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[post_content] => Becca is the award-winning author of the Road Trip Rescue series and other stories that show kids they are wonderfully created for the unique adventures in their lives. Born with only half of her right arm, she aims to help others find beauty in what makes them extraordinary. Dozens of her short stories for children and devotions have been featured in magazines, anthologies, and other publications. She has previously worked as a kindergarten teacher, newspaper reporter, and writing tutor. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Mom by day and novelist by relatively early in the morning, she wishes she could eat peach pie as often as most writers drink coffee. Despite her dreams of sandy beaches and mountain peaks, she loves living in Pennsylvania with her family.
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[post_content] => Haleigh is a graduate of Penn State University’s Schreyer Honors College, where she earned a B.A. in English and minored in Civic & Community Engagement. She is also a graduate of Sight and Sound Conservatory. A former publications specialist, Haleigh’s writing (150+ published articles) has been featured by educational sites, creative journals, periodicals, and beyond. Haleigh currently serves as the Conservatory Coordinator at Sight & Sound, where she also teaches (Story Analysis, Alexander Technique), substitute-teaches (Music Theory, Sight Singing), and directs upon occasion. When she’s not working, she keeps her theatre skills fresh as a performer and violinist in the greater Lancaster area.
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[post_content] => Laurie Christine is an author, podcast host, Bible teacher, wife, and mom of four wild, loud, adventurous boys.
Her podcast, Redeeming the Chaos, invites moms of boys to join her on the wild, wonderful, chaotic adventure of raising courageous boys and connecting them with Christ.
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Her most recent middle-grade novel, Garden of Mysteries, A Dragon Slayer Bible Story, released in November 2024.
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9:15 AM-10:00 AM-
Join award-winning author CJ Milacci as she shares her journey from aspiring writer to published author. In this encouraging and practical session, CJ breaks down the essential building blocks every writer needs, including: discovering your "why" mastering the craft, embracing different seasons of growth, and building meaningful connections in the writing community. Whether your student dreams of writing novels or simply wants to improve their storytelling skills, they'll learn valuable insights about the writing and publishing process. CJ shares hard-won wisdom about balancing creative passion with practical steps, the importance of perseverance, and how to maintain vision through challenges.
10:15 AM-11:00 AM-
Take pieces of your real life—or things from your imagination—and create a story! Award-winning middle grade author Becca Wierwille shares her story creation process with young readers and encourages them to create stories from their own lives and imaginations. This presentation includes details about Becca’s story creation process, tips for students who want to create their own stories, a group writing exercise, an opportunity for young readers to workshop with each other and practice creating their own stories, and Q&A time at the end.
1:15 PM-2:00 PM-
Are you a writer, performer or storyteller who struggles to finish what you start? Join us for a two-session crash course in Story Analysis – the structural side of storytelling. Together, we will pull back the curtain on the mechanics of three-act structure, connect the art of storytelling to Biblical principles, and give you the tools to maximize your own creative process. This interactive seminar is presented by Sight & Sound Conservatory.
2:15 PM-3:00 PM-
Join Haleigh in this second part of the crash course in Story Analysis – the structural side of storytelling. Oh – and in less than 90 minutes, we will put a full story together. The clock is ticking! This interactive seminar is presented by Sight & Sound Conservatory.
3:15 PM-4:00 PM-
Learn how to successfully launch your first book using Kickstarter's crowdfunding platform. This practical session covers essential strategies for engaging readers, funding publishing costs, and building a supportive community before your book hits the shelves. Perfect for aspiring teen and adult authors, you'll discover:
- How to determine if Kickstarter is right for your project
- Critical preparation steps for a successful campaign
- Ways to build your audience before launch
- Tips for creating compelling rewards
- Common pitfalls to avoid
Led by award-winning author, C.J. Milacci who has run several successful Kickstarters for her books and mentored other writers through successful Kickstarter campaigns
4:15 PM-5:00 PM-
How do you get your book from a Word document on your computer into the hands of readers? In this workshop we will walk through the self-publishing process, from editing and formatting, to websites, finances, and getting your book on Amazon. You'll learn how to make your book look professional, and what steps to take if you're ready to hit "publish." Perfect for aspiring young authors who want to turn their passion for writing into a published book.
