2027 Speakers 

Twila Belk

Twila Belk—known as “The Writer’s Champion” and the “Gotta Tell Somebody Gal”—is awriter, speaker, editor, ghostwriter, and passionate encourager who loves helping others sharetheir stories and fulfill their calling as writers. A sought-after conference presenter, Twila has taught at writers conferences across the country,equipping and encouraging writers at every stage of their journey. For twenty years, she worked alongside veteran author and mentor Cec Murphey, serving as his executive assistant and gaining invaluable firsthand insight into the craft and calling of writing, the publishing industry, and the joys and challenges of a writer’s life. A former Christian bookstore owner and writers conference director, Twila brings a unique blend of industry knowledge, publishing experience, and real-world perspective to her work. She also mentors writers one-on-one, helping them navigate the writing and publishing journey while offering the encouragement and perspective they need to keep moving forward. Twila is represented by Bob Hostetler of The Steve Laube Agency. Whether she’s on stage, in a classroom, or working with a writer one-on-one, Twila blends practical wisdom, humor, faith, and heartfelt encouragement. Her goal is simple: to help writers grow in their craft, embrace their calling, and keep telling the stories God has entrusted to them.

www.gottatellsomebody.com

Mary Portzen

Mary Portzen graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a BA in Psychology. She is a certified grief counselor trained under world-renown grief expert David Kessler and a Therapeutic Art coach. Mary has had over 700 pieces published under the name Mary Potter Kenyon, with articles published in newspapers, magazines, and anthologies, including essays in ten Chicken Soup and four Guideposts books. She is the author of seven non-fiction books, including the award-winning "Refined By Fire: A Journey of Grief and Grace," and "Called to Be Creative: A Guide to Reigniting Your Creativity." Her children's book on grief will be published by Familius Publishing in 2027. Mary and her husband Nick co-authored Soul Mates: Path to a Praying Partnership. A member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, she has conducted workshops and programs on expressive writing for healing, creativity, and writing for conferences, women's groups, libraries, and community colleges since 2011. She and her husband speak on finding hope in grief and praying as a couple.  marypotterkenyon.wordpress.com/

Lee Warren

Julie Sunne

Freelance editing is a second career for Judy Hagey, but it is built on a lifelong love of reading, years of experience in Christian higher education, and a commitment to excellence. Recognized among her colleagues as the grammar guru, Judy launched a freelance editing service—Write Justified—a play on the typography term for aligning text and a nod to her concern for social justice. Her training with the Christian Proofreaders and Editors Network honed her skills and equipped her for her current role as the nonfiction managing editor for Elk Lake Publishing, Inc, along with freelancing for independent authors and other publishers. Although most of her projects are Christian nonfiction, she also enjoys working on fiction manuscripts.Judy will be taking pitches for both fiction and nonfiction on behalf of Elk Lake Publishing Inc https://elklakepublishinginc.com/. Submission guidelines are available on the ELPI website.