2025 Conference Sessions

Stretch, Don’t Snap: Managing Stress and Capacity During Hard Business Times

Michelle McCullough

Business challenges can push you to your limits, but great leaders know how to stretch without snapping. In this session, Michelle McCullough, creator of the Stretch Capacity Leadership Model, will share strategies to manage stress, expand resilience, and lead effectively under pressure. You’ll learn how to increase capacity, avoid burnout, and keep your team engaged—even during tough times.

Bio: Michelle McCullough is a CEO, author, and business strategist who helps leaders and teams expand their Stretch Capacity™ without burning out. As a successful speaker and trainer, she empowers professionals to thrive under pressure by using her research-backed strategies. With real-world insights, Michelle helps high achievers lead with confidence, manage stress, and achieve success in business and life.

Work/Family Balance: Make Running Your Business Work for Your Family

Heather Randall

Work and family don’t have to be at odds, and they can even benefit each other. In this session, you’ll learn how thriving in your business can strengthen your family; daily, weekly, and monthly habits that can help you maintain healthy boundaries regarding work and family; time management strategies to maximize work time and family time; how to set realistic goals; and when and how to be flexible.

Bio: Heather Randall is a solo business owner, editor, and published writer with eight years of experience in the publishing industry. In her business, she contracts with myriad companies and individuals, and she’s rarely ever bored at work. The same is true of her home life: she’s mom to a four-year-old with a big imagination and a lot to say.

Establishing an Entrepreneurial Foundation: Investing in Yourself

Steven & Ginger Hitz

Investing in yourself is foundational to your entrepreneurial journey. This session will cover keys to thriving, such as establishing your purpose, practicing mindfulness, journaling, and becoming a life-long learner. In this session, you’ll also learn how to find mentors and how to avoid being poisoned by success.

Bio: Steve and Ginger Hintz are serial entrepreneurs. Their focus is on blessing lives through their endeavors, and their motto is “Do some good every day—love, JUST love.” Their business ventures have included insurance services, banking, ranching, and cattle operations. They cofounded Launching Leaders Worldwide, and this leadership/entrepreneurial course is facilitated in over 100 countries and in seven languages.

Time Management for Creatives: A 10-Step Plan for Success

Ramona Siddoway

This session will teach you the benefits of setting quarterly goals to achieve the quickest results without frustration. The session will help you explore the why of your creative goals, break down each goal according to your estimated available time, create projects, and divide those projects into easy-to-tackle tasks—all to ensure every step brings you closer to your ideal life.

Bio: As a freelance journalist, Ramona Siddoway learned to organize her writing and manage her time effectively. She has traveled extensively worldwide to cover topics such as endangered African animals and stolen Belgian art. Currently, she writes cozy mysteries and nonfiction. In her upcoming book, Emerging from the Wilderness: Rediscovering the Divine Feminine, she investigates Old Testament and Book of Mormon temple theology to uncover evidence of the divine feminine.

Don’t Sell Yourself Short: Finding Greater Success in Expanding Your Offerings

Allen Parkinson

A strong business focuses on what it does best. An exceptional business recognizes that doing more for its customers will build stronger roots, better trust, and more profitability. This session will explore how to increase your value by opening up to new opportunities that may be outside your current comfort zone but can become part of your core offerings. This session will prepare you to say yes the next time a client asks you to provide a service you haven’t provided before.

Bio: Allen Parkinson is the principal creative and founder of Think Tank Creative Consortium, a Salt Lake–based design and marketing firm. Allen has 35+ years of experience in the design industry and leads his business with the philosophy that great brands are built from understanding clients and their needs. That understanding is born out of innovative thinking, high-trust relationships, and strong ethical practices. These fundamental principles drive Think Tank Creative.

Smart Bookkeeping for Freelancers: How to Track, Analyze, and Close Out Your Finances with Confidence

Katie Chambers

If you’re struggling to keep your finances organized, this session is for you. You’ll learn a straightforward system for tracking income and expenses, categorizing transactions, and closing out your books each month and year. You’ll also discover how to analyze your earnings, set aside money for taxes, and avoid common bookkeeping mistakes so you can stay profitable and stress free at tax time.

Bio: Katie Chambers, owner of Beacon Point LLC, has been dubbed the Admin Queen for helping freelance editors streamline their businesses with clear systems and processes. A nonfiction and fiction developmental editor and copy editor, she recently expanded her solo editing business into an agency with a team of editors. As a former middle and high school teacher, she is passionate about making complex topics simple, actionable, and stress free.

Overcoming the Fear of Taxes: Essential Information About Self-Employment Taxes, Quarterly Payments, and Business Deductions

Suzy Bills

Many self-employed creatives flinch, groan, or even feel fear when they think about taxes. A lot of the dread comes from not understanding all the rules and requirements and being afraid of making mistakes. This session will provide the information you need in order to understand the basics of federal taxes, including self-employment taxes, in the United States. You’ll also be prepared to determine whether you need to pay quarterly taxes, how much you’ll need to pay, and how to reduce your tax liability.

Bio: Suzy Bills has run an editing and writing business since 2006, working with clients to publish everything from books to dissertations to technical manuals. Along the way, she completed an MBA and has learned the best practices for running a successful solo business. She loves sharing her knowledge with others, whether through speaking at conferences, teaching college courses, or coaching people one on one. Her book, The Freelance Editor’s Handbook, was published in 2021.

Rules as Tools Instead of Laws: Embracing Flexibility as an Editor

Liz Kazandzhy

Editors are trained to be meticulous, but strict rule-following can sometimes do more harm than good. This session will help you avoid common editorial pitfalls—like prioritizing rules over voice, ignoring project context, and fixing what isn’t broken—that waste time and weaken the final product. Learn why flexibility matters and how to balance precision with practicality for more thoughtful and effective editing.

Bio: Liz Kazandzhy has worked as a freelance editor since 2019, specializing in academic, technical, and self-help content. She is listed as "Top Rated" on the website Upwork, performing among the top 3% of freelancers on the platform and working with clients all around the world. She has also worked with Cedar Fort Publishing & Media since 2022 doing line editing and interior layouts for Latter-day Saint nonfiction.

Revise and Shine: Essential Edits Before You Submit Your Book to a Publisher

Emily Clark

Want to impress a publisher? It all starts with a polished manuscript. In this session, you'll learn the must-do edits before submitting your book, including big-picture revisions, working with beta readers and proofreaders, avoiding common mistakes that lead to rejection, formatting for professionalism, and using tools like Grammarly and ProWritingAid. Give your book its best shot at success—before you hit "send"!

Bio: Emily Clark is the Acquisitions and Marketing Manager at Cedar Fort Publishing, a USA Today bestselling author, and an expert in storytelling and publishing. She has written more than 20 books in nonfiction and multiple fiction genres, including clean romance under the pen name Ellie Thornton. With her industry knowledge and experience, she helps authors refine their work and successfully navigate the publishing world.

Developing and Refining Key Substantive Editing Skills: Cohesion, Coherence, and Organization

Suzy Bills

Almost all writing benefits from a substantive edit (sometimes called a line edit). Some substantive editing principles are easy to grasp, whereas others take more time and practice to master. This session will focus on three of the more advanced principles: cohesion, coherence, and organization. You’ll learn how to identify issues in these areas and how to apply various strategies to fix the issues.

Bio: Suzy Bills is an editor, author, and faculty member in the editing and publishing program at BYU. She’s owned a writing and editing business since 2006, working with clients to publish everything from books to dissertations to technical manuals. She loves sharing her skills with others, whether through teaching, helping authors get their thoughts on paper, or fine-tuning their writing. Her book, The Freelance Editor’s Handbook, was published in 2021.

Doodle Your Way to Creative Clarity: Capture ideas simply and powerfully through Doodle Notes.

Shannon Christensen

Unlock a new way to capture and develop ideas! “Doodling is a natural, effective way to access creative thinking, improve focus, and unlock new perspectives... making room for fresh ideas to emerge” (Sunni Brown). Learn how Doodle Notes can transform your creative process and doodle on anything. Use hands-on techniques from Jumpstart Your Creative Engine With The 8 Creative Power Habits and leave with a practical, creative strategy for growth.

Bio: Shannon Christensen is an award-winning artist, author, and idea woman. A BYU graduate in Illustration, she’s licensed fabric collections, illustrated for church publications, and written Jumpstart Your Creative Engine: With the 8 Creative Power Habits. After living abroad for five years, she now calls the Midwest home and is working to establish her town as a creative hub. A mother of nine and married for 42 years, Shannon’s seen creativity transform lives.

Who's in Creative Control Here? Navigating the Editor-Writer Relationship

Holly Kolb

Editors are the bridge between writer and reader. It is difficult to determine the line between responsible editing and commandeering creative control. In this course, we'll cover communication techniques to articulate your vision for improving a project while respecting the integrity of the manuscript and creative control of the writer. We will talk about how to work together with the author to arrive at the best possible version for the reader in the final publication.

Bio: Holly Kolb is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Merry Robin Publishing. She has an MA in English from BYU and an MSc from the University of Edinburgh in Book History and Material Culture. She transitioned in 2022 from corporate freelance editing to book coaching and now helps writers at every stage of their writing journey finish and polish their manuscripts to make them publication-ready. Holly lives in Germany with her husband and two children. She enjoys audiobooks and long-distance walking.

Judge Every Book by Its Cover, Using Design-thinking in Publication Design

Cole Melanson

The renowned American designer Charles Eames once said, "The role of the designer is that of a very good, thoughtful host anticipating the needs of his guests." This session will focus on the value of visual storytelling and how you can use design thinking to improve and delight the reader experience of your next book (or any other project in your pipeline!) We will look at details from an array of well-designed books, analyze how they affect the user experience, and kick off the design process for your next book (again, or any other project coming your way!).

Bio: Cole Melanson is the owner of TopoGraphic Studio, a design firm in Provo, Utah. He loves all things design and specializes in publication, event, packaging and branding design. What truly brings joy to Cole's design heart is getting to solve problems and communicate experiences through design thinking. In addition to graphic design, Cole is a tie-dyer, amateur film photographer, and a kinetic mobile sculptor. When not exploring his creativity, you can find Cole in the great outdoors with his family: camping, hiking, canyoneering and in general getting the most out of their National Parks pass.

Real-time Reactions Query Panel

Busting Book Marketing Myths

Kaela Rivera

There are a tumult of opinions around marketing for books and authors, but the most popular ones are often myths that deter, misdirect, or burn out writers. In this class, we'll break down marketing myths vs. genuine principles, how social media isn't a marketing plan (but can be part of one!), and how to approach and define a marketing strategy both for individual books (fiction or nonfiction) and your author career as a whole.

Bio: Kaela Rivera is the multi-award-winning author of the Cece Rios trilogy, LEGO DREAMZzz: Dream Chasers and the Riddle-Spokens, and LEGO DREAMZzz Step Into Reading. She grew up reading the folktales of her Mexican-American and British parents in the forests of Tennessee, but now she writes about them from the soaring mountains of Utah. When not weaving together children’s stories, she works as a content strategist in the humanitarian sector. She believes in the power of hope and aims to write adventures that heal. Sign up for her newsletter at kaelarivera.com.

Get the Most Out of Your Beta Readers: Effective Approaches That Won’t Waste Your Time (or Theirs)

Melissa Muhlenkamp and Mikki Tolley

Feedback is essential to the writing process. It can also be a painful waste of time when it’s not given productively. Learn actionable methods to ensure you get the most out of your beta readers. We’ll discuss who qualifies as a beta reader, help you assemble a must-have “feedback questionnaire,” and show you the best ways to interpret and apply suggestions to make your story as strong as possible!

Bio: Melissa Muhlenkamp is a first-generation immigrant, born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. She is a writer, a bibliophile, and a believer in the intrinsic power of words. Her short stories have been selected as winners and finalists in several writing competitions and online magazines, and she has been a contributor to podcasts, anthology collections, and best-voted writing blogs. When she isn’t volunteering at her local writers' conference, training her German Shepherd, or civilizing her four unruly children, she can be found attached to a keyboard, writing or editing her next project with a cup of herbal tea and a bag of chocolates in hand. Mikki Tolley lives in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, where she writes Young Adult science fiction and fantasy. Her stories feature passionate-but-flawed heroines who take on incredible forces and find romance along the way. She’s participated in several writing groups across the United States (and once with an international crowd) and currently belongs to a local group of twelve members who meet monthly to present on the craft and critique each other’s works. She’s a mother of four and loves to travel to new countries with her husband.

Heroes and Villains

J. Scott Savage

Heroes and Villains will break down both your antagonist and protagonist with a series of easy-to-understand categories ranging from likeability to strengths and weaknesses to baggage and stakes. After examining both hero and villain types, the class will study how you can combine different heroes and villains to create the kind of conflict your story requires.

Bio: J. Scott Savage is the author of 23 published novels, including The Lost Wonderland Diaries, Mysteries of Cove, Case File 13, Farworld, Graysen Foxx, and Quantum Interstellar Sports League. Among his books are starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus, a Junior Library Guild selection, an Amazon book of the month, and a Barnes and Noble select book, and have won several awards.

How to Take the Suck Out of Success: Tackling the 4 Obstacles to Confidence

Julie Wright

Make castles out of the bricks life throws at you. Four major obstacles suck away confidence and motivation to create: Fear, Naysayers, Time, and Organization. This class tackles all four of these bricks so you can move right on to success.

Bio: Julie Wright is a two-time Whitney Award winner. Her books have received several starred reviews, been listed in the American Library Association’s top ten romances of the year and chosen as a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection. She loves writing, reading, traveling, snorkeling, hiking, playing with her family, and watching her husband make dinner.

POV: Whose Story Is This Anyway?

KaTrina Jackson

Authors juggle multiple things when writing—character arcs, plot beats, emotional connection, and, let’s not forget, the ending. But sometimes, the point of view can get muddled in the juggling act. This class will help you set your manuscript apart as we discuss the importance of POV, how to deepen your POV with character emotions, how to manage multiple POVs to engage readers, and how to avoid POV mistakes.

Bio: KaTrina Jackson loves penguins, piano music, and chocolate and spends each day trying to juggle those around her jobs as a freelance editor and as project manager for Eschler Editing. She graduated with a degree in editing and publishing because she couldn’t get enough stories in her life. She’s also a member of three writing groups, attends and teaches at writing conferences yearly, and is debuting her first self-published novel summer 2025. When she’s not writing, editing, or reading, she can be found practicing yoga, teaching piano lessons, or designing penguin stickers. She and her husband live just outside Kansas City.

Pulling the Back the Curtain on Publishing

Heather B. Moore and Kaela Rivera

Join authors Heather B. Moore and Kaela Rivera as they take you behind the scenes into the traditional publishing experience, including contracts, collaborating with agents and editors, working on a deadline, and marketing to different age groups.

Bio: Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than ninety publications. She writes primarily historical and #herstory fiction about the humanity and heroism of the everyday person. Recent publications include Lady Flyer, Under the Java Moon, Young Readers Adaptation of The Paper Daughters of Chinatown, The Slow March of Light, In the Shadow of a Queen, and Rebekah and Isaac. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt, the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from BYU in Utah. Kaela Rivera is the multi-award-winning author of the Cece Rios trilogy, LEGO DREAMZzz: Dream Chasers and the Riddle-Spokens, and LEGO DREAMZzz Step Into Reading. She grew up reading the folktales of her Mexican-American and British parents in the forests of Tennessee, but now she writes about them from the soaring mountains of Utah. When not weaving together children’s stories, she works as a content strategist in the humanitarian sector. She believes in the power of hope and aims to write adventures that heal. Sign up for her newsletter at kaelarivera.com.

Writing Emotionally Resonant Fiction

Celesta Rimington

At the crossroads of emotionally resonant fiction, we find character, setting, plot, and theme waiting to be utilized at maximum capacity. In this workshop, we will evaluate these four elements of storytelling and how they influence each other and intersect in masterfully-written fiction. Attendees will have the opportunity to share and receive feedback on their choice of these elements in their own writing or on their story summary.

Bio: Celesta Rimington is the award-winning author of magical books for middle-grade readers. Her debut novel, The Elephant’s Girl, won the 2020 Reading the West Book Award and has been recommended on multiple state library association lists and readers’ choice lists. Her books are Junior Library Guild selections and have been finalists for the Association for Mormon Letters Award. Celesta earned a degree in social psychology from Brigham Young University, is a graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature, and has presented to thousands of students about resilience, generating ideas, and writing their own stories. Celesta enjoys acting, boxing, and exploring the Wasatch mountains with her family and her five-pound Yorkie named Winston. Her upcoming novel, Reach, releases in January 2026 from Nancy Paulsen Books and Penguin. Visit her online at celestarimington.com.

Real-time Reactions Cover Design Panel

Revitalizing Your Backlist to Make New Money on Old Books' Releases

Heather Moore

USA Today bestselling author Heather B. Moore will walk you through tips and tricks on how to revitalize, diversify, and keep your older book titles selling.

Bio: Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than 90 publications. Heather writes primarily historical and #herstory fiction about the humanity and heroism of the everyday person. Publishing in a breadth of genres, Heather dives into the hearts and souls of her characters, meshing her love of research with her love of storytelling. Her ancient era historicals and thrillers are written under the pen name H.B. Moore.

You Can Succeed on Amazon: Understanding and Using Amazon’s Business Model to Help Your Work Stand Out

Jeff Wheeler

How well do you understand the indie publishing market? Do you know the difference between Kindle Direct and Kindle Unlimited and how they pay royalties? What’s it like to work with one of the Amazon Publishing imprints (Montlake Romance, 47North, Skyscape, Thomas & Mercer)? Learn about different resources Amazon has enabled to help indie writers get noticed in a crowded publishing market that is only getting more crowded.

Bio: Jeff Wheeler is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author of epic fantasy and thrillers who has sold over 5 million books. More importantly, he is a husband, father of five, and devout member of his church. He lives in the Rocky mountains.

Using AI to Help with NL Content and Social Media Posts

Julie Matern

Can’t afford a human virtual assistant? Harness the power of AI to revolutionize the marketing of your creations. Learn how to work with AI to craft compelling, relevant social media posts, fascinating newsletter copy and intriguing email subject lines, as well as witty marketing copy. Learn to leverage AI for ideation, content optimization, and audience engagement—all while saving time and maximizing impact.

Bio: Julie Matern launched her writing career in 2018 with Cedar Fort Publishing and Media, penning traditional Regency Romance novels. During the Covid lockdown, she ventured into independent publishing, crafting historical cozy mysteries under the pen name Ann Sutton. She has sold over 200,000 copies of her mystery novels and loves to help others along the path to self-publishing. She has taught at several conferences.

Using YouTube and Social Media to Market Your Projects

Stuart Edge

Marketing through YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook, and other social media is a powerful tool for any creator. In this class, you will learn how to build your presence on these platforms without going viral. By deepening your understanding of how these tools work, you can extend your reach and build a foundation for your marketing in authentic and meaningful ways regardless of your current following.

Bio: Stuart Edge is a seasoned social media influencer, entrepreneur, and content strategist with over 12 years of experience in digital media. He has collaborated with top brands, built successful online communities, and now leverages his expertise in advertising, audience growth, and brand partnerships. Currently working in agency development, Stuart is passionate about helping creators and businesses maximize their digital impact.

Build a Loyal Following Without Creator Burnout: How Your Shortform and YouTube Content Plan Will Save You Time and Manage Overwhelm

Austin Falter

You want loyal followers online, but where do you even start? Video marketing. In this session, you’ll learn how to turn views into followers and followers into loyal fans using a proven short-form content strategy. You’ll discover how to batch a full month’s worth of video content in one film day, what to film, and how AI can help. (Plus, you'll learn the YouTube blueprint pros use).

Bio: Austin Falter, founder of Falter Media, a filmmaker, a TEDx speaker, and a viral content strategist responsible for hundreds of millions of organic video views, he helps personal brands batch and automate their content. His record is 90 videos knocked out in 2.5 hours.

Go-to Sources for PR and Marketing Advice, from Marketers Whose Day Job Is Marketing

JoLynne Lyon

We'll discuss sources that can give digital marketers good-quality information. I will rank these sources from beginning to advanced and from free to more expensive. I will also indicate whether the information is geared toward influencers or professionals who do marketing for a company as a day job. This is a follow-up to last year's class, where I was asked about good sources of marketing information.

Bio: JoLynne Lyon has done PR and Marketing at the Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice at Utah State University for more than 14 years. She has hired many first-time marketers, run large and small campaigns, and evaluated them for their effectiveness. Over the years she has attended multiple conferences, combed the Internet for good advice, and discovered some sources are better than others.

A Tale of Two Marketing Campaigns: Comparing and Contrasting a Dismal Failure in 2022 with a Decent Success in 2024

Jeremy P. Madsen

In 2022, I launched a "foolproof" plan to sell an online course through Facebook ads. Eight months later, after 194 social posts and $682 in expenses, I had made...$97. Total flop. In contrast, in July 2024, with only $10 in up-front cost and 9 social posts, I ran a Kickstarter that raised $7,184 in preorders. We'll explore what went wrong, what went right, and what that means for your marketing.

Bio: Jeremy P. Madsen writes epic fantasy novels through his self-publishing company, Iron Rock Press. He is also an administrative consultant for Berrett-Koehler Publishers and the operations manager for BK Authors, Inc., where he helps produce BookPlan, a 3-day online book marketing conference. From 2020 to 2024, Jeremy was the operations and conference manager for LDSPMA, where he helped grow its membership by 246% over 4 years. He loves capes.

Creating with Christ: Uncovering Your Divine Work and Sharing It Fearlessly

Tyson Bradley

In a world brimming with creative opportunities, how do you uncover the unique work God has called you to do? And once discovered, how do you overcome the fears and doubts that prevent you from sharing it with the world? In this session, we’ll help you uncover your inherent identity that will unlock your purpose and fuel your creativity. You’ll also discover the key barriers blocking your ability to receive inspiration and learn how to partner with Christ to overcome resistance, fear, and unworthiness. Through practical tools, scripture insights, and Christ-centered strategies, you’ll leave empowered to embrace your divine calling, create from a place of faith, and let your work reflect His glory. Whether you’re a writer, artist, or creator, this session will help you boldly share your unique contribution with the world, aligned with God’s vision for your life.

Bio: I have led a "Receive Experience" every single morning for over 750 days straight. In this time, I help people connect with God and learn to receive everything he wants to bless them with. I am a certified life coach, author, and podcaster dedicated to uncovering the hidden secrets of receiving.

Unleash Your Creative Energy

Crystal Haitsma

We are all creators. Creativity is within each of us… but we often feel blocked from our creative potential. There is a reason for this block and a way to shift and open up to our best, most potent ideas. Come to this workshop-style class where we will open our creativity together and leave ready to become the creators that we truly are.

Bio: Crystal Haitsma is a certified life and intuitive coach with a BA in psychology. She loves nature, fascinating books, thinking deeply, traveling, and connecting with people. One of her passions is helping others move into trust with themselves, their path, and their life. Success is a feeling we feel on the inside, and it’s blocked through the universal feeling of not-enoughness or shame. Crystal's mission and favorite topic is un-shaming herself and helping others to do the same.

Hooks: Irresistible YouTube Thumbnails and Social Media Intros to Captivate Your Audience

Jasmin Rappleye

Learn how to create compelling packaging for YouTube and Social Media videos that will increase Click Through Rates, views, and audience retention. We will illustrate general principles as well as examine case studies from Scripture Central and other creators in the Latter-day Saint online space. This class will cover: (1) Principles & Importance of Strong Hook Design, (2) YouTube Hooks: Thumbnail + Title + First 3 Seconds, and (3) Social Media Hooks: First 3 Seconds.

Bio: Jasmin Gimenez Rappleye is a social media content creator (@ScripturePlus) and the Director of Communication at Scripture Central. Her role involves overseeing all the marketing and outreach efforts in the organization. She has been a key team member in developing the ScripturePlus scripture study app and helps to share the gospel to new audiences through her social media presence on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

The Art of Seeing: Stories and Actions That Connect Us

Richard Radstone

We live in a world filled with stories—those we tell, those we hear, and those waiting to be discovered. How do we truly see the people around us and create connections that matter? Richard Radstone, founder of the podcast and outreach Sidewalk Ghosts, shares how a self-publishing challenge gained global recognition and engagement. Through storytelling, media, and outreach, he’s learned how meaningful dialogue can transcend differences, spark empathy, and remind us of the value of every individual. As an author, filmmaker, and photographer, Richard will share personal experiences from his creative journey and insights from the thousands of lives he’s encountered. Attendees will leave motivated to approach the world and see themselves with greater honesty and intention, crafting their narratives with purpose and authenticity.

Bio: Richard Radstone is a storyteller, photographer, filmmaker, author, and podcaster dedicated to exploring the human experience. In 2011, he launched a blog project to interview a stranger every day for 365 consecutive days, capturing their stories and insights. Recognized by WordPress as one of the top ten daily blogs to follow, this undertaking became the foundation of Sidewalk Ghosts and has grown into a social, media and publishing initiative connecting people across the globe through stories that transcend differences and inspire connection. Richard collaborates with brands, organizations, and individuals to facilitate action and create content aligned with purpose and values. His work spans essays, podcasts, consultation, and commissioned media, all driven by a passion for fostering empathy, curiosity, and unity. With a global following, Richard’s storytelling and insights inspire people to approach their lives, interactions, and creations with compassion, honesty, and intention.

Blockbuster: How Independent Creators Can Build Massively Profitable Businesses

Daren Smith

Talented creatives often struggle with the business side of their craft. In this workshop/session, indie film producer Daren Smith will walk you through the five-part MOVIE framework to help you make progress on your creative projects in the next 90 days.

Bio: Daren is the founder of Craftsman Films, and the producer of Faith of Angels and The Carpenter, two faith-based indie films that were released theatrically in 2024.

I Am Who God Says I Am: Faith's Answer to Imposter Syndrome

Cassidy Beck

In this session, we’ll help you uncover your inherent identity that will unlock your purpose and fuel your creativity. You’ll also discover the key barriers blocking your ability to receive inspiration and learn how to partner with Christ to overcome resistance, fear, and feelings of unworthiness.

Bio: Cassidy Beck is a certified life coach, podcast host, and storyteller dedicated to helping creatives and entrepreneurs overcome doubt and walk boldly in their God-given purpose. As the founder of Sage Verse Coaching, Cassidy empowers visionaries to turn faith into action, build momentum, break through doubt, and to walk boldly into their God-given purpose.

Unseen Heroes: The Chosen TV Series— Stories and Experiences of the Supporting and Background Cast.

Ana Katia, Susanna Brown, Carmen Rejas, Fernanda Almeida

Whether walking dusty paths alongside The Chosen disciples or standing beside a stubborn donkey, supporting cast members played a vital role in bringing the series to life. Our panelists share behind-the-scenes experiences, friendships, and moments of unity forged on set. We’ll also highlight Unseen Heroes by Carmen Rejas, a book capturing the raw and real stories of those who made The Chosen possible—one meaningful moment at a time.

Bio: Moderator/Panelist: Ana Katia, from Costa Rica, and raised in Utah, is a sought-after actress, appearing frequently on UT film, television, print, and digital media, including multiple church productions and The Chosen. She founded adopted4change.com and wrote Fourteen Days, the story of her adoption and her return to Costa Rica to find her birth mother. A resilience speaker, educator, and coach, she enjoys speaking and appearing on multiple podcasts, radio and social media outlets. Her greatest blessing is being a dedicated mother to her two sons. Panelist: Susanna Brown, originally from Jamaica, dreamed of entering the entertainment industry and has acted in The Chosen as well as other films. She joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New York City in 1995 and served a full-time mission in Atlanta, Georgia. Though she never expected to write a book, she followed the Lord’s promptings and became an author. Panelist: Carmen Rijas, from Peru, began acting in 2001 and has worked as a background actor in The Chosen (Seasons 3–5), The Book of Mormon (Season 5), and Touched by an Angel. She has taught and performed in local theater for several years and is the author of multiple books, including her latest, Unseen Heroes: Experiences of The Chosen Supporters and Background Actors. Panelist: Fernanda Almeida, a Brazilian from North Salt Lake, Utah, began acting in 2020 and has appeared in numerous commercials, short films, and other church projects. She was a background actor in The Chosen (seasons 2–5) and the Christmas Special. She currently lives in North Salt Lake and is a devoted mother of four.

United in Song: The How-Tos of Co-Writing, Collaborating & Creating Faith-Inclusive Spaces

Allie Gardner

Co-writing is key to reaching your potential as a songwriter: Collaboration is a must. Learn the dos and don’ts of co-writing, how to network and find collaborators, game-changing tools to streamline your creative process, insights from writing 225 songs this year, and how to engage in the wider Christian, interfaith, and mainstream music industries as a Latter-day Saint. Attendees will: - feel confident reaching out to potential collaborators and co-writers - know what to expect from co-writing - feel comfortable as the minority in interfaith spaces - be knowledgeable, capable, and confident around songwriting, music business, and collaboration

Bio: Allie Gardner is a songwriter, internationally touring recording artist, IVTOM certified vocal coach and music career mentor. She is a Berklee College of Music graduate in interdisciplinary music studies (music production, songwriting & business). She has co-written extensively, including with Grammy award-winning songwriters. She has logged more than 10,000 hours as a session vocalist, actively releases music under three brands, and is an alumnus of BYU Noteworthy.

Musical Problem Solving: Songwriting Authentically Without Trauma-Dumping or Losing Your Audience

Emily Pack

Nobody likes walking on eggshells, or even worse, watching an audience miss your message entirely. Learn how to feel empowered to play with the flames of sensitive material instead of snuffing them out or burning the house down. This course will empower you to make your message shine. Learn how I wrote songs about politics, trauma, and religious conflicts all while getting a paycheck and making friends along the way.

Bio: Emily Susan Pack is an award-winning songwriter and comedian. She enjoys wearing many different hats in her creative life, but her most fulfilling role has been helping others express the song on their hearts. She's written consistently as a commisioned songwriter for the city of Mesa, Arizona, as well as worked with artists like Emma Nissen and McKenna Faith Breinholt. Her song "Kitetail" was awarded an LDSPMA Spark Award 2024.

Why Songwriting Hooks are the MOST Important Part of Your Song!

Anjanette Mickelsen

Why songwriting hooks are the MOST important part of your song: Get clear on your hook, and get “unstuck” with your song!

Bio: Anjanette Mickelsen has followed a lifelong passion as a world-class vocal coach. With 28+ years of experience, she continues to train and coach successful singers across the globe. With her writing partner Stephen Nelson, she has written for successful artists such as GENTRI, Mat & Savana Shaw, Madilyn Paige, Lexi Walker, David Archuleta, Hilary Weeks, BRIT, Mercy River, and Calee Reed. They have written songs for companies such as Renatus, 7TK, Raw Focus, and Spike 150 State of Utah Celebration. Their music has made #1 on multiple Billboard charts, top ranks on iTunes charts, can be heard on Emmy-winning films, and they are published writers for Sony Masterworks.

How to Simply Record at Home (For Non Techy People)

Becky Willard

You do not have to be a technical guru to make some simple, basic home recordings! We'll walk through the essential list of equipment you need, how to hook it up, how to make sure your settings are correct, and then how to record your voice, guitar, or digital instruments.

Bio: Becky’s music career spans three decades, working in nearly every corner of the music industry. Her passion is finding and working with the most determined artists ready to take control of their artistic careers and build a music business. She’s coached, mentored, and developed artists who have garnered millions of views on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music. Her music can also be heard on dozens of TV shows and movies on channels such as Disney, Nickelodeon, StyleTV, The CW, ABC Family Channel, and more.

Making Sacred Simple: Crafting Christ-Centered Children’s Music

Angie Killian and Joelle Einerson

Join us as we share our top ten tips for writing simple songs that testify to big, bold truths. Together, we will study popular Primary songs, workshop new ideas, and leave you feeling inspired and empowered to create music for our favorite little investigators.

Bio: Angie & Joelle are committed to creating meaningful music for children and youth while raising their own families. They started their music careers alone but have since discovered the magic of collaboration. After having such a great experience writing their first song together, they have since teamed up to create youth and children’s songs that have made their way around the globe. They are passionate about awakening a joyful culture of worship within the church and building bridges with our Christian brothers and sisters.

Real-time Reactions Music Panel

Anatomy of a Manuscript: Bringing Your Nonfiction Outline to Life

Janine Simons Creager

Like a pile of bones, a nonfiction outline can’t do much by itself. But once we add muscle-propelled transitions, easily digestible information, circulating the theme throughout the work, and regulating emotional impact, we can breathe life into the heart and soul of our outline. Join us as we discuss how to flesh out a literary framework to ensure no part of the body is ignored.

Bio: Janine Simons Creager honed the craft of bringing an idea to life as a freelance journalist. She has written two books, He Marked the Path and Stones to Shine in Darkness, and now creates and shares weekly content on her website, www.ironrodpress.com, and her Facebook group, “Hold Fast to the Iron Rod.”

Crafting a Book Marketing Strategy That Actually Sells Books

Zach Kristensen

Clarify your target audience and learn a three-phase marketing plan (pre-launch, launch, post-launch). Discover effective tactics for nonfiction authors and measure success with key metrics. Interactive exercises help define your readers. Explore real-world case studies and receive a downloadable marketing plan template. We'll also explore the faith and mindset aspects of book marketing.

Bio: Zach Kristensen, founder and CEO of Juxtabook, has helped dozens of authors launch their books since 2011. This publishing industry veteran has managed development and launch campaigns for multiple Amazon and several Wall Street Journal bestsellers. Zach continually expands his expertise to effectively coach authors in developing and successfully launching their books.

Not Your Momma's Nonfiction: The Exploding Market of Children's Nonfiction

Sarah Lynne John

Today’s nonfiction for children is no longer the put-you-to-sleep variety you may have read when you were a kid. Explore the exciting new techniques authors are using, along with an overview of the five types of nonfiction. Whether you’re considering dipping your toes into this genre, or just want to be able to recommend the coolest books on the market, get ready to join in the fun!

Bio: Sarah Lynne John is crazy about children’s nonfiction, and after you attend her class, you will be too! She is the winner of an SCBWI Middle Grade Nonfiction Mentorship Award and has also studied the craft of nonfiction picture books under Kirsten W. Larsen. She is represented by Lynnette Novak of the Seymour Agency and her debut picture book with Sleeping Bear Press will hit the shelves in 2026.

Illuminating Scripture for Today's Audiences: Nonfiction and Historical Fiction Writing

Heather B. Moore and S. Kent Brown

Join authors Dr. S. Kent Brown and his daughter Heather B. Moore, whose writing and publishing experiences reach across both historical fiction and nonfiction genres as they discuss illuminating scripture for today’s audience. Whether you’re developing a lesson, podcast, academic writing vs. religious nonfiction or inspirational nonfiction writing, or even creating a fictional piece, we’ll review how to create and then find a home for your scriptural writing. From research to the final product, we’ll examine how a scriptural concept can frame and nourish any artistic work by balancing personal insights with academic sources built upon a religious foundation.

Bio: Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than ninety publications. She writes primarily historical and #herstory fiction about the humanity and heroism of the everyday person. Recent publications include Lady Flyer, Under the Java Moon, Young Readers Adaptation of The Paper Daughters of Chinatown, The Slow March of Light, In the Shadow of a Queen, and Rebekah and Isaac. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt, the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from BYU in Utah. Website: hbmoore.com S. Kent Brown is an emeritus professor of Ancient Scripture at BYU and the former director of the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies. In the world of documentary films, he was the executive producer for Journey of Faith, Journey of Faith: The New World, and Messiah: Behold the Lamb of God. Recent books are The Testimony of Luke (2015) and the award-winning The Epistle to the Ephesians (2023). He and his wife Gayle are the parents of five children and the grandparents of twenty-five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

The Dos and Don’ts of Dialogue

Whitney Hemsath

From attribution tags and proper punctuation, to gender differences and accents, we'll discuss what your characters should and shouldn't say, and how best to have them say it. Specific topics include: - Formatting and Punctuating Dialogue - Dialogue’s Six Main Functions (w/ examples and actionable tips for each): 1-Advance plot 2-Create tension/conflict 3- Develop characterization/relationships 4-Provide world building/backstory 5- Add humor 6- Contribute to theme

Bio: Whitney Hemsath holds a B.A. in screenwriting and writes across nearly all genres and age groups, including short stories, poetry, LDS inspirational nonfiction books, MG epistolary time travel, and adult sweet paranormal romcoms. Her writing has won multiple awards and has been included in college curricula. When she’s not writing, she enjoys going to Zumba, eating brownies, and playing board games with her four sons and best friend/husband.

The LDS Nonfiction Blueprint: How to Write a Book Publishers Want

Emily Clark

Learn the proven blueprint for writing LDS nonfiction that engages readers and attracts publishers. This session covers structuring your book for maximum impact, balancing personal stories with universal takeaways, what LDS publishers look for in submissions, common mistakes that hurt marketability, and how to make your book stand out in the LDS market. Walk away with a clear roadmap to publishing success!

Bio: Emily Clark is the Acquisitions and Marketing Manager at Cedar Fort Publishing and Media, a USA Today bestselling author, and an expert in storytelling and publishing. She has written over 20 books across multiple fiction genres and nonfiction, including clean romance under the name Ellie Thornton. With her industry knowledge and experience, she helps authors refine their work and successfully navigate the publishing world.

Writing in Defense of the Latter-day Saint Faith: The Not-So-Secret REAL "Mormon" Wives Share Their Response to the TV Series

REAL "Mormon" Wives Panel: Kerry Owen, Fernanda Böhme, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Allison Hong Merrill, Kimberly DowDell, Shayla Egan, Esther Jackson-Stowell, and Caroline Melazzo

After Hulu released their sensationalized docudrama, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Cedar Fort Publishing & Media sought to counteract its misleading portrayal of women in the Church by conceiving a new book project. They brought together eight courageous women who, in less than 70 days of the idea being conceived, wrote, edited, and published The Not-So-Secret Lives of REAL "Mormon" Wives. Join us for a discussion with the authors as they share their journey of writing through faith, honesty, and purpose.

Bio: The women behind The Not-So-Secret Lives of REAL "Mormon" Wives are a diverse group of faithful Latter-day Saint women challenging stereotypes and sharing real-life experiences with humor, honesty, and heart. With backgrounds ranging from motherhood to influencer and CEO, and including personal struggles and triumphs, these authors provide an authentic glimpse into what it truly means to be a modern Latter-day Saint woman. Their stories offer a refreshing counter-narrative to sensationalized portrayals, showcasing the joys, challenges, and faith that define their lives.

Strategies for Creative Thinking: Tools for Increasing Inspiration

Jenedy Paige

One of the questions I get asked all the time is, "Where do you get your ideas for your paintings?" While ideas can seem elusive, in this class I'll share my pragmatic approach that will help you to become "idea prone".

Bio: Jenedy Paige is a professional oil painter with nearly two decads of experience in capturing spiritual themes in her realistic approach to painting. Her work has been collected by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has been distributed worldwide. She is also 5X American Ninja Warrior athlete. She uses both her art and her ninja practice as a means of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Building Zion One Stage At a Time: Staged Stories as a Mighty Instrument for Good

Rebecca Burnham

The stories we stage are so much more than entertainment; they can change the world! We will review stage productions from the past that wielded enormous impact for good; discuss powerful approaches to directing that produce a quality show while blessing cast and crew; and chart a path for unleashing together theatre's power to lift and unite us in unprecedented ways.

Bio: Rebecca Burnham writes a weekly newsletter about music and theatre that builds Zion at SummitStages.org. Her work includes acting, directing, producing, and writing musicals. Formerly a journalist, award-winning columnist, and pro-family activist, she is now on a mission to build peace through the skillful staging of shared stories.

Organic Auditions: A Gentler, More Caring Way of Conducting Auditions

Manuel Leybas

This class will equip casting directors with the necessary tools to reimagine traditional auditions, reducing anxiety and encouraging new performers to participate in productions. Auditions can transform a local community theater company into a dynamic hub for artistic talent recruitment.

Bio: Manuel "Manny" Leybas has 48 years of teaching experience, ranging from college to homeschooling. His primary focus has been on leadership and theatre. Manny founded the Casa Grande Drama Booster Club and has produced 119 theatrical and media productions. He holds a bachelor's and master's degree in education and counseling. He is a graduate of Anthony Robbins’ Mastery University and Trainers’ Academy.

Crafting Stories through Art: Materializing Meaningful Artistic Narratives

Sabrina Squires

Great art begins with a great idea. In this session, we’ll explore brainstorming exercises to generate meaningful artistic narratives, then refine those ideas into compelling stories. Participants will learn how to select and develop a concept, create drafts, and plan compositions in a sketchbook. Whether you're an experienced artist or just starting out, this hands-on workshop will help you bring authenticity and relatability to your work through intentional storytelling.

Bio: Sabrina Squires earned a BFA in Studio Arts with an emphasis in painting from Brigham Young University. Widely published in several magazines, she participates in local, national, and international art competitions. She is the art specialist at Noah Webster Academy. A lover of the outdoors, she finds inspiration for her work while hiking Utah’s Wasatch and High Uinta ranges..

Windows to His Love: Infusing Intention and Light into Your Art

Katie Garner

Katie will share practical steps to gathering Israel through creating and sharing your art. She will use stories based on her art and personal experiences to illustrate ways that others can magnify their creative process.

Bio: Katie is a visual artist whose work has been evolving in the public eye for the past decade.Her art is a celebration of both the divine beauty found in nature and the sacred connections within family. A wife and mother to seven children, Katie resides in Spanish Fork, where the rhythms of family life continue to inspire her creativity.

Reflecting His Light: Infusing our Art with the Light of Christ

Heidi Prigmore

Let's make the world brighter as we reflect God's light through our creations. Using stories, humor, and visuals, attendees will gain tips on planning, creating, and sharing their art. Together, we will explore the influence of light in our creative process. Learn how to increase your art's impact while finding divine purpose on each leg of the journey.

Bio: For over 30 years, Heidi has been sharing the gospel through story illustrations, graphic designs, and teaching. She has taught a variety of art mediums. She exhibited her cut paper art and taught adult classes at multiple Utah libraries. Sharing the light of the gospel while helping others discover their own artistic talents brings Heidi great joy!

How to Successfully Carry Out a Powerful and Personal Musical Performance, Starting from Scratch

CJ Madsen

Attendees will learn how to take a musical goal and carry out a powerful and personally enriching performance when they are starting from scratch. Examples discussed will include (1) directing a choir for stake conference that has 80-plus singers instead of a token 15-20, (2) successfully premiering one's own composition with an audience to match, and (3) putting on a homegrown opera, from start to finish.

Bio: CJ Madsen is an adjunct faculty member at the BYU School of Music. He recently received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in choral conducting from the University of Arizona. CJ has composed an opera, an oratorio, and 800 other compositions. He has also put together a stake conference choir that had 80 singers—an almost equally incredible feat. He and his amazing wife Samm have five children.