AuthorandFinisher

Kathi Macias

Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored seventeen books, including a women’s devotional that was a bestseller for Regal Books and the popular Matthews mystery novels from Broadman and Holman (Obsession, The Price, and The Ransom), which have been optioned for a TV series by a Christian television company.

Kathi has also ghostwritten/collaborated on books for several prominent individuals, including the late Chaplain of the United States Senate, Dr. Richard Halverson; Pastor Jack Hayford; Josh McDowell; Rosey Grier; and Dr. Kevin Leman, and she has published numerous articles, short stories, and poems in various periodicals. Kathi has also written Bible commentary for the Spirit-Filled Bible (Student Edition) for Thomas Nelson, contributed a devotional for the first NIV Women’s Devotional Bible, and was part of the devotional-writing team for the second NIV Women’s Devotional Bible, both from Zondervan. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs.

Janice Elsheimer

Janice Elsheimer is an enthusiastic and entertaining speaker and author whose message is that creativity is a pathway to personal and spiritual growth. Writers, visual artists, musicians, actors, and folks who simply want permission to start exercising their creative muscles fill up her workshops, seminars and classes. They leave with a new sense of what is possible: a conviction that they can enrich their lives by developing God-given talents. Her books, The Creative Call, and the soon-to-be-published Grounded in the Garden: the Wisdom of Growing Things are both literary and motivational masterpieces. Janice’s presentations leave her participants refreshed, encouraged, and ready to reawaken the sleeping artist within.

An accomplished pianist, Janice attended Florida State University on music scholarships, eventually earning a BA in English Education. She holds a Masters in Gifted Education from the University of Arkansas and has taught students at every level from kindergarten through college. Her interest in creativity, whether in the classroom, the studio, the garden, or the kitchen derives from her own love of putting her hand to something.

Marilynn Griffith

Marilynn Griffith is mom to a tribe, wife to a deacon and proof that God gives second chances. While best known for her colorful novels about friendship, family and faith, Marilynn is also a speaker and nonfiction writer. Her nonfiction has been included in CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE CHRISTIAN WOMAN'S SOUL and several other devotionals and magazines. Currently, Marilynn is editor of the SISTAHFAITH:BELIEVING BEYOND SHAME anthology. She is also the founder of Faithchick.com, a blog for faith fiction readers.

Marilynn is the author of six novels dealing with issues such as teen pregnancy, AIDS, abstinence, stress relief, single parenting and marriage. Her recent fiction titles include TANGERINE and IF THE SHOE FITS. Marilynn has served as Vice President and Publicity Officer of American Christian Fiction Writers. She speaks to youth, women and writers about believing beyond boundaries and daring to reach dreams. Marilynn lives in Florida with her husband and seven children whom she taught at home for seven years.

Susie Larson

With enthusiasm, humor, and conviction, author/speaker Susie Larson has spoken to thousands of women locally, nationally, and internationally. Susie is a member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association and the Christian Authors Network. Susie is the author of several books and many articles. She also works as a freelance writer for Focus on the Family. She has been interviewed on radio stations across the country. Susie's newest release titled, Alone in Marriage: Encouragement for the Times When it's all up to You releases in July '07 and is published by Moody Publishers.

Recently, Susie has partnered with national recording artist Sara Groves as a co-chair for the International Justice Mission fundraising banquet in Minnesota. IJM is a powerful organization that among other things, rescues young girls from the horrific life of human trafficking.

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