hills of Maryland, writing essays and poetry for women in need of a quiet place for soul reflection and refreshment. Her writing is marked by authenticity, warmth, and humor, and she loves to create those magical moments when a reader feels known and understood. A lover of the written word since childhood, she was delighted to discover that working in publishing meant she could actually get paid to read. You can still find her with her nose buried in a book when she isn’t homeschooling her four children and teaching literature to high schoolers. She and her husband, Ken, have been married for 25 years, run a creative agency together, and host a summer arts camp for teens. You can find her online at jenniferkinard.com and on Instagram: @jenkinard_wordlover.

LARA KRUPICKA is an internationally published parenting journalist and author. She is best known for her Bucket List Life Manifesto and her books, Family Bucket Lists and Bucket List Living For Moms. Lara’s work has been published in dozens of magazines and newspapers including The LA Times, San Diego Family, Family Australia Magazine, Calgary’s Child, and the Chicago Sun Times. She is the events editor for Suburban Family magazine and also serves on the executive board of the Redbud Writers Guild. Lara and her husband Mike are raising their three daughters in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Laura is a writer, photographer, teacher, and sometime preacher. She has lots of questions, a few answers, and the need to share them with an unsuspecting world. Her writing explores what faith in Jesus looks like when it collides with “real life” — from the theology of lasagna to the spiritual discipline of knitting. Speaking of knitting, Laura puts her knitting (and praying) skills to work, leading a community Prayer Shawl Ministry that has given hundreds of consecrated shawls to people in need of a reminder that they are loved. In addition to her blog In Ordinary Time (www.inordinarytime.com) Laura has written for the Mudroom and Altarwork,. She is married and lives in Connecticut with her husband Bill and two delightfully crazy cats.

Linda MacKillop earned her M.F.A. degree in creative writing from the Rainier Writing Workshop and writes fiction and creative nonfiction. Linda is the author of the Christy Award-winning novel, The Forgotten Life of Eva Gordon (Kregel) and the middle-grade novel, Hotel, Oscar, Mike, Echo (B&H), a finalist for the Christianity Today Book Awards. Linda and her husband live in an empty nest outside of Chicago. You can find her at lindamackillop.com.

Catherine McNiel is an author, writer, editor, and speaker searching for the creative, redemptive work of God in our ordinary lives. She writes to kindle conversations that mingle theology with real life, and open eyes to God’s ongoing presence in our world. Catherine lives in the Chicagoland area with her husband, where they care for three kids, two jobs, and one enormous garden. Catherine has studied and taught Intercultural Studies and Theology, has an MA in Human Service Counseling, and is working on a Master of Divinity at North Park Theological Seminary. Her books include Fearing Bravely: Risking Love for our Neighbors, Strangers, and Enemies; All Shall Be Well: Awakening to God’s Presence in His Messy, Abundant World; and Long Days of Small Things: Motherhood as a Spiritual Discipline which was an ECPA finalist for New Author. Catherine is a sought after writer and speaker; her work has been featured by numerous magazines, websites, churches, and ministries. She’s on the lookout for wisdom, beauty, and iced coffee.

Carolyn Miller is a yellow glasses, yellow shoes wearing scribbler. She’s been reading since she was four and writing since she was 6. Her passion is hidden in her curiosity and her unconventional dialogue; be that in person, or on paper. She’s been a freelance writer, and an editor for others' work, since her freshman year of college and been in ministry since she was 13 (be that nursery, youth leader, church librarian, or missions teacher and board member). Carolyn's heart is that people would look below the surface of their sight and feelings to find and invite God where we least expect or desire Him. She believes writing holds a special ability to dialogue with people even beyond the reach of human connection. And that the Master Storyteller has given us this gift of Word to bring the Kingdom to life within us so that we can walk it out, encouraged in heart and united in love. You can peruse her writing at swallowtalk.wordpress.com

Vina Mogg is a Northwest native, raised in Tacoma, Washington, who graduated from Ohio State University in English Education. After living in Windermere, Florida, for 30 years, she has returned to the Northwest to gaze at Mt. Rainier from her home in Gig Harbor, Washington. For the past seven years she has been writing regarding issues about Alzheimer’s and family on her website, seaglasslife.com.. Recently she published “Messy Edges” in an anthology of essays compiled by Leslie Leyland Fields, 40 Women over 40 on Faith, Aging, Beauty and Strength, “Throw a Hail Mary” in Ruminate Magazine, and poetry on thewritelaunch.com. She has been a guest writer on Huffingtonpost.com, grandparentslink.com, Redbudwriters.com and mudroomblog.com, alzauthors.com, and washingtonpoeticroutes.com. Vina is the mother of four, married for 37 years, with two grandpuppies and a cat.

Michele Morin is a Bible teacher, writer, reader, and gardener committed to the truth that women can become confident Christ-followers and students of God's Word. She has been married to an unreasonably patient husband for thirty-plus years, and together they have four married sons and six adorable grandchildren. Active in educational ministries with her local church, Michele delights in sitting at a table surrounded by women with open Bibles.

Carrie Morris is a writer, speaker, and psychotherapist living in California's Wine Country with two plump dogs and one skinny cat. Most days are spent trying to figure out how to do the working professional, recently widowed, newly single mother life. But amidst these challenges, she sits back and watches God transform her experiences into something beautiful. She writes and speaks about living authentically and healing in the midst of crisis, transition, and grief. She's working on a memoir of God's persistent presence and what she learned about love, loss, and life when her husband went missing in the wilderness.

Mabel is an author, speaker, Bible teacher, and host of the YouTube podcast, Immigrant Faith Stories. An immigrant from India who has lived in seven cities across the U.S. in fourteen years, she navigates between cultures, feeling at home everywhere and nowhere. In her first book, “Far from Home: Discovering Your Identity as Foreigners on Earth,” which released in July 2022, Mabel draws from her personal experience as an immigrant and examines the lives of biblical heroes to shed light on how we can find purpose and joy as sojourners on earth. She has been a contributor to Guideposts’ All God’s Creatures: Daily Devotions for Animal Lovers since 2022. An award-winning writer, Mabel’s articles have appeared in Upper Room, CBN.com, LeadingHearts.com, and (in)courage.me. Mabel is currently pursuing M.A. in Theological Studies from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. She loves gazing at the full moon and napping on a sandy beach, whenever she can. Mabel enjoys reading creative nonfiction, traveling, and dancing. She lives in Silicon Valley with her husband, eleven-year-old son, and a Maltese.

Nilwona Nowlin is a redemptive artist, which means that she strives to create art that moves others toward redemption, restoration, and reconciliation with the goal of helping individuals and communities around the world experience God's shalom. One of the high points of Nilwona’s speaking career is her TEDx North Park University talk, “Hello. I Am a Polymath.” She has also been a speaker and/or presented workshops for Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE), Duke Youth Academy (DYA), the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA), and Deeply Rooted Chicago. She has written for Urban Ministries, Inc. (UMI), Christianity Today, the CCDA, and Covenant Companion. She is also a contributor to Redbud’s Everbloom: Stories of Deeply Rooted and Transformed Lives. In true polymath fashion, Nilwona is a licensed minister, the chair of her church board, a contract chaplain, a member of the CCDA board, and an associate editor for InterVarsity Press (IVP). She holds a master of divinity and a master of arts in Christian formation from North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago. She also has a master’s degree in nonprofit administration from North Park University. Connect with Nilwona on Twitter (@nilwona) or Facebook (TheDreamerSpeaks).

Natalie Nyquist is an editor at HarperCollins Christian Publishing. She learned how to write stronger memoir through proofreading and editing hundreds of book projects, and pulls from that experience to tell stories of memory loss and martial arts. A second-degree black belt in taekwondo, Natalie spins her sword and writes from her native Houston. She is married to an accountant who’s more well-read than she is, and raising a son who loves reading even more than she does.

Margaret Ann Philbrick serves the Guild as the curator of the Redbud blog on Patheos at https://www.patheos.com/blogs/redbudwritersguild/ She also co-edited and contributed to the Redbud poetry and essay collection, Everbloom, Stories of Deeply Rooted and Transformed Lives (Paraclete Press, 2017). Her first novel, A Minor - A Novel of Love, Music and Memory (Koehler Books, 2014) garnered critical praise, “An emotional story…clear prose…delicately constructed….nuanced characters….breaks the mold.” Kirkus Reviews. Back to the Manger (Singing River Publications, 2009) created with her mother, an oil painter, is now a family Christmas classic with ten years of consistent sales. She and her transgender sibling Carly are featured in the video curriculum for the book, Messy Grace by Caleb Kaltenbach which teaches people how to love authentically amidst lives in transition. Her poems and articles have been featured in numerous anthologies and publications including C.T., Relevant, Ready magazines, The Redbud Post and Patheos on-line. Margaret and her husband live on Lake Mendota in Madison, WI and serve U.W. students from their lighthouse on Langdon, https://www.instagram.com/lighthouseonlangdon/ . She is the mother of three highly dramatic, artistic children and an obsessive compulsive dog, Snuggles.

Arlisia Potter is a writer at heart; starting at a young age, her imagination has taken her through the journeys of poetry, short stories, and to her own blog, Lisi’s Place. She uses her writing to share God’s love, to encourage and inspire others, and to share her Christian journey. A native Floridian, she can be found on the beaches, or on a vacation whenever possible. Her work has been published on Black America Web, in The Redbud Post, and in various contributions at her church. Arlisia is a graduate of The University of Central Florida, in addition to the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program. These days, you can find Arlisia working on her next project. Follow her at www.arlisiapotter.com or on Twitter at @LisiP31 to experience her continued journey into writing and beyond.

Alyson Pryor is a writer, speaker, Marriage and Family therapist, and mother of 5. She holds degrees in Psychology from both The University of Southern California and Fuller Theological Seminary. She most often covers topics at the intersection of faith and psychology including health, relationships, soul care, mentoring, parenting and crises of faith. Although she has a soft spot for MOPS, you can also find her speaking at conferences, retreats, church services and parenting seminars. She is currently writing a book about implementing the traditional Spiritual Disciplines in the modern family setting. Connect on Instagram @mypryorlife

Ronne Rock weaves themes of transformative hope into everything she shares on page and stage. She travels globally to cultivate stories of transformation with Orphan Outreach. Ronne is an author and speaker—offering road-tested wisdom about grace-filled leadership and discovering your God-crafted design and purpose. And as a teacher and mentor, Ronne offers writers and other creatives insight on how to safeguard your soul in a world that delights in demanding it from you. Her poignant stories are included in a number of anthologies, and she is the author of four books, including One Woman Can Change the World: Reclaiming Your God-Designed Influence and Impact Right Where You Are. Ronne lives in the Texas Hill Country with her family and rescue pup, Pearl.

Julia Roller is an author, editor, and speaker. Her books include Mom Seeks God, A Year with God (with Richard J. Foster), 25 Books Every Christian Should Read, A Year with Aslan, Connecting with God, Learning from Jesus, and Prayer and Worship. Julia has a master’s of journalism from the University of California Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism and a master’s of theological studies from the Pacific School of Religion. She speaks often to moms’ groups about meeting God in the everyday. She lives in San Diego, CA with her husband, three children and miniature dachshund named Jane Austen. Connect with Julia on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JuliaLRoller, Twitter @julialroller, and on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/juliaroller/.

Maggie Wallem Rowe, M.A.B.S., is a national speaker, dramatist, and writer from western North Carolina. Married for 46 + years to her pastor-husband Mike, mother of three, and grandmother to six, Maggie's work includes decades in public relations, adult education, and ministry to women.She has served as an adjunct communications professor at Daniel Webster University (NH) and Wheaton College (IL). Maggie also was employed full-time as Senior Publicist at Tyndale House Publishers for 12 years. Maggie's first book, "This Life We Share", released from NavPress when she was 67 and was a finalist for the 2021 ECPA Christian Book Award in the New Author category. Maggie was also a TEDx presenter in 2021. Her second book, "Life is Sweet, Y’all!" was published by Tyndale House in 2022. She writes from Peace Ridge, her home in the mountains of western North Carolina.

Aubrey Sampson, M.A. Evangelism and Leadership, is the author of Known: How Believing Who God Says You Are Changes Everything (NavPress, 2021), The Louder Song: Listening for Hope in the Midst of Lament (NavPress 2019) and Overcomer: Breaking Down the Walls of Shame and Rebuilding Your Soul (Zondervan, 2015). She has several more books on the way. Aubrey and her husband and three sons are church planters in the Chicago area, where Aubrey serves on the preaching team. As a writer and speaker, Aubrey is passionate about the church having a less anemic theology of suffering and offers incredible perspective in the midst of trying experiences. She is also a regular contributor to Propel Women and Christianity Today. Connect with Aubrey @aubsamp.

Margot Starbuck, speaker and award-winning author, is passionate about communicating to individuals that they have been made for life that really is life. A graduate of Westmont College and Princeton Seminary, Margot is the author of The Girl in the Orange Dress, Unsqueezed and Small Things With Great Love. In Durham, North Carolina, Margot lives with her husband and three children, by birth and adoption. She serves as a volunteer among friends with and without disabilities through Reality Ministries. Convinced that God is with us and for us, in the person of Jesus, Margot inspires audiences to live love in the world. Learn more about Margot’s literary consulting at wordmelon.com, or connect at MargotStarbuck.com or on facebook.

Michelle Stiffler is a Certified Trauma Specialist with years of experience in nonprofit work. She is also a trainer, leader, and podcast co-host within the Arizona Trauma Informed Faith Community. A former teen mom and single mom, Michelle is passionate about helping women work through crisis as well as work through residual trauma in the body after adversity. As a fitness enthusiast and Certified Barre Instructor, she often relies on fitness imagery to nurture a broader understanding and application of spiritual disciplines, physical release, and trauma informed practices. Simple hobbies keep her balanced – early morning prayer, catching the sunrise, baking bread, bike rides to coffee shops with her husband, and time spent with her four kids (2 teens, 2 adults), 2 sons in law, and grandson. She writes about crisis, responsive faith, and restorative practices at www.onemoretruth.com. Michelle’s work has been featured with Fathom, (in)courage, Guideposts, Ruminate, Just Between Us, The Joyful Life, Truly Co, Joy of It, Mudroom, and others, and she is a contributing writer for the Women’s Devotional Bible in The Message (2024). Find her on Instagram @onemoretruth.

Stephanie is a graduate of North Park Theological Seminary and an ordained pastor of the Evangelical Covenant Church. Her writing explores the sacred connections to God and each other. Her pieces have appeared on Mudroom blog, The Mighty, Her View From Home, Crosswalk, The Art of Taleh and Perennial Gen. In addition, her passion for those affected by mental illness finds itself woven into some of her writing. Originally hailing from Michigan, Stephanie lives in Mokena, Illinois with her husband and is mom to three young adults. A speaker at various venues, she can be followed on her blog, Twitter @s2thomp and facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieThompsonspeakerAndBlogger/ .

Brooke Turbyfill is a freelance writer and editor who lives in a quiet area of North Georgia with her husband and two kids. She has written for Faith Social, The Salvation Army, In Touch Ministries, and Faithbridge Foster Care. Brooke also edits books by authors of many genres: YA, fantasy, thrillers, and more. Her most recent writing project is an almost-finished draft of a middle grade magical realism novel. She hasn't let her middle-grade children read it just yet, and it's killing them with anticipation. Find her at www.brooketurbyfill.com and at https://www.instagram.com/brooke_turbyfill/

Prasanta Verma, MBA MPH, was born under an Asian sun, raised in the Appalachian foothills in the southern U.S., and currently resides in the upper Midwest. She is a writer, editor, and public health professional, and writes about culture, belonging, identity, and social connection. Her first book, Beyond Ethnic Loneliness, releases in April 2024. Connect with her on her Substack newsletter, LinkedIn, her website prasantaverma.com, or Instagram @prasantaverma.

Margaret Lea Warner goes by Margalea (pronounced Marg-uh-lee) among friends and in her writing. She has been a writer since she learned her ABCs. She sat at the family dining room table writing “Once upon a time” pressing so hard that she carved the words into it. Refinishing the table was her first experience with revision. She received a BA in French and Journalism from Bethany College in Bethany, West Virginia, in 1981. She worked as a secretary for over 35 years. She still wrote and was published, but not widely. Now in retirement, this stage of her life is re-inspired. Over the past three years she has had poems, devotionals and stories published. She is a triumphant tortoise who will not give up.

Melanie Weldon-Soiset is a poet, MDiv graduate, contemplative prayer leader, #ChurchToo spiritual abuse survivor, and former pastor at a church for foreigners in Shanghai. At the end of the day, however, her epitaph will say "child of God." Until then, find her in real life biking on local DC greenways, or getting comfy with house slippers. Follow her blog, and/or sign up for her newsletter on poetry and prayer resources, at melanieweldonsoiset.com

Sarah M. White is a bilingual fiction author and educator based in Madison, WI. Her work has appeared in Highlights High Five magazine. Her books for Spanish education classrooms include Entre las nubes altas and the forthcoming La vaca Lola y otros cuentos and El pato tiene más. She studied writing at Wheaton College and is a member of SCBWI. She and her husband have two young daughters and a black lab.

Darcy Wiley is a writer and spiritual director who cultivates empathy, imagination, and a profound experience of God in the world. As co-writer of The Yes Effect: Accepting God’s Invitation to Transform the World Around You, Darcy worked with the founder of the 10/40 Window Movement to share stories of renewal and reconciliation in communities all over the globe. Her second co-writing project, Hearing in Technicolor: Mindset Shifts within a Multicultural Congregation, tells the transformation story of a multicultural church in the Atlanta area. Darcy is a thoughtful listener who companions readers and directees toward emotional, spiritual, and cultural flourishing. She enjoys hiking at state parks, tending her edible garden, dabbling in abstract art, and making music with her drummer husband and friends. She lives and serves in the Indianapolis area where she and her husband are raising three high-energy kids to be curious and compassionate citizens of the world. Connect with Darcy on Instagram @DarcyWiley and at darcywiley.com.

Dorena Williamson is a Preacher's Kid, First Lady, and longtime bridge-builder. In 1995 she and her husband planted multiracial Strong Tower Bible Church in Nashville. Whether it's in the Bible, in books, or on the big screen, Dorena loves the power of a good story, and she writes children's books that adults need too. She also enjoys empowering women as a stylist with national brand Evereve. With two kids married and two graduated, her family life has moved into exciting new seasons. After 30 years of marriage, she and Chris still love thinking about their next vacation destination.

Sheila Wise Rowe holds a Masters degree in Counseling and has over twenty-five years of experience as a gifted writer, teacher, speaker, artist, spiritual director, life coach, and counselor. Sheila is passionate about helping people heal and overcome past or current pain, obstacles, and encouraging emerging and established leaders to go to the next level. Sheila has served in the USA, France and for over ten years as a missionary and lay pastor in Johannesburg, South Africa. She currently lives in Massachusetts with her husband Dr. Nicholas Rowe and is the mother of two college-age children. Sheila has written for The Redbud Post, Mudroom, READY! magazine and The Art of Taleh. She is the author of; Healing Racial Trauma: The Road to Resilience (IV Press) to be released January 7, 2020. The book exposes the symptoms of racial trauma to lead readers to a place of freedom from the past and new life for the future. In each chapter, Sheila includes an interview with a person of color to explore how we experience and resolve racial trauma. With Sheila as a reliable guide who has both been on the journey and shown others the way forward, you will find a safe pathway to resilience. Sheila is the co-author of, The Well of Life, an emotional healing book that has impacted the lives of individuals, couples, and groups worldwide. Sheila has also co-launched The Cyrene Movement an online space for people of color to heal from racial trauma, realize their potential and reconcile communities. For more information: Visit: www.SheilaWiseRowe.com, www.TheCyreneMovement.com www.facebook.com/swiserowe www.Facebook.com/TheWellofLifeBook/ Email: info@sheilawiserowe.com

April Yamasaki is an ordained minister with 25 years of experience in pastoral ministry. She is currently Resident Author with a liturgical worship community, editor of a quarterly devotional magazine for the Mennonite Church, and speaks widely in churches and other settings. She is the author of Four Gifts; Seeking Self-Care for Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength; Sacred Pauses: Spiritual Practices for Personal Renewal; and other books on Christian living. Her main website is Writing and Other Acts of Faith, where she writes on Scripture, prayer, and acts of faith in everyday life. Her second website is When You Work for the Church: the good, the bad, and the ugly, and how we can all do better, with a focus on ministry in churches and other Christian organizations. You can also find her on Twitter @SacredPauses, and on Facebook.