WORKSHOP PRESENTERS AND BREAK OUTS

JAMES I. FAZIO has been an educator for over 20 years, working in both public and private sectors. He has taught high school English and college writing classes and is the author of several books and articles. Currently, he is conducting post-doctoral research in the U.K. at Queens University Belfast, Northern Ireland, on the life and impact of John Nelson Darby (1800-1882). Together with his wife, Amy, they homeschool their four children.

• Two Commissions (SCS Press, 2015)
• Forged from Reformation (SCS Press, 2017) 

Break-out Session: “Where Do I Start? Writing for Beginners”

You have a story to tell and a unique voice to be heard, only you’re not sure where to begin… You are not alone! There isn’t a single writer who hasn’t experienced anxiety and uncertainty over taking that next important step to see their creation come to life. In this workshop Dr. Fazio will present 10 practical, easy-to-follow steps for the beginning writer to take his/her idea from concept to completion.

J.R.MILLER serves as the director of SCS Press, as such, he has led the editorial review board for all of its publications, to date. An accomplished writer in his own right, Dr. Miller has successfully navigated the world of self-publishing as well as major national publishing houses. With over twenty years of pastoral experience, including two church plants, Joe has authored multiple books on church leadership among other research interests.

• Elders Lead a Healthy Family (Wipf & Stock, 2017)
• Holy Spirit Book (SCS Press, 2019)

BREAKOUT SESSION: "The Ins and Outs of Self Publishing: Your Plan, Your Pick"

Dr. Miller self-published his first book, A Comprehensive Guide to Church Construction, in 1994 and today serves as the Director for SCSPress. A lot has changed since that time in the world of publishing: the tools for authors are more accessible, the costs are manageable, and self-published books are far more respectable. In this workshop, Dr. Miller will draw from his 20+ years of publishing experience to share both a strategy and detailed process for anyone looking to self-publish in the age of Amazon. 

BREAKOUT SESSION: "From Blog to Book: Taking the Next Step"

Blogging is one of the most empowering tools available to aspiring authors looking to hone their craft. The internet offers a place where writers get instantaneous feedback on how readers perceive their words. The road from simple blog to shrewd book, however, is an intricate journey where serious writers must become skilled wordsmiths. In this workshop, Dr. Miller shares blogging strategies and techniques to set writers on the course to publishing success.

JENNIFER EWING is the Library Director for Southern California Seminary and the copy and layout editor for SCS Press. While she earned a B.A. in History from Christian Heritage College, nearly every elective was an English class. She currently attends Signum University, working towards her third master’s degree, this time in Literature and Language with an emphasis in Tolkien Studies. She someday hopes to have time to finish a scrapbook of her Lord of the Rings trip to New Zealand in 2012; a tour fondly called by the group, "A Long Expected Journey." Her provost tells everyone she is going to wizarding school, while her students consider her to be a grand master in the dark arts of Turabian (the style manual)—it says so on the nameplate on her desk.

Ewing, Jennifer. (2018). “The bitter watches of the night: From Anne Elliot to Éowyn Of Rohan—crossing frontiers from the home front to the battlefront,” presentation at Mythmoot V: Fantastic Frontiers, National Conference Center, Leesburg, VA, June 2018.

Ewing, Jennifer, and Ruth Martin. (2016). “Using your library’s objectives as the organizational framework for library documentation in planning, assessment, and accreditation.” The Christian Librarian 59(2): 244-255.

Jones, Alison R., and Jennifer S. Ewing. (2012-2013). “Can memoirs be used for spiritual development?” The Christian Librarian 55-56(2-1): 2-4.

BREAKOUT SESSION:"Reading to Write: Making Key Connections Between Reading and Writing

LEROY HILL is a pastor who has years of experience in helping churches and ministries acquire and maintain a strong social media presence. With Hootsuite and Hubspot certifications, his intimate knowledge of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linked In, has helped his clients to present a consistent message across platforms. Leroy graduated with a Bachelor of Biblical Studies and a Masters in Philosophy and Apologetics at Southern California Seminary. He is currently pursuing his Masters in Theology. Leroy is the senior admissions officer at the Seminary and is an integral member of the social media team.

BREAK OUT SESSION: "SOCIAL MEDIA: ESTABLISHING YOUR ON LINE AUTHOR PRESENCE"

The world of social media can get complicated for anyone. Writers ask questions like: which platform should I use; how should I market myself; where do I begin? This workshop will answer those questions and provide easy steps that the writer can immediately apply toward the goal of establishing an online presence. 

MARGY HILL is an author and Bible teacher of life-changing Bible studies and curriculum for women. Over the last ten years, her studies have been widely used in churches throughout the United States. She is also the founder of the Women’s Ministry Connection, a North County organization that provides training and leadership development for women in the local church. Because of Margy’s passion and experience in women’s ministry, she is a frequently requested speaker for retreats, seminars, and conferences. Margy recently graduated with her Bachelors in Biblical Studies and is currently pursuing her Masters in Christian Counseling at Southern California Seminary. She is also the student advisor and assistant to the Dean of Bible and Theology.

BREAKOUT SESSION: "For Women: Writing to Change Lives"

What if changing lives became the primary focus of your writing? How would that goal bring fresh passion and purpose to your efforts? In this engaging and interactive workshop for women, discover five ways you can begin to transform lives with your writing.

PETER VIK teaches Biblical studies and Greek at San Diego Christian College. In his spare time he enjoys reading, writing, practicing martial arts and spending as much time as possible enjoying the magnificent hiking trails in Southern California. His first young adult fiction novel, Hope, was released in 2016 with Ettelloc Publishing. It is the first book in a series of three. The second and third novels are forthcoming through the same editor.

• Hope (Ettelloc Publishing, 2016)
• Light and Darkness (Ettelloc Publishing, 2019)

BREAKOUT SESSION:"Fantasy Fiction: Writing the Unreal"

CORY MARSH, a frequent conference speaker, has been published in academic journals, books, and scholarly sites focusing on Christian theology, philosophy, history, and biblical languages. He is a member of The Evangelical Theological Society, The Evangelical Philosophical Society, The Society of Biblical Literature, and the Council on Dispensational Hermeneutics. Additionally, Cory is a founding member of the Center for Dispensational Thought, an academic publishing imprint at Southern California Seminary where he also serves as Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies. Cory and his wife Shannan of 10 years are members of Mission Bible Church in Tustin, CA.

BREAKOUT SESSION: "Writing for Academic Journals: Goals for Your Papers"

Publishing in journals has become the traditional way of accomplishing two goals in academia: contribution to an existing body of knowledge at a premier level; and elevation of a writer’s institution’s status. As such, theological journals demand the highest caliber of expression for writers offering ideas advancing Christian scholarship. Author and seminary professor Cory M. Marsh will present in this workshop the basic expectations of academic writing necessary for Christian authors to take their research and institution to the foremost level of recognition—publication in academic journals