by Crystal Caudill | May 26, 2020 | Book and Writing Events, Writer's Life, Writing Craft
2020 has been a year for the record books. Everyone across the globe has been challenged during this time, and yet there have been some good things come out of it. Although so many conferences have been canceled this year, many have shifted to an online venue, opening up access to many who would not be able to attend otherwise. This is true of the Kentucky Christian Writer’s Conference. I am so blessed to have led the Teen Seminar last year, and while this year’s seminar has been pushed off to 2021, I am pleased to say that the online KCWC conference will be open to teens for this year.
Not a teen? The KCWC is a great opportunity for writers of all levels and ages. The faculty line up and topics are fantastic, and if you register, you will have access to the recordings for 6 months. Below is the key information to know, and I encourage you to visit the website to get a look at the classes being offered.

What: Kentucky Christian Writer’s Conference
When: June 19 & 20, 2020
Cost: $20.20
Keynote Speaker: Bob Hostetler
Workshop Selections: https://kychristianwriters.com/workshops
How to register: https://kychristianwriters.com/register
I hope to see you there!
by Crystal Caudill | Aug 21, 2018 | Book and Writing Events, Writer's Life

Are you interested in an author’s writing journey? Do you want to interact and be a part of that journey on a regular basis?
I have created a Facebook group called Crystal’s Creative Cohorts so that I can be more interactive with you on a regular basis. While blogging and my newsletters are great, they are often one-sided and I really want to interact and get to know you.
So what will Crystal’s Creative Cohorts do? Give input on current works in progress–like character names, descriptions, quirks, story ideas–, be the first ones offered a chance to be beta readers and members of my eventual street team, get a glimpse into the real life of an author and sneak peeks at my writing, and have access to exclusive contests. Because who doesn’t like a good contest?
In fact, my first giveaway will happen when the group reaches 50 members. Want a sneak peek at the prize? I thought so…

So what are you waiting for? Come join the party and become a Creative Cohort.
by Crystal Caudill | May 1, 2018 | Book and Writing Events, Writer's Life
I know, it’s a year away, but registration is OPEN for the amazing Christian Fiction Reader’s Retreat taking place in Washington, D.C. April 5-6, 2019.

If you are able, I highly recommend attending this event. The information below comes from the Christian Fiction Reader’s Retreat Page. Please visit them for more information and register soon!
What is CFRR?
“Christian Fiction Readers Retreat is a one day event gathering of Christian Fiction readers and authors. The event’s theme is “Honoring God through Christian Fiction” and will feature speaker sessions, author panels, breakout sessions, prayer & worship and author signings.
An unprecedented event in the Christian Fiction genre, the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat (CFRR) offers an opportunity for readers to meet and chat with authors. The event will include food, games, giveaways and free books. Following a successful 2016 debut in Nashville, and a second one on August 12th in Cincinnati, Ohio, the next CFRR will take place in the Spring of 2019 in the VA/DC/MD area.”
– CFRR Website
What Authors will be OFFICIALLY there?

Amber Lynn Perry |
Gabrielle Meyer |
Megan Whitson Lee |
Becca Whitham |
Janet Ferguson |
Melissa Tagg |
Bethany Turner |
Jayme H Mansfield |
Mesu Andrews |
Carole Towriss |
Jean C. Gordon |
Mikal Dawn |
Carrie Turansky |
Kimberley Woodhouse |
Misty M Beller |
Cathy Gohlke |
Kristi Ann Hunter |
Roseanna M. White |
Connilyn Cossette |
Kristin Noel Fischer |
Ruth Logan Herne |
Dawn Crandall |
Lindsay Harrel |
Sandra Ardoin |
Deborah Giusti |
Lindsey Brackett |
Stephenia H. McGee |
Elaine Stock |
Lisa Cox Carter |
Susan May Warren |
Erica Vetsch |
Lisa Jordan |
Toni Shiloh |
Eva Marie Everson |
Mary Connealy |
Tracey J Lyons |
Last year, I discovered that authors are just as excited to go as a reader to a reader event. And why not? We’re avid readers, too.
What do you do there?
When I went in 2017, I was so impressed with how the event went. It was like a spiritual retreat mixed with a reader’s dream. We had awesome times of worship, a devotional, speakers who glorified God, and we prayed together, authors prayed with me. It was an amazing spiritual refueling.
In addition to the spiritual side of things, we played games, won prizes, asked questions, fan-girled (I swear I wasn’t the only one), and came home with these awesome bags filled with books, reader swag, and awesome goodies. It was an amazing time.
(First Photo by EA Creative Photography)
What does Registration include?
The Registration Fee for the Main Event (April 6, 2019, 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM) includes: :
- Entry to the 2019 Christian Fiction Readers Retreat (CFRR) Main Event on April 6, 2019, which includes (3) speaker sessions, at least (2) author panels, breakout sessions and the opportunity meet and chat with authors, and fellow readers.
- Author signing at the end of the day to chat with authors and fellow readers
- A goody bag full of swag from authors, publishers, sponsors and CFRR
- Light breakfast
- Lunch
- Afternoon snack
- All day non-alcoholic beverage service
- Tons of chances to win giveaways donated by authors and sponsors throughout the day
- One entry into the Grand Prize of the event
The Registration Fee for the Meet & Greet Event (April 5, 2019, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM) includes:
- Entry to the 2019 Christian Fiction Readers Retreat (CFRR) Meet & Greet Event on April 5, 2019. It will start at 6:00 PM and run through 8:00 PM or later.
- Please note, the reserved space for the Meet & Greet have limited capacity, and therefore ticket sales will be closed once capacity is met. It will not accommodate all guests for the main event.
- Non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks will be served by the hotel. Guests are welcome to purchase additional food (only) from the hotel restaurant and bring it to the Meet & Greet.
- A relaxed schedule will be posted closer to date.

So what are you waiting for? This is an event you DO NOT want to miss if at all possible. Visit the Christian Fiction Reader’s Retreat Website and register, ASAP. Last year the spots filled up before the Registration Deadline.
Important Dates:
- Readers’ Registration Begins – April 30, 2018 at 11:00 AM EST
- Readers’ Registration Deadline – September 20, 2018 or until capacity reached (whichever comes first)
- Hotel Room block Deadline – March 15, 2019 or until block capacity reached (whichever comes first)
- 2019 Christian Fiction Readers’ Retreat – April 5 – April 6, 2019
Join the Discussion: Who is going? If you can’t go, what questions would you want to be answered by a participating author? I’ll try to remember to ask them and share it when I do my CFRR Review post next May.