Faculty
Welcome our outstanding faculty members for 2026!
johnnie alexander
Johnnie Alexander is a bestselling, award-winning author of more than forty works of fiction in multiple genres. Both traditionally and indie-published, she is the Mosaic Collection LLC secretary, the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference faculty chair, a Writers Chat co-host, and HHHistory.com contributor. Writing stories of enduring love, quiet courage, and a touch of mystery, Johnnie—part hermit, part vagabond—cherishes cozy family times and long road trips.
Connect with her at Johnnie-Alexander.com
Johnnie is leading a Friday workshop on critiques and will lead a Saturday class on fiction writing. She’ll also be available for one-on-one appointments.
David Bennett
David Bennett is managing editor of HomeLife, the flagship magazine of Lifeway Christian Resources, and Open Windows, Lifeway’s longest running devotional. He is author of Critical Decisions: Clarity in the Journey (Serendipity House), co-author of Share Jesus Without Fear (LifeWay Press), a contributor for The Athlete’s Bible (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), and former curriculum writer for Chick-fil-A’s WinShape Camps. He and his wife have three daughters: Mary Claire, Caroline, and Sarah Kate, and a granddaughter, London Rose.
David is teaching a Saturday class on nonfiction writing and will be available for one-on-one appointments.
Patricia bradley
Patricia Bradley is a USA Today best-selling author who writes Inspirational Romantic Suspense stories set in the South. She and her two rescue kitties call Corinth, Mississippi home, and when she’s not writing, she likes to throw mud on a wheel to see what comes out. For more information, check out her website at https//ptbradley.com
Pat is teaching a Saturday class on dialog.
Gregg Bridgeman
Gregg Bridgeman began operating Olivia Kimbrell Press in 2011 acting as Editor-in-Chief. Then as now, he operates the press as a ministry. The primary objective remains that of lifting up and helping ministry-minded Biblical authors fulfill the Great Commission — to bring the Gospel message to the entire world — for every tribe and every nation. Gregg currently serves in the National Guard, is a decorated combat veteran, and is best known for his technical savvy and attention to the smallest detail.
Find Olivia Kimbrell Press Inc. at: www.oliviakimbrellpress.com
Gregg is not teaching a class at Mid-South Christian Writers Conference this year but he will be available for one-on-one appointments..
Robyn Conley
Robyn Conley, the Book Doctor, speaks and writes about writing, editing, and marketing all types of writing. She also speaks to non-writers about using writing prompts to: outline family histories, heal from emotional trauma, and plan life direction with joy.She has presented workshops at Texas Christian University, the University of Texas, multiple community colleges, as well as hundreds of individual seminars for major writing conferences across the U.S., including the Reader’s Digest Writing Workshops.
For more than thirty years she has critiqued novels and book length nonfiction as well as articles, short stories and poetry collections, helping writers make their work marketable throughout the various changes in publishing. Her clients have won contests and landed contracts with traditional publishers after hiring her red pen.
Learn more at robynconley.com or contact her at roboconbookdoc@gmail.com.
Robyn is not teaching a class at this year’s Mid-South Christian Writers Conference, but she will meet for one-on-one appointments. If you’d like a free critique, please bring a printout of the first 10 pages of your writing in Courier New, 12-point font, double-spaced, and one-sided.
kay & frank DiBianca
Frank DiBianca is a retired physicist, bioengineer, and former Dean of the UTenn College of Health Science Engineering. His love of experimentation shines through his award-winning suspense novel, Laser Trap. His next work, God and the Helix, promises to be another exciting journey of the mind for readers. Connect with Frank at frankdibianca.com.
Kay DiBianca is a former software developer and IT manager who retired to a life of mystery. Her love of creative problem-solving manifests itself in her award-winning mystery novels, and her stories consistently illustrate the value of persistence in the search for truth even in difficult circumstances. Connect with Kay at kaydibianca.com.
Kay and Frank are leading a Friday workshop on Concept to Publication.
Loretta Eidson
Award-winning author Loretta Eidson loves writing romantic suspense. She believes in the power of prayer and enjoys putting her characters in realistic situations where they must trust God to pull them through. Loretta is an AWSA certified coach and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray. She has three novels published by Love Inspired Suspense, Pursued in the Wilderness (September 2022), Blue Ridge Mountain Escape (June 2023), and The Marine’s Deadly Reunion, (December 2023).
Loretta loves chocolate, caramel, iced tea, and coffee. She lives in North Mississippi, close to her family.
Loretta is co-leading a Saturday class on goals for fiction writing. She will be available for one-on-one appointments.
Liana George
Liana George, is an author, speaker, and blogger with a passion for stories that inspire hope and transformation. In addition to her writing , Liana serves as co-owner , Chief Operating Officer, and Marketing Director of Scrivenings Press, where she plays a key role in shaping the company’s vision and supporting fellow authors on their publishing journeys. When she’s not overseeing book launches or working on her next novel, Liana can be found reading, traveling, watching tennis, or tending to her small farm just outside Houston.
Liana is teaching a Friday Workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and will be available for one-on-one appointments.
Annette marie griffin
Annette Marie Griffin is an award-winning author, speaker, and teacher who writes timeless pieces to help readers find home. She’s written hundreds of top-ranking articles for online Christian magazines, she’s an acquisitions editor for Starlight Magazine for kids, and her new book Fearfully and Wonderfully made will soon be released through Christian Art Gifts. When Annette isn’t writing or speaking, she enjoys making memories with her brilliant husband, five amazing children, and three adorable grands.
Annette is teaching a Saturday class on non-fiction writing and another on the business side of writing. She will also be available for one-on-one appointments.
Shannon Leach
Shannon Leach is a creativity coach and freelance author who chases words and light across the pages of multiple genres, pursuing encouragement and hope within the most vulnerable of stories. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and a life degree in being a messy human. Her transformational stories have been frequently featured in both Guideposts and Chicken Soup for the Soul. Shannon also is the owner of ARH Inspirations, cofounder of the nonprofit The Fostered Gift, and a founding member of Tipton County Writers.
Shannon is leading a Saturday class on the business of writing and defining the writing journey. She will be available for one-on-one appointments.
Di ann mills
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who invites her readers to step into stories where suspense meets adventure and romance warms the heart. Known for crafting unforgettable characters tangled in unpredictable plots, DiAnn believes every breath we take unfolds a story waiting to be told—so why not make it thrilling?
Her novels have consistently landed on bestseller lists including CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly, and have won prestigious awards such as the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards.
DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers. She actively participates in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, International Thriller Writers, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. DiAnn passionately invests in helping fellow authors succeed through mentoring, book coaching, and editing. She travels nationwide speaking and teaching engaging writing workshops.
A proud coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn also enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She makes her home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.
Connect with DiAnn online for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively discussions: Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, BookBub, YouTube, LinkedIn, or her website: diannmills.com.
DiAnn our keynote speaker will be leading a Saturday class and will be available for one-on-one appointments.
Alycia Morales
Alycia Morales is a writing coach and freelance editor who loves encouraging other writers and assisting them in achieving their goals. She is the award-winning, best-selling indie author of Surviving the Year of Firsts: A Mom’s Guide to Grieving Child Loss. Alycia lives in South Carolina, where she’s nestled between her two favorite places: the mountains and the beach.
To learn more about Alycia, her services, and her writing, visit www.alyciawmorales.com.
Alycia is leading a Friday workshop on freelance editing and a Saturday class on supplementing your writing income. She will be available for one-on-one appointments.
Tammie Polk
Tammie T. Polk is the prolific author of over 150 print, audio, and digital books. An avid lover of self-publishing, Tammie’s books have landed on the websites and shelves of Wal-Mart, Target, Books A Million, Barnes and Noble, and local independent bookstore including Novel Memphis.
In April 2019, she struck out on her own, opening a bookstore of her own with the goal of showing aspiring authors what their works in progress could turn into and seasoned authors how to expand their books into other arenas. Tammie has also helped nearly 50 authors to publish their own books and launch book based podcasts and radio shows, conferences and workshops, and coaching programs.
Tammie is not teaching a class but will be available for one-on-one appointments.
Dell Self
Dell Self is a Christian women’s conference and event speaker, Christian lifestyle coach, and self-publishing specialist who equips believers to share their stories and deepen their walk with God. She is the founder of Speak Through Me Publishing, where she helps aspiring authors bring faith-filled, nonfiction books to life. With humor, warmth, and practical insight, she inspires audiences to live with eternal impact. Her tagline: Helping believers write, speak, and impact for Christ.
Connect with Dell at https://www.speakthroughme.com
Dell is teaching a Saturday class on Building Authority & Leaving a Legacy. She will be available for one-on-one appointments.
april thompson
April Thompson is an investigative journalist and afternoon anchor with News Channel 3 in Memphis. She graduated from the University of Georgia in Athens with a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and earned her Master’s degree in Business Finance at the University of Memphis. April has received honors including two Emmy Awards and two prestigious Edward R. Murrow Awards, and the Tennessee School Board Association’s Award for Outstanding Reporting.
April is leading a Saturday class on public image.
Delores Topliff
Delores Topliff grew up in Washington state but married a Canadian so enjoys dual citizenship. She teaches university online, travels, and published children’s books and non-fiction stories before finding her stride writing historic novels. Her August 2023 release, A Traveling Grandma’s Guide to Israel: Adventures, Wit, and Wisdom, is a memoir. Delores loves her two doctor sons and five grandchildren and divides her year between a central Minnesota farm and the gentle climate and people in Northeastern Mississippi.
Delores is co-teaching a Saturday class on goals for fiction writing. She will be available for one-on-one appointments.
diane turpin
Her design journey began with Mantle Rock Publishing, where she crafted over thirty book covers before the company was acquired by Scrivenings Press. Today, Diane uses her expertise in illustration, cover design, and manuscript formatting to help self-published authors present their work with beauty and professionalism.
Diane is teaching a Saturday class on book cover design and will be available for one-on-one appointments.