The 2024 LDSPMA Conference will be held October 17–19 at the UVU Sorensen Center in Orem, Utah.
Preconference sessions will be held virtually over Zoom from August 22 to October 10, with Thursday deep-dive workshops held in-person on Thursday, October 17.
Recordings of the 4 keynote sessions, the preconference virtual sessions, and the 50 in-person sessions will be made available to conference attendees from mid-November to February 28, 2025.
On This Page:
Friday/Saturday, October 18–19
Keynote Speakers
Friday Morning Keynote (9:00 am)
The Journey: Work of the Stars
Ally Condie
We were created to create. Both the gospel and great literature teach and remind us that we are no less than the stars. But sometimes being the stuff of stars—and indeed, being human—feels hard. How do we stay grounded and take care of our very important daily responsibilities while still letting our spirits soar? This is the work—and the journey—of a lifetime.
As the author of books that range from picture books and middle grade through YA and adult novels, and as the main breadwinner for her family and the stay-at-home mother of four children, Ally Condie has learned to create in circumstances that could be considered less-than-ideal. And the same can be said for all of us! She’ll share personal experiences and what she has learned from other works, creators, and colleagues along her creative journey.
Bio: Ally Braithwaite Condie is the author of the # 1 New York Times bestselling Matched series and the Edgar Award Finalist Summerlost, among other novels. She is also the author of several picture books, including Here, and of the upcoming adult murder mystery The Unwedding.
A former English teacher, Ally resides outside of Salt Lake City with her family, including her four children. She has an MFA from the Vermont College of Fine Arts and is the founder and director of the nonprofit WriteOut Foundation. Her books have been published in 30+ languages.
Friday Afternoon Keynote (4:30 pm)
Kristin M. Yee
Sister Kristin M. Yee currently serves as the Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency. She has also served in the Primary General Advisory Council, as a stake Relief Society president, and in numerous other callings.
Sister Yee received a bachelor’s degree in illustration and a Master of Public Administration from BYU. Her artistic skills and focus led her to positions as an artist, producer, and manager at Disney Interactive Studios for thirteen years. In 2016, she became manager of the animation team at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and she currently is a Publishing Services special projects manager for the Church. Her gospel-themed paintings include portraits of the Savior’s mortal ministry.
Saturday Morning Keynote (9:00 am)
Brigham Taylor
Brigham Taylor is a producer best known for producing live-action Walt Disney Studios films. He produced The Jungle Book (2016) with director Jon Favreau, Christopher Robbin (2018), and Lady and the Tramp (2019) as one of the marquee launch titles for Disney+, along with The One and Only Ivan (2020). He was an executive producer on Tomorrowland (2015) and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017). He recently completed his first independent film, Tokyo Cowboy (2023).
As a Disney executive, Brigham oversaw many of the studio’s blockbuster films, including the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Tron: Legacy, the Chronicles of Narnia series, and Oz: The Great and Powerful. He has also overseen filmmaker-driven projects such as Boaz Yakin’s Remember the Titans (2020), the Coen Brothers’ O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2020), and John Lee Hancock’s The Rookie (2002).
Saturday Afternoon Keynote (4:00 pm)
Creativity: The Gift that Keeps On Giving
Michael McLean
It’s often said that great songs are not written, they’re rewritten. Same is true with screenplays, musicals, books, essays. When we feel inspired to take on a creative challenge, and we give it the best we can, that process is a gift. But that gift doesn’t end when the work is published. What is our creativity trying to teach us long after our first inspiration?
As McLean shares deeply personal experiences about the things he’s learned in his five decades of creativity—as a songwriter, a producer/director of several faith-centered films, a twenty-year journey to an off-Broadway run of a musical he wrote with Kevin Kelly, trying to compete with the greatest songwriters of his generation, rebounding from “bet the farm” flops to million seller hits—he reveals how the creative part of his brain changed and what part of his spiritual heart was transformed in the process. NOTE: Hopefully he won’t be making up too many true stories!😉
Bio: Michael McLean is a songwriter, composer, author, performer, playwright, and filmmaker with a career spanning five decades.
Since 1983, Michael has written music and lyrics for more than thirty albums, which have sold over two million copies. Since 1991, he has starred in a theatrical version of The Forgotten Carols to sold-out audiences on his yearly holiday tour. Michael was the original story writer, producer, and director of Nora’s Christmas Gift starring Academy Award-winner Celeste Holm. Other films he has written and directed include Together Forever, The Prodigal Son, and What Is Real? He produced Mr. Krueger’s Christmas, a film for television starring film legend James Stewart.
During his seventeen years in the advertising industry, Michael received numerous national and international awards for advertising, including the prestigious Clio Award, National Addy Award, New York Ad Club’s Andy Award, two National Emmy Finalist awards, and the Bronze Lion at the Cannes Film Festival.
Michael and his wife Lynne have three children and two grandchildren.
Preconference Virtual Classes
Kickoff Virtual Session:
Marketing As a Ministry: The Most Effective Way for Creatives to Build Impact, Influence, and Income
Doug Pew & Daniel Blomberg
Time: Thursday, August 22, 6:00–7:20 pm Mountain Time
Open to all LDSPMA members, not just conference registrants!
During this workshop, you will discover:
- How to find and attract your perfect followers
- How to build customer loyalty and long-term relationships with those you serve
- How to lovingly help prospects become buyers, and buyers become repeat buyers
Bios:
Dr. Douglas Pew is an award-winning composer of classical music. He is also a sought-after marketer and online business coach who has helped his clients make millions selling their expertise in the form of digital courses, memberships, masterminds, and coaching programs. Doug’s music is published by Boosey & Hawkes, Schott Music, Santa Barbara Music Publishing, Jackman Music Corporation, and his own publishing house, Blue Shore Music.
Daniel Blomberg built a six-figure music production company in just over three years with his wife and business partner, Kathryn, making mainly religious music, in a place where musicians are often viewed as a “dime-a-dozen” commodity. Blomberg Music Productions works with professionals and hobbyists alike, including several of Utah’s household music names, to help flood the Earth with God’s music.
Virtual Session:
I Don’t Do Numbers, I’m a Creative! How to Navigate Business Finances and Avoid IRS Sharks While Staying True to Your Craft
Sandi Dawn Rytting-Bradford
Time: Thursday, August 29, 6:00–7:20 pm Mountain Time
This class will focus on essential finance principles for creatives. Discover strategies for budgeting, taxes, financial planning, and IRS compliance while preserving your artistic integrity. Whether you want a side hustle or to quit your job, become equipped with practical skills to navigate financial waters confidently. Learn the building blocks that bring your dreams to fruition rather than devour time and money.
Bio: S. Dawn Bradford is a #1 international bestselling author, a writing coach, and an international public speaker. She has appeared on Voice America’s radio show Empowering Women, Transforming Lives. She has also written guest blogs for the American SPCC and was the keynote speaker for the Calliope Writing Coach’s Alaska Writer’s Retreat. She runs a successful accounting business, mentors abuse survivors, and loves to curl up and read a great book.
Virtual Session:
Discover Your Word Effect: Unlock Your Inner Leadership with Three Simple Words
Becky Kemp
Time: Saturday, August 31, 10:00–11:20 am Mountain Time
Unlock your dream: Activate the word effect process, lead your mind, and shine. Discover 3 simple words propelling you toward your dream. Break free from stagnation, lead your mind with clarity, honor commitments to yourself, and radiate your light as you become aware of the power of words and intentionally choose the words that matter, creating the life you always desired.
Bio: Dedicated to sharing goodness, Becky Kemp loves the power found in words. As a mindset coach and leadership speaker, and author of The Word Effect: 7 Simple Words to Create Your Most Beautiful Life, Becky empowers individuals to create and share the story they have always desired to share. Positive and passionate about the power of words, Becky guides individuals in harnessing intentional language to navigate creation from within.
Virtual Session:
The Art and Science of Intellectual Property Law for Creatives
Britten Sessions, Esq
Time: Tuesday, September 3, 6:00–7:20 pm Mountain Time
Get your intellectual property questions answered during this virtual session with a top IP legal expert. Learn the ins and outs of intellectual property, filing for patents and trademarks, and anything else you may need to know as a practicing publisher, entrepreneur, writer, artist, or entertainer. Examine every stage of the patent process, including early-stage IP opportunities, strategic preparation and procurement of patents, and alignment of patent portfolios with business strategies.
Bio: Britten Sessions is a professor at Gonzaga University and founder of IP Clinics at GU and Lincoln Law School of San Jose. He is a principal attorney at Zilka-Kotab PC and has advised on hundreds of patent enforcement, acquisition, licensing, and monetization transactions, yielding over $120 million in returns. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and IP books. Britten has also been recognized as one of the world’s top-ranked IP strategists by multiple organizations.
Virtual Session:
Leadership 101: How to Be the Leader God Wants You to Be
Kiri Jorgensen
Time: Thursday, September 5, 6:00–7:20 pm Mountain Time
As creators, we’ve been called to lead in a dark world and to spread light with the talents we have. Yet, what does it mean to be an effective leader? How does leadership differ from people management? Although thousands of leadership books exist, in this session the scriptures will be our text. What does God have to say about leadership? We’ll examine leadership based on His plan and expectations in the context of our craft.
Bio: Kiri Jorgensen is the publisher and senior editor at Chicken Scratch Books. She is also a writer, teacher, entrepreneur, wife, and mother. Her involvement in the world of children’s literature spans three decades and includes teaching, writing, editing, and leadership. Her passion is all books middle grade, and she loves to work with authors to bring their vision to its strongest form.
Virtual Session:
Make ‘em Laugh: The Mechanics of Written Humor
Whitney Hemsath Owens
Time: Tues, September 10, 6 – 7:20 pm MST
Learn the elements of humor from a former ComedySportz captain, and see how those elements translate to the written page using examples that focus on literature instead of memes or movies. With tips for setting, dialogue, pacing, punctuation, word placement, and letter choice, this class will have something to punch up the humor in whatever genre you’re writing.
Bio: Whitney Hemsath trained with ComedySportz and performed improv comedy for four years. She holds a BA in screenwriting, and her animated comedy screenplay made the 2005 Chapman Killer Script list. She has sold and published multiple short stories, and her longer works include a quirky middle-grade time travel story, an inspirational nonfiction book for Latter-day Saints, and her Costco shopping list. Her secret love is writing song parodies.
Virtual Session:
Amplify Your Impact: Turning Live Performances into Profitable Keynotes
Ashley Ludlow
Time: Saturday, September 14, 10-11:20 am MST
Public speakers get paid ten times as much as musicians for their time, so why not combine the two? In this session, we’ll explore:
- How to combine public speaking with live music
- How to structure your speech
- What you need to have in place before you start applying for speaking engagements
- How much to charge
- How to get booked
- How to sell your music and build your email list through public speaking
Bio: Ashley Ludlow is a musical keynote speaker, custom songwriter, and creative business strategist. Having been in online business for 14 years and with decades of musical experience, Ashley encourages creative entrepreneurs to see the great value in life and the fantastic role they play in it. She speaks on the value of embracing the inner child and rediscovering joy. Ashley lives with her family in Burley, Idaho.
Virtual Session:
10 Million Subscribers Later: How to Succeed on YouTube
Sarah Skye
Time: Tuesday, September 17, 6-7:20 pm MST
Have you ever uploaded a YouTube video and been disappointed by the number of views you got? This is a session for all creatives who are considering building or expanding a YouTube presence. We will cover the main elements of a successful channel: understanding YouTube Analytics, creating effective thumbnails, generating revenue, and harnessing the power of collaboration. For the musicians, we will also discuss music video formats that actually work.
Bio: Sarah Skye is a creative force, recognized for her impressive contributions to digital media. As the co-owner and creative backbone of The Fun Squad on YouTube, Sarah has helped steer the channel to monumental success, amassing 10.5 million subscribers and 100 million views per month. Behind the scenes, Sarah is a devoted mother to five children—the main talent of The Fun Squad—and manages the family business alongside her husband, Brandon.
Virtual Session:
Three Facets of Managing a Private Music Teaching Studio
Stacey Leybas
Time: Saturday, September 21, 10-11:20 am MST
In this session, we’ll conduct a thorough, practical review of the three critical components of starting and running a private music teaching studio:
- Groundwork: teaching philosophies, studio policies including pricing structures, and business/tax options
- Recruitment: advertising strategies, sample lessons, student database management, and schedule management
- Maintenance: lesson structure and pedagogy, student retention, recitals and performances, and technology resources
Bio: Stacey Leybas has started successful private music studios in two states, owns and operates a Let’s Play Music franchise, and has taught and managed more than 80 students over 13 years. Her studio has provided private and group lessons for piano, voice, violin, guitar, banjo, and more. Stacey is also a member of the Treasure Valley Federated Music Club; her students participate in National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) festivals and competitions.
Virtual Session:
Crafting a Creative Business Strategy
Ted Finch
Time: Thursday, September 26, 6:00–7:20 pm Mountain Time
This session provides an introduction to business strategy and disruptive innovation. Attendees will come away having clearly identified what strategic choices they are making in their creative efforts. They will also gain new insights and an appreciation for the multiplicity of ways they have to strategically and disruptively innovate in their businesses. Additionally, participants will build a roadmap together for infusing even greater creativity into their respective business ventures.
Bio: Ted Finch has studied strategy and disruptive innovation for over eight years, having worked in environments such as BYU-Idaho and BYU-Pathway Worldwide, where strategic thinking was integrated into its operations as a part of the everyday workflow. He has also served on the LDSPMA Board of Directors, helping the organization craft and update its strategy and providing LDSPMA board members with ongoing training on how to think deeply about what strategic choices they are making.
Virtual Session:
Writing Latter-day Saint Stories that Resonate With a Wider General Audience
Abel Keogh
Time: Saturday, September 28, 10-11:20 am MST
Latter-day Saints have wonderful stories to share with the world. However, because of misconceptions about our faith, sharing our stories with a broad audience can be difficult. This class will teach you how to write your religious stories and experiences so that they resonate with those outside our faith.
Bio: Abel Keogh is a relationship coach and the author of eight books: two memoirs, two novels, and four relationship guides. His memoir, The Wife in the Next Life, tackles topics such as eternal marriage, polygamy, the Law of Chastity, and many other aspects of our faith in such a way that non-Latter-day-Saint readers can understand and enjoy his and his wife’s unique love story.
Virtual Session:
Marketing Your Freelance Business like the Boss You Are
Suzy Bills
Time: Thursday, October 3, 6-7:20 p.m. MST
Marketing is vital to building and maintaining a business, but many freelancers don’t know where to start, what strategies are most effective, or how to avoid sounding salesy. We’ll discuss effective strategies for finding and connecting with your ideal clients. We’ll also discuss techniques for positioning yourself as the best choice so that you can win more projects and achieve your financial goals.
Bio: Suzy Bills is an editor, author, and faculty member in the editing and publishing program at BYU. She has owned a writing and editing business since 2006, working with clients to publish everything from books to dissertations to technical manuals. She loves sharing her skills with others, whether through teaching, helping authors get their thoughts on paper, or fine-tuning their writing. Her book The Freelance Editor’s Handbook was published in 2021.
Virtual Session:
Publishing in Church Magazines
Norman Hill
Time: Tues, October 8, 6-7:20 pm MST
Each of the Church’s magazines have their own style and preferences for articles. Understanding these factors is essential to getting published. This session will present a deliberate approach to understanding these preferences and crafting articles that meet required editorial conditions.Session
Bio: Norman Hill’s articles have appeared in the Liahona, Ensign, New Era, The Friend, LDS Living, and other Church-related magazines. A frequent contributor to various podcasts, he has a track record of successful publishing based on researching readerships and understanding editorial requirements.
Virtual Session:
Ten Mistakes to Avoid as a New Author (What I Wish I’d Known)
Julie Matern
Date and time TBA.
Braving the new, daunting world of authorship? Learn from my mistakes while we go over several obstacles I encountered, how to avoid them, and takeaways that will save you time or money:
- What a hobby/career in writing is and isn’t in the 21st century
- Imposter syndrome
- Non-traditional publishing
- Sharks and how to avoid them
- Online presence and developing yours
- Editors and how to work with them
- Covers and their importance
- Blurbs and taglines
- How vital a thick skin is
- Advertising
Bio: Born and raised in England, Julie Matern writes regency romance under her own name and historical cozy mysteries under the pen name Ann Sutton. Over 160,000 units of her mysteries have been sold or read on Kindle Unlimited. With over 20 books published, two with a traditional publisher and the rest indie-published, Julie loves to share what she has learned with new authors. Learn more at annsuttonauthor.com or juliematern.com.
Virtual Session:
Navigating the World of Children’s Books
Kiri Jorgensen
Date and time TBA.
Most rejections sent from children’s publishers are not based on quality of storytelling, but rather on the lack of correct industry knowledge. Understanding the definitions and expectations of each age and content category in children’s writing is a vital knowledge base most authors lack. This workshop will teach about age categories, content definitions, marketing delineations, and storytelling expectations. You’ll learn to confidently navigate the complicated world of children’s books.
Bio: Kiri Jorgensen is the publisher and senior editor at Chicken Scratch Books. She is also a writer, teacher, entrepreneur, wife, and mother. Her involvement in the world of children’s literature spans three decades and includes teaching, writing, editing, and serving as regional advisor for SCBWI Montana. Her passion is all books middle grade, and she loves to work with authors to bring their vision to its strongest form.
Fiction Writing Track
Scenes That Impact: Balancing Action, Dialogue, and Description in Writing
September Fawkes
Description, dialogue, and action are the building blocks of scenes. Come learn dos and don’ts of each and how to weave these elements together to write impactful scenes. Fix dull descriptions, talking heads, and awful action sequences. Make your scenes solid by balancing the building blocks so that readers never skim and eagerly read line after line.
Bio: September Fawkes has worked in the fiction-writing industry for over ten years, editing for both award-winning and bestselling authors as well as beginning writers. She has worked on manuscripts written for middle grade, young adult, and adult readers, and specializes in fantasy and science fiction. She has been blogging writing tips on her site for over ten years and has written over 500 articles.
Four Steps for a Fool-Proof Plot
Laura Baumgarten
An off-kilter plot can give rise to a hilariously broad set of problems: weird pacing, lackluster scenes, you name it! Once we understand the foundational principles of plot, though, many of these problems solve themselves. This class will cover four fundamental principles that will help us use plot points, act structure, and pacing to create a cohesive, compelling plot.
Bio: Laura Baumgarten of Luminous Editing is a freelance developmental editor who is devoted to helping the heart of your story shine. She has edited a variety of speculative fiction novels, including the award-winning Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls and its sequels. Her specialty is helping plot, character arcs, and theme work together to create a resonate whole.
Real-Time Reactions with an Acquisitions Editor
Staci Olsen
If an acquisitions editor read your first page, would they request to see more of your manuscript? Find out in this session where anonymously submitted first pages are evaluated by a professional acquisitions editor. Brief critiques and editing guidance to improve your beginning will be provided. Learn how to get that full manuscript request!
Bio: Staci Olsen is the production manager and an acquisitions editor for Immortal Works. She is also a hybrid author, self-publishing her own novels and releasing short stories with traditional publishers. As a side hustle, she does freelance editing and formatting, because she loves helping other authors put their work out in the world! Learn more about her at staciolsen.com.
How to Build a World That Matters
Kaela Rivera
Whether you’re writing fantasy or contemporary fiction, world-building is more than a cool-looking boarding school or flashy magic system—when done right, world-building enhances character, energizes plot, and allows your theme to truly shine. In this class, attendees will learn principles needed to create an immersive world, how to avoid world-building disease, and how world-building and theme can be leveraged for higher impact storytelling.
Bio: Kaela Rivera is the multi-award-winning author of the Cece Rios trilogy and the new LEGO DREAMZzz: Dream Chasers and the Riddle-Spokens. She grew up reading the folktales of her Mexican-American and British parents in the forests of Tennessee, but now she writes about them from the soaring mountains of Utah. When not weaving together children’s stories, she works as a managing editor for a marketing company. She believes in the power of hope and aims to write adventures that heal. Learn more about her at kaelarivera.com.
Writing Through Different Lenses
Lehua Parker
Writing truly diverse stories requires us to upend some of our western ideas about plot, motivation, characterization, and goals. Understanding the way your diverse characters see themselves, their situation, and what success looks like is critical to creating an inclusive story that resonates with readers.
Bio: Lehua Parker writes speculative fiction for kids and adults often set in her native Hawai‘i. Her published works include the award-winning Niuhi Shark Saga trilogy and Sharks in an Inland Sea. Her short stories appear in Va: Stories by Women of the Mona, Bamboo Ridge, Dialogue, and various anthologies. An advocate of authentic indigenous voices in media and a graduate of The Kamehameha Schools, she is a frequent speaker at conferences, symposiums, and schools. Connect with her at LehuaParker.com.
Creating Dynamic Characters Your Readers Will Love
Gale Sears
Readers stay up past their bedtimes for characters who are dynamic, motivated, and challenged. In this class, participants will learn how well-crafted characters make choices that propel the plot and engage readers’ emotions, all while using tools like backstories, motivations, arcs, and more.
Bio: Gale Sears is an award-winning and bestselling author of historical fiction novels, middle-grade books, and children’s picture books, and is an essayist for nonfiction anthologies. Her recent publications include the historical novel The Sister Preachers and a contribution to Be It Known, a nonfiction anthology of Book of Mormon witnesses for today’s Latter-day Saints.
Nonfiction Writing Track
EMPOWERED: Publishing & Marketing Options for Your Inspired Book
Bridget Cook-Burch
Latter-day Saint authors face two dilemmas in reaching the world: 1) Latter-day Saint traditional publishers accept a limited number of manuscripts. 2) In the wider publishing world, Latter-day Saint authors often experience a stigma that can make it difficult to find their book’s place.
This class will brainstorm solutions!
- Gain updated pros and cons about traditional, indie, and self-publishing options.
- Explore innovative marketing resources.
- Receive an example query tracker and publishing guide.
Bio: Clients call Bridget Cook-Burch “The Book Whisperer.” A New York Times bestselling author, mentor, humanitarian, business leader, and speaker known for riveting, transformational stories, her books and authors have been showcased on Oprah, Dateline, Netflix, Paramount, A&E, CNN, GMA, NPR, and in People among others. As the founder of Your Inspired Story, she helps others discover the importance of their own story and powerfully launch it into the world.
Writing About Difficult Topics in Memoir
Allison Hong Merrill
Even the most difficult topics can be made approachable if you use craft techniques such as world-building, identifying universal truths, and exercising narrative control to hook your readers and keep them engaged. This class will explore the challenges and opportunities of writing honestly about difficult topics. We’ll discuss why it’s important to give voice to unsayable truths and how to use craft tools to create unforgettable memoirs and essays.
Bio: Allison is the award-winning and bestselling author of the memoir Ninety-Nine Fire Hoops. Her work has appeared in the New York Times and the HuffPost and has won both national and international literary awards. She is a keynote speaker, instructor, and panelist at various writers’ conferences nationwide and in Asia. Sign up for her monthly email at AllisonHongMerrill.com.
Preparing Nonfiction Book Proposals
Rachelle Funk
If you’re a nonfiction author, put that one-page query letter down! Nonfiction authors are often required to submit book proposals to agents and publishers. Proposals often consist of 10–30 pages of material, including details about the current market, target audience, comp titles, sample chapters, and a detailed marketing plan. In this class, you’ll learn about the elements of a book proposal, how it’s used in the publishing industry, and how it can aid you during your writing process.
Bio: Rachelle Funk is a freelance editor who has worked in the industry for almost twenty years. Rachelle started her editing career at a traditional publishing company as a proofreader and editor for galley prints and quickly developed a strong interest in the publishing industry. She works with independent authors to refine their writing and prepares them to submit their work by coaching them through the creation of query letters and nonfiction book proposals.
True Stories Make the Best Stories: How to Bring Your Nonfiction to Life
Dennis Gaunt
There’s a feeling that while fiction is fun, nonfiction feels more like homework. Yet nonfiction doesn’t have to be dry and boring. This class will offer practical tips on how to improve your nonfiction book by applying many of the same rules as fiction writing.
Bio: Dennis Gaunt has published several nonfiction books in the Latter-day Saint market and also worked on the curriculum committee that wrote Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Gordon B. Hinckley. He has worked for Deseret Book and Shadow Mountain Publishing since 2000 and is eager to share his experiences with authors.
A Big-Picture View of Picture Book Writing: Topics, Formats, Support Communities, and Publishing Options
Kevin Klein
Learn about the wide variety of publishing avenues available today for picture books, from landing religiously-themed books with Latter-day Saint publishers to self-publishing for the education and general markets. Explore many of the groups, channels, and organizations that support people on their picture-book publishing journeys.
Bio: Kevin Klein is a picture-book enthusiast who published the picture book Oh, How Lovely Was the Morning with Covenant Communications (2020) and self-published the poetic, symphonic picture book Showdown Symphony with his wife, Leah (2023). In 2021, he presented at LDSPMA on the state of Latter-day Saint picture books. He holds degrees in English, behavioral science, and teaching and currently teaches sixth grade.
Embracing Vulnerability in the Peer Review Process
Leigh Ann Copas
Recent surveys show that although authors are aware of the value of peer review, most dread exposing themselves to criticism. In this workshop, we will address how getting comfortable with vulnerability can positively shape the peer review experience. We’ll discuss models of peer review, techniques for reviewers, and tips for incorporating reviewer feedback as authors. Authors are encouraged to bring a short writing excerpt of 1-3 pages to workshop during the session.
Bio: Leigh Ann serves as the publications coordinator at the BYU Religious Studies Center. She completed a BA in English and an MA in literature/rhetoric and composition at Western Kentucky University and received a TESOL certificate from the University of Utah. Prior to working at BYU, she served as the Writing Center director at Utah Valley University and taught ESL and first-year composition courses. She enjoys camping, reading, and learning languages.
Musical Arts Track
Music Business 101
Daniel Blomberg
Do the words music industry leave you feeling hopeless and bewildered?
Have you been trying to “break in” but have little to show for it?
You may be using a business strategy that doesn’t fit your needs.
In this class, we will go over ways to make money as a Latter-day Saint musician. You will learn which approach is best for your situation and leave with clarity about your next steps.
Bio: Daniel Blomberg built a six-figure music production company in just over three years with his wife and business partner, Kathryn, making mainly religious music, in a place where musicians are often viewed as a “dime-a-dozen” commodity. Blomberg Music Productions works with professionals and hobbyists alike, including several of Utah’s household music names, to help flood the Earth with God’s music.
Making a Masterful Live Performance: How to Create a Worthy Gift for the Most High
Yahosh Bonner
This is a performance and presentation class. We will go over exercises to help you:
- be your authentic self, and stay true to who you are
- engage your audience, and keep them engaged
- leave something of substance that can uplift those in attendance.
Bio: Yahosh is a recording and performing artist, motivational speaker, and actor. He played the lead role in the award-winning film His Name is Green Flake and has been a co-host on BYUtv’s Family Rules. He was featured in Utah Valley’s Business Q’s “40 under 40.” Yahosh wishes to live up to the quote “I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams.” He looks for every opportunity to bring the Spirit into every situation.
4 Key Parts to Self-Publish Sheet Music
Angie Killian
In this session, we will dive into the four key parts of self-publishing and selling sheet music. From writing for your audience and creating products to establishing sales platforms and advertising, this class will condense everything Angie has learned in the last seven years to share your music in meaningful ways and create a sustainable business through sheet music sales.
Bio: Angie Killian has created a successful music business from music streaming and selling sheet music. She stumbled upon her spark for songwriting after accidentally writing a song for her sleepless baby in 2016 and is now blessed to write every day. Her music videos currently have over seven million views on YouTube, and her songs have been sung and enjoyed by Christians around the globe.
It’s Not Luck: My Formula for How I Made Over 50 Music Videos Go Viral
Nick Sales
Come learn the recipe and formula you need to create a viral music video, grow your brand, gain tons of followers, and create lasting impact so that your video doesn’t just entertain, but also inspires.
Bio: Nick Sales owns a video production company called Aevium Films, where he has shot hundreds of music videos and gained over a billion views. Nick has more than a decade of experience working with some of the top YouTube channels and musicians in the world, such as the Piano Guys, David Archuleta, The Crosbys, Peter Hollens, BYU Vocal Point, the One Voice Children’s Choir, and many more.
Creating Success as an Independent Artist in Today’s Music Business
Becky Willard
You already know the music industry is completely different than it was 10, 20, and especially 30 years ago. If you are approaching your music career the same way, it’s time for a change!
There’s never been a better time to be an independent artist, freelance musician, and music entrepreneur. We’ll talk about what’s different now and how to shift your thinking to build the music career you want to have.
Bio: Becky brings three decades of experience as a vocal coach, session vocalist, songwriter, and producer/engineer. She helps artists grow through each part of their music career, from developing their unique sound, fine-tuning their story, and creating their best art, to crafting the career they want. Becky has produced hundreds of songs that collectively have millions of streams, and her own songs and voice can be heard in dozens of TV shows and movies.
The Missing Link to Mindset Work: Why Thinking Positively May Not Be Enough
Ann Ferguson
Many people take a cerebral approach to the laws of thought and find that no matter how many positive affirmations they repeat, it’s not enough to get them over a creative slump. What’s missing? In this session we will dive into what is happening and learn some tools to connect the heart to the mind. You will learn HOW to ask with unwavering faith and receive rocket-boosting inspiration.
Bio: Ann is a Master Mentor and owner of Joy Power, LLC. She is a Rare Faith Facilitator and has led multiple Mindset Mastery classes, Genius Bootcamps, and Ignite Your Life Retreats. She is the creator of the 12-week spiritual mindset program Igniting Your Belief. Ann is a mom of five and a grandma of five and lives in southern Utah with her husband and son.
Crafting, Collaborating & Releasing Quality Music as a Songwriter
Joelle Einerson
This class will be a trifecta to deepening your joy and understanding as a music creator. We will cover crafting quality music with your audience in mind, discovering the magic of collaboration, and understanding how to release music as a songwriter.
Bio: Joelle Einerson was born with an intense love for all things musical. In 2020, she started releasing music under the artist name “Bravely Gray” and since then has evolved into writing mainly for and with other artists. She loves writing in a variety of styles and genres including children’s, country, pop, punk, folk, worship, and others. She loves mentoring new songwriters and believes the best music is yet to be written.
Visual Arts Track
The Creativity of Illustrated Stories: From Rough Draft to Finished Piece
Mark and Caralyn Buehner
As picture book creators, Mark and Caralyn will discuss the creative process, from rough draft to finished art, with examples of editing for picture book text and art direction. As co-collaborators as well as parents, they will explore work/life/family balance, and how their faith has influenced the trajectory of their work.
Bios:
Mark Buehner is the illustrator of many children’s picture books, including The Adventures of Taxi Dog, My Monster Mama Loves Me So, Harvey Potter’s Balloon Farm, and My Life with the Wave. His work has garnered medals from the Society of Illustrators, has won library and bookseller awards, and has been featured on Reading Rainbow and Storytime on PBS.
Caralyn Buehner has collaborated with Mark to create several award-winning picture books, including the Snowmen at Night series, Fanny’s Dream, Dex, The Heart of a Hero, and Merry Christmas, Mr. Mouse. Their books have been honored with multiple children’s choice awards, a CBC Children’s Choice Award, a Parent’s Choice Award, and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Award, and have been on the New York Times bestseller list.
Revealing God Through Creation: Nurturing a Creative Vision
Eva Koleva Timothy
Growing up in communist Eastern Europe, Eva learned that you can see the world in front of you as it is, or you can be creative about it. This creative vision not only brings freedom, light, and opportunity, but it is also the lens through which we come to better know and see our Creator. Join Eva as she shares her own artistic experience and how our gifts are given to illuminate the nature of God.
Bio: Eva Koleva Timothy grew up under the shadow of communism in Eastern Europe. Under the tutelage of her artist father, she learned to cherish the pursuit of personal passion and the freedom to view the world for its possibilities, whatever the circumstance. She was one of the first converts in Bulgaria, joining the Church soon after the wall fell. Eva’s work has been exhibited by and collected at various institutions, including the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and Oxford University. Her love of the gospel and of freedom are both major themes in her art.
Faithful Brushstrokes: Exploring Artists’ Paths to Church Publication
Jason L. Jones
Want to have your artwork featured in Church literature? Having spent this year blogging about the artists featured in the 2024 Come, Follow Me manual, Jason will delve into these artists’ journeys and look at ways you can follow in their footsteps. Gain practical tips for navigating the landscape of religious art and fostering creative growth. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or simply intrigued by the world of art, this class offers valuable insights and inspiration.
Bio: Jason Lamont Jones is the author of the pioneer time-travel adventure One Day a Year. He founded the “Nourish and Strengthen Our Spirits” newsletter and blog at JLamontJones.com to spotlight creatives, which has also evolved into exploring the artwork in the Come, Follow Me lessons each week. He currently lives in Highland, Utah, where he enjoys listening to the scratchy sounds of his vinyl record collection from the ‘70s and ‘80s.
How Art Can Heal
Eugene Tapahe
Weaving various concepts and ideas in art can deepen our understanding of the topic. In my work, I combine my traditional teachings of sacredness, healing, and art to convey the meaning of hózhó (balance, harmony) to others. Although sacredness may not be a central theme in art, it plays a crucial role in restoring healing and inspiring positive change in the hearts of those who experience it.
Bio: Eugene Tapahe has won several awards for his photography, including the Best of Show at the Cherokee Indian Market and Museum of Northern Arizona. Tapahe has also won two International Awards of Excellence from Communication Arts magazine. Tapahe is Diné, originally from Window Rock, Arizona. He currently resides in Provo with his wife and two daughters. His work has been exhibited in the Natural History Museum of Utah, Arizona State Museum, Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, Birmingham Museum of Art, Eiteljorg Museum, BYU Museum of Art, Trinity College, Ohio University, College of Wooster Art Museum, and Millersville University.
Three additional Visual Arts sessions coming soon!
Media Track
What if Jesus Posted Reels? Creating Authentic Connections With Short-Form Video
Austin Falter
Sounds blasphemous, I know, but in this presentation you’ll learn how to lead people from being a viewer to being a loyal follower, without sleazy marketing tactics. You’ll learn practical processes for building a community, reaching your audience in authentic ways, and being efficient and effective with your social media efforts. You have a great message that needs to reach more people, and these short-form video methods will help you do that.
Bio: Austin Falter is an agency owner, TEDx speaker, and Tiktoker. His agency, Falter Media, is responsible for over 275 million organic video views for his clients’ social media accounts. Austin offers a fresh approach to authentic social media marketing.
Coming Together in Christ: How a Latter-day Saint and an Evangelical Christian Have Worked Together to Build Bridges of Understanding
Jeff McCullough & Kurt Francom
Kurt Francom and Pastor Jeff McCullough will show how they have been able to work together to bring their different faith communities closer by focusing on our Savior Jesus Christ.
Bios:
Pastor Jeff McCullough has a YouTube channel called “Hello Saints” that chronicles his journey to better understand The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jeff’s genuine curiosity and respectful approach to learning all things Latter-day Saint has earned him a loyal YouTube following of over 50,000 subscribers (including Latter-day Saints, Evangelicals, Christians, and many others), and collectively his videos have over 4.4 million views. Jeff’s experiences are intriguing, but it’s his kind, open-minded approach that has endeared him to his viewers. “Jeff has a unique personality and spirit about him that allows him to become your friend over YouTube.”
Kurt Francom is the founder, host, and executive director of the podcast Leading Saints. Kurt graduated from the University of Utah in 2008 with a degree in business marketing. He ran a web development company for five years before focusing on Leading Saints full-time. Kurt has helped build the Leading Saints podcast to half a million monthly downloads.
A Manner of Curious Workmanship: Being in Hollywood, but not of Hollywood
Paul Cartwright & Jade Gottfredson
Faith-focused artists can use the scriptures as a guide to look outside the world’s view of what is “trending” in media by focusing on their calling to create. This class will open dialogue that helps creatives maintain their standards in the film and performing arts industry. Come learn to think outside the Hollywood “rubric” and authentically thrive in your industry while growing your faith in the Savior.
Bio:
Paul Cartwright received his MFA in acting from the Royal Conservatoire in England—working with the best voice coaches in the world at the Royal Shakespeare Company—before moving to Los Angeles and pursuing a full-time acting career. Now living in Lehi, Utah, as a full-time performer and filmmaker, Paul has written and directed his own feature films as well as acted in major motion pictures and television.
Jade Gottfredson is a film actress and producer based in Utah. She has worked on many productions from TV shows to made-for-TV movies. Jade is a teacher, actor, producer, and singer/songwriter who loves the outdoors. See her IMDB page.
Keeping It Real: Sharing Other People’s Story Truthfully
McKay Stevens
With a world filled with “narratives,” how can we craft and curate truth without diluting it or exploiting it? Using examples from BYUtv’s “Come Follow Up,” McKay will discuss his creative process of developing episodes, including gospel scholars and member perspectives, keeping in mind how to maintain authenticity while still delivering a watchable episode of television.
Bio: Mckay Stevens is a writer and producer based out of Utah County. He has worked with larger studios such as NBC and Discovery, and currently works as the Supervising Producer over BYUtv’s Come Follow Up, a scripture-based talk show. As Supervising Producer, he is responsible for all creative development and execution of the show and its marketing. He lives in Lindon with his wife, three sons, and two cats.
Men of Faith: How Our Media can Promote God’s Visions for Manhood
Kurt Francom
Men in the Church have unique challenges pulling them in many directions. Kurt will discuss ways we can use the power of media to help them “arise from the dust” and be men of faith.
Bio: Kurt Francom is the founder, host, and executive director of the podcast Leading Saints. Kurt graduated from the University of Utah in 2008 with a degree in business marketing. He ran a web development company for five years before focusing on Leading Saints full-time. Kurt has helped build the Leading Saints podcast to half a million monthly downloads.
One by One: Leveraging the Power of Media and Technology to Minister in the Savior’s Way
Paul Schwartz
Have you ever followed a celebrity on Instagram, kept track of every stat of a favorite athlete, cried when a book character died, or followed the counsel of a general authority you have never met in-person? If so, you have experienced first-hand the power of a parasocial relationship! This class will explore 1) what a parasocial relationship is, 2) principles of how to create powerful parasocial relationships in media, and 3) most importantly, leveraging the power of those parasocial relationships to bless others! This class will be applicable to podcasters, presenters, audio/visual media creators, people with an online or public presence, or anyone who wants to dive deep into how to create powerful personal connections and use them to do good!
Bio: Paul is a frequent producer of audio/visual media and live performances, having filled a variety of management, production, and technical roles for dozens of projects over the years. He currently works as the head video producer for American Heritage Schools’ online elementary school, where he also occasionally appears on camera as a teacher. In 2017, he founded the nonprofit performing arts organization A Voice for Good and has served as producer for many of its annual productions. Paul holds a BA in Communication from BYU, where his studies focused on children’s prosocial media effects.
Mindful Media Consumption: Navigating Entertainment Choices as a Person of Faith
Marshall and Michelle Moore
Explore how narratives can reflect diverse beliefs and values. Learn to analyze content, make informed choices, and create uplifting stories together. Join us in cultivating a mindful media approach that celebrates faith-based narratives and fosters a united community through shared storytelling. We’ll invite participants to share stories of faith and community alignment through media.
Bio: Marshall and Michelle Moore, owners and co-directors of the Zions Indie Film Fest, bring 45+ years of combined film industry experience. Marshall’s background is in location management and as VP at Utah Film Studios. Michelle, currently director of content at Living Scriptures, excels in film publicity and brand campaigns, with a portfolio of 30+ movies under her belt. Together, they are a dynamic duo shaping the film landscape with their expertise and passion for supporting and collaborating with many storytellers through the years.
Editing, Design, and Production Track
2024 AI Developments for Writers and Publishing Professionals
Christopher Cunningham
Generative AI has disrupted the world of editing and publishing significantly since it burst onto the scene in 2022. What new trends from 2024 will affect your work? How can you best utilize this technology to improve efficiency? What threats does it pose to our industry in the year ahead? We’ll cover these topics and show practical live demonstrations of how to use this technology to help your work.
Bio: CD Cunningham is the managing editor and a founder of Public Square Magazine, the leading Latter-day Saint perspective editorial magazine. He has focused on AI since the public release of Chat GPT to help navigate its disruptions to our industry.
Freelance Editing: Balancing Business and Life
Laura Baumgarten
How do you set boundaries as an editor? As a freelance editor with emotional and physical challenges, this is something I’ve worked hard to discover. In this class, we will go over the streamlined approaches I’ve developed for attracting the right clients, setting boundaries, working with triggering or overwhelming manuscripts, and protecting limited time and energy.
Bio: Laura Baumgarten of Luminous Editing is a freelance developmental editor who is devoted to helping the heart of your story shine. She has edited a variety of speculative fiction novels, including the award-winning Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls and its sequels. Her specialty is helping plot, character arcs, and theme work together to create a resonate whole.
Using InDesign for Interior Book Formatting
Natalie Brianne
This class will provide a general overview of InDesign, including how to set up a book, things to know before starting a new document, and how to format your text before importing it into the program. We’ll look at basic design principles (such as how many fonts to use) and industry standards (such as hardcovers being one size up from paperbacks). We’ll also talk a bit about reader psychology and white space.
Bio: Natalie Brianne is an author, graphic designer, and voice actor with books across multiple genres. While she loves writing, she’s found a passion for book design and formatting. As a freelancer, she’s had the pleasure to work on the interior design for all sorts of books, from family history to high fantasy and beyond. Above all, she believes in the power of words to make the world a better place.
How to Analyze Fiction: A Class for Developmental Editors
Jana Miller
Developmental editing can feel like a daunting maze of possibilities. How can we as editors build on our initial reactions as readers to develop clear, specific suggestions for authors? We’ll go through a step-by-step approach to analyzing fiction in a way that helps novelists accomplish their goals. We’ll discuss asking the right questions about character development; teasing out themes to make a novel more impactful; and critiquing plot, conflict, pacing, climax, and resolution—all while respecting the author’s style and creative control.
Bio: Jana Miller started her freelance editing business in 2017 after years of informal editing for budding authors. Her love for helping authors reach their full potential began with a job as a writing assistant at Southern Utah University, where she earned a BA in English. She and her husband have six kids and live in Northern Colorado.
Microsoft Word Tricks and Shortcuts to Increase Editing Speed and Accuracy
Suzy Bills
If you’re ready to up your Microsoft Word game, then this session is for you. You’ll learn how to customize the Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar and how to create keyboard shortcuts. You’ll also be introduced to Find and Replace’s wildcard function and to macros. Learn how to use these tools to automate mundane tasks, increase your editing speed, and improve your editing accuracy.
Bio: Suzy Bills is an editor, author, and faculty member in the editing and publishing program at BYU. She’s owned a writing and editing business since 2006, working with clients to publish everything from books to dissertations to technical manuals. She loves sharing her skills with others, whether through teaching, helping authors get their thoughts on paper, or fine-tuning their writing. Her book, The Freelance Editor’s Handbook, was published in 2021.
Podcasting Made Easy with Descript
Maleah Warner
In this class, you will learn how to:
- Shave hours off podcast production time using Descript to record, transcribe, edit, subtitle, and share audio and video episodes
- Create social media clips and content inside Descript
- Navigate Descript’s interface
- Add music and images into the script where you want them to appear in the video
- Master audio quality
- Publish directly to your podcasting platform
Bio: Maleah Warner brought her Descript expertise to the LDSPMA podcast team in 2021 and expanded the audio podcast to YouTube. She has spent over 600 hours editing & mastering 49 episodes and creating video clips and social media content to help grow the Called to Create podcast.
Maleah teaches Intro to Writing classes at the American Fork Library. Her memoir, Lies of the Magpie, won the 2020 AML (Association of Mormon Letters) Creative Nonfiction Award.
Marketing Track
Marketing Safety: Five Ways to Both Promote and Protect Yourself
Erika Sargent
Many creators don’t realize how much personal information they share while promoting themselves and their work. While marketing content is required, you should never sacrifice your safety for the sake of a sale. This session covers:
- Preventing social media hacking
- Stopping common social media oversharing
- Promoting in-person events safely
- Keeping your home address secure
- Protecting family, friends, and fans
Bio: Erika Sargent is a marketing specialist for Familius and founder of The Author+Marketer. She graduated from BYU with a BA in communications (advertising emphasis) and an English minor. She has worked for over ten years in retail marketing and promotional writing as director of marketing and PR for Familius and as marketing manager for Utah Valley University.
Funding Your Creative Project with a Kickstarter Campaign
Jeana Atkison
Why should you consider using Kickstarter? You are a creative facing the daunting challenge of beginning a project without funding. Discover how Kickstarter can literally “kick start” your creative project and your marketing journey! Learn how to build interest before your campaign, how to navigate the Kickstarter platform, how to create a beautiful and engaging campaign, tricks to fully funding your campaign in the first 24 hours to build momentum, and the top five strategies to surpass your goal. Plus, explore what will happen after you are funded.
Bio: Jeana Atkison is a professional graphic designer and publisher who has jumped head first into children’s book publishing. She successfully funded the bulk offset print and illustrations of her first book in October 2023. Since then she has published three additional books, two of which were funded through Kickstarter as well. She lives in Idaho with her husband, four kids, and a library card that maxes out each week.
How To Derail Your Marketing Campaign in 10 Easy Steps
JoLynne Lyon
So, you’re leading a marketing campaign. Follow these steps to make it as ineffective as possible. (Of course, if you avoid them, you’ll reach your audience and save yourself time, effort, and money!)
Bio: JoLynne Lyon has done PR and marketing at the Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice at Utah State University for more than 13 years. She has hired many first-time marketers, run large and small campaigns, and evaluated them for their effectiveness. Over the years she has compiled a list of things she wished she and other marketers knew.
Building and Marketing an Effective Customer-Centric Business Using the Hero’s Journey as a Model
Michelle Dennis Christensen
Have you ever considered how the hero’s journey can take your business to the next level? The hero’s journey is a tried-and-true method for storytelling that translates into effective business marketing. It begins by identifying the real hero of your story as your customer. It helps you to engage with your customer as their guide as you lead them from awareness to purchase. Learn customer-based strategies for identifying your customer and designing effective websites, landing pages, newsletters, posts, and CTAs (calls to action).
Bio: Michelle Dennis Christensen serves on the editorial staff of the Liahona Magazine. Michelle’s first book, Mirrors of Jesus: Finding Parallels to Christ in Our Lives, was published through Cedar Fort. She helps others come out of the dark and into the light through generational stories so that they can remember who they are, connect with their eternal family, embrace the light and power of Jesus Christ, and be a shining beacon in the latter days. Michelle is a kidney donor, award-winning author, wife, mother, speaker, avid family historian, and chocolate lover. You can connect with her at MichelleDennisChristensen.com.
Advertising: Harness the Power of Social Media and Amazon Ads to Sell Your Books
Julie Matern
Advertising is a necessary ‘evil’ for both indie authors and authors published with small presses. This class will address why you need to advertise, the difference between Facebook (FB) and Amazon ads, and the pros and cons of each. You will learn how to create compelling ad images with Canva, write effective ad copy, determine the demographics of your audience and on what social media platform they live, create a simple ad using Ad Central, and understand the data using your ad account and the Ads Manager App. We will also learn how to set up an ad account in Amazon through KDP, create an auto ad, set appropriate pricing, and read the data on the KDP dashboard.
Bio: Julie Matern writes regency romance under her own name and cozy mysteries under the pen name Ann Sutton. She has sold or had read on KU over 170,000 units of her bestselling series since the fall of 2020. She taught a class on self-publishing at Storymakers in 2023 and a class on the cozy mystery genre in 2024. She has served on the Storymakers committee for two years.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome by Embracing Your True Identity: Learning to Genuinely Market Yourself by Understanding and Implementing Your Divine Gifts
Emily Gould
This class will cover:
- Overcoming self doubt: Recognizing why YOU belong in the Latter-day Saint publishing, arts, and media industry.
- Embracing your individual niche: Understanding your personal God-given gifts and leaning into them to further His work.
- Creating connections: Using social media platforms to make genuine connections with your audience.
Bio: Emily Gould has been writing for over twenty years, with her first work published in 2018. Emily’s books have reached #1 on Amazon’s top seller list multiple times. Her words have spanned across nations and touched the hearts of people all over the globe. Emily’s greatest passion is helping others to feel the love that God has for them personally.
More Efficient Marketing: 3 Keys to Increase Impact by Leveraging Speaking, Writing, and Media
Connie Sokol
In today’s world, reaching your ideal audience requires an effective tool belt. The good news? Combining speaking, writing, and media creates greater traction and success. Learn masterful speaking tips to more clearly convey your message. Identify your core message for one-time energy but multiple uses in media. And discover the efficiency and joy in using social media, podcasting, TV, and collaboration to increase reach, impact, and ROI. Let’s do this!
Bio: Connie Sokol is a national speaker, bestselling author, TV and podcast personality, and mother of seven. She is a regular contributor on “Studio 5 with Brooke Walker” and podcast host of Called to Create. She is the founder of Disciple Thought Leaders, where she teaches women to find their purpose and fulfill it as influential speakers and writers. Learn more about Connie at conniesokol.com.
Business, Finance, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship Track (new this year!)
Achieving the 90th Percentile: Becoming an Extraordinary Leader in Publishing, Media, and the Arts
Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman
Great leaders make a huge difference compared to average leaders. Based on 1.5 million assessments from leaders worldwide, learn about the leadership competencies needed to achieve the “90th percentile” of effectiveness as a leader, whether in publishing, media, or the arts. Discover compelling research and actions that you can take to improve your leadership today, including how the practice of seeking suggestions and advice from others impacts your career and effectiveness as a leader.
Bios:
Jack Zenger is a world expert in leadership, co-author of 7 books, and CEO of Zenger-Folkman. He was an HR VP of Syntex, co-founder of Zenger-Miller, VP of Times Mirror Corporation, and President of Provant. He served on the USC and Stanford faculty, was chairman of the UVU Board of Trustees, and is a regent for higher education in Utah. He holds a DBA from USC, MBA from UCLA, and bachelor’s in psychology from BYU.
Joe Folkman is a renowned psychometrician, author of 9 books, and president of Zenger-Folkman. He has consulted Fortune 500 companies including AT&T, Celgene, General Motors, General Mills, and Wells Fargo. He contributes to HBR, Forbes, Business Insider, CLO Magazine, Talent Quarterly, Business Week, Fortune, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Fast Company, among others. A founding partner of Novations, he holds a doctorate in social and organizational psychology and a masters in OB from BYU.
Legally Protect Your Art Like Taylor Swift: Lessons in Establishing/Defending Artistic Rights from Being Threatened by a Pop Princess
Seth Johnson
This session presents an informative deep-dive on how to establish intellectual property rights in your work, the benefits of copyright registration and reasonable use policies, foregoing rights through a “work-for-hire” contract, addressing copycat “infringing” works, and when you do and don’t need to get an attorney involved. The discussion will be based on personal applied experience in receiving a cease-and-desist notice from Taylor Swift’s legal team that impacted and informed the speaker’s legal counsel to artists.
Bio: Seth Johnson is an attorney and the founder of Solaris Legal Solutions. His practice focuses on the legal and strategic obstacles facing artists, startups, influencers, and small businesses. He earned a B.A. in communications from BYU and a J.D. from Georgetown University. His passion for the creative arts is exemplified by his creative endeavors, most recently including his self-published book The Deliverer: The Gifts of Saint Nicholas.
Keys to Building Strong Business Networks, and Why You Should Care!
Barry Rellaford
Explore secrets to building robust business networks and discover why they’re essential. Learn proven strategies to cultivate meaningful connections, expand your professional circle, and leverage networking opportunities for advancing your business. Gain insights into the tangible benefits of a strong network within the LDSPMA community, from collaboration opportunities to industry-wide reputation management.
Bio: A consummate networker, Barry’s business, The Strength of 10, helps individuals and organizations perform work with purpose. He has served on the LDSPMA board, is a popular conference speaker, and is an executive leadership coach at BYU. Barry is the coauthor of A Slice of Trust and a cofounder of FranklinCovey’s Trust Practice, working closely with Stephen M. R. Covey, author of The Speed of Trust. He lives with his family in Cedar Hills, Utah.
Entrepreneurial Lessons We Learn from Trees and Other Cool Stuff
Steven and Ginger Hitz
This session is NOT about spreadsheets, business plans, or feel-good motivations. It’s about lessons and foundational principles that enable you to build a successful entrepreneurial life. Learn what matters most for entrepreneurial success. Break the mold and find your purpose as Latter-day Saint creators. Assess where you are, where you want to be, and how to get there. Begin the journey of discovery that empowers you to lead your life and create your future today.
Bios:
Steven and Ginger Hitz describe themselves as Baby Boomers with Millennial hearts. They study, think like, celebrate, and mentor the rising generation. As serial entrepreneurs, they have founded several businesses, employing more than 10,000 young adults.
They are co-founders of Launching Leaders, a charitable organization in over 86 countries with more than 5000 students, which teaches personal leadership principles that empower and transform. Steve is the author of Launching Leaders: An Empowering Journey for a New Generation and Entrepreneurial Foundations for Twenty and Thirty Somethings.
Together, their entrepreneurial ventures have spanned insurance, banking, farming and cattle, appraisal management, real estate, and numerous franchise operations.
Your Vision As a Leader Holds Great Potential! Create a Massive Social and Spiritual Ripple to Inspire the World
Bridget Cook-Burch
Miracles happen when leaders believe in themselves, in divine support, and in serving others to an extraordinary degree. There is a tangible power in reaching others.
- Truth needs to be told, and it can positively inspire.
- Your vision and mission can be inspirational and transformational.
- Faith the size of a mustard seed can grow to where your projects impact the world.
- Co-creation is wondrous.
Bio: Clients call Bridget Cook-Burch “The Book Whisperer.” A New York Times bestselling author, mentor, humanitarian, business leader, and speaker known for riveting, transformational stories, her books and authors have been showcased on Oprah, Dateline, Netflix, Paramount, A&E, CNN, GMA, NPR, and in People, among others. As founder of Your Inspired Story, she helps others discover the importance of their own story and powerfully launch it into the world.
The 86400 Concept: Moving from Employee to Entrepreneur
Steve Goveia
You’re creative, but do you have what it takes to be a true entrepreneur? Learn what the 86400 concept is and how it applies to transitioning from an employee to entrepreneur. Find out if you have the mindset, determination, and gumption to succeed when striking out “on your own.” We will delve into the complex world of entrepreneurship and uncover secrets to surviving and thriving. Join and embark on a transformative journey toward entrepreneurial success.
Bio: Early career, Steve Goveia worked with Levi Strass in Europe, at SEGA, in private equity, and in venture capital. He has been the CEO of multiple companies. The author of 86400, an entrepreneurial program with 200+ graduates, Steve is an adjunct professor of law, business, and entrepreneurship. He holds an MBA, CPA, and GPHR with post-graduate work at Stanford and Harvard. He sits on corporate boards, is an Army vet, and has been married 37 years.
Enlightened Business Systems That Support Your Creative Ministry
Daniel Blomberg & Doug Pew
Any organization needs solid systems to succeed, and your creative ministry is no different—even if it’s just you writing books, songs, or speeches in your bedroom. This is a class on entrepreneurship for creators. You will learn how to set up systems in marketing, business finance, and more, so you can move toward your goals in an organized and efficient way, and be on your way to blessing people’s lives.
Bios:
Daniel Blomberg built a six-figure music production company in just over three years with his wife and business partner Kathryn, making mainly religious music, in a place where musicians are often viewed as a “dime-a-dozen” commodity. Blomberg Music Productions works with professionals and hobbyists alike, including several of Utah’s household music names, to help flood the Earth with God’s music.
Dr. Douglas Pew is an award-winning composer of classical music. He is also a sought-after marketer and online business coach who has helped his clients make millions selling their expertise in the form of digital courses, memberships, masterminds, and coaching programs. Doug’s music is published by Boosey & Hawkes, Schott Music, Santa Barbara Music Publishing, Jackman Music Corporation, and his own publishing house, Blue Shore Music.
Interactive Sessions
These interactive ways to connect, learn, and receive feedback are among the most useful and popular aspects of the conference.
Fast Pitch
Pitch your book project to agents and publishing company representatives, receive immediate feedback, and possibly have them ask for a copy of your book proposal and/or manuscript.
Sign-ups will open in summer 2024. We will email all registrants when sign-ups open.
In-person Fast Pitch will be held throughout Friday and Saturday, October 18–19. The deadline to sign up is TBA.
Virtual Fast Pitch sessions will be held over Zoom a week after the conference, on Friday, October 25, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm Mountain Time. The deadline to sign up is TBA.
This year, each pitch appointment costs $20.
Online Presence Audit
Get a professional evaluation from author coach Karlene Browning of where you land in a Google search and how to improve your visibility, message, and clarity.
Sign-ups will open in summer 2024. Registrants will be emailed details.
Quick Critiques
Receive instant feedback on your manuscript from professional editors on the Eschler Editing team.
Sign-ups will open in summer 2024. Registrants will be emailed details.
Networking Groups
Meet other conference attendees in your niche, connect with industry leaders, and find collaborators and potential critique group partners.
Virtual networking sessions will be held prior to the conference. At the conference, an hour on Friday from 11 to 12 will be wholly dedicated to networking groups.
Mass Book and Media Signing
Meet many conference speakers as well as other authors and artists participating in the conference; view their books, audios, videos, and other works; purchase any you are interested in; and get them signed by the authors and artists.
This is at the conclusion of the conference on Saturday, October 19, starting at 4:10 pm.
Other Conference Events
Conference Book Drive
Donate a new or used book (or many!) at the registration desk throughout the conference. Books will be donated to the following organizations:
- Little Free Library – Seeking books of all genres, especially children’s books, for local chapters.
- Utah State Hospital – Seeking uplifting, educational, and entertaining books for mental health inpatient teens and adults.
Your donations are truly needed! An administrator at Utah State Hospital was overjoyed at the possibility of receiving donated books for their libraries, which haven’t been updated since 2002 and are mostly filled with books from the ’60s and ’70s.
Thank you for making a difference in the lives of these readers by donating the kinds of books you enjoy! Attendees are also welcome to donate their own published works.
Publishers’ Summit (by invitation only)
Thursday, October 17, 10:00 am–4:00 pm
The LDSPMA Publishers’ Summit is a forum where Latter-day Saint publishing professionals (and other professionals of faith who wish to attend) can meet to discuss industry developments, challenges, and opportunities. Our 2024 summit is co-organized by Christopher Robbins (CEO of Familius) and Laurel C. Day (CEO of Deseret Book).
Also make sure you check out our line-up of deep-dive, hands-on workshops on Thursday, October 17: