Art Of Writing 2026 + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for the Art of Writing 2026, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! If you're an author or an inspiring author the seminars at the Art of Writing conference sound excellent and timely! If you haven't registered for the seminar and The Christy Award Gala, time's a tickin'! Now's the time to do it. Plus, enter the giveaway below!

About the Conference

The Art of Writing conference will be held on November 6 in Nashville at the Sonesta Nashville Airport Hotel, Tennessee. This focused, four-session conference will bring together writers, storytellers, and publishing professionals, curated by Thomas Nelson Fiction's Laura Wheeler.

 

Session One: State of the Industry: What's Changing, What's Selling, and What You Can Do About It

The Christian fiction marketplace is shifting—and the authors who thrive will be the ones who understand why. This panel of publishing professionals opens with a data-driven look at the current state of Christian publishing, drawing on the latest market research to map what's actually moving books today. From there, the conversation gets practical: how platform sales really work, what authors can do to actively support their books, and why audio is the format no one can afford to ignore. Whether you're traditionally published or exploring indie paths, you'll leave with a clearer picture of the industry landscape and concrete next steps for your own author education. 

Panel moderated by Laura Wheeler, and featuring Kelsey Bowen, Stephanie Broene, Nick Gilbert, Becky Monds, and Kerri Potts.

Session Two: AI and the Christian Author: Ethics, Opportunity, and a Rapidly Changing Landscape

 

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the publishing landscape faster than anyone predicted—and for many authors, it's raising as many questions as it eyebrows. This panel brings together diverse industry voices to cut through the noise with clarity and hard-won wisdom. What can AI legitimately help you do? Where are the ethical lines—and why do they keep moving? What do you need to know to protect yourself legally and act with integrity as a creative? This session is about being informed, staying anchored in your values, and navigating a fast-changing landscape with wisdom. 

Panel moderated by Jeff Crosby, and featuring Chad Harrington, Hannah Johnson, and Joshua Tallent. 

Session Three: Soul of the Writer, Heart of the Story: Writing Fiction That Reaches Every Reader

The metrics are loud. The algorithms are relentless. And somewhere in the middle of it all, there's a writer trying to create something that actually matters. This session begins with the writer and asks what it takes to stay spiritually and creatively whole in an industry that never stops measuring. From that foundation, the conversation moves into craft: how do you write fiction that carries deep conviction without losing readers who don't share your faith? What's the difference between a story that illuminates and one that lectures? How do you make those choices at the level of character, scene, and structure? This is a session for authors who believe their stories are for something—and want to write them in a way that proves it. 

Panel moderated by Amanda Cox, and featuring Amanda Dykes, T.I. Lowe, Johanna Vann, and Roseanna M. White. 

Session Four: Fix That Manuscript: Inside the Author-Editor Relationship 

What actually happens when an editor gets their hands on your manuscript—and how do the best author-editor partnerships improve the work without making it smaller? This Q&A session pulls back the curtain on the editorial process with real manuscript pages, real edits, and a real conversation between an author and editor who have done this work together. You'll learn the difference between different levels of editing and walk away with a clearer understanding of what to expect—and how to get the most—from your editorial relationships. 

Panel featuring Laura Wheeler, Vanessa Miller, and Marybeth Whalen.

Learn More about Art of Writing 2026

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New: Beyond the Books

Add-On: Get to Know the Finalist Authors during this special morning gathering of authors and readers. 

Meet and hear the hearts of the 2026 finalist authors in this intimate time of connection between authors and their readers, hosted by Amanda Dykes and ECPA President Jeff Crosby. Available to anyone registering for a single event or the bundle. Featured finalist authors will be posted on The Christy Award website after the Finalists Reveal webinar.

Learn More about Beyond the Books

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The Christy Award Finalists Reveal

Christian fiction fans are invited to register and watch the free webcast announcement of The Christy Award finalists in nine categories live on September 11 at 10 a.m. CST, featuring Christy Hall of Fame author Chris Fabry and ECPA president Jeff Crosby.

“With each passing year, I am more aware of the power that stories have to communicate goodness, truth, beauty and hope in our world,” states ECPA president Jeff Crosby. “And because of that, I am honored to be associated with the annual Christy Gala, which honors excellence in Christian fiction, and the Art of Writing conference that nurtures the work of writers of faith and contributes tools as they refine their craft.” The Christy Award® is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999. For more information about ECPA, visit ECPA.org. For more information about the Christy Awards and Art of Writing conferences, visit ChristyAwards.com or email TheChristyAward@ecpa.org

Register Now for The Art of Writing & The Christy Award events

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive their choice of The Art of Writing registration OR print copies of The Christy Award finalist titles for one category!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 4, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 11, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Twelve Days And Twelfth Night By Sarah Sundin

Twelve Days and Twelfth Night

by Sarah Sundin

Publisher: Revell

ISBN: 9780800747336

As a huge fan of the author's WWII stories, I was excited to see she'd written a Christmas novella! I was invited to review the book. The publisher sent me the book for review.

Summary:

She needs a star for her wartime Christmas show. He needs a second chance. Together they stage a production neither expected. 

World War II USO director Maggie Oliver faces an impossible task: orchestrate a Christmas show in San Diego for thousands of sailors, with dwindling resources and a quickly approaching deadline. To star in the show, she enlists Prescott Duke, a former Hollywood heartthrob whose career ended in flames after an accident left him scarred and adrift. He eagerly accepts Maggie's invitation and seizes the chance to reclaim what war has stolen from him.

Inspired by Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and "The Twelve Days of Christmas," Maggie and Prescott craft a show at a Shakespearean theater that promises to lift spirits. But as rehearsals progress, Maggie discovers a secret that could transform her production into something unforgettable. With opening night approaching and unexpected feelings complicating everything, Maggie must decide how far she'll go to rewrite not just her show but the outcome for everyone involved. 

A romantic World War II Christmas novella of Hollywood stars and a holiday production. Perfect for fans of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, the opposites-attract trope, redemption, and second chances.

My Review:

Twelve Days and Twelfth Night is such a great story. I think I could handle a novella once a year in between the author's novels! I loved the premise around the USO and entertaining the injured troops at Christmastime. It fits so perfectly with the genre the author writes in.

Maggie is living with her grandpa as she begins her new job as USO director during WWII. Let's just say that not everyone is happy actors and actresses will be showing up to prepare for the show. If Maggie doesn't endear herself to you, I don't know what character will. She's sweet, encouraging, and sees the bright side of everything. 

Prescott is rather the opposite of Maggie, although it wasn't always that way. He happens to be the injured star that Maggie wants to headline her show. This may be just what he needs to find the new spark in life. Thankfully, Prescott knows the Lord and has a kind heart even though he had a rough start in life.

Their story of trying to bring the show together while jumping through hoops that are purposely put in their way. Maggie also has some good intentions along the way that go terribly awry. Her grandpa (one of my favorite characters) tries to guide her in seeking the Lord, and then Prescott does likewise. Unfortunately, she doesn't heed their advice. While Maggie's grandpa is a delight, Prescott's manager left a lot to be desired along with Mrs. Laverne! The two of them had me grumbling under my breath!

Pulling off the show in such a short period of time comes with its own challenges! Are Maggie and the rest of the crew up for the task? There are hurdles they have to jump over to get there, but they try their hardest to make it!

About the Author:

Sarah Sundin is a bestselling author of popular World War II fiction. She is a Christy Award winner and a Carol Award winner, and her novels have received starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly. Sarah lives in Southern California. Visit SarahSundin.com for more information.

A Lot Like Lavender By B.R. Goodwin + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Lot Like Lavender by B.R. Goodwin, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! Hard to believe this is my first book by B.R. Goodwin. I do have book one saved on my Kindle. I just have to find time to read it. Check out the guest post below by today's author and then be sure to enter the giveaway!

About the Book

Title: A Lot Like Lavender
Series: Happy in Honey Hill #3 
Author: B.R. Goodwin 
Publisher: Independent 
Release Date: August 3, 2026 
Genre: Closed door romantic comedy

Operating Purple Pastures & Alpaca on my own was not ever in my plans, but neither was becoming a widow and a single mom at twenty-two. Though I love this land and the life I’ve built for myself and my daughter—including the alpacas we adore, the strays we’ve taken in along the way, and the rolling hills of lavender surrounding our farm—all the years of hard work and one-woman juggling since James’ death may not be enough to keep it all together. 

In fact, I’m failing. Miserably. At farming, running a small business, managing the wild women of the Honey Hill PTA, and maintaining any semblance of a personal life. 

To top off my utter insufficiencies, I’m now being forced to accept help from the last person I ever expected to show his face again, Jordan Love. But—though it pains me to admit—having him around repairing fences, caring for my fur babies, and bonding with Molly is the first time I haven’t felt so alone in all this since I lost my husband. 

And most unexpectedly, Jordan's return to my life feels a lot like mending my heart.

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For ten years, I’ve done a great job working through the grief of losing my best friend and the shame of selfishly walking away from the people we both cared about when I should have stayed. Even still, I knew coming back home to Honey Hill would dredge up regrets for past decisions. But when I see Emory Nelson for the first time since James’ death, I don’t expect the feelings I’ve kept well-suppressed for so long to come bubbling to the surface. Feelings I’ll need to get well under control if I intend to stick around. 

I ran away when she needed me most. With a second chance to show up for Emory and her daughter, there’s no way I can walk away again. I'm determined to be someone she can depend on, even if it means forever pretending I don't want more. 

Challenging. Beautiful. Forebearing. Resilient. Worthwhile… 

Love looks a lot like lavender. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | RomanceLandia | Amazon

More in This Series

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Guest Post

Growing up on the outskirts of Atlanta, I have quite a bit of real-life experience with Southern, small towns. Though my hometown was not as teeny tiny as Sugartree or Honey Hill, I imagine those imaginary worlds of mine a bit like the local church I attended through my teen years. A myriad of well-meaning characters with various backgrounds, everyday careers, sometimes kooky personalities, many with the insider scoop on everyone’s love life, and all with stories of their own.

Writing a series set in a small town is most challenging simply because I want to include so many of the cast that make that town so special. They don’t feel like “throw away” characters to me. They feel like the people in my own life who in many ways helped shape my faith, my marriage, and motherhood into what it looks like today. The older women providing advice and encouragement are a representation of the mentors in my life who have done the same. The friendships built on support, honesty, and united in the Gospel, are a reflection of the friendships in which I hold tight and the women I’m thankful to have in my corner. In each of those funny, humble, God-loving men is a piece of my wonderful husband and a glimpse at the many ways he has truly loved, supported, and pointed me toward Christ for the last twenty years. I can’t help but want to see peeks into those minor characters’ lives whenever the opportunity for a scene with a larger cast arises. Whether that be a coffee shop rendezvous, an unexpected first kiss in front of the entire town, or yes, an unhinged book club.

How have the Woodhouses and Cottens stayed so impressively and expressively in love

with each other for so long? What is the Remillard family up to and how many grandbabies are

filling up Good Start Coffee on Sunday afternoons? What’s the local salon gossip? The last

cake walk champion? And of course, what couple will be the next to fall in love? These full-

casted romances feel like catching magic in a bottle and watching it bubble and grow a little

more with each additional novel. I hope readers experience that magic when they dive into one

of my small-town romcoms.

About the Author

B.R. Goodwin is a Georgia native, married to her college sweetheart, and the mother of three wild animal children she adores.

When she isn’t writing Christian Fiction, she’s reading, hiking, bee-keeping, soccer mom-ing, or planning her family’s next big adventure while drinking copious amounts of tea & coffee. Above all else, the heartbeat of everything she does in life, friendship, and writing is with an eye to sharing the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ with everyone she meets. Connect with her at Facebook or Instagram.

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Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a signed paperback copy of Grits and Glamor (A Romance on the Menu Christian Romcom) as well as an exclusive swag pack including stickers and character print!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 17, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 24, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

A Lady's Handbook To Gadgets & Guile By Angela Bell

A Lady's Handbook to Gadgets & Guile

by Angela Bell

Publisher: Bethany House Publisher

Series: Daughter's of Genius Society

ISBN:  978-0764242144

Having read A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventures, I was very hopeful this would be just as enjoyable. I can't do the story justice for how fantastic it was! I was so thankful to receive the book for review from the publisher.

A fun little note, Angela used my name in the story! I was so shocked when she told me last summer!

Summary:

Margaret Kingsley's routine revolves around invention not investigation--until her ordered world springs a gasket.

London, England, 1895 
Ambulatory wheelchair user Margaret Kingsley secretly crafts gadgets for the Daughters of Genius Society, a covert team of lady inspectors disguised as harmless bluestocking spinsters. While her fellow inspectors gallivant about London solving crimes, Margaret has been perfectly content assisting from the sidelines--until her expertise is needed to infiltrate the domain of London's most prolific inventor.

Charles Noble sacrificed his career as a musician to support his family after his father's stroke. Now he balances ledgers as a secretary by day and tends to his disabled father by night, but he can't pass up the chance to take a temporary job as event coordinator for a famous inventor commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of his mechanical empire. As strange occurrences cause Charles' event planning to collide with Margaret's case, the pair must unravel a plot of sabotage against the inventor's legacy while also investigating the sparks of attraction between them. 

My Review:

This was an utterly delightful follow up to the author's debut novel! The author's vivid imagination comes to life in A Lady's Handbook to Gadgets & Guile! It's whimsical and enchanting while shining a light on chronic illness and anxiety disorder.

I can only imagine how those with a chronic, invisible illness must feel "seen" when they read this story. Margaret is so well loved by her parents, but it's clear that she feels like a burden to those who love and care for her. Clara and Theodore adore her and have never considered her a burden. I also loved that the DOGS saw her value as well. Margaret isn't always in her wheelchair, but often needs to use it. Expending too much energy can land her in bed for days. You could truly see how challenging life was for her. I love that she enjoys tinkering and inventing like her grandfather!

As Margaret takes the lead on a case, she meets Charles Noble. I thought it was very interesting that the author gave Charles a disorder that so many people can relate to! All of this was so intentionally thought out! I can't imagine another author doing these topics justice like Angela did.

There's also a lot of humor, gadgets, and a love story in the making! One of the funniest scenes in the story is when Margaret panics after meeting Charles and takes off in her wheelchair - literally! I appreciated how the author wove their lives together to create forced-proximity. Charles was such a kind and thoughtful man! I also loved that they saw each other as more than just bits and pieces of themselves, but as the whole person.

You can see Angela's creative side at work from beginning to end. Details such as how Margaret explains how much daily energy she has brings this vibrant and touching story to life! The supporting cast rounded out the story! The ladies who make up D.O.G.S., family, etc all create a delightful story. I thought the premise of the story was such a fun one! Trying to figure out how certain patents are being usurped before they can be approved for individuals. Unraveling this mystery keeps the reader us turning the page!

I could sing praises about A Lady's Handbook to Gadgets and Guile all day long! I can't wait to read the next book in the Daughters of Genius Society!

About the Author:

Angela Bell is a 21st-century lady with 19th-century sensibilities. She resides in Texas with her charming pup, Mr. Bingley Crosby. Her book A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure was named a Booklist Top 10 Romance Debut. One might categorize her books as historical romance, but Angela likes to describe them as "a cuppa Victorian whimsy." Whenever you need a respite from the 21st-century hustle, you're welcome to visit her imaginary parlor at AuthorAngelaBell.com, where she can be found waiting with a pot of tea and a great book.

Gatorland Visit - Florida

It's been a long time since I did a destination review, but after my son and I visited Gatorland on Sunday, I knew I had to share about our experience! I was surprised to learn that it opened in 1949! I couldn't even wrap my head around that tidbit.

If you're a Florida resident keep an eye out for their deals. We thought we were getting 50% off our tickets. What we didn't realize was, EACH person has to be a resident. My son couldn't buy my ticket with 50% off since I'm not also a resident. That was disappointing, but live and learn!

We arrived about an hour after they opened and it wasn't too busy! We opted for the Greater Gator experience, which was only $42. With that you get: all-day admission, unlimited train rides, gator chow, and meet-a-gator. The "gator" above used to be the original entrance!

Of course, the first thing you see when you enter Gatorland is ALL of the alligators in the Jumparoo area. It looked like you could feed the alligators with a fishing pole, but we didn't wander too far into that area because there were a lot of people there. I played a little game with myself... do I die or live? Wandering around Gatorland, there are crocs and gators at every turn. Oftentimes, I wouldn't notice them and I would say, "I'm dead," after Jacob pointed them out.

There's an alligator that's missing its top jaw. Jawlene was rescued in 2023 and seems to be doing great. She gets to share space with an albino red-eared slider turtle named Nellie Wafer! They're kind of the perfect pairing because they are close in size! lol

While we could've taken the park train at some point, we never did because it was pretty easy to walk around and see each of the animals spots. I was actually surprised to see that they had more than just alligators, crocodile, and reptiles! Believe it or not, they have giant tortoises, a bobcat, a cougar, a variety of birds, a petting area (mostly goats from what we saw), and capybara. 

If you have children, there's a splash pad area for them to cool off. I may have tried to cool off by dipping my toes into the water. Lemme tell you, it was a crazy, hot day! Towards the end of our day it started raining. And I mean downpour! Thankfully, Gatorland has a lot of covered walkways and spots to take shelter in. We happened to be ready to eat so we took the time to grab some food, which was affordable and good portions!

We went to the afternoon show of meet-a-gator. A gator wrangler (not sure what the technical term would be) is in an arena with a small, watery moat around him. They try to use different alligators for the show and the meet-a-gator so they have rest periods. The show taught us more about alligators and then we got in line to meet one. We each "sat" over the alligator (which had its mouth taped shut) and had the photo snapped. Honestly, it goes so fast (for the humans) that it's over and done with before you have a chance to truly "experience" the moment. Not a complaint at all, but it just happens really fast.

When you get your gator chow, you realize it's 5 large pellets that are black and sorta stinky! They're rather large and you can feed any of the alligators throughout Gatorland. It's so interesting to watch after you throw the food to them. I think because their eyes are on the top of their head, they can't always see where it lands. You almost have to throw it into their mouth for it to be eaten immediately. Otherwise, it'll float for a bit before it's found! 

There are opportunities to hold critters and have photos taken with them at an extra cost. You can go ziplining over crocodiles as well as rock climb. There's an opportunity to go off-roading in a monster vehicle for 15 minutes! You can sign up to be a trainer for a day or do a nighttime visit. I didn't realize you could have an encounter (for $15) with a capybara! We watched for a few minutes and it didn't look like you really got to interact with it, so we passed. They're SO much bigger in person than I expected.

While we were there, a family had booked an Adventure Hour. Things took a turn when one of the alligators, I think it's name is Bite Tyson or something like that, snatched Savannah Boan's fanny pack. She and a couple of guys were tracking him for a couple of hours in the breeding marsh trying to get it back. He wasn't having it. He had a prize and was keeping it. At one point, probably over an hour into trying to get the fanny pack back, he wandered over to the trail where we were able to actually see the fanny pack. We also heard the crunch that was more than likely her phone! He then swam away with it. We don't know if she ever got it back.

If you want some peace and quiet (for the most part) I would highly suggest the swamp walk! It's an untouched part of Gatorland. It takes about 10 minutes to walk it and it's completely worth it. There are several different spots to stop and read a fact or detail about the area.

One might think that you won't spend a lot of time at Gatorland. I'm here to tell you that's not the case, especially if you have little kids. I mean, everything takes a long time with little ones, but there's plenty to keep their attention to make the tickets completely worthwhile! Also, be prepared to take a LOT of photos. I was shocked at how many I took. There were just some really cool things to see and experience at Gatorland!