Plan Now to Attend
Elevate Your Craft, Deepen Your Calling
Whether you are writing your very first manuscript or preparing to launch your next published novel, Write in the Springs 2027 is designed to meet you right where you are. Hosted by the Colorado Springs chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers, this two-day immersive conference brings together passionate storytellers for a powerful weekend of craft instruction, spiritual encouragement, and meaningful community.
Discover expert insights on character development, plot structure, and professional publishing from bestselling author DiAnn Mills, alongside hands-on workshops tailored to marketing, web design, and audience building. You’ll leave equipped with practical tools, inspired by fellowship with fellow believers, and refreshed in your calling to share stories that shine a light in the dark.
2027 brings some exciting changes to Write in the Springs
- New Dates – We will be meeting for two full days a couple weeks earlier than last year. You won’t want to miss out. If you can’t attend both Friday and Saturday, a one-day option is available.
- Hotel Discount – We will gather at the lovely and comfortable Hilton Garden Inn – Colorado Springs Airport. Super easy for those traveling to the conference. We have a discounted block of rooms for only $115.00 / night (plus taxes/fees).
- Early Bird Raffle – Those who register early will get their names in a raffle to win a one-on-one session with our featured speaker, DiAnn Mills! This is an exciting opportunity to get personalized feedback on your WIP, or your writing career as a whole. Two random winners will be selected from the pool of early bird registrants! So be sure to get your registration in before November 30th!
Attendees are responsible for their own lodging accommodations with the hotel. Lodging is not included with the WITS registration fee.
Book your room here:
Hilton Garden Inn – ACFW Group Rate
Agenda
Friday, March 5, 2027
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00 – 9:00 | Registration / Room Check-In |
| 9:00 – 9:30 | Welcome, Announcements, Worship |
| 9:30 – 9:45 | Move to Workshops |
| 9:45 – 11:45 | Morning Workshops (concurrent, each in its own room):
|
| 12:00 | Lunch |
| 1:00 – 1:15 | Worship |
| 1:15 – 3:15 | DiAnn – Mastering the Art of Fiction* |
| 3:15 | Break |
| 3:30 – 4:45 | DiAnn – Mastering the Art of Fiction |
| 4:45 | Announcements / Closing Devotion / Adjourn |
| Evening | Dinner on your own at local restaurants |
Saturday, March 6, 2027
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00 – 9:00 | Registration |
| 9:00 – 9:30 | Welcome, Announcements, Worship |
| 9:30 – 11:30 | DiAnn – Mastering the Art of Fiction |
| 11:30 | Room Check-Out |
| 12:00 – 1:00 | Lunch |
| 1:00 – 1:15 | Worship |
| 1:15 – 3:15 | DiAnn – Mastering the Art of Fiction |
| 3:15 – 3:30 | Break |
| 3:30 – 5:30 | DiAnn – Mastering the Art of Fiction |
| 5:30 – 5:45 | Closing Devotion, Announcements, Adjourn |
* Continuing class sessions; handouts provided.
Registration
Member Registration
| Period | Full Conference | One Day Only |
|---|---|---|
| Early (Oct 15 – Nov 30) | $196 | $146 |
| Standard (Dec 1 – Jan 15) | $225 | $175 |
| Late / Final (Jan 16 – Feb 18) | $255 | $205 |
Non-Member Registration
| Period | Full Conference | One Day Only |
|---|---|---|
| Early (Oct 15 – Nov 30) | $245 | $195 |
| Standard (Dec 1 – Jan 15) | $274 | $224 |
| Late / Final (Jan 16 – Feb 18) | $304 | $254 |
Complete the registration form, then use the PayPal buttons below to finalize payment.
Early Registration – 50% Deposit Option
Register by the end of Early Registration (Nov 30), and you may choose to pay 50% of your conference total as a deposit and be billed for the balance, to be paid by the end of the Standard Registration Period (Jan 15).
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Registrants who cancel by the end of the Standard Registration period (Jan 15, 2027) will have a 15% cancellation penalty deducted from their registration fee. If cancellation occurs during the Late Registration period (Jan 16–Feb 18, 2027), a 50% penalty of the registration fee applies. No refunds are available after Feb 18, 2027. ACFW Colorado Springs is not responsible for payment or refunds to the hotel for lodging.
Pay with PayPal
After completing the registration form, you may pay immediately with PayPal (or Venmo) using the appropriate button below. Choose the button that matches your membership status; each button lets you select full conference, one day, or the 50% deposit option.
Early Bird – Member
Early Bird – Non-Member
Payment buttons for the Standard (Dec 1 – Jan 15) and Late / Final (Jan 16 – Feb 18) registration periods will appear here when each period opens.
Scholarship Opportunity
A limited number of scholarships are available for national ACFW members with financial limitations who would like to attend. The application deadline is January 15, 2027.
Scholarship details & application (Word document)
Donations to the WITS conference scholarship fund are gratefully accepted.
Featured Workshop
Mastering the Art of Fiction Writing
Presented by DiAnn Mills
An in-depth, hands-on study of the literary techniques used to create a masterful story. Handouts provided.
1. Character Part I
Protagonist & antagonist personalities, inner/outer landscape, motivation, character strength, and backstory.
2. Character Part II
How characters handle love, lies, betrayal, self-preservation, and sacrifice; dark heroes and anti-heroes.
3. Plot Part I
Defining plot, types of plotters, reader expectations, and point of view.
4. Plot Part II
Dynamic hooks, stress, tension, conflict, beginning/middle/ending structure, and resolution.
5. Emotion and Symbols
Body language, the seven universal emotions, emotive conflict, and the power of symbols.
6. Dialogue
Personality-driven dialogue, subtext, genre considerations, body language, and tightening techniques.
7. Research
Building authenticity in setting, time, era, and worldview; practical steps for thorough research.
8. Self-Editing
Revising and polishing the manuscript into a submission-ready work.
About DiAnn Mills
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who invites readers to expect an adventure—where heart-pounding suspense meets unforgettable romance and faith shines through every challenge.
Known for crafting gripping plots and richly layered characters, DiAnn believes every breath we take unfolds a story waiting to be told—so why not make it thrilling?
Her novels have appeared on the CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists and have earned numerous honors, including the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Advanced Writers and Speakers 2026 Golden Scrolls Lifetime Achievement Award, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol Awards.
DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and serves as Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She is also active in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. Passionate about helping others succeed, she invests in writers through mentoring, book coaching, editing, and dynamic workshops she teaches across the country.
A self-proclaimed coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn 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 at diannmills.com.
Additional Workshops
Who’s the Boss?
Many of us thought writing would be free of the worries and hassles of a boss—until we met the demands of agents, editors, publicists, critique partners, readers, marketing, and family. But who is our real Boss? This workshop shows how King David’s journey from shepherd boy to king mirrors the writer’s journey to publication. Handouts provided.
Maximize Your Author Website
Help for both new and established authors: the essential pages every author website needs, plus fresh content ideas that boost reader engagement. Designed to remove the “this is too hard” stigma and maximize your site’s potential.
About Katrina: Owner of kikaDESIGN (est. 2011). Degrees in Digital Media, Marketing, and Graphic Design. Helps Christian creatives worldwide with their brands—online and off.
From Crickets to Crowds: Building a Launch Team That Actually Delivers
Learn the critical dos and don’ts of launch-team management and proven strategies for recruiting readers who will champion your next release—straight from a professional launch team manager.
About Amber: Former national advertising agency social-media specialist. Founded a small press and now works as a virtual assistant helping authors with branding, websites, newsletters, Facebook parties, cover reveals, and more.
10 Ways to Become a Local Celebrity
Many authors overlook their own backyard. Learn practical ways to build local connections that increase visibility, expand readership, and boost book sales. Your next reader may be right down the street!
About Jean: Author, speaker, and book coach for AuthorSuccess.com. ACFW member; has served on KidLit and Colorado Springs Chapter boards. Speaks at local events and leads workshops at schools, libraries, and hospitals. DogAuthor.com
Coaching Appointments
One-on-one mentoring appointments are available with our instructors. Bring your questions—whether you’re stuck on craft, branding, launches, or local outreach—and leave with practical next steps.
Two Dogs Publishing – Scott & Lisa Phillips
Indie publishing & career strategy
Scott and Lisa Phillips run Two Dogs Publishing. Draw on their years of indie publishing experience. Ask the questions you’re afraid to ask or get advice on the next steps in your publishing career.
About Lisa: USA Today and top-ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense, independently published romantic suspense, and thriller novels. Worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.
Katrina Glover
Website design & author branding
Sit down with Katrina to talk through your author website, branding, or any digital-presence questions. Perfect for authors who want a clear, actionable plan for their online home.
Amber Lemus
Book launches & launch teams
Get personalized guidance on building and managing a launch team, timing your release, and turning readers into enthusiastic champions for your next book.
Jean Alfieri
Building a local audience
Discover concrete ways to become known in your own community—libraries, schools, local events, and more—so your next reader is right down the street.
Additional Information
Parental Consent / Minors
Minors (16-17 years of age) are welcome to attend the conference. A parent/guardian must complete and sign the consent form.
Location
Hilton Garden Inn – Colorado Springs Airport
Easy access for travelers. Discounted group rate of $115/night (plus taxes/fees) available via the link above.