American Christian Fiction Writers - ACFW Chicago

01/01/2026

Jumpstart your 2026 writing with a SENSATIONAL workshop!

Friday, January 9th, 6-8pm
Panera Bread Meeting Room
The Arboretum of South Barrington, IL

This creative writing workshop will focus on sensory storytelling and flash fiction with an emphasis on the five senses!
Please join us from 5:30-6:00 for food and meet and greet time! Meeting will begin promptly at 6:00pm

Bring your laptop! Pencils and paper will be provided.

11/20/2025

Do you want the value of a writer's conference without the stress of travel? Join our Virtual Conference with an optional early bird session with multi-published author and writing teacher James Scott Bell. Over the course of the two days, we’ll offer over a dozen workshops led by leaders in the industry, and appointments with agents and editors, plus specialty appointments. All for one set price.

Find out more here: https://acfw.com/acfw-virtual-conference

08/01/2025

CASTING CALL!

ACFW Meeting: August 8, 2025, 6:30 pm
Panera Bread
100 West Higgins Road
South Barrington, IL 60010

6:30-8:30 p.m.
(The room is ours at 6:00 p.m. in case you wish to order food to enjoy and to thank Panera for their hospitality)
As always, the first two meetings for guests are free. Bring friends.

This past April we focused on creating bad guys. But your main character needs the presence of so much more than conflict to drive the story.

At our August 8th meeting we will look at the well meaning folks around the main character--the sidekicks, besties, confidantes, mentors, love interests, orbital pals, helpers, foils, extras, and comic relief characters.
What are their unique roles?
What can keep them from all sounding the same?
How do they add depth to your main character and roundness to your story arc?
When should you combine characters to prevent a population explosion?
How can you help your readers keep them straight?
How can secondary characters add comic relief without hijacking or bogging down the story?

During our workshop you'll have the chance to assess the supporting cast in your current Work In Progress. Please bring along your laptop or any book notes that will help you recall Who's Who in your WIP. If you're between projects, think of a favorite novel on which to practice. Bringing a copy of the book or a printed plot summary of that novel might help you recall its cast of characters.

Looking forward to seeing you on August 8th

07/01/2025

Your book is packed with wisdom—why not keep sharing it? 📘 This week’s tip is all about turning your book into a weekly tip series. Whether you've written a devotional, a teaching resource, or even a practical fiction story, you can repurpose key takeaways into bite-sized tips for your readers. Just scan your book, pull out 10 helpful ideas, and post one each week on social media or to your email list.

Not only does this keep your message alive, but it also helps readers see your book as a resource worth sharing. End each post with something like: “This tip comes from my book, [Book Title]. Grab your copy here: [link].” You’ll stay consistent, show up with value, and naturally point people to your book—without ever feeling “salesy.”

🙌 Want more ideas like this every Monday? ✉️ Sign up here: http://bit.ly/44bQyzN

07/01/2025

What are you reading?

No meetings for July. Enjoy your holiday and share your favorite summer reads!!

Next meetup is Friday August 8th!!

05/01/2025

Dear American Christian Fiction Writers,

Has the Holy Spirit nudged you to start a podcast or make your podcast more effective? Maybe, like me, you’ve been invited to be a guest but are unsure how to choose the right topic or prepare for the interview.

Great News! Author and podcaster Missy Eversole will be speaking to us on how to host a podcast.

Missy is the author of “Transformed, Not Conformed: Embracing a Life-Changing Approach to Spiritual Habits,” and her writing has been featured in Proverbs 31 Ministries; COMPEL Training; Kingdom Edge Magazine; and “Love, Peace & Joy,” a Word Girl Compilation Devotional. Her newest project is an historical fiction book, centered around Springfield, Illinois, and the Underground Railroad.

In 2023, she launched “Bold Faith Now,” a podcast encouraging and equipping people to live boldly for Jesus.

Missy will discuss the key steps to launching a podcast (she says, "It’s easier than you think!") and how to be a guest who leaves a lasting impact with listeners. Whether you're considering starting your own show or want to be a sought-after guest, this meeting will provide insights into building a compelling podcast, finding your voice, and connecting with audiences.

Missy will cover:
1. The essentials of starting a podcast—choosing your niche, equipment basics, and structuring engaging episodes.
2. Best practices for hosting—interviewing with confidence, keeping conversations engaging, and serving your audience.
3. Tips for being a great guest—crafting your message, sharing your story effectively, and building relationships with hosts.
4. How to leverage podcast appearances for networking, brand growth, and ministry impact.

Whether behind the mic or in the guest seat, you’ll leave equipped to step into the podcasting world with boldness and purpose!

Everyone, this really will be a special opportunity. I am inviting guests to this and hope you will, too, because Missy's words will help anyone with a message.

And check out Missy's website: https://missyeversole.com/ .

Here's the link to Missy's podcast interviewing Christian fiction writer Lisa Betz. https://missyeversole.com/blog/069-nurturing-faith-through-writing-with-lisa-betz/

I look forward to seeing you and your guests!

In Episode 69 of the Bold Faith Now podcast, host Missy Eversole chats with author Lisa Betz to discuss her journey from a high school student who hated English class to becoming a Christian fiction writer. Lisa shares how multiple "little shoves" and...

02/28/2025

Congratulations to our very own, Susan Davis on the launch of her masterful work of history meets fantasy in her first novel,
63 hours in Hell

It held my attention from start to finish with original characters and the imaginary journey of Jesus' post death, three days down under. I hope you have a chance to pre-order it today, send her to the top of Amazon's best seller list and spread the message of hope we all share.


Amazon link here:
https://mybook.to/hdEhvlg

02/28/2025

Ever wonder how to make your writing stand out?

Join us on Friday, March 14th at the Panera Bread in South Barrington, IL for a workshop where we will utilize techniques you can apply and see immediate results in areas of your manuscript you want to sparkle up!

We recommend you bring the first few pages of your manuscript to work on, but any section you are currently working on is fine!

We hope to see you there!

Your ACFW board of directors,
Julia, Lori and Cathryn

02/09/2025

Registration for ACFW’s Virtual Conference is now open!

Join us March 21-22 for workshops on editing, book promotion, the importance of the first page, character development, submission mistakes, cover design, publicity, book promotion, marketing and more.

Plus, there’s an optional early bird session with multi-published author Kimberley Woodhouse on Thursday, March 20. Kim will discuss tools needed to write well and write faster.

And don’t forget the agent and editor appointments as well.

Register now for a discounted super saver rate, good until February 15.

All of the details can be found here: https://acfw.com/acfw-virtual-conference/ or click the Virtual Conference link on ACFW’s home page.

02/07/2025

Join us!!
The American Christian Fiction Writers - ACFW Chicago -
Friday, February 21st at 6:30 pm,
Panera Bread, South Barrington, IL

We will explore the wit and wiles of making characters our readers LOVE -- when they are good, and when they are very, very bad!
Hope to see you there!

11/11/2024

11/07/2024

How can we be a LIGHT to the world—without blinding our readers?

Please join us tomorrow night, Friday, November 7th, for an evening with multi-published author and speaker, Tim Shoemaker as he presents:

Writing from a Christian Worldview … Without Getting Preachy

>>> How do we avoid writing “hokey” Christian fiction?
>>> What about making our story more edgy to make it more real?
>>> We’ll talk about writing in a way that changes lives, without compromising our standards.

WHEN: FRIDAY, NOV 7 6:30-8:30
WHERE: South Barrington Panera Bread100 West Higgins Road, South Barrington, IL

Come early and grab a bite, then relax and enjoy our event!