WCCW News for June 2025

Author Interview, Writing Opportunities, Membership Events, & MORE!

Jun 18, 2025

West Coast Christian Writers (WCCW) is a 501c3 nonprofit; we are writers helping writers.

Where the Credit Goes

What Teddy Roosevelt Accidentally Taught Me About Writing

I’ve made 3 friends as a new writer: doubt, fear and the Imposter Syndrome. No matter how much I try to evade my new friends they remain ever steadfast, nipping at my heels. They sometimes offer helpful questions such as, What if you’re the only one that thinks this sounds brilliant? Before I know it, I’m sinking into the warm waters of their guidance, shielding myself from all rejection.

Yet, I’m reminded of Teddy Roosevelt’s famous 1910 Paris speech about how it’s not the critic that counts, it’s not the man who points out where the doer of deeds could have done them better, but the credit belongs to the man who strives valiantly, who errs, who comes short again and again – it’s the writer who is actually in the arena.

Maybe it was all those months of making my girls commit Roosevelt’s speech to memory in our homeschool room, but the lesson I tried to instill in them ended up teaching me far more. I think this is the reason why the wisdom of these brave words has become my knee jerk response to the critics who live in my head.

When I get off track, as I often do, I remember where the credit goes and why I started writing. It wasn’t to make a best seller list, it was to answer a call I felt in my heart with a simple, uncomplicated yes, where before I’d said no. With that quiet step I entered the arena. Yet, I will leave the results to the One who put the calling there in the first place; I’ve learned He knows what He is doing.

So I begin my journey to publish with a balanced, realistic mindset. I’ve heard it said that failure can be the price of admission. That may be the case for me, but even if it is not, I know that if I fail, I will at least fail while daring greatly. I will know that my place will never be counted with the cold and timid souls who neither knew victory nor defeat.

Now that we are in the arena, let’s be valiant together.

Conference Flash Sale

Mark Your Calendars For July 1 and Don’t Miss Out!

At WCCW, we believe that coming together shouldn't break the bank. That's why we pack our conference with rich content and connections at an accessible price point—and the best price of the season is right around the corner! Register during our upcoming flash sale for just $349 in-person or $149 online. Want first shot at our limited add-on appointments? Join membership for access to priority member registration June 23-30.

The conference flash sale opens to the public July 1-8!

With an in-person ticket, you can:

· Attend two full conference days Oct 24-25, plus add-on an optional mentoring day
· Learn from 35+ workshops by industry professionals
· Replay the workshop video recordings until the end of 2025
· Receive a complimentary coaching or critique appointment
· Schedule a FREE appointment with an agent or editor (first come, first serve)
· Enjoy a delicious catered lunch each day (now included in the ticket price!)
· Enter the free writing contest for a shot at the Goldie Awards
· Sell your books in the conference bookstore
· Participate in our private conference Facebook group
· Sharpen your skills through hands-on writing labs
· Build community and connections
· Get our nonprofit discount on a Disneyland day on Oct 26

Joining us online? Here's what's included:

· Watch live streams of the keynote addresses
· Meet up live on Zoom to connect with other attendees
· Participate in our private conference Facebook group
· Sell your books in the online conference bookstore
· Enjoy all workshop video recordings until the end of 2025
· Enter the free writing contest for a shot at the Goldie Awards

When you register for the 2025 West Coast Christian Writers Conference, you can expect to be equipped, encouraged, and inspired, plus make meaningful industry and personal connections. Mark your calendars and grab your ticket at the lowest prices of the season! Keep an eye on your email inbox for Flash Sale announcements.

WCCW Interviews: Dr. Kimberly Biddle

Ready to have your voice heard? Email newsletter@westcoastchristianwriters.com to apply

This month we had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Kimberly A. Gordon Biddle. In addition to her title of mother and wife, Dr. Biddle is an Emeritus Professor at Sacramento State University. She has authored several academic and children’s books, and facilitates book readings and workshops. Dr. Biddle is an alumna of Stanford University, an American Fiction Awards finalist for American Bookfest, and a Purple Dragonfly Book Award winner.

Click here to view Dr. Biddle’s interview.

Dr. Biddle’s books, social media platforms and contact information can be found by clicking here or visit www.pinkpearlwriting.com.

Looking For More Publishing & Networking Opportunities?

Three ways to become more connected in the writing community await

Chicken Soup for the Soul is Looking for Funny Stories!

We have had such great success with our past humor books - and our editors have such a good time working on them - that we're doing it again! We are now collecting stories for another collection of funny stories and we want to hear from you! This new book is scheduled to be published in 2026. Deadline for Submissions: AUGUST 30, 2025. More info is available here: Chicken Soup

Find Your People on Substack!

Are you interested in connecting and interacting with other West Coast Christian writers on Substack? WCCW now has a Substack directory. Substack is a newish publication platform that is a cross between a newsletter and a blog. It's free and there are no ads. Plus, when you create a publication (ie, newsletter), people can leave comments. It's interactive! If you're on Substack and would like to be part of the WCCW Substack directory, email your info directly to Susy Flory at exec@westcoastchristianwriters.com.

Could you benefit from expert mentorship and industry training?

An Opportunity to Intern with Kathi Lipp

Are you passionate about writing, podcasting or community?
Do you want real experience with a collaborative team?
Could you use expert mentorship and industry training?
Are you a writer, speaker, or creative looking to grow your skills while contributing to meaningful, real-world projects?

Kathi Lipp—author, speaker, and founder of The Red House Writers Collective and Clutter Free Academy—is inviting applications for her internship program, now in its 12th year. This is an incredible opportunity to work alongside a team of experienced professionals committed to mentoring the next generation of Christian creatives. The time commitment is between 10 and 20 hours per month (coaching levels increase with the time commitment.) Want more information about interning with Roger and Kathi Lipp? Find out more and apply here

Member Opportunities

Online Writer Meet-up with Writer Connex

Writer Connex: Ask Me Anything is a members-only event. To join WCCW as a member, visit our membership page: click here

For a full calendar of WCCW membership offerings: click here

Book Releases from WCCW Authors

BIO: Dr. Hightower writes to inspire others in practically living out true Christian beliefs. Her writings reflect her love of music, different cultures, and worldwide travel. She draws vibrant examples and clear lessons learned from her experience as an international medical provider, teacher, and single mother of three. Many of the realistic details and engaging situations in her writings are the benefit of actual life events and result in engaging and encouraging adventures. Retired from full-time medical practice, she now enjoys being Grandma, a public speaker, and director of overseas projects for orphans and widows. Find her new book here

BIO: Dr. Audrey Davidheiser (PhD, Fuller) is a licensed psychologist in California, certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist, and IFSI-approved clinical consultant. After founding a counseling center for the Los Angeles Dream Center, she now provides IFS therapy for trauma survivors, including those with religious trauma, and assists in IFS trainings. She has been a regular writer for Crosswalk.com and columnist for iBelieve.com. Find her new book here

Community Corner

June is a month to celebrate Dads and GRADS!

APPLY FOR AN E-BLAST

Do you have special promotional news to share? Consider applying for a WCCW e-blast to share your message, service, or product with our audience. Apply here

West Coast Christian Writers

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